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!
Join us for the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Eagle Run 5K Run/Walk -- Saturday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Abingdon!
This event honors our veterans and supports the SkillsUSA Club at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center. Whether youāre chasing a personal best or enjoying a walk, itās the perfect way to show your support -- and a great training run before your Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!
šļø Register today and run with purpose! https://www.athlinks.com/event/veterans-day-eagle-run-5k-runwalk-389541
āØ Science + Magic = Fun Learning for Meadowview Elementary Students
Fourth graders from Meadowview Elementary School recently attended the National Chemistry Week Science Fair at Eastman -- and had an electrifying time!
Students discovered how magic and science go hand in hand during a live magic show, then rotated through hands-on activity stations exploring density, pH, fluorescence, static electricity, and more.
It was a day full of curiosity, discovery, and scientific wonder!
The Watauga Elementary School Robotics Teams recently traveled to the Gray Fossil Site and Hands On! Discovery Center to do some hands-on archaeological research for their "Unearthed" projects.
Students explored fossils, learned about animals that once roamed our region, and even sifted through real sediment to uncover ancient discoveries!
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
Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4, for Election Day.
Classes will resume on Wednesday, November 5.
We are thrilled to highlight Mr. John T. Wood, 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
The Washington County Parent Resource Center (PRC) recently hosted a special Family Night for English Language Learners.
Families enjoyed a fun and welcoming evening filled with:
š On-site flu vaccines
š School support and information booths
š Community resource connections
šļø Raffle prizes and family activities
š Free food for everyone!
Thank you to our amazing families, staff, and community partners for making this event such a success -- and for supporting our English Language Learners every step of the way!
Reading Intervention students practiced their decoding skills this week by earning skeleton pieces with every word they cracked. They reviewed reading skills, built confidence, and created some spooktacular Halloween crafts along the way!
In partnership with Communities in Schools, every first-period class participated in a Pumpkin Painting Challenge --designing pumpkins that promote kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying.
We also want to send a big thank you to Scottās Tree Farm for donating the pumpkins that made it all possible!
Washington County Public Schools understands that the ongoing federal government shutdown may cause uncertainty for some of our families. We want to remind you that breakfast, lunch, and CACFP afterschool meals are provided at no cost for all WCPS students through our division wide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Students can count on receiving healthy, nutritious meals at school each day.
We also recognize that families may have concerns about access to food outside the school day. To help, several community partners provide a backpack-style program that offers easy-to-prepare food items for elementary students to take home from school over weekends and during school breaks. Families with children in elementary school who are interested in participating can contact their childās school for more information on how to sign up.
In addition, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program ā a state-funded initiative temporarily providing benefits to Virginians previously enrolled in SNAP whose federal benefits have been disrupted. Benefits are scheduled to begin November 3, with additional support directed to food banks across the state.
If your family experiences food insecurity, please know there are also local food resources available through area food banks, churches, and community organizations.
Food Resources:
Abingdon Faith in Action
276-628-4813
798 Hillman Hwy ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Located behind St. Johnās Lutheran Church, Abingdon Faith in Action operates the Stone Soup Food Pantry serving Washington County residents. Clients can shop there once a month and will receive a $25 gift certificate for clothing and shoes to use at New Life Thrift Shop ā A Ministry of Faith in Action in Abingdon. Additionally, FIA also provides emergency financial assistance to families for rent and utilities as funds are available through an application process, as well as helping those who are uninsured obtain medicine in emergency situations. FIA also hosts the Crossroads Medical Mission bus monthly.
*Food Pantry Hours: Monday & Friday ā 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday ā 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Feeding Southwest Virginia
276-628-9266 (Fax: 276-628-3974)
www.feedingswva.org
21452 Gravel Lake Rd ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Located off Exit 17 in the Abingdon Distribution Center is the Abingdon Harvest Home Community Kitchen, which provides three home cooked meals to-go three days a week:
*Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (They also have a mobile food pantry; you must call for times and locations)
*Hunger & Help Line ā Call 540-299-0004
*Text: 276-250-4500
*Email: hungerandhelp@feedingswva.org
*Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00pm
*After Hours: Call 211
Highlands Fellowship
276-628-3297 (Fax: 276-628-1011; Bristol Campus: 276-669-7400)
22417 Watauga Rd ā Abingdon, VA 24211
*Located off Route 75, clients can visit once per month for food assistance.
*Open Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (closed 5th Wednesday of the month; closed if Washington County Public Schools are closed)
*Clothing ā Free clothing closet to assist families in need
First Assembly of God
276-669-3016
1400 Lee Hwy - Bristol, VA 2420
www.firstassemblybristol.org
*Food is distributed Wednesday at 10:00 am after Bible Study, until the last person is served.
*Clothing will be given out at this time as well.
Mendota Food Pantry
2562 Mendota Rd ā Mendota, VA 24270
*Located at the Mendota Community Center, food distribution is on the fourth Thursday every month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (If distribution day falls on holidays or there is no fourth Thursday, distribution will be on the third Thursday).
Southern Manna Soup Kitchen
110 Town Square ā Glade Spring, VA 24340
*Hot meals on Friday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Itās a God Thing One Way Ministries
276-475-3318
1004 South Shady Ave ā Damascus, VA 24236
*Produce & Dairy: Wednesdays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
*Produce: Sundays 12:30 pm
*Food Box: 3rd Saturday of the month, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Damascus Senior Center
276-475-5232
209 Legion St ā Damascus, VA
*Wednesday 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Bristol Faith in Action
276-466-8292
1556 Euclid Ave ā Bristol, VA 24201
*Tuesday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Pleasant View United Methodist Church
276-628-6323
18416 Lee Highway ā Abingdon, VA
*Monday thru Friday 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Abingdon Farmerās Market
276-698-1434
abingdonmarket@gmail.com
www.abingdonfarmersmartket.com
100 Remsburg Dr ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Participating vendors will match up to $25 when using your EBT card.
*April thru November: Saturday ā 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday ā 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
*Winter Market: First and Third Saturday ā 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fellowship Baptist Church
14221 Ravenwood Dr., Meadowview, VA
*First Tuesday of the month: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Washington County Public Schools remains committed to supporting our students and families ā both inside and outside the classroom.
Students visited for a special trick-or-treat celebration -- sharing smiles, hugs, and Halloween spirit while making unforgettable connections with the residents.
This yearās competition drew nearly 300 submissions from students across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and Willās play earned a top spot -- even performed live by the Barter Players on Monday morning!
A huge shoutout to Will and his teacher, Michele Duncan, for this amazing accomplishment.
At Abingdon Elementary, custodian James Henegar is going above the call of duty! Mr. Henegar was recently celebrated for creating a special leadership opportunity for a third-grade student -- showing incredible compassion and creativity in helping build confidence and belonging.
Washington County Public Schools invites families and community members to take part in our upcoming textbook review sessions!
Weāre currently reviewing materials for:
š Elementary & High School Mathematics
š Middle & High School English
You can preview the proposed textbooks October 28ā30 in the School Board Office main meeting room (2nd floor).
Your input helps us ensure WCPS students have access to the highest-quality instructional resources possible -- weād love to hear your feedback!
