š”āØ Innovation in Action
WCPS staff recently partnered with TEACH for a hands-on professional development session: "The Near Future of Generative AI in the High School ELA Classroom."
Instead of the usual sit-and-get, Cary Wright led teachers through an interactive journey that blended Virginia's standards, AI's potential, and the everyday realities of teaching.
From exploring ethics and equity, to tackling challenges ahead, to testing real AI tools for lesson planning and grading -- our staff left with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration!
WCPS staff recently partnered with TEACH for a hands-on professional development session: "The Near Future of Generative AI in the High School ELA Classroom."
Instead of the usual sit-and-get, Cary Wright led teachers through an interactive journey that blended Virginia's standards, AI's potential, and the everyday realities of teaching.
From exploring ethics and equity, to tackling challenges ahead, to testing real AI tools for lesson planning and grading -- our staff left with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration!
šāØLearning is in full bloom at Meadowview Elementary School! Mrs. Taylor's Pre-K class has been busy exploring their very own classroom Apple Orchard. From colors and numbers to letters and sensory play, our youngest learners are harvesting curiosity and fun every day!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Jones ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2006.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Sarah Jones, 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. Sarah Jones, 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¬š¬ Scientifically Investigating Marshmallows
Mrs. Adams' first graders at Abingdon Elementary School put their senses to work as young scientists this week! Using the scientific method (and some very yummy marshmallows), students observed, tested, and even added descriptive adjectives to their conclusions.
Hands-on learning never tasted so sweet!
Mrs. Adams' first graders at Abingdon Elementary School put their senses to work as young scientists this week! Using the scientific method (and some very yummy marshmallows), students observed, tested, and even added descriptive adjectives to their conclusions.
Hands-on learning never tasted so sweet!
ā°āØ Reminder for Friday, September 12
All WCPS students will dismiss 3 hours early tomorrow for School Days at the Fair.
We're excited to celebrate the 20th Annual School Days at the Fair with our students and staff:
š Friday, September 12, 2025
š 12:00 ā 3:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds
šļø Free admission for WCPS students & staff (with ID badge) | Parents just $5
All WCPS students will dismiss 3 hours early tomorrow for School Days at the Fair.
We're excited to celebrate the 20th Annual School Days at the Fair with our students and staff:
š Friday, September 12, 2025
š 12:00 ā 3:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds
šļø Free admission for WCPS students & staff (with ID badge) | Parents just $5
āØAt Glade Spring Middle School, teamwork and pride are on full display thanks to Lauren K. and Kylee H. Every day, these dedicated students make sure our country and state flags are raised high and flying proudly over GSMS.
Thank you, Lauren and Kylee, for starting each day with respect, responsibility, and school spirit.
Thank you, Lauren and Kylee, for starting each day with respect, responsibility, and school spirit.
šāØ Attention WCPS High School Students & Families!
Happening TONIGHT ā donāt miss VHCC College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center from 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. š
Youāll have the chance to meet representatives from 50+ colleges and universities including VHCC, King, ETSU, Emory & Henry, Virginia Tech, Radford, UVA-Wise, Milligan, and many more!
This is your one-stop event to:
ā Explore programs and majors
ā Learn how to pay for college
ā Discover scholarship opportunities
ā Ask questions directly to college reps
š Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
š When: Tonight, 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m.
š Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration
Donāt miss this opportunity to start planning your future after high school! š
Happening TONIGHT ā donāt miss VHCC College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center from 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. š
Youāll have the chance to meet representatives from 50+ colleges and universities including VHCC, King, ETSU, Emory & Henry, Virginia Tech, Radford, UVA-Wise, Milligan, and many more!
This is your one-stop event to:
ā Explore programs and majors
ā Learn how to pay for college
ā Discover scholarship opportunities
ā Ask questions directly to college reps
š Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
š When: Tonight, 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m.
š Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration
Donāt miss this opportunity to start planning your future after high school! š
āāØBe a Bean Recognition
Did you know that replacing lockers in a single high school can be costly? Instead of buying them, WCPS is building them -- thanks to the incredible talent at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Our WCCTEC Carpentry students, led by Mr. Greer, have been hard at work crafting brand-new lockers for Holston High School and Patrick Henry High School. From football to basketball, these custom projects are a perfect showcase of skill, teamwork, and school spirit.
With sanding and finishing support from Mr. Burress and his Collision Repair students, plus installation by our WCPS Maintenance staff, these lockers are truly a homegrown success story.
This is what it means to Be a Bean -- saving resources, building opportunities, and showing the power of collaboration between students, staff, and schools!
Did you know that replacing lockers in a single high school can be costly? Instead of buying them, WCPS is building them -- thanks to the incredible talent at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Our WCCTEC Carpentry students, led by Mr. Greer, have been hard at work crafting brand-new lockers for Holston High School and Patrick Henry High School. From football to basketball, these custom projects are a perfect showcase of skill, teamwork, and school spirit.
With sanding and finishing support from Mr. Burress and his Collision Repair students, plus installation by our WCPS Maintenance staff, these lockers are truly a homegrown success story.
This is what it means to Be a Bean -- saving resources, building opportunities, and showing the power of collaboration between students, staff, and schools!
šāØ This evening, students who participated in this summerās WCPS Theatre Arts Camp shared their experiences with the School Board members!
For the past four years, WCPS has partnered with the talented team at the Emory & Henry Theatre and Dance Department to make this camp possible. From singing and dancing to acting, set design, and stage production, students not only explored the arts but also built confidence, discovered new talents, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.
A huge thank-you to our friends at E&H for continuing to help our WCPS students shine ā both on and off the stage!
Weāre excited to announce our initial sponsors for the upcoming WCPS Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile! Over the next few weeks, weāll be highlighting the other amazing organizations and businesses helping us bring this fun, family-friendly event to life. Their generosity ensures we can host a race that supports our students, staff, and community.
Sponsorship Levels:
*Monster Sponsor ā $100
*Spooky Sponsor ā $250
*Pumpkin Premier Sponsor ā $500+
A huge thank you to our initial Pumpkin Premier sponsors ā we couldnāt do it without you!
*Pillion & Smith Pediatric Dental Associates
*Westfall Orthodontics
*Anderson & Sons Meat Processing
*Farm Bureau Virginia (Myra Johnson)
*J.A. Street General Contractors
*Hapco
Already, 165 runners, walkers, families, and friends have registered ā and we want YOU to join the fun!
*When: Saturday, October 18
*Where: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon (Wye Park)
*Race Start: 4:00 p.m. (packet pickup & registration begin at 2:00 p.m.)
Registration Details:
*WCPS Students & Staff: FREE if you pre-register by Oct. 3
*Parents & Community Members: $20 if you pre-register by Oct. 3
(Late registration: $10 students | $15 staff | $30 community)
Donāt miss your chance to snag an event t-shirt in your size ā pre-register by October 3!
Costumes encouraged (family-friendly, please: no masks, nothing scary or gory) ā with awards for:
*Best Team Costume
*Funniest Costume
*Best Homemade Costume
*Register now: https://www.athlinks.com/event/397082
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Courtney Tipton-Dillard ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2019.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Courtney Tipton-Dillard, 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. Courtney Tipton-Dillard, 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
āØ A special night at Holston High School!
This evening, our Cavaliers had the honor of welcoming and recognizing several distinguished guests whose support makes a tremendous difference for our students and schools.
We are grateful to Delegate Israel OāQuinn, Senator Todd Pillion, School Board Chair Debbie Anderson, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Mike Rush, County Administrator Jason Berry, Commonwealthās Attorney Josh Cumbow, Sheriff Blake Andis, Commissioner of the Revenue April Crabtree, and Damascus Mayor Katie Lamb for their continued advocacy and partnership. Because of their support, Holston has seen exciting improvements ā including a renovated field house, new band instruments, a safety vestibule and enhanced front entrance ā with plans underway to replace auditorium seating. Each of these projects helps create a safer, stronger, and more engaging school environment for our Cavaliers.
We were also thrilled to welcome two very special guests to tonightās game ā former Virginia Governor George Allen and former Washington Redskins linebacker Ken Harvey. Mr. Harvey joined us to help highlight an important cause: the Coaches versus Overdoses initiative, in partnership with the Virginia Attorney General and the Commonwealth Football Coaches Association. This effort raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs and reminds us that working together can save lives.
Ken Harvey also joined our Cavaliers at midfield to assist with the coin toss ā a powerful moment to kick off the game and this life-saving message: Just One Pill Can Kill.
Thank you to these leaders and advocates for their commitment to Washington County students, families, and communities.
Weāll have a few very special guests joining us at tonightās Holston High School football game: Former Virginia Governor George Allen and former Washington Commanders linebacker Ken Harvey! Mr. Harvey will even help with the coin toss to kick off the night.
Heās also here to spotlight the Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative ā a partnership with the Virginia Attorney Generalās Office that raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs. This powerful effort equips schools, families, and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent tragedies and save lives.
At WCPS, weāre proud to bring this message to the field ā because protecting our students and community matters more than anything.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Overdoses, click here: https://www.coachesvsoverdoses.com/
Heās also here to spotlight the Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative ā a partnership with the Virginia Attorney Generalās Office that raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs. This powerful effort equips schools, families, and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent tragedies and save lives.
At WCPS, weāre proud to bring this message to the field ā because protecting our students and community matters more than anything.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Overdoses, click here: https://www.coachesvsoverdoses.com/
Itās almost time for Community Day at Emory & Henry University!
This Saturday, Sept. 6, the Wasps will roll out the blue and gold carpet for their first home football game of the season. Starting at 11 a.m., families can enjoy free kidsā activities, giveaways, and local food trucksāthanks to the support of Stateline Services!
At 1 p.m., the Wasps take on Catawba College in their second season competing in NCAA Division II football.
On Community Day, kids 12 and under get in free with an accompanying adult. General admission is $15, reserved seating $20ātickets available at the gate.
This Saturday, Sept. 6, the Wasps will roll out the blue and gold carpet for their first home football game of the season. Starting at 11 a.m., families can enjoy free kidsā activities, giveaways, and local food trucksāthanks to the support of Stateline Services!
At 1 p.m., the Wasps take on Catawba College in their second season competing in NCAA Division II football.
On Community Day, kids 12 and under get in free with an accompanying adult. General admission is $15, reserved seating $20ātickets available at the gate.
Switching things up at Greendale Elementary
Yesterday morning, Mr. Colston, principal at Greendale, stepped back into the classroom to teach language arts -- and both he and the students loved the change of pace. Nothing like leading by example and showing that learning is always at the heart of what we do!
Yesterday morning, Mr. Colston, principal at Greendale, stepped back into the classroom to teach language arts -- and both he and the students loved the change of pace. Nothing like leading by example and showing that learning is always at the heart of what we do!
After starting the morning at Meadowview Elementary, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and special guests continued their visit at Glade Spring Middle School!
There, they met with students to share the importance of the National Child Identification Program I.D. Kit ā a tool designed to help families keep their children safe.
We are grateful to AG Miyares, Former Governor George Allen, Delegate Israel OāQuinn, the Washington County Sheriffās Office, and our community partners for taking the time to empower and educate our students.
Together, weāre working to keep kids safe both online and in our community.
To learn more about the National Child Identification Program I.D. Kit, click here: https://childidprogram.com/the-id-kit/
There, they met with students to share the importance of the National Child Identification Program I.D. Kit ā a tool designed to help families keep their children safe.
We are grateful to AG Miyares, Former Governor George Allen, Delegate Israel OāQuinn, the Washington County Sheriffās Office, and our community partners for taking the time to empower and educate our students.
Together, weāre working to keep kids safe both online and in our community.
To learn more about the National Child Identification Program I.D. Kit, click here: https://childidprogram.com/the-id-kit/
This morning, families from Meadowview Elementary and Glade Spring Middle came together for an important Protecting Kids Online Town Hall at Meadowview Elementary.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined educators, law enforcement, and community partners to shine a light on the dangers children face online ā and to share tools and strategies to help parents and grandparents keep kids safe in the digital world.
Also joining the conversation were Former Virginia Governor George Allen, Delegate Israel OāQuinn, the Virginia State Police, and the Washington County Sheriffās Office, along with WCPS board members, staff, and student leaders from Patrick Henry High School.
Thank you to all who helped make this event possible ā and to our families for taking the time to learn, listen, and lead in protecting our students. Together, we can help our kids use technology wisely and safely!
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined educators, law enforcement, and community partners to shine a light on the dangers children face online ā and to share tools and strategies to help parents and grandparents keep kids safe in the digital world.
Also joining the conversation were Former Virginia Governor George Allen, Delegate Israel OāQuinn, the Virginia State Police, and the Washington County Sheriffās Office, along with WCPS board members, staff, and student leaders from Patrick Henry High School.
Thank you to all who helped make this event possible ā and to our families for taking the time to learn, listen, and lead in protecting our students. Together, we can help our kids use technology wisely and safely!
Congratulations to WCPS Board Member Jenny Nichols for completing the inaugural Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows program!
Over the past four months, Ms. Nichols joined 16 other leaders from across the Commonwealth to dive into Virginia's full education continuum -- from early childhood through higher education. Together, they explored both challenges and successes in education, while building bipartisan partnerships across rural and urban districts.
The program, directed by The Hunt Institute, is designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging education leaders, and we are so proud of Ms. Nichols for representing Washington County in this important work.
To learn more, click here: https://hunt-institute.org/news/virginia-policymakers-hspf-inaugural-first-cohort/
Over the past four months, Ms. Nichols joined 16 other leaders from across the Commonwealth to dive into Virginia's full education continuum -- from early childhood through higher education. Together, they explored both challenges and successes in education, while building bipartisan partnerships across rural and urban districts.
The program, directed by The Hunt Institute, is designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging education leaders, and we are so proud of Ms. Nichols for representing Washington County in this important work.
To learn more, click here: https://hunt-institute.org/news/virginia-policymakers-hspf-inaugural-first-cohort/
Our 4th and 5th grade Safety Patrol members at Greendale Elementary School have been hard at work making sure arrival and dismissal run smoothly and safely each day. From welcoming new students to keeping sidewalks safe during bus dismissal, this crew does it all!
Safety Patrol teams rotate every nine weeks, giving more students the chance to serve, lead and shine.
A big thank-you to these student leaders for keeping Greendale safe and welcoming for everyone!
Safety Patrol teams rotate every nine weeks, giving more students the chance to serve, lead and shine.
A big thank-you to these student leaders for keeping Greendale safe and welcoming for everyone!
September School Nutrition Menu Update:
Our Sunshine Salads will now be served on Friday, September 19 and Friday, September 26 (since the 12th is a 3-hour early dismissal).
Looking ahead to October, get ready for something new ā our delicious Harvest Salad will make its debut!
Our Sunshine Salads will now be served on Friday, September 19 and Friday, September 26 (since the 12th is a 3-hour early dismissal).
Looking ahead to October, get ready for something new ā our delicious Harvest Salad will make its debut!