Embracing Appalachian Culture: Mr. Redman's Humanities class at John S. Battle High School presented aspects of Appalachian culture from the Foxfire series. Students made cookies, dolls, quilt squares, and presented the history of face jars, and more! One student even taught her classmates how to square dance!
STEM Education: Dr. Heaton's science students recently put a fun twist on genetics with Punnett Square Speed Dating! Students paired up to predict the possible genetic outcomes of imaginary offspring -- exploring dominate and recessive traits in a fast-paced and engaging way.
š Memorable Experience for Abingdon High School Foreign Exchange Students š
Thanks to Mr. Blackson, a social studies teacher at Abingdon High School, five foreign exchange students had the amazing opportunity to take a trip to Richmond. While there, they were honored with a special recognition on the House floor by Del. Israel O'Quinn. The students also had a chance to have a great conversation with Del. O'Quinn!
Check out this video to see the recognition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRbmhsmzPns
Important Information for Damascus Area Students: No Bus Service to Konnarock, Green Cove, and Taylors Valley today, Friday, February 21, 2025.
Schedule Update: It has been a busy day for our road checkers, assessing road conditions across the county. VDOT has done a great job of clearing roads of snow and ice. As a result, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule tomorrow, Friday, February 21, 2025.
We are aware that some roads, particularly in the Valley Institute area, remain snow and ice covered. Because of this, buses will be running on clear routes only. We encourage parents of teen drivers to check road conditions before they head out in the morning. If slick roads prevent your child from attending school, please contact your child's principal.
The 2-Hour Delay will also give real feel temperatures time to rise by about 10 degrees between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child's school.
Our road checkers will be out again early tomorrow morning evaluating conditions. Should a shift to a Remote Learning Day be necessary, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. Please note, if we transition to a Remote Learning Day, childcare will not be provided.
Stay safe, and we will keep you updated!
āļø Snow Day Fun āļø
After receiving even more great photos from our students enjoying yesterdayās snow day ā from playing outside in the snow to having fun with board games indoors with their families ā we just had to share a few more moments!
Check out how our WCPS students made the most of the winter wonderland!
š Get to Know Your Washington County School Board Members š
As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, it's the perfect time to get to know the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the best educational experiences possible!
Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Crystal Rasnake.
Important Update: Due to continued deteriorating road conditions, we have made the decision to cancel the Remote Learning Day Meal Pick Up at Abingdon High School today.
We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Stay safe and warm!
Schedule Update: Due to deteriorating weather conditions, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day for today, Thursday, February 20, 2025. No childcare will be provided.
Due to the Remote Learning Day, breakfast and lunch meals will be available for Washington County students at one central location. Meals can be picked up between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School. Follow the signage to the back cafeteria door for pick up.
Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Childcare will be provided for working families at elementary schools. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child's school.
Due to predicted winter weather this evening into the early morning hours, we will recheck road conditions tomorrow morning. If a shift to Remote Learning is necessary, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. If we move to Remote Learning, please note that we will not be able to provide childcare.
Stay safe, and we will keep you updated!
āļø Snow Day Highlightsāļø
Check out the fun, creativity, and excitement as our WCPS students enjoyed the winter wonderland! From building snowmen to sled riding, our students made the most of their snow day.
Feel free to share photos with our school outreach specialist, by emailing Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
*Please note: Submitted photos may be posted to WCPS social media platforms.
šāØCongratulations to Greendale Elementary School! āØš
The GES team is shining bright in Austin, Texas, at the ESEA Conference! This morning, they were honored at an exclusive breakfast as one of ONLY 69 National Distinguished Schools in the United States.
What an incredible achievement for the Greendale community!
āļøShare Photos of Your Snow Day Funāļø
We hope everyone is enjoying this snow day! Whether you are catching snowflakes and having a blast outside, or cozying up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, we want to see how you are spending this snowy day!
Feel free to share photos with our school outreach specialist, by emailing Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
*Please note: Submitted photos may be posted to WCPS social media platforms.
Happening Tonight: Do you have burning questions about parenting, relationships, or your child's well-being? Submit them anonymously before or during a live session with a skilled therapist who provides thoughtful, personalized answers, to as many questions as possible. Sign-up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Om_xLTXqTI6v4I0uYtLP_Q#/registration
This program is thanks to our partners at Parent Guidance.
š Celebrating Excellence in Robotics and Innovation š¤āØ
During a meeting this evening, School Board members recognized the outstanding achievements of the John S. Battle High School Robotics/Drone Team and the Patrick Henry High School Robotics/Drone Team for their accomplishments!
š John S. Battle High School:
*Regional RDL Competition: Autonomous Award and Second Place Alliance
*National RDL Competition: Rookie of the Year Award and Third Place Alliance
āØJohn S. Battle High School Team Members Coached by Andrew Smith:
*Noah B.
*Andrew M.
*Owen S.
*Allen S.
*Cas W.
š Patrick Henry High School:
*Regional RDL Competition: Alliance Team Regional Champions and Rookie of the Year Award
*National RDL Competition: Alliance Team National Champions
āØPatrick Henry High School Team Members Coached by Eric Hoffman:
*Richard B.
*Bryce C.
*Isaac C.
*Conner G.
*Bishop R.
*Bryce R.
Both teams have displayed exceptional skill, innovation, and teamwork, and we couldn't be more proud of their hard work and dedication!
Schedule Change: Based on multiple forecasts (including the highly reliable FirstWARN Tri-Cities) and a Winter Weather Advisory for Washington County, WCPS will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to the timing of anticipated snowfall and the likelihood of poor road conditions. This will be a traditional snow day, and we encourage our students to enjoy some outdoor fun in the snow!
Please note, if weather conditions do not improve and roads remain unsafe later this week, Thursday and Friday may transition to Remote Learning Days.
WCPS has 10 Remote Learning Days available to use throughout the course of the school year. Weāve already used six of those days, and we would like to keep some in reserve for potential use later. As we get closer to scheduled state testing and assessments, having some days in reserve would provide a safety net. Adding additional school days to the end of the school year will be discussed at the School Board meeting in March.
Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we will keep you updated on any further schedule changes.
šāØ Honoring Student Achievement: The George Washington Research Paper Celebration āØš
The George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration is one of the most exciting events of the year for WCPS fourth graders! Each year, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their writing talents by crafting essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from every elementary school were selected, and those students, along with their families, were treated to a tasty brunch at the Martha Washington Inn to celebrate their hard work and creativity. Each participant was presented with a certificate and a special book written by George Washington.
The top three division winners had a chance to read their essay aloud at the event -- a memory they'll cherish!
The overall division winner was awarded an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon this summer, to explore the home of our nation's first president.
š Congratulations to Andrew S., of Valley Institute Elementary, named the overall division winner š
A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible and to our hardworking fourth graders! Let's keep fostering a passion for history and writing in our students!
George Washington Awards by school:
Abingdon Elementary School:
*Third Place: Parker S.
*Second Place: Callan D.
*First Place: Ayla S.
Greendale Elementary School:
*Third Place: Lily Krieger
*Second Place: Hunter A.
*First Place: Will C.
High Point Elementary School:
*Third Place: Londyn L.
*Second Place: John W.
*First Place: Avery B.
Meadowview Elementary School:
*Third Place: Bentley H.
*Second Place: Adelyn C.
*First Place: Coy R.
Rhea Valley Elementary School:
*Third Place: Rees D.
*Second Place: Frankie H.
*First Place: Knox M.
Valley Institute Elementary School:
*Third Place: Leah H.
*Second Place: Patrick P.
*First Place: Andrew S.
Watauga Elementary School:
*Third Place: Campbell C.
*Second Place: Charles H.
*First Place: Randall W.
Top Three Division Winners:
*Third Place -- Will C. -- Greendale Elementary School
*Second Place -- Avery B. -- High Point Elementary School
*First Place -- Andrew S. -- Valley Institute Elementary School
š Get to Know Your Washington County School Board Members š
As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, it's the perfect time to get to know the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the best educational experiences possible!
Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Debbie Anderson.
šāØAre you thinking about the 2025-2026 school year? It's time to start exploring all of the exciting opportunities Washington County Public Schools has to offer! Check out our Course Catalog to discover a wide range of courses and programs that can help you plan your next steps. Whether you're interested in advanced classes, career and technical education programs, or new electives, there's something for everyone! The course catalog focuses on: High School -- Career and Technical Education -- Virtual VA -- Governor's School -- Middle School.
š Start exploring now: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3765/WCPS/2959170/Course_Catalog.pdf
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Emma Buchanan Wyatt -- Patrick Henry High School -- Class of 2015. š
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Emma Buchanan Wyatt, a proud Patrick Henry 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
