š Happy National School Psychology Week
November 9ā13, Washington County Public Schools joins schools across the country in recognizing the important work of our school psychologists.
This year's theme, "Inspire Connection," highlights the meaningful relationships school psychologists build with students, families, and educators. Through their work, they help students develop confidence, build skills, and feel a sense of belonging while helping create supportive school environments where all students can succeed.
We appreciate the care, collaboration, and dedication our school psychologists bring to our schools and the difference they make in the lives of our students every day.
Thank you for all you do to inspire connection throughout WCPS!
November 9ā13, Washington County Public Schools joins schools across the country in recognizing the important work of our school psychologists.
This year's theme, "Inspire Connection," highlights the meaningful relationships school psychologists build with students, families, and educators. Through their work, they help students develop confidence, build skills, and feel a sense of belonging while helping create supportive school environments where all students can succeed.
We appreciate the care, collaboration, and dedication our school psychologists bring to our schools and the difference they make in the lives of our students every day.
Thank you for all you do to inspire connection throughout WCPS!
š¦ A Sweet Reward for Perfect Attendance at Watauga Elementary
Watauga Elementary School celebrated 244 students who had perfect attendance for the entire month of October!
As a special reward, students got to turn BOTH principals into ice cream sundaes! The school cheered them on as the toppings were added, and students enjoyed ice cream sundaes of their own.
Even sweeter? More than 50% of Watauga students attended school every single day in October!
Congratulations to these students, and a big shoutout to Watauga's principals for being such good sports!
Watauga Elementary School celebrated 244 students who had perfect attendance for the entire month of October!
As a special reward, students got to turn BOTH principals into ice cream sundaes! The school cheered them on as the toppings were added, and students enjoyed ice cream sundaes of their own.
Even sweeter? More than 50% of Watauga students attended school every single day in October!
Congratulations to these students, and a big shoutout to Watauga's principals for being such good sports!
ā¤ļøš¤š Honoring 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.
š¢ WCPS Community CIP Committee Meeting Recap & Additional Updates
On November 4, the Community Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee held its third meeting to continue discussions about facility needs, enrollment projections, and long-term planning for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS).
We want to make this information accessible to our community and provide several ways to review the discussion and learn more about the division's plans.
The following resources are available:
*Full Committee Meeting Recording
Watch the complete November 4 meeting, which is approximately an hour and a half long.
Watch the full CIP Committee Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaM8UWoO-O4
*AI-Generated Podcast Summary
For those who prefer a shorter overview, we have also created a 17-minute podcast-style summary of the meeting using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices.
Please note that this is an AI-generated summary, not an actual recording or transcript of the meeting. It is intended to provide a general overview of the discussion and may not include every detail. The full meeting recording is available above for those who would like to hear the discussion in its entirety.
Listen to the AI-Generated Podcast Summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJIVt7td4MI
*Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
At its November 5 meeting, the Washington County School Board approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The presentation outlining the plan is available below.
View the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Presentation: https://aptg.co/HG_RFN
*Additional Information
We also encourage community members to visit our School Facilities and Capital Improvement webpage, which includes additional information, resources, and updates related to facility planning.
Visit the School Facilities and Capital Improvement Webpage: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcps/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
We encourage community members to explore these resources to learn more about the discussions, the division's facility needs, and the five-year plan approved by the School Board.
Additional information and updates will continue to be shared on our School Facilities and Capital Improvement webpage.
šāØ Interactive Math Lessons at High Point Elementary
Fourth-grade students at High Point Elementary School are finding new ways to explore math through the division's new CIP-aligned Kiddom Math program.
Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students are building problem-solving skills, strengthening their understanding of numbers, and working together to tackle math challenges.
Teachers can also display student work during digital lessons, giving students the opportunity to share their strategies, explain how they arrived at an answer, and learn from different approaches.
It's a great example of how technology, collaboration, and hands-on learning can come together to make math more engaging!
Fourth-grade students at High Point Elementary School are finding new ways to explore math through the division's new CIP-aligned Kiddom Math program.
Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students are building problem-solving skills, strengthening their understanding of numbers, and working together to tackle math challenges.
Teachers can also display student work during digital lessons, giving students the opportunity to share their strategies, explain how they arrived at an answer, and learn from different approaches.
It's a great example of how technology, collaboration, and hands-on learning can come together to make math more engaging!
š§ Bringing Students Together Through Inclusion
The Washington County Parent Resource Center recently helped bring students and staff from all four high schools together for a first-of-its-kind inclusive event, with support from Communities In Schools (CIS)!
Students helped plan and participate in the event, which featured a silent disco with student-selected playlists, board and card games, and food -- all provided at no cost to attendees!
It was a great opportunity for students to connect, have fun, and build relationships with peers and staff from across the division.
A special thank-you to everyone who helped make this event possible! We're looking forward to building on its success and creating more opportunities for students and staff to come together!
The Washington County Parent Resource Center recently helped bring students and staff from all four high schools together for a first-of-its-kind inclusive event, with support from Communities In Schools (CIS)!
Students helped plan and participate in the event, which featured a silent disco with student-selected playlists, board and card games, and food -- all provided at no cost to attendees!
It was a great opportunity for students to connect, have fun, and build relationships with peers and staff from across the division.
A special thank-you to everyone who helped make this event possible! We're looking forward to building on its success and creating more opportunities for students and staff to come together!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight
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
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
š Pumpkin patch fun at Meadowview Elementary School
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School recently enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch, where they got to pick out pumpkins and explore what was inside! Students had fun opening their pumpkins and recording their observations along the way.
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School recently enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch, where they got to pick out pumpkins and explore what was inside! Students had fun opening their pumpkins and recording their observations along the way.
š Celebrating Success in Our ESL Program
At its November meeting, the Washington County School Board recognized the accomplishments of our English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the dedicated staff members who support them.
Across WCPS, we currently serve 125 students who speak 15 different languages. Our ESL program was also recognized by the state for improvements in students' English language proficiency levels.
High Point Elementary School
* All 25 ESL students increased their English language proficiency levels during the 2025ā2026 school year
*Six students advanced enough to exit the ESL program
E.B. Stanley Middle School
* English and math SOL pass rates were 88.15% and 96.05%, respectively, among the highest in the state
Student Achievements
* Six ESL students graduated last year, earning one Advanced Studies Diploma and five Standard Diplomas
* Of the 31 ESL students at the high school level, 22 are enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
* Nine students are enrolled in Honors, Dual Enrollment, or Advanced Placement (AP) courses
* Two students who graduated from Abingdon High School last year earned the Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas
These accomplishments are made possible in part by the dedication and support of our ESL teachers and tutors:
ESL Teachers
* Lisa Gilbert
* Krystal Landeros
* Julie Ritterbusch
* Victoria Thompson
ESL Tutors
* Kelli Herald
* Lauren Satterwhite
Congratulations to our students and a sincere thank-you to the educators who help them grow, succeed, and reach their goals!
š Celebrating Academic Achievement Across WCPS
Several Washington County Public Schools have earned special recognition for their academic performance and progress! The School Board recognized these schools at its November meeting for their accomplishments during the 2025ā2026 school year.
Holston High School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Ranked #1 in Virginia by the VDOE's Virginia School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF)
* Ranked 3rd in the region in Reading Mastery
* Recorded the 5th-largest increase in SPSF points from the previous school year
John S. Battle High School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Ranked #7 in Virginia by the VDOE's SPSF
* Ranked as the top high school in Region VII for Mastery of Math
* Ranked 89th among Virginia high schools by U.S. News & World Report
Abingdon High School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Ranked #9 among Virginia high schools in total SPSF points
* Recorded the 12th-largest increase in SPSF points from the previous school year
Patrick Henry High School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Ranked #16 among Virginia high schools by the VDOE's SPSF
* Ranked 2nd in the region in Reading Mastery
Abingdon Elementary School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Recorded the largest overall school performance gain in Virginia from the 2024ā2025 to the 2025ā2026 school year, with an increase of 19.01 points
Watauga Elementary School
* Earned Distinguished recognition
* Ranked among Virginia's Top 100 schools statewide for the fifth consecutive year
* Ranked 2nd in the region in Mastery of Reading
* Ranked 12th among Virginia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, school leaders, and families. We are proud to celebrate their continued efforts and success!
š A taste of Italy at WCCTEC
Culinary Arts I students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center put their cooking skills to work as they prepared a classic Italian dish: carbonara!
Students created a rich, velvety sauce with plenty of cheesy goodness, bringing this traditional pasta dish to life.
š Pumpkin investigations at Greendale Elementary School
Kindergarten students at Greendale Elementary School put their math and science skills to work with a hands-on pumpkin investigation! They measured pumpkin height, stem height, circumference and weight, described and drew their pumpkins, and counted the lines on the outside.
Students also explored the parts of a pumpkin, learned about its life cycle, and compared pumpkins with apples. To wrap up the activity, the class opened a pumpkin to explore its insides and count the seeds. Each student then made groups of 10 seeds and practiced counting by tens!
Kindergarten students at Greendale Elementary School put their math and science skills to work with a hands-on pumpkin investigation! They measured pumpkin height, stem height, circumference and weight, described and drew their pumpkins, and counted the lines on the outside.
Students also explored the parts of a pumpkin, learned about its life cycle, and compared pumpkins with apples. To wrap up the activity, the class opened a pumpkin to explore its insides and count the seeds. Each student then made groups of 10 seeds and practiced counting by tens!
š¢ Reminder: No School for Students Tomorrow
There will be no classes for students at Washington County Public Schools on Tuesday, November 3, for Election Day.
Students will return on Wednesday, November 4!
There will be no classes for students at Washington County Public Schools on Tuesday, November 3, for Election Day.
Students will return on Wednesday, November 4!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight
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
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
š Learning through hands-on history at Meadowview Elementary School
Second graders at Meadowview welcomed the William King Museum of Art for an interactive experience exploring artifacts and fossils related to Native American history in the Eastern Woodlands. Students had the opportunity to handle objects and create their own āfossilsā using clay, toy insects and shells.
The visit connected with studentsā current social studies unit, bringing classroom learning to life through hands-on exploration. Thank you to the William King Museum of Art for sharing this experience with our students!
Second graders at Meadowview welcomed the William King Museum of Art for an interactive experience exploring artifacts and fossils related to Native American history in the Eastern Woodlands. Students had the opportunity to handle objects and create their own āfossilsā using clay, toy insects and shells.
The visit connected with studentsā current social studies unit, bringing classroom learning to life through hands-on exploration. Thank you to the William King Museum of Art for sharing this experience with our students!
š Welding skills on display at WCCTEC
Washington County Career & Technical Education Center welding student Sam R. turned a 20-pound propane cylinder into an impressive metal art pumpkin!
Using a plasma arc cutter and TIG welding, Sam transformed the cylinder into a one-of-a-kind creation, complete with a stem crafted from old oxy-fuel welding filler.
Itās a great example of the creativity, technical skills and hands-on learning happening at WCCTEC!
Washington County Career & Technical Education Center welding student Sam R. turned a 20-pound propane cylinder into an impressive metal art pumpkin!
Using a plasma arc cutter and TIG welding, Sam transformed the cylinder into a one-of-a-kind creation, complete with a stem crafted from old oxy-fuel welding filler.
Itās a great example of the creativity, technical skills and hands-on learning happening at WCCTEC!
š¤ Exploring the Future of AI in Southwest Virginia
More than 100 students from school divisions across Southwest Virginia are coming together today at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center for the Southwest Virginia AI Student Leadership Symposium!
Throughout the day, students are exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping education, careers, and communities while engaging in meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
The symposium features interactive discussions, student presentations, and hands-on activities designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students also have the opportunity to connect with business, community, and educational leaders to explore how AI is transforming the workforce and what skills will be essential for future success.
One of the dayās highlights is the #AppalachiaBuiltThis Collaborative Design Challenge, where students work alongside industry and educational leaders to develop innovative solutions using AI.
This event is made possible through a partnership involving Washington County Public Schools, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Advanced Learning Partnerships, CGI, and BELFOR.
Weāre excited to see students from across our region helping shape the conversation about the future of AI in Southwest Virginia!
š Exploring the future of teaching!
Washington County Public Schools Teachers for Tomorrow students recently visited Emory & Henry University for a closer look at what a future in education could look like.
During the visit, students met with education faculty and tour guides, learned about admissions and career resources, and rotated through education courses focused on teaching reading and language arts, pathways for teachers, and special topics in education.
They also enjoyed lunch with current education majors and toured campus, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the college experience.
We appreciate Emory & Henry University for welcoming our future educators and helping them explore the opportunities ahead!
Washington County Public Schools Teachers for Tomorrow students recently visited Emory & Henry University for a closer look at what a future in education could look like.
During the visit, students met with education faculty and tour guides, learned about admissions and career resources, and rotated through education courses focused on teaching reading and language arts, pathways for teachers, and special topics in education.
They also enjoyed lunch with current education majors and toured campus, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the college experience.
We appreciate Emory & Henry University for welcoming our future educators and helping them explore the opportunities ahead!
š Two years. Two top-three finishes. One talented playwright!
Washington County Public Schools congratulates Patrick Henry High School senior Will Duncan on earning 2nd place in the 25th annual Barter Theatre Young Playwrights Festival!
This yearās festival received well over 300 entries from 16 high schools across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. The top three finalists have their plays performed by the Barter Players.
This marks Willās second consecutive year reaching the top three. He placed third last year and moved up to second place this year!
Congratulations to Will on this outstanding achievement and for continuing to showcase his creativity and talent. Weāre proud to celebrate his success!
Washington County Public Schools congratulates Patrick Henry High School senior Will Duncan on earning 2nd place in the 25th annual Barter Theatre Young Playwrights Festival!
This yearās festival received well over 300 entries from 16 high schools across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. The top three finalists have their plays performed by the Barter Players.
This marks Willās second consecutive year reaching the top three. He placed third last year and moved up to second place this year!
Congratulations to Will on this outstanding achievement and for continuing to showcase his creativity and talent. Weāre proud to celebrate his success!
šš Abingdon FFA Member Named 2026 Virginia State Fair Master Showman
Congratulations to Whitley on an outstanding showing at the 2026 State Fair of Virginia!
Competing in intermediate swine showmanship, Whitley earned the division championship out of 23 youth exhibitors. She then advanced to compete against the champions from the other age divisions and was selected as the 2026 Master Hog Showman.
As the swine representative in the Master Showman competition, Whitley demonstrated her skills by showing all four species: beef, meat goats, sheep and swine.
Her success extended beyond the showmanship ring! Whitley also earned several top finishes at the State Fair, including:
*Reserve Champion Market Hog in the lightweight division
*Reserve Champion Market Gilt in the middleweight division
*Champion Breeding Gilt in the lightweight division
*Reserve Supreme Breeding Gilt of the 2026 Virginia State Fair
*Fifth place with her commercial ewe and fourth place with her market goat
Whitley represented Abingdon FFA and Washington County 4-H at the State Fair, showcasing her hard work, dedication and knowledge of livestock.
Congratulations to Whitley on an outstanding showing at the 2026 State Fair of Virginia!
Competing in intermediate swine showmanship, Whitley earned the division championship out of 23 youth exhibitors. She then advanced to compete against the champions from the other age divisions and was selected as the 2026 Master Hog Showman.
As the swine representative in the Master Showman competition, Whitley demonstrated her skills by showing all four species: beef, meat goats, sheep and swine.
Her success extended beyond the showmanship ring! Whitley also earned several top finishes at the State Fair, including:
*Reserve Champion Market Hog in the lightweight division
*Reserve Champion Market Gilt in the middleweight division
*Champion Breeding Gilt in the lightweight division
*Reserve Supreme Breeding Gilt of the 2026 Virginia State Fair
*Fifth place with her commercial ewe and fourth place with her market goat
Whitley represented Abingdon FFA and Washington County 4-H at the State Fair, showcasing her hard work, dedication and knowledge of livestock.