#NCTIES26 set the stage for the Washington County Instructional Technology Team to share ways that they integrate technology into classrooms.
Washington County's Instructional Technology Team preparing to present at #NCTIES26. Showing off innovative ways to use technology in classrooms!
šš Student Authors in Action
In celebration of Read Across America, English 7 students from Damascus Middle School took their storytelling skills on the road with a special visit to Rhea Valley Elementary School!
DMS students shared childrenās books they wrote themselves with kindergarten classes, bringing their stories to life for a very special audience. This annual tradition, started by teacher Mrs. Blackburn and supported this year by co-teachers Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Moss, gives students the chance to write with a real audience in mind.
From proud young authors to excited kindergarten listeners, it was a wonderful way to celebrate reading, creativity, and connection between our schools!
In celebration of Read Across America, English 7 students from Damascus Middle School took their storytelling skills on the road with a special visit to Rhea Valley Elementary School!
DMS students shared childrenās books they wrote themselves with kindergarten classes, bringing their stories to life for a very special audience. This annual tradition, started by teacher Mrs. Blackburn and supported this year by co-teachers Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Moss, gives students the chance to write with a real audience in mind.
From proud young authors to excited kindergarten listeners, it was a wonderful way to celebrate reading, creativity, and connection between our schools!
šš Big Wins for Abingdon High School DECA
Students from Abingdon High School had an outstanding showing at the DECA State Competition, a program that prepares students for careers in marketing, business, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Ayaan Patel and Ethan Parks earned Runner-Up in Integrated Marketing ā Service, competing against 46 teams from across Virginia, including large schools in the DC suburbs. Their impressive finish qualifies them for Nationals next month in Atlanta!
Muniba Irfan also had a fantastic performance, earning a Top 10 medal in the Buying and Merchandising exam.
Students from Abingdon High School had an outstanding showing at the DECA State Competition, a program that prepares students for careers in marketing, business, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Ayaan Patel and Ethan Parks earned Runner-Up in Integrated Marketing ā Service, competing against 46 teams from across Virginia, including large schools in the DC suburbs. Their impressive finish qualifies them for Nationals next month in Atlanta!
Muniba Irfan also had a fantastic performance, earning a Top 10 medal in the Buying and Merchandising exam.
šš Read Across America Week Fun
Weāre having an absolute blast celebrating Read Across America Week across Washington County Public Schools!
From community guests to staff members serving as guest readers, our classrooms are filled with excitement, laughter, and a love of reading. Itās been wonderful to see students light up as stories come to life and to watch our school community come together around literacy.
A big thank-you to everyone who stepped in as a guest reader -- youāre helping inspire lifelong readers!
Weāre having an absolute blast celebrating Read Across America Week across Washington County Public Schools!
From community guests to staff members serving as guest readers, our classrooms are filled with excitement, laughter, and a love of reading. Itās been wonderful to see students light up as stories come to life and to watch our school community come together around literacy.
A big thank-you to everyone who stepped in as a guest reader -- youāre helping inspire lifelong readers!
š Student Voices Making an Impact
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize our senior students who serve on the Student Advisory Committee!
These students play an important role by meeting with administrators, sharing ideas, and providing valuable insight into whatās happening in our schools. Their voices help inform decisions and strengthen the connection between students and leadership across the division.
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize our senior students who serve on the Student Advisory Committee!
These students play an important role by meeting with administrators, sharing ideas, and providing valuable insight into whatās happening in our schools. Their voices help inform decisions and strengthen the connection between students and leadership across the division.
š¬ Community Film Screening -- Youāre Invited
Washington County Public Schools invites families, staff, and community members to attend a free community film screening of Multiple Choice on Monday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
For decades, Americaās college-for-all approach has left many students facing a difficult choice: take on the cost and risk of college or enter low-wage work. Multiple Choice offers a powerful and hopeful alternative by highlighting the impact of career-based learning as a foundation for all students.
The film immerses viewers inside a school divisionās Innovation Center, where students explore career pathways, collaborate, and build both traditional and new-economy skills. Amid political and technological change, Multiple Choice presents an inspiring vision of students discovering purpose -- and a community working together toward prosperity for all.
š¬ Event Details
What: Free Community Film Screening ā Multiple Choice
When: Monday, March 30 | 5:00 p.m.
Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
šļø Free tickets are available through Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swvhec-screening-of-multiple-choice-tickets-1981952234486
ā¶ļø Watch the trailer:
www.multiplechoicefilm.com
Washington County Public Schools invites families, staff, and community members to attend a free community film screening of Multiple Choice on Monday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
For decades, Americaās college-for-all approach has left many students facing a difficult choice: take on the cost and risk of college or enter low-wage work. Multiple Choice offers a powerful and hopeful alternative by highlighting the impact of career-based learning as a foundation for all students.
The film immerses viewers inside a school divisionās Innovation Center, where students explore career pathways, collaborate, and build both traditional and new-economy skills. Amid political and technological change, Multiple Choice presents an inspiring vision of students discovering purpose -- and a community working together toward prosperity for all.
š¬ Event Details
What: Free Community Film Screening ā Multiple Choice
When: Monday, March 30 | 5:00 p.m.
Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
šļø Free tickets are available through Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swvhec-screening-of-multiple-choice-tickets-1981952234486
ā¶ļø Watch the trailer:
www.multiplechoicefilm.com
š WCPS Teacher Selected for Prestigious National Workshop
Dr. Beth Litz, a science teacher at Patrick Henry High School, has been selected as one of just 12 teachers nationwide to attend the Landscape to Molecules Teacher Workshop in 2026!
Held annually in Yellowstone National Park, this immersive experience gives educators the opportunity to engage in hands-on field research and exploration in Americaās first national park. Participants work alongside researchers to study complex ecosystem dynamics, analyze real-world data, and design integrated ecosystem models -- with Yellowstone serving as the classroom.
Dr. Litz is known for bringing learning to life by sharing stories from her national park travels to enrich biology and ecology instruction -- just ask her students! We are incredibly proud to see her passion for science and learning recognized on a national level.
Congratulations, Dr. Litz! We canāt wait to hear about your Yellowstone adventures and see how they inspire students across Washington County Public Schools.
Dr. Beth Litz, a science teacher at Patrick Henry High School, has been selected as one of just 12 teachers nationwide to attend the Landscape to Molecules Teacher Workshop in 2026!
Held annually in Yellowstone National Park, this immersive experience gives educators the opportunity to engage in hands-on field research and exploration in Americaās first national park. Participants work alongside researchers to study complex ecosystem dynamics, analyze real-world data, and design integrated ecosystem models -- with Yellowstone serving as the classroom.
Dr. Litz is known for bringing learning to life by sharing stories from her national park travels to enrich biology and ecology instruction -- just ask her students! We are incredibly proud to see her passion for science and learning recognized on a national level.
Congratulations, Dr. Litz! We canāt wait to hear about your Yellowstone adventures and see how they inspire students across Washington County Public Schools.
š¾ā¤ļø PAWS-itively Making a Difference ā Now Underway!
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is underway through March 31, 2026! Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
Weāre collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
š¶š± Cat & dog food
š§¹ Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
š¾ Kitty litter
*Donations can be dropped off at any Washington County school.
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is underway through March 31, 2026! Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
Weāre collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
š¶š± Cat & dog food
š§¹ Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
š¾ Kitty litter
*Donations can be dropped off at any Washington County school.
ššState Champions
The Rebel Scholastic Bowl Team at Patrick Henry High School has captured the 2026 VHSL State Championship!
What an incredible season and an outstanding way to finish it off. Congratulations to Coach Belcher and the entire Rebel Scholastic Bowl Team on this well-earned achievement -- we are so proud of you!
The Rebel Scholastic Bowl Team at Patrick Henry High School has captured the 2026 VHSL State Championship!
What an incredible season and an outstanding way to finish it off. Congratulations to Coach Belcher and the entire Rebel Scholastic Bowl Team on this well-earned achievement -- we are so proud of you!
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 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
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
šš§šRise and shine -- itās breakfast time
Washington County Public Schools is excited to celebrate National School Breakfast Week, March 2ā6! Students can enjoy a week full of fun, flavor, and fuel with breakfast favorites and special menu items.
Fuel up, start strong, and letās make mornings delicious!
Washington County Public Schools is excited to celebrate National School Breakfast Week, March 2ā6! Students can enjoy a week full of fun, flavor, and fuel with breakfast favorites and special menu items.
Fuel up, start strong, and letās make mornings delicious!
āØ Washington County Schools Theatre Arts Camp at Emory & Henry University is back for our 5th year!
Theatre Camp 2026 will run Monday through Saturday, June 15 -20 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily, with a final presentation on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. To be eligible for camp, students must live in Washington County, VA and be a rising 3rd-12th grader. Camp is FREE to families and includes daily theatre arts programming (in technical theatre and performance), a T-shirt, lunch, and even a trip to Barter Theatre!
While we want to include every student, spots are limited. In an effort to be as equitable as possible in our registration process, we will open a window for families to complete a ācamp interest formā from February 25 through April 1.
Completing the Camp Interest Form does not guarantee a spot at the camp, but enters your student into a registration lottery. We will lottery the available spots based on a tiered system and notify families by April 10. Those students not selected in the initial lottery will be placed on a waitlist and offered spots as they become available. In the past the majority of students on the waitlist have eventually been called. Families will be allocated spots together, though separate forms for each child are required to enter the lottery process.
We expect students from all tiers to be offered spots. Your child MUST be available for the entirety of camp.
Available spots will go into the lottery system based on the following tiers:
*Tier 1 - Campers wait-listed last year
*Tier 2 - Returning campers
*Tier 3 - New campers
All students must fill out a āCamp Interest Formā before April 1 to be placed in the lottery. If applying after April 1, students will be added to the waitlist.
Link to form WCS Theatre Arts Camp Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL7KURP_JjPHmbuuKFIMtLRAglQ5_4PR08C6NtYxaFO8vDhg/viewform
Theatre Camp 2026 will run Monday through Saturday, June 15 -20 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily, with a final presentation on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. To be eligible for camp, students must live in Washington County, VA and be a rising 3rd-12th grader. Camp is FREE to families and includes daily theatre arts programming (in technical theatre and performance), a T-shirt, lunch, and even a trip to Barter Theatre!
While we want to include every student, spots are limited. In an effort to be as equitable as possible in our registration process, we will open a window for families to complete a ācamp interest formā from February 25 through April 1.
Completing the Camp Interest Form does not guarantee a spot at the camp, but enters your student into a registration lottery. We will lottery the available spots based on a tiered system and notify families by April 10. Those students not selected in the initial lottery will be placed on a waitlist and offered spots as they become available. In the past the majority of students on the waitlist have eventually been called. Families will be allocated spots together, though separate forms for each child are required to enter the lottery process.
We expect students from all tiers to be offered spots. Your child MUST be available for the entirety of camp.
Available spots will go into the lottery system based on the following tiers:
*Tier 1 - Campers wait-listed last year
*Tier 2 - Returning campers
*Tier 3 - New campers
All students must fill out a āCamp Interest Formā before April 1 to be placed in the lottery. If applying after April 1, students will be added to the waitlist.
Link to form WCS Theatre Arts Camp Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL7KURP_JjPHmbuuKFIMtLRAglQ5_4PR08C6NtYxaFO8vDhg/viewform
š§Ŗš¬ Science Fair Stars
Our incredible 4th graders at Rhea Valley Elementary School shined during their Science Fair at the PTO meeting!
From researching and experimenting to confidently presenting their projects, these students showed off their curiosity, creativity, and hard work in a big way. Weāre so proud of their efforts and love seeing our families and school community celebrating learning together!
Our incredible 4th graders at Rhea Valley Elementary School shined during their Science Fair at the PTO meeting!
From researching and experimenting to confidently presenting their projects, these students showed off their curiosity, creativity, and hard work in a big way. Weāre so proud of their efforts and love seeing our families and school community celebrating learning together!
š¶šReminder: Looking for preschool or child care for the 2026ā2027 school year?
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
šš¾ Paws, Pages, and Plenty of Smiles
This week, our therapy dog friends -- Willow and Finley -- paid a special visit to Meadowview Elementary School, spreading calm, comfort, and joy throughout the library.
With gentle cuddles, wagging tails, and a soothing presence, Willow and Finley helped create a peaceful, welcoming space for students as they read, learned, and recharged. Moments like these remind us just how powerful kindness can be -- especially when it comes with a little extra fluff!
Weāre so grateful for visits like these that support student well-being, confidence, and a love of learning.
This week, our therapy dog friends -- Willow and Finley -- paid a special visit to Meadowview Elementary School, spreading calm, comfort, and joy throughout the library.
With gentle cuddles, wagging tails, and a soothing presence, Willow and Finley helped create a peaceful, welcoming space for students as they read, learned, and recharged. Moments like these remind us just how powerful kindness can be -- especially when it comes with a little extra fluff!
Weāre so grateful for visits like these that support student well-being, confidence, and a love of learning.
šāØ Explore. Create. Discover
The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC) is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Exploring Pathways Summer Camp!
This hands-on camp is open to current 4th-, 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade students and gives campers the chance to explore exciting career pathways, build new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
ā° Spots are limited and fill quickly!
š Application deadline: May 1, 2026
š Apply today by visiting:
š https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcctec
Donāt miss this opportunity to spark curiosity and explore future possibilities this summer!
The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC) is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Exploring Pathways Summer Camp!
This hands-on camp is open to current 4th-, 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade students and gives campers the chance to explore exciting career pathways, build new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
ā° Spots are limited and fill quickly!
š Application deadline: May 1, 2026
š Apply today by visiting:
š https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcctec
Donāt miss this opportunity to spark curiosity and explore future possibilities this summer!
š¦š
Making Waves in Adaptive Aquatics
Students from Patrick Henry High School recently made a splash during an Adaptive Aquatics event hosted at Tennessee High School -- and what a fantastic day it was!
Events included the 25-meter and 50-meter freestyle and backstroke races, along with a crowd-favorite āBiggest Splashā competition. A special congratulations to Aiden J., who earned the silver medal in the Big Splash event!
From friendly competition to lots of smiles, these Rebels showed enthusiasm, teamwork, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. Experiences like this highlight the joy of participation and the power of inclusive opportunities for all students.
Students from Patrick Henry High School recently made a splash during an Adaptive Aquatics event hosted at Tennessee High School -- and what a fantastic day it was!
Events included the 25-meter and 50-meter freestyle and backstroke races, along with a crowd-favorite āBiggest Splashā competition. A special congratulations to Aiden J., who earned the silver medal in the Big Splash event!
From friendly competition to lots of smiles, these Rebels showed enthusiasm, teamwork, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. Experiences like this highlight the joy of participation and the power of inclusive opportunities for all students.
āØ Opening Doors to Future Possibilities
Fifth-grade students from Valley Institute Elementary recently had an unforgettable learning experience during a visit to the campus of Virginia Tech -- and what a day it was!
Thanks to the Pathway to Possibilities at Virginia Tech program, students explored the 4-H Mobile Lab, completed a campus scavenger hunt, participated in hands-on classroom activities, and even enjoyed lunch in the university cafeteria. Throughout the day, students learned all about the brain and human body through engaging, interactive lessons -- from matching organs to practicing āstarfish breathing.ā
Best of all, many students left inspired, sharing that they canāt wait to attend Virginia Tech someday. Experiences like this help students imagine whatās possible and begin seeing their futures in new and exciting ways.
Fifth-grade students from Valley Institute Elementary recently had an unforgettable learning experience during a visit to the campus of Virginia Tech -- and what a day it was!
Thanks to the Pathway to Possibilities at Virginia Tech program, students explored the 4-H Mobile Lab, completed a campus scavenger hunt, participated in hands-on classroom activities, and even enjoyed lunch in the university cafeteria. Throughout the day, students learned all about the brain and human body through engaging, interactive lessons -- from matching organs to practicing āstarfish breathing.ā
Best of all, many students left inspired, sharing that they canāt wait to attend Virginia Tech someday. Experiences like this help students imagine whatās possible and begin seeing their futures in new and exciting ways.
š½ļøāØ Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students from Wallace Middle School recently took part in their third annual etiquette class and luncheon at the historic Martha Washington Inn.
Gifted and Beta Club members enjoyed a delicious meal while learning proper dining etiquette and table manners -- skills that will serve them well far beyond middle school. Following lunch, students were treated to a brief tour of the facility, where they learned about the innās rich history and unique character.
Experiences like this provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities and help students build confidence in professional and social settings.
Students from Wallace Middle School recently took part in their third annual etiquette class and luncheon at the historic Martha Washington Inn.
Gifted and Beta Club members enjoyed a delicious meal while learning proper dining etiquette and table manners -- skills that will serve them well far beyond middle school. Following lunch, students were treated to a brief tour of the facility, where they learned about the innās rich history and unique character.
Experiences like this provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities and help students build confidence in professional and social settings.
