Lexia PowerUP Success at DMS: š
During November, many students in grades 6ā8 at Damascus Middle School worked hard in Lexia PowerUP to earn rewards. As they completed lessons, collected ātrueā usage minutes, and earned certificates, students could qualify for a grade-level UNO tournament and enter a drawing for a free HHS hoodie, generously donated by The Tacklebox.
Their effort paid off! Many DMS students earned spots in the UNO tournaments, demonstrating dedication to improving their reading skills. At the end of the month, three lucky students had their names drawn and each received a brand-new HHS hoodie (thank you to the HHS Athletic Boosters). This month, students are working towards a photo with a friend.
Congratulations to all of our hardworking students for their progress and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work in Lexia PowerUP!
During November, many students in grades 6ā8 at Damascus Middle School worked hard in Lexia PowerUP to earn rewards. As they completed lessons, collected ātrueā usage minutes, and earned certificates, students could qualify for a grade-level UNO tournament and enter a drawing for a free HHS hoodie, generously donated by The Tacklebox.
Their effort paid off! Many DMS students earned spots in the UNO tournaments, demonstrating dedication to improving their reading skills. At the end of the month, three lucky students had their names drawn and each received a brand-new HHS hoodie (thank you to the HHS Athletic Boosters). This month, students are working towards a photo with a friend.
Congratulations to all of our hardworking students for their progress and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work in Lexia PowerUP!

šāØ Happy New Year from Washington County Public Schools!
As we begin a new year, we look forward to fresh opportunities, continued growth, and supporting every student along the way. Hereās to a bright year ahead for our WCPS community!
As we begin a new year, we look forward to fresh opportunities, continued growth, and supporting every student along the way. Hereās to a bright year ahead for our WCPS community!

šš VIES STACK UP! Challenge
Students at Valley Institute Elementary School participated in the STACK UP! World Record Challenge alongside schools from across the United States and around the world. Over three days in November, students helped set a new world record with 784,036 stackers and 2,429 schools taking part!
Weāre proud of our students for their hard work and participation in this exciting global challenge. Way to go, VIES!
Students at Valley Institute Elementary School participated in the STACK UP! World Record Challenge alongside schools from across the United States and around the world. Over three days in November, students helped set a new world record with 784,036 stackers and 2,429 schools taking part!
Weāre proud of our students for their hard work and participation in this exciting global challenge. Way to go, VIES!


šš Before break, High Point Elementary students enjoyed a special visit from the Jack Tale Player Troupe, bringing Appalachian folktales to life through storytelling and performance.
It was a fun and engaging way for students to learn more about the rich storytelling traditions of our region. Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories with us!
It was a fun and engaging way for students to learn more about the rich storytelling traditions of our region. Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories with us!



š§š§ Thanks to a grant from the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, our construction classes at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center can easily move the projects they build -- whether itās a storage building, a tiny home, or a hunting blindāusing a piece of equipment known as āThe Mule.ā



šāØ Each year, the Patrick Henry High School One-Act Team partners with our friends at Theatre Bristol, borrowing costumes and props in exchange for service hours.
Last Wednesday, students spent the day giving back and making a difference! Here are a few highlights from their service day.
Last Wednesday, students spent the day giving back and making a difference! Here are a few highlights from their service day.










šš Merry Christmas from Washington County Public Schools!
We hope today is filled with joy, laughter, and special moments with family and friends. Thank you for being such an incredible school community -- weāre grateful for each of you today and always.
Enjoy the holiday!
We hope today is filled with joy, laughter, and special moments with family and friends. Thank you for being such an incredible school community -- weāre grateful for each of you today and always.
Enjoy the holiday!

šš§ Santaās sleigh, Greendale-style!
5th-grade students put their STEM skills to the test by building Santaās sleigh using only a handful of paper supplies. Creativity was key as they worked to design a sleigh that could pull a stuffed elf, a book, and even a heavy brick!
5th-grade students put their STEM skills to the test by building Santaās sleigh using only a handful of paper supplies. Creativity was key as they worked to design a sleigh that could pull a stuffed elf, a book, and even a heavy brick!




š
⨠A surprise visit from the jolly one himself! Santa recently spread Christmas joy to all at Abingdon Elementary, bringing smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer to our students.








šš§ŖšAs a review activity, students in Mr. Stinsonās 7th-grade life science class at Wallace Middle School revisited key life science concepts through a hands-on owl pellet investigation.





š 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šš»Day 12 ā Holiday Tech Gift Setup: With new devices under the tree, take time to set them up safely. Enable parental controls, review privacy settings, and guide your child on responsible use.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://connectsafely.org/controls/
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šš»Day 12 ā Holiday Tech Gift Setup: With new devices under the tree, take time to set them up safely. Enable parental controls, review privacy settings, and guide your child on responsible use.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://connectsafely.org/controls/

šā¤ļø Community Generosity in Action!
Thanks to the incredible kindness of several churches, businesses, and individual donors, more than 1,200 toys were donated to students at Rhea Valley Elementary School!
This outpouring of support brought big smiles, holiday cheer, and a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this moment so meaningful for our students and families.
Thanks to the incredible kindness of several churches, businesses, and individual donors, more than 1,200 toys were donated to students at Rhea Valley Elementary School!
This outpouring of support brought big smiles, holiday cheer, and a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this moment so meaningful for our students and families.

š 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
š£š”Day 11 ā Digital Footprints Matter: Teach kids that their posts, photos, and messages can last forever. The holiday season is full of moments to share ā but pause and consider privacy before posting.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://fosi.org/picture-perfect-privacy-a-guide-to-responsible-sharing-of-your-kids-photos/
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
š£š”Day 11 ā Digital Footprints Matter: Teach kids that their posts, photos, and messages can last forever. The holiday season is full of moments to share ā but pause and consider privacy before posting.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://fosi.org/picture-perfect-privacy-a-guide-to-responsible-sharing-of-your-kids-photos/

šStudents and staff from the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center participated in Wreaths Across America at Mountain Home Cemetery on Saturday, honoring and remembering the men and women who served our country.
This meaningful experience was rooted in gratitude, respect, and remembrance, and we are proud of our WCCTEC community for taking time to honor our nationās heroes.
This meaningful experience was rooted in gratitude, respect, and remembrance, and we are proud of our WCCTEC community for taking time to honor our nationās heroes.




š 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šš±Day 10 ā Location Settings Check: Turn off unnecessary location-sharing on devices and apps. Just as you protect your home during the holidays, protecting your childās location keeps them safe online.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/training/manage-application-permissions-privacy-and-security#:~:text=The%20Bottom%20Line,To%20mitigate%20this%20risk:
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šš±Day 10 ā Location Settings Check: Turn off unnecessary location-sharing on devices and apps. Just as you protect your home during the holidays, protecting your childās location keeps them safe online.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/training/manage-application-permissions-privacy-and-security#:~:text=The%20Bottom%20Line,To%20mitigate%20this%20risk:

š 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šµš Day 9 ā Healthy Tech Habits: Encourage tech-free zones or times at home ā during meals, holiday activities, or bedtime. Even in a season of screens and devices, unplugged moments with family are priceless.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/How-to-Make-a-Family-Media-Use-Plan.aspx
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
šµš Day 9 ā Healthy Tech Habits: Encourage tech-free zones or times at home ā during meals, holiday activities, or bedtime. Even in a season of screens and devices, unplugged moments with family are priceless.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/How-to-Make-a-Family-Media-Use-Plan.aspx

š£ SCHEDULE CHANGE: Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Buses will run on clear routes only. Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary aged students only) for working parents who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child's elementary school.

š¢ Clinic Update
The clinic at John S. Battle High School is open today from 10:00 a.m. ā 4:00 p.m.
š To schedule an appointment, please call 276-642-5335.
The clinic at John S. Battle High School is open today from 10:00 a.m. ā 4:00 p.m.
š To schedule an appointment, please call 276-642-5335.

WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Cooper (Comer) ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2008.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Ashley Cooper (Comer), 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. Ashley Cooper (Comer), 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


š 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
āļøšDay 8 ā Keep Devices Updated: Keep devices and apps up to date. Updates are like holiday prep ā small steps now can prevent bigger problems later.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/training/keep-your-devices-operating-system-and-applications-date
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, weāre launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety ā a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.
āļøšDay 8 ā Keep Devices Updated: Keep devices and apps up to date. Updates are like holiday prep ā small steps now can prevent bigger problems later.
ā”ļøTo learn more, click here: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/training/keep-your-devices-operating-system-and-applications-date

