š¦ Thanksgiving Break Reminder:
Washington County Public Schools will be closed Monday, November 24 ā Friday, November 28. Students will return on Monday, December 1.
Need care during the break? The School-Based Health Center at John S. Battle High School will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday (all day) and is available to all WCPS students and staff.
We wish everyone a restful, safe, and happy Thanksgiving Break! š
Washington County Public Schools will be closed Monday, November 24 ā Friday, November 28. Students will return on Monday, December 1.
Need care during the break? The School-Based Health Center at John S. Battle High School will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday (all day) and is available to all WCPS students and staff.
We wish everyone a restful, safe, and happy Thanksgiving Break! š
š¬ The latest edition of The Washington Way is now available!
Check out our newsletter to learn more about our exceptional academic performance, the growth of our Teachers for Tomorrow program, and an early look at the upcoming transportation zone presentation.
š Read it here: https://shorturl.at/rc1Nq
Check out our newsletter to learn more about our exceptional academic performance, the growth of our Teachers for Tomorrow program, and an early look at the upcoming transportation zone presentation.
š Read it here: https://shorturl.at/rc1Nq
š Congratulations to Washington County School Board Member Jenny Nichols!
The torch has officially been passed at the annual VSBA Convention in Williamsburg, where Mrs. Nichols was selected to serve as the 2025ā2026 President of the Virginia School Boards Association.
Nichols brings a wealth of experience to this statewide leadership role. With a degree in Political Science from UVA Wise and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from Liberty University, she has dedicated her career to public service and educational advocacy. In addition to her service on the WCPS School Board, Jenny is the Director for GO Virginia Region 1, supporting economic development initiatives throughout our region.
āI am honored to serve as VSBA President and to lead with a vision that keeps us Rooted in Public Education,ā said Nichols. āTogether, we will strengthen our schools, support our educators, and empower every student to reach their fullest potential. By staying grounded in the values that unite us, we will continue to grow a strong and thriving public education system for all.ā
WCPS is incredibly proud of Mrs. Nichols for earning this distinguished honor. Her passion for students, educators, and public education will serve communities across the Commonwealth.
š¦š¶Meadowview Elementary 2nd graders cooked up some festive rhythms in music class by creating Thanksgiving-themed food rhythm patterns!
Students āfilled their platesā with turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more -- then turned their feast into half-note, quarter-note, and eighth-note rhythms. After crafting their tasty musical patterns, they performed them for the whole class!
What a fun (and delicious!) way to learn music right before the holiday!
Students āfilled their platesā with turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more -- then turned their feast into half-note, quarter-note, and eighth-note rhythms. After crafting their tasty musical patterns, they performed them for the whole class!
What a fun (and delicious!) way to learn music right before the holiday!
āØOur Washington County Student School Board Representatives spent some time in Williamsburg diving deep into leadership, policy, and the importance of student voice at the 2025 VSBA Workshop for Student School Board Reps!
Representing WCPS were Hannah Lee (AHS), Hayden Roark (PHHS), and Lillian Early (CTE) for 2025ā2026, along with 2026ā2027 representative Caden Singleton (AHS).
Throughout the workshop, students strengthened their skills through sessions like:
š Writing the Rules: Creating Effective School Board Policies
š¤ AI Essentials for Student Reps
āļø Mock Meeting 101: Understanding Roles & Responsibilities
š Mock School Board Meeting
They also had the chance to explore Virginiaās earliest history with visits to the Jamestown Rediscovery Center -- a perfect blend of learning, leadership, and hands-on discovery.
Weāre proud of these student leaders for taking on the challenge, building new skills, and representing WCPS with curiosity and enthusiasm!
Representing WCPS were Hannah Lee (AHS), Hayden Roark (PHHS), and Lillian Early (CTE) for 2025ā2026, along with 2026ā2027 representative Caden Singleton (AHS).
Throughout the workshop, students strengthened their skills through sessions like:
š Writing the Rules: Creating Effective School Board Policies
š¤ AI Essentials for Student Reps
āļø Mock Meeting 101: Understanding Roles & Responsibilities
š Mock School Board Meeting
They also had the chance to explore Virginiaās earliest history with visits to the Jamestown Rediscovery Center -- a perfect blend of learning, leadership, and hands-on discovery.
Weāre proud of these student leaders for taking on the challenge, building new skills, and representing WCPS with curiosity and enthusiasm!
š¢ Washington County Public Schools Awarded Federal Grant to Enhance School Safety
Washington County Public Schools is proud to announce that the division has been awarded $496,785 through the FY25 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), administered by the U.S. Department of Justiceās Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
The award, issued on behalf of the Honorable Attorney General of the United States Pamela J. Bondi, recognizes the strong commitment of WCPS to strengthening school safety and supporting proactive prevention measures throughout the division.
In its notification, the COPS Office commended WCPS for its leadership in school safety, stating:
āThe COPS Office recognizes and appreciates your commitment to this very important initiative. The project you will implement with these award funds contributes to the mission of the COPS Office and the greater goal of reducing crime and improving the safety and security of all Americans.ā
āReceiving the COPS grant is a tremendous step forward for our school system. These funds will allow us to increase our safety measures, support our staff, and provide students with an even more secure place to learn and grow. We are thankful for this support and for the shared dedication to ensuring the well-being of every child in our school community,ā said Dr. Chad Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Washington County Public Schools.
The grant will support enhanced security measures, prevention-focused programs, and improved safety infrastructure across the school division. Specific project components will be announced as implementation planning advances.
WCPS extends its appreciation to the COPS Office for its guidance and support and looks forward to utilizing the training, resources, and technical assistance available through the program to ensure strong project outcomes.
Washington County Public Schools is proud to announce that the division has been awarded $496,785 through the FY25 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), administered by the U.S. Department of Justiceās Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
The award, issued on behalf of the Honorable Attorney General of the United States Pamela J. Bondi, recognizes the strong commitment of WCPS to strengthening school safety and supporting proactive prevention measures throughout the division.
In its notification, the COPS Office commended WCPS for its leadership in school safety, stating:
āThe COPS Office recognizes and appreciates your commitment to this very important initiative. The project you will implement with these award funds contributes to the mission of the COPS Office and the greater goal of reducing crime and improving the safety and security of all Americans.ā
āReceiving the COPS grant is a tremendous step forward for our school system. These funds will allow us to increase our safety measures, support our staff, and provide students with an even more secure place to learn and grow. We are thankful for this support and for the shared dedication to ensuring the well-being of every child in our school community,ā said Dr. Chad Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Washington County Public Schools.
The grant will support enhanced security measures, prevention-focused programs, and improved safety infrastructure across the school division. Specific project components will be announced as implementation planning advances.
WCPS extends its appreciation to the COPS Office for its guidance and support and looks forward to utilizing the training, resources, and technical assistance available through the program to ensure strong project outcomes.
āØ History came to life at Rhea Valley Elementary!
Rhea Valley Elementary 4th graders have been busy showcasing their knowledge of early America with incredible hands-on creations! Students built 3D models and detailed drawings to represent the Jamestown colony and Powhatan villages -- and the results are amazing.
From the iconic Jamestown settlement to traditional Powhatan dwellings, these young historians brought the past into the present with creativity and impressive attention to detail.
Rhea Valley Elementary 4th graders have been busy showcasing their knowledge of early America with incredible hands-on creations! Students built 3D models and detailed drawings to represent the Jamestown colony and Powhatan villages -- and the results are amazing.
From the iconic Jamestown settlement to traditional Powhatan dwellings, these young historians brought the past into the present with creativity and impressive attention to detail.
š Nominate an Outstanding Support Staff Member for the #WashingtonWayAward! š
Do you know someone whose dedication, kindness, or hard work makes Washington County Public Schools a better place to learn and grow? Nowās your chance to celebrate them!
Help us recognize the incredible support staff who go above and beyond every day to make a difference for our students, schools, and community.
š #WashingtonWayAward Categories:
āØ Above and Beyond Custodian Award ā For the custodian who keeps things shining and spirits high!
š Silver Spoon Award ā For the food service hero who serves up smiles (and great meals)!
š Helping Hand Award ā For the nurse or aide whoās always there with care and compassion.
š§ Master Technician Award ā For the behind-the-scenes problem-solver who keeps everything running smoothly.
š Wheels on the Bus Award ā For the driver or mechanic who goes the extra mile to get students where they need to be.
š¬ Customer Service Award ā For the friendly face whoās always ready to help and make someoneās day better.
š Submit your nominations by Wednesday, November 26!
Simply scan the QR code to nominate a support staff member who truly embodies The Washington Way.
š„ Want to learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards? Watch our video! https://youtu.be/IM7Y0BdMbF4
Do you know someone whose dedication, kindness, or hard work makes Washington County Public Schools a better place to learn and grow? Nowās your chance to celebrate them!
Help us recognize the incredible support staff who go above and beyond every day to make a difference for our students, schools, and community.
š #WashingtonWayAward Categories:
āØ Above and Beyond Custodian Award ā For the custodian who keeps things shining and spirits high!
š Silver Spoon Award ā For the food service hero who serves up smiles (and great meals)!
š Helping Hand Award ā For the nurse or aide whoās always there with care and compassion.
š§ Master Technician Award ā For the behind-the-scenes problem-solver who keeps everything running smoothly.
š Wheels on the Bus Award ā For the driver or mechanic who goes the extra mile to get students where they need to be.
š¬ Customer Service Award ā For the friendly face whoās always ready to help and make someoneās day better.
š Submit your nominations by Wednesday, November 26!
Simply scan the QR code to nominate a support staff member who truly embodies The Washington Way.
š„ Want to learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards? Watch our video! https://youtu.be/IM7Y0BdMbF4
š” Authentic Trailblazing in Action!
Yesterday, Washington County Public Schools was proud to join educators, business leaders, and technology experts from across the region for Authentic Trailblazing: Innovating Ethically in the Age of AI -- a powerful day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Participants explored the rapidly evolving role of AI in education, industry, and society through inspiring keynote presentations from:
š¹ Nita Farahany ā Duke University
š¹ Anne Trumbore ā UVA Darden School of Business
š¹ Eric Chapman ā Grainger, Inc.
From ethical considerations to real-world applications, this symposium sparked meaningful conversations about preparing our students -- and our workforce -- for an AI-driven future.
A sincere thank-you to our presenters, partners, and all who joined us to make this event a tremendous success. Together, weāre helping Southwest Virginia lead with curiosity, responsibility, and innovation.
Yesterday, Washington County Public Schools was proud to join educators, business leaders, and technology experts from across the region for Authentic Trailblazing: Innovating Ethically in the Age of AI -- a powerful day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Participants explored the rapidly evolving role of AI in education, industry, and society through inspiring keynote presentations from:
š¹ Nita Farahany ā Duke University
š¹ Anne Trumbore ā UVA Darden School of Business
š¹ Eric Chapman ā Grainger, Inc.
From ethical considerations to real-world applications, this symposium sparked meaningful conversations about preparing our students -- and our workforce -- for an AI-driven future.
A sincere thank-you to our presenters, partners, and all who joined us to make this event a tremendous success. Together, weāre helping Southwest Virginia lead with curiosity, responsibility, and innovation.
šā Be a Bean Recognition ā High Point Elementary School
High Point Elementary's custodian, Adam Glasscock is going above the call of duty! When the school was short-staffed, Adam stepped up without hesitation -- taking on extra shifts and keeping High Point shining!
High Point Elementary's custodian, Adam Glasscock is going above the call of duty! When the school was short-staffed, Adam stepped up without hesitation -- taking on extra shifts and keeping High Point shining!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Thomas ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2018.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Hannah Thomas, a proud John S. Battle 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
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Hannah Thomas, a proud John S. Battle 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
What an exciting day for WCPS' Elementary Robotics Teams as they are competing in the LEGO Robotics Competition! Every Elementary School had at least one team that competed and they are judged on Presentations, Robots/Coding, and Core Values! Good Luck!
š¦ā¤ļø Buddy Thanksgiving at Watauga
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.
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.
š¢ A Message from Dr. Keith Perrigan -- Student Online Safety
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
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
šāØSpreading Kindness
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!
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!
āļøš A Story Worth Sharing at Meadowview Elementary
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!
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!
šAt Abingdon Elementary School, math is more than numbers -- itās hands-on discovery!
Second graders have been using "Math Stackers" to explore different sums and strengthen their problem-solving skills in creative, interactive ways.
Second graders have been using "Math Stackers" to explore different sums and strengthen their problem-solving skills in creative, interactive ways.
ā¤ļøš¤šOur students and staff across Washington County Public Schools have been proudly hosting Veterans Day programs to honor the men and women who have served our country.
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.
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.
ā¤ļøš¤šHonoring All Who Served
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.
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.
