Watauga Elementaryās buddy classes gathered for a delicious Thanksgiving lunch -- and the smiles were just as good as the food! Students shared laughs, stories, and quality time together as we kicked off the season of gratitude.
Dear WCPS Parents and Staff
I am in my 31st year of public education, 12 as a superintendent. DuringĀ myĀ long tenure, IĀ have seen and experienced a lot of concerning situations. Today, I was caught off guard and completely floored, as our collaborative investigation of a potential threat to E.B. Stanley Middle School unfolded. We began our day thinking a middle school student was a potential suspect but ended the day learning that a middle school student was actually a victim.
Law enforcement has confirmed that the student involved was not planning to harm themselves or others. Instead, the student was targeted and manipulated online by a stranger using the Discord app. The stranger - who is part of a larger online group known to federal authorities - attempted to pressure the student into posting videos of self-harm. When the student refused, the group threatened to make a false anonymous report to the FBI claiming a threat to the school.
The group followed through with that false report, which initiated the investigation. The Abingdon Town Police and FBI have advised that this type of online manipulation is a known issue with this group.
Washington County Public Schools appreciates the partnership and coordinated efforts of the Abingdon Town Police, FBI, Washington County Sheriffās Office, and Virginia State Police in keeping our schools safe. The student and family are receiving our support and resources as a result of this situation. The FBI is working on identifying the online stranger.
I realize how much stress the threat caused ourĀ parents and our staff and we appreciate the trust that our parents and staff placed in our school system and law enforcement today. We sometimes are questioned about the timing and content of our initial communications, which is understandable. Please know that we release accurate information as soon as we have it and work closely with law enforcement on the details that are released so weĀ don't compromiseĀ theĀ investigation. The collaboration we had today with parents, staff, and law enforcement makes me proud and I am both cognizant and appreciative of the trust it took from everyone involved.Ā
The dangers our students face by illegal online activity is just as stressful. Please take extra precautions with your child's online access and join us in having serious conversations about the unspeakable dangers that exist that are beyond our wildest imaginations. This incident highlights the importance of monitoring online activity and talking with children about online safety. Please see the following link for resources:Ā https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/jacksonville/news/staying-one-step-ahead-how-to-protect-kids-from-emerging-online-threats
Our School Board, administration, schools, teachers, and employees love your children dearly and we stand beside you as we face these unsettlingĀ situations. We encouraged students at E.B. Stanley Middle School today to talk to a trusted adult if they, or one of their friends, experience any type of inappropriate or concerning online activity. I encourage each of you to have the same conversation with your child.
Thank you,
Keith Perrigan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Washington County Public Schools
812 Thompson Dr.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-739-3000
@WashCoSuper
To celebrate World Kindness Day, the Bulldog Buddies at Valley Institute Elementary School created a āTake What You Needā bulletin board filled with positive and encouraging messages for everyone at Valley!
But the kindness didnāt stop there -- students invited the rest of the school to join in by writing uplifting notes that will be displayed at John S. Battle High School and Wallace Middle School, sharing Bulldog spirit and kindness throughout the community!
College students from Emory & Henry University joined Mrs. Coxās 2nd grade class to dive into the writing process together! The young authors brainstormed, drafted, and shared stories under the theme āA Story Worth Sharing.ā
The classroom was full of creativity, laughter, and learning -- from both the college mentors and the 2nd graders!
A big thank-you to the Emory & Henry students for inspiring a love of writing in our future storytellers!
Second graders have been using "Math Stackers" to explore different sums and strengthen their problem-solving skills in creative, interactive ways.
From student performances and heartfelt tributes to special guests who shared their stories of service, each event reflected deep gratitude and respect for our veterans.
We thank all who have served ā and all who continue to teach our students the importance of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
šā Be a Bean Recognition ā High Point Elementary School
Weāre shining the spotlight on Kodee Eads, a teacher at High Point Elementary, who truly went above and beyond -- and saved a life. Kodee was recently honored as a Hometown Hero after performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student who began choking during lunch. Thanks to Kodeeās quick action, the student is safe and well.
This Veterans Day, Washington County Public Schools proudly honors the brave men and women who have served -- and continue to serve -- our country.
We are especially grateful for the veterans within our WCPS family -- our staff, students, and families whose service and sacrifice inspire us every day.
Thank you for your courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting our freedom.
However, due to road conditions, bus service will NOT be provided in the Konnarock, Taylorās Valley, and Green Cove areas.
In addition, the following buses in the Glade Spring attendance zone will operate on CLEAR ROUTES ONLY:
*8
*18
*59
*77
*87
Parents of student drivers are encouraged to use their best judgment based on conditions in your specific location.
As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
āļøšØļøWith the uncertainty of winter weather this evening, Washington County Public Schools will be keeping a close eye on conditions. If needed, a decision to operate on a 2-hour delay will be made by 5:30 a.m., if not announced the evening before.
Stay connected and make sure youāre receiving the latest updates from WCPS ā see below for all the ways to stay informed! š
Websites
*The district and individual school websites will be the hub of communication for all WCPS.
*All information that affects the school or district will be communicated through district and/or school web pages. The district website is https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/
*School web pages are āschool initials + .wcs.k12.va.usā (example: Abingdon High School = ahs.wcs.k12.va.us)
*The websites can be translated to multiple languages by clicking the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner.
Receive Text Messages, Phone Calls & Emails:
*The contact information for students and/or parents comes from the Contact 1-5 Data in PowerSchool for each student.
*Check with your studentās school to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Receive Push Notifications:
*Download the Washington County VA Schools Mobile App for your smartphone.
*The app is available for FREE download in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
*The app will provide instant access to district and school announcements and calendars.
*Scroll down to settings; toggle the school(s) you would like to receive push notifications for and view.
Social Media:
*The district maintains and operates Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram accounts as well as a district YouTube account.
*Families are encouraged to follow the district accounts @washcovaschools for updates, news, and information.
*Individual schools maintain a Facebook and Twitter (X) account.
This morning, we unveiled new American flag decals for our school buses -- a tribute to our veteran bus drivers, staff, students, and families who have served our country.
Soon, every bus in Washington County will proudly display this symbol of gratitude and respect for those who have given so much in service to others.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Mekenzie Campbell Langlois, a proud Holston High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
Weāre proud to share that Melissa Roark successfully defended her dissertation today through Radford University!
Her research focused on specially designed instruction, reflecting her dedication to advancing educational practices and supporting student success.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Roark on this incredible academic achievement!
āØ Celebrating National School Psychology Week!
This week (November 3ā7), we join schools across the country in recognizing National School Psychology Week (NSPW) -- a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of our school psychologists and the vital role they play in supporting studentsā learning, mental health, and overall well-being.
This yearās theme, āFinding Your Path,ā highlights how school psychologists help students, families, and school communities set goals, overcome challenges, and discover their unique paths to success.
Even as the week wraps up, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our WCPS school psychologists for the care, expertise, and compassion they bring to our schools each day. Your work truly helps students thrive -- in school, at home, and in life.
Wishing all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful Friday -- letās finish the week strong!
Washington County Public Schools is proud to support Authentic Trailblazing: Innovating Ethically in the Age of AI, a collaborative event bringing together educators, business leaders, and technology experts to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education, industry, and society.
This full-day symposium will feature insightful keynote presentations from:
*Nita Farahany ā Duke University | Ethics, Law & Healthcare
*Anne Trumbore ā University of Virginia Darden School of Business | AI & the Future of Learning & Work
*Eric Chapman ā Grainger, Inc. | AI in Practice & Innovation
š Monday, November 17 | 8:00 a.m. ā 3:00 p.m.
š Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon
Join us as we explore how AI can be harnessed ethically and effectively to shape innovation, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.
š Registration closes Monday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m.
š https://forms.gle/HbH6cwgdXdduwYkb7
Pre-Nursing and Nurse Aide students from the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently visited the Emory & Henry University Health Sciences Campus in Marion, VA.
Students had the opportunity to tour the SIM Lab and Cadaver Lab, gaining hands-on insight into the world of medical science and healthcare education.
This experience gave students a closer look at the real-world applications of what theyāre learning in class -- and a glimpse into their future careers in healthcare!
