š¢ School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan: Updated Q&A and Resources 9/18/2026
As conversations continue about the conceptual facilities plan being discussed by Washington County Public Schools, we have updated our Frequently Asked Questions document with new information to help answer questions that have been raised recently.
The updated Q&A now includes:
*How could location affect student travel distances?
*Bus rides and transportation
*News coverage and additional resources
We encourage families and community members to review the updated Q&A for this additional information and resources.
School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan Website:
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
CIP Q&A: https://shorturl.at/5lyUJ
We will continue to update the Q&A as additional questions are raised and new information becomes available.
As conversations continue about the conceptual facilities plan being discussed by Washington County Public Schools, we have updated our Frequently Asked Questions document with new information to help answer questions that have been raised recently.
The updated Q&A now includes:
*How could location affect student travel distances?
*Bus rides and transportation
*News coverage and additional resources
We encourage families and community members to review the updated Q&A for this additional information and resources.
School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan Website:
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
CIP Q&A: https://shorturl.at/5lyUJ
We will continue to update the Q&A as additional questions are raised and new information becomes available.
āļø Celebrating Constitution Day at Patrick Henry High School
Patrick Henry High Schoolās Student Council Association helped students and staff celebrate Constitution Day yesterday with a little history and a whole lot of tea!
During 4th block, SCA members shared a cup of tea with each student and staff member ā a fun nod to the Boston Tea Party and the history behind Constitution Day.
Thank you to the PHHS SCA for helping make Constitution Day a fun and memorable day!
Patrick Henry High Schoolās Student Council Association helped students and staff celebrate Constitution Day yesterday with a little history and a whole lot of tea!
During 4th block, SCA members shared a cup of tea with each student and staff member ā a fun nod to the Boston Tea Party and the history behind Constitution Day.
Thank you to the PHHS SCA for helping make Constitution Day a fun and memorable day!
š„¬Holston FFA students delivered fresh lettuce from their greenhouse to Rhea Valley Elementary yesterday -- and today, that lettuce is being served to students across our schools!
More than 600 heads of Romaine lettuce were harvested this week after six weeks of daily work by students, from sowing seeds and monitoring the plants to managing water quality and nutrients.
Itās pretty cool to see the full process come together -- grown by our students, delivered by our staff, and served to our students.
More than 600 heads of Romaine lettuce were harvested this week after six weeks of daily work by students, from sowing seeds and monitoring the plants to managing water quality and nutrients.
Itās pretty cool to see the full process come together -- grown by our students, delivered by our staff, and served to our students.
š„¬ From the greenhouse to our cafeterias
The Holston High School Horticulture students are at it again!
After successfully growing and harvesting lettuce for our school cafeterias in August, students recently completed another harvest from the schoolās hydroponic greenhouse.
Students worked together to harvest and package the lettuce, prepare it for transport, and get it ready to make its way from the greenhouse to our cafeterias.
Tomorrow, that lettuce will once again be served on salad bars at our schools!
The Holston High School Horticulture students are at it again!
After successfully growing and harvesting lettuce for our school cafeterias in August, students recently completed another harvest from the schoolās hydroponic greenhouse.
Students worked together to harvest and package the lettuce, prepare it for transport, and get it ready to make its way from the greenhouse to our cafeterias.
Tomorrow, that lettuce will once again be served on salad bars at our schools!
šššš Washington County FFA Hosts Appalachian Classic
On Tuesday, the Patrick Henry High School FFA Chapter, along with agriculture community volunteers, hosted the 4th Annual Appalachian Classic Livestock Judging Contest at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
More than 300 students from within a 250-mile radius came to compete and demonstrate their knowledge and ability to evaluate four species of livestock: beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats.
Washington County students represented their FFA chapters well, earning top spots in both team and individual rankings!
On Tuesday, the Patrick Henry High School FFA Chapter, along with agriculture community volunteers, hosted the 4th Annual Appalachian Classic Livestock Judging Contest at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
More than 300 students from within a 250-mile radius came to compete and demonstrate their knowledge and ability to evaluate four species of livestock: beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats.
Washington County students represented their FFA chapters well, earning top spots in both team and individual rankings!
š®āāļøš©āāļøšØāšOur Community Helpers
Second-grade students at High Point Elementary have been learning about the important people who help make our communities strong and successful.
As part of their āOur Community Helpersā project, each student chose a community helper who interested them and researched their job, responsibilities, and contributions to the community. Students then showed what they learned by creating a craft representing their chosen community helper.
Through the project, students discovered that every community helper plays an important role and that people in many different careers work together to help, protect, educate, and serve others.
Second-grade students at High Point Elementary have been learning about the important people who help make our communities strong and successful.
As part of their āOur Community Helpersā project, each student chose a community helper who interested them and researched their job, responsibilities, and contributions to the community. Students then showed what they learned by creating a craft representing their chosen community helper.
Through the project, students discovered that every community helper plays an important role and that people in many different careers work together to help, protect, educate, and serve others.
š£ Parent Resource Center Family Event
Washington County families are invited to a free community event on Thursday, October 8, from 4ā7 p.m. at Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church!
Families can connect with a variety of free resources, including:
*VDHās mobile health bus
*Clothing closet
*Dental services through Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
*Haircuts
*Free food
The event is open to all families, and preregistration is encouraged! Registering ahead of time helps our community partners plan for staffing and supplies.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/95AigMsrZ8pHXEQ47
This event is hosted by the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center in collaboration with Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, VDH, and Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic.
Washington County families are invited to a free community event on Thursday, October 8, from 4ā7 p.m. at Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church!
Families can connect with a variety of free resources, including:
*VDHās mobile health bus
*Clothing closet
*Dental services through Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
*Haircuts
*Free food
The event is open to all families, and preregistration is encouraged! Registering ahead of time helps our community partners plan for staffing and supplies.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/95AigMsrZ8pHXEQ47
This event is hosted by the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center in collaboration with Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, VDH, and Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic.
š Looking for a part-time job with a little flexibility?
Washington County Public Schools is looking for Substitute School Nutrition Assistants to join our School Nutrition teams across the division.
These positions are part-time and flexible, making them a great option for someone looking to work around their schedule. School Nutrition Assistants help prepare and serve meals to our students while working alongside a friendly and welcoming team.
*$15/Hour
*Part-Time Flexible Positions
*Multiple Positions Countywide
*Food Preparation & Service
*K-12 Schools
*Friendly & Welcoming Environment
Interested? Learn more and apply here: https://washingtonco.schoolspring.com/?jobid=4980135
Come be part of the team that helps keep our students fueled throughout the school day!
Washington County Public Schools is looking for Substitute School Nutrition Assistants to join our School Nutrition teams across the division.
These positions are part-time and flexible, making them a great option for someone looking to work around their schedule. School Nutrition Assistants help prepare and serve meals to our students while working alongside a friendly and welcoming team.
*$15/Hour
*Part-Time Flexible Positions
*Multiple Positions Countywide
*Food Preparation & Service
*K-12 Schools
*Friendly & Welcoming Environment
Interested? Learn more and apply here: https://washingtonco.schoolspring.com/?jobid=4980135
Come be part of the team that helps keep our students fueled throughout the school day!
š¢WCPS Receives More Than $400,000 in State Grants to Support Students, School Safety, and Career & Technical Education
Washington County Public Schools has been awarded a total of $415,532 in grants from the Virginia Department of Education to support student services, school safety and innovative learning opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year.
The grants include $250,000 for the Community Schools initiative, $115,532 through the School Security Equipment Grant Program, and $50,000 to support planning for an innovative approach to programming at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center.
Grant Writing Partnership
More than $300,000 of this grant funding has been secured during the first six months of our partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. The partnership provides professional grant writing support, fully funded by CNE and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, at no cost to students or taxpayers.
Grant funding is competitive and is not guaranteed. The partnership brings together professional grant writing expertise with the school divisionās knowledge of the needs of its students and schools. Together, that expertise has helped WCPS pursue additional funding opportunities and bring more resources into the division.
This early success demonstrates the value of continued partnerships in helping WCPS create additional opportunities and resources for students.
Community Schools Initiative ā $250,000
WCPS has been awarded a $250,000 grant to continue and expand its Community Schools initiative across all 16 WCPS schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
Community Schools is a statewide model that brings together schools, families and community partners to address the range of needs that can affect a student's ability to learn and thrive. The model connects academic support, behavioral and physical health services, family engagement and basic needs resources, such as food and clothing, so students and families can access coordinated support through their schools.
The funding is part of a $7.5 million statewide investment from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly and will support efforts to expand behavioral health support capacity, strengthen family engagement, continue in-school student support coordination and help provide basic-needs resources for students across the division.
WCPS has participated in the Community Schools initiative since 2023, and 14 of its 16 schools have already earned official Virginia Community Schools Designation.
School Security Equipment Grant ā $115,532
The Virginia Department of Education has awarded WCPS a total of $115,532 through the 2026 School Security Equipment Grant Program. The funding will support security improvements and equipment at four schools in Washington County:
*E.B. Stanley Middle School: Security vestibule and two-way radios
*Meadowview Elementary School: Two-way radios
*Valley Institute Elementary School: Security cameras
*Wallace Middle School: Security cameras and two-way radios
These improvements will provide schools with additional tools and resources to support safe and secure learning environments for students and staff.
Innovation Grant ā $50,000
WCPS has also been awarded $50,000 to support planning for an innovative approach to programming at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC).
The project will explore ways to integrate government, English and mathematics instruction with career and technical education so students who choose to do so can spend their full school day at WCCTEC rather than returning to their home high schools for core academic classes.
The goal is to create a more integrated learning experience that connects academic coursework with career and technical education and gives students opportunities to apply what they are learning to real-world situations.
The grant funding will support the planning and development work needed to explore this model.
Together, these grants provide $415,532 in new funding to support student needs, innovative learning opportunities and school safety across Washington County Public Schools.
Washington County Public Schools has been awarded a total of $415,532 in grants from the Virginia Department of Education to support student services, school safety and innovative learning opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year.
The grants include $250,000 for the Community Schools initiative, $115,532 through the School Security Equipment Grant Program, and $50,000 to support planning for an innovative approach to programming at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center.
Grant Writing Partnership
More than $300,000 of this grant funding has been secured during the first six months of our partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. The partnership provides professional grant writing support, fully funded by CNE and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, at no cost to students or taxpayers.
Grant funding is competitive and is not guaranteed. The partnership brings together professional grant writing expertise with the school divisionās knowledge of the needs of its students and schools. Together, that expertise has helped WCPS pursue additional funding opportunities and bring more resources into the division.
This early success demonstrates the value of continued partnerships in helping WCPS create additional opportunities and resources for students.
Community Schools Initiative ā $250,000
WCPS has been awarded a $250,000 grant to continue and expand its Community Schools initiative across all 16 WCPS schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
Community Schools is a statewide model that brings together schools, families and community partners to address the range of needs that can affect a student's ability to learn and thrive. The model connects academic support, behavioral and physical health services, family engagement and basic needs resources, such as food and clothing, so students and families can access coordinated support through their schools.
The funding is part of a $7.5 million statewide investment from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly and will support efforts to expand behavioral health support capacity, strengthen family engagement, continue in-school student support coordination and help provide basic-needs resources for students across the division.
WCPS has participated in the Community Schools initiative since 2023, and 14 of its 16 schools have already earned official Virginia Community Schools Designation.
School Security Equipment Grant ā $115,532
The Virginia Department of Education has awarded WCPS a total of $115,532 through the 2026 School Security Equipment Grant Program. The funding will support security improvements and equipment at four schools in Washington County:
*E.B. Stanley Middle School: Security vestibule and two-way radios
*Meadowview Elementary School: Two-way radios
*Valley Institute Elementary School: Security cameras
*Wallace Middle School: Security cameras and two-way radios
These improvements will provide schools with additional tools and resources to support safe and secure learning environments for students and staff.
Innovation Grant ā $50,000
WCPS has also been awarded $50,000 to support planning for an innovative approach to programming at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC).
The project will explore ways to integrate government, English and mathematics instruction with career and technical education so students who choose to do so can spend their full school day at WCCTEC rather than returning to their home high schools for core academic classes.
The goal is to create a more integrated learning experience that connects academic coursework with career and technical education and gives students opportunities to apply what they are learning to real-world situations.
The grant funding will support the planning and development work needed to explore this model.
Together, these grants provide $415,532 in new funding to support student needs, innovative learning opportunities and school safety across Washington County Public Schools.
š”š It's Washington County Fair Week
We're excited to see our WCPS students out at the Washington County Fair this week, showcasing their hard work, talents and school spirit! Check out the flyer below for a look at the events and activities happening throughout the week.
And don't forget about WCPS Student Fair Free Admission Day!
*Friday, September 18
*1:00ā4:00 p.m.
WCPS students may be checked out of school at 1:00 p.m. by a parent or guardian and will be admitted to the Fair free of charge from 1:00ā4:00 p.m.
*Parent admission: $10
We're excited to see our WCPS students out at the Washington County Fair this week, showcasing their hard work, talents and school spirit! Check out the flyer below for a look at the events and activities happening throughout the week.
And don't forget about WCPS Student Fair Free Admission Day!
*Friday, September 18
*1:00ā4:00 p.m.
WCPS students may be checked out of school at 1:00 p.m. by a parent or guardian and will be admitted to the Fair free of charge from 1:00ā4:00 p.m.
*Parent admission: $10
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¢ School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan: Updates and Resources
As conversations continue about the conceptual facilities plan being discussed by Washington County Public Schools, we have added new information to help answer questions that have been asked recently.
Our Frequently Asked Questions document has been updated with new questions and answers based on questions we have received from families, staff and community members in various public forums, school board meetings, and in community conversations.
We have also added additional resources to the School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan page on the WCPS website, including:
*An updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) priorities timeline
*The School Board Resolution regarding the proposed 1% local sales tax referendum
*A letter to the Washington County Board of Supervisors regarding a potential spring special election
*Additional information and resources related to the conceptual facilities plan and future planning
We encourage families and community members to visit the School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan page to review the updated information and resources.
Website Link: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
We also want to hear from you. As this conversation continues, community input will be an important part of the planning process. If you have questions, ideas or feedback about the future of WCPS facilities, we encourage you to share your input with us.
As a reminder, the facilities plan remains conceptual, and no decisions have been made regarding the proposed school configurations or projects. We will continue to share information as the conversation develops and as additional questions are raised.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more, ask questions and be part of the conversation about the future of WCPS.
As conversations continue about the conceptual facilities plan being discussed by Washington County Public Schools, we have added new information to help answer questions that have been asked recently.
Our Frequently Asked Questions document has been updated with new questions and answers based on questions we have received from families, staff and community members in various public forums, school board meetings, and in community conversations.
We have also added additional resources to the School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan page on the WCPS website, including:
*An updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) priorities timeline
*The School Board Resolution regarding the proposed 1% local sales tax referendum
*A letter to the Washington County Board of Supervisors regarding a potential spring special election
*Additional information and resources related to the conceptual facilities plan and future planning
We encourage families and community members to visit the School Facilities and Capital Improvement Plan page to review the updated information and resources.
Website Link: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
We also want to hear from you. As this conversation continues, community input will be an important part of the planning process. If you have questions, ideas or feedback about the future of WCPS facilities, we encourage you to share your input with us.
As a reminder, the facilities plan remains conceptual, and no decisions have been made regarding the proposed school configurations or projects. We will continue to share information as the conversation develops and as additional questions are raised.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more, ask questions and be part of the conversation about the future of WCPS.
ššŖ Learning yearbook design ā with a tasty twist
The Phoenix Yearbook Staff at John S. Battle High School recently took part in a āDelicious Designā lesson to learn the anatomy of a yearbook spread -- using food to help bring the lesson to life!
After putting their design skills to work, they got to do the best part of the assignment: eat their homework!
The Phoenix Yearbook Staff at John S. Battle High School recently took part in a āDelicious Designā lesson to learn the anatomy of a yearbook spread -- using food to help bring the lesson to life!
After putting their design skills to work, they got to do the best part of the assignment: eat their homework!
We Remember.
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, service members and countless others who helped in the days that followed.
We remember the lives changed, the families affected and the spirit of unity that brought our country together.
September 11, 2001 -- We will never forget.
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, service members and countless others who helped in the days that followed.
We remember the lives changed, the families affected and the spirit of unity that brought our country together.
September 11, 2001 -- We will never forget.
āļø Talk about a great way to start the morning
Mrs. Griffinās class at Greendale Elementary recently rolled out their very first coffee cart, and our little baristas were ready to get to work!
Teachers placed their orders, while students helped sort creamers and sugars, put everything together in bags, and deliver coffee to staff throughout the building. With a little help from Greendaleās COTA and PTA to navigate the halls, these students brought plenty of smiles along the way.
Mrs. Griffinās class at Greendale Elementary recently rolled out their very first coffee cart, and our little baristas were ready to get to work!
Teachers placed their orders, while students helped sort creamers and sugars, put everything together in bags, and deliver coffee to staff throughout the building. With a little help from Greendaleās COTA and PTA to navigate the halls, these students brought plenty of smiles along the way.
š¾Kindness in Action
We love hearing about the little moments happening in our schools that show just how much kindness, compassion and character our students have.
Recently at Watauga Elementary, students were caught doing the right thing simply because they saw a need and stepped up:
*Wiping syrup off a teacherās table
*Giving a group hug to a friend having a rough morning
*Helping serve hotdogs at Open House
*Cleaning the gym floor to help save our custodians some time
These may seem like small acts, but they make a big difference. They show kindness, empathy, responsibility and a willingness to help others -- qualities we hope to see in all of our students.
We love hearing about the little moments happening in our schools that show just how much kindness, compassion and character our students have.
Recently at Watauga Elementary, students were caught doing the right thing simply because they saw a need and stepped up:
*Wiping syrup off a teacherās table
*Giving a group hug to a friend having a rough morning
*Helping serve hotdogs at Open House
*Cleaning the gym floor to help save our custodians some time
These may seem like small acts, but they make a big difference. They show kindness, empathy, responsibility and a willingness to help others -- qualities we hope to see in all of our students.
āØ Happy Labor Day from Washington County Public Schools
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication and contributions of workers in our community and across the country.
At WCPS, weāre especially thankful for the dedicated staff members who work each day to support our students and schools. Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our students and families!
š¢ Washington County Public Schools has been monitoring the heat conditions throughout the day, and temperatures and wet-bulb globe temperatures have remained consistently above the Virginia High School Leagueās recommended threshold for outdoor activities.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Friday, September 4. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
All of our high school football teams are scheduled to play on the road today. Any decision regarding those games will be made by the host school divisions based on conditions.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Friday, September 4. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
All of our high school football teams are scheduled to play on the road today. Any decision regarding those games will be made by the host school divisions based on conditions.
šMeadowview Elementaryās 4th graders put their math skills to work with a fun word problem pizza activity!
Students created their own word problems using pizza as the theme, then challenged their classmates to read, solve and show their thinking.
Students created their own word problems using pizza as the theme, then challenged their classmates to read, solve and show their thinking.
š Building Strong Readers Through Structured Literacy
Weāre excited to have 35 Washington County Public Schools teachers participating in Orton-Gillingham (OG) Structured Literacy training this week at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center!
Each year, WCPS provides this training for new staff members as part of our ongoing commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and helping every student become a strong, confident reader.
The Orton-Gillingham approach gives teachers explicit, systematic, sequential and multisensory strategies that support the development of reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary and oral language skills.
These strategies benefit all learners while providing important support for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Most importantly, our teachers are gaining practical tools and strategies they can take directly back to their classrooms and put to work with students.
Weāre incredibly proud of these educators for investing in their professional growth and, most importantly, in the success of their students!
A special thank you to Shane Baxter, our OG instructor, for sharing his expertise, knowledge and passion for structured literacy with our teachers. We appreciate his continued partnership and dedication to supporting our educators!
Weāre excited to have 35 Washington County Public Schools teachers participating in Orton-Gillingham (OG) Structured Literacy training this week at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center!
Each year, WCPS provides this training for new staff members as part of our ongoing commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and helping every student become a strong, confident reader.
The Orton-Gillingham approach gives teachers explicit, systematic, sequential and multisensory strategies that support the development of reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary and oral language skills.
These strategies benefit all learners while providing important support for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Most importantly, our teachers are gaining practical tools and strategies they can take directly back to their classrooms and put to work with students.
Weāre incredibly proud of these educators for investing in their professional growth and, most importantly, in the success of their students!
A special thank you to Shane Baxter, our OG instructor, for sharing his expertise, knowledge and passion for structured literacy with our teachers. We appreciate his continued partnership and dedication to supporting our educators!
