Students from the E. B. Stanley Middle School Special Olympics Swim Team receive a team trophy from Superintendent Jim Sullivan.
On April 21st the first Special Olympic Swim Meet was held at the Coomes Recreation Center, in Abingdon, Virginia. Students from E. B. Stanley Middle School and Abingdon High School participated. The opening ceremony began with a former E. B. Stanley student, Jamie Hartsock, singing the National Anthem. The athletes competed both individually and as a team. They swam in a variety of events to include the 15 Yard Freestyle Assisted Swim, the 15 Yard Freestyle Walk-Run, the 15 Yard Freestyle Flotation, the 25 Yard Freestyle Kick Board, the 25 Yard Backstroke, and the100 Yard Freestyle Relay. The meet ended with the most popular event, the “Biggest Splash.”
An awards ceremony was held at the conclusion of the meet with Special Education teacher Mrs. Kate Jacobs holding the Olympic flame. Mr. Kevin Worley of the Coomes Recreation Center announced the winners and Washington County Schools Superintendent Jim Sullivan congratulated and handed out medals. Many E. B. Stanley Middle School students attended to cheer and offer words of encouragement to the athletes. The Special Olympic Swim Team coaches, Mrs. Jenny Mitchell, Mrs. Tonya Farmer, Mrs. Lora Kiser, Mrs. Sandra Harless, Mrs. Kristi Propst, and Mrs. Barbara Necessary, would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support from all of the volunteers and especially the faculty, staff, and students from E. B. Stanley Middle School.
Thanks to Melisha Wynne and Kevin Worley who ran the meet, the Abingdon Civitans who cheered on each athlete, and to members of the Abingdon Police Department for congratulating each athlete with “high-fives” after each race. Snacks were donated by Food City. The team will compete at regions on April 30 at 6:30, in Blacksburg, Virginia and at the state summer Special Olympic games the second week in June in Richmond, Virginia.
Local news anchor Rebecca Peppin speaks to families on Family Night.
On Tuesday April 9th, Meadowview Elementary School held their annual Spring Fling Title I Family Night. The night was a huge success with over 125 students and family members attending. The spring fling was kicked off by special guest Bradley Dolinger, who performed an amazing magic show. Bradley is a sophomore at Patrick Henry High School and often does magic shows for church groups, cub scouts and various other gatherings. After the magic show, students then made a “bunny sock” to celebrate Spring’s arrival and to go along with our read-aloud story "The Very Big Bunny." When students were finished with their craft, they were treated by another special guest, WCYB’s Rebecca Peppin. Ms. Peppin read aloud the children's book "The Very Big Bunny," which taught a lesson about treating others with kindness. Finally, everyone enjoyed supper from Subway. The night was a huge success! Thanks goes especially to all of our special guests for making our Family Night the best ever!
Luke N. reads to his special new friend, Max.
On Monday, April 8, Watauga Elementary first grade students enjoyed a visit from an animal therapy association called “The Tail Waggin’ Tutors.” First graders had the opportunity to meet and interact with five of the dogs from the association. The dogs have been trained to listen to children read, and students were thrilled to share a book with their special new friends. The goal of the visit was to encourage students in their reading, and motivate them to read throughout the school year and over the summer. The association gave each first grader a new book and a bookmark featuring pictures of the dogs to take home. First grade teachers and students would like to thank “The Tail Waggin’ Tutors” for a wonderful experience!
The 2013-2014 School Calendar Cover
Congratulations to Josey Mann, the 2013-2014 School Calendar/Handbook Cover Art Contest Winner!!
Josey is an 11th grade student at John S. Battle High School and a repeat winner in the Calendar Cover Art Contest, also winning in 2012. Her beautiful and creative artwork was chosen to be the cover for the 2013-2014 School Calendar/Handbook among over 300 entries. Washington County distributes over 11,000 copies of the school calendar/handbook annually throughout the county.
The Runner-Ups for each grade level are:
- Madeline Moore, Grade 5, Rhea Valley Elementary
- David Bowman, Grade 8, E. B. Stanley Middle School
- Marie Bailey, Grade 10, John S. Battle High School
In addition, there are 38 honorable mentions that have been chosen to be showcased in the 2013-2014 School Calendar/Handbook. Please look for their artwork in the upcoming Washington County Virginia Public Schools Calendar & Handbook.
Congratulations to all!
Glade Spring Middle School Students of Character stand in a hallway.