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
Schedule Change: Due to the number of roads still closed across Washington County and the number of employees who are unable to leave their homes, WCPS will provide virtual instruction tomorrow, Monday, February 17, 2025.
šHappy Valentine's Day from Valley Institute Elementary SchoolšValley's faculty and staff sends a big thank you the amazing VIES PTO for making the day so special and sweet! Teachers had a chance to enjoy games and a beautiful spread of desserts for Valentine's Day. VIES students were able to celebrate the day with goodies and fun!
šCelebrating Successš It was an exciting afternoon at Patrick Henry High School as recent outstanding student achievements were recognized! PHHS was named the 2024 Alliance Champion Team in the National Robot Drone League Competition at ETSU. šA big congratulations to the team for their accomplishment! The award was officially presented by Dr. Betsy Cunningham, Director of Operations for ETSU Research Corporation, during a special assembly.
But that's not all! During the assembly, students and staff also celebrated:
š¤ All-State Chorus students who will represent PHHS at a prestigious level
š Scholastic Bowl team headed to the state tournament
š Varsity Boys Basketball for their outstanding season
šāāļø Boys Swim Team for their successful season
šāāļø Indoor Track team for their amazing performances
š School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, honoring SRO Rose, for his dedication and commitment to keeping students and staff safe
šSchool Resource Officer Appreciation DayšWhile National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day falls on Saturday this year (February 15) we are taking the time today, to extend a big THANK YOU to all of our incredible SROs! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community does not go unnoticed. You are more than just officers -- you are mentors, role models, and trusted members of our school families. š Let's take a moment to show our appreciation for everything our SROs do each and every day to ensure a safe learning space š
š
Special Congratulationsš
You're looking at the new Holston High School Record Holders for the 4x200M Relay! The previous record, set in 1983 at 2:01:4 was beat by this group of awesome athletes! The new record is now 1:59:88!
Congratulations to Zyleigh H., Seciley Q., Rily C., and Rylee W.!
šWhile National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day officially falls on Saturday, February 15 this year, Washington County Public Schools will be celebrating our incredible School Resource Officers tomorrow, Friday, February 14! š
Students, this is your chance to show your appreciation! šTake a moment to thank your School Resource Officer for their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on our school community. Whether it's a high five, a note, or a simple "thank you", let's make sure our SROs know how much they mean to us!
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 Mr. Adam Wilson.
Honoring Black History: February is Black History Month, and Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize the incredible contributions of notable individuals throughout history. This provides a special opportunity to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and resiliency of Black communities and to deepen our understanding of their lasting impact on society.
In celebration of Black History Month, the WCPS School Nutrition Department highlighted Leah Chase, known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. We had a special menu item celebrating her life and dedication to bringing people together through food. Leah Chaseās restaurant, Dooky Chaseās Restaurant in New Orleans, became an important meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s. She opened her doors to activists and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and others who needed a safe place for strategy and discussion. The restaurant provided not only great meals, but also a sense of solidarity and hope, playing a crucial role in the fight for racial equality. Through Chaseās impact on Creole cuisine and commitment to her community, she became a driving force in the kitchen and in maintaining cultural heritage and unity. Today, our students enjoyed a special tasting of gumbo, inspired by Chase! We believe that through meals like this, there can be conversations and a deeper appreciation for the valuable contributions towards American food traditions by chefs like Leah Chase.
Check out this fun video one of our staff members enjoying gumbo! https://youtube.com/shorts/VgPB1VqiLqE?feature=shared
Photo of Leah Chase Courtesy of Dooky Chaseās Restaurant
šØ Showcasing Our Talented Students šØ The Second Annual Washington County Public Schools Art and Poetry Contest Reception was recently held on Thursday, February 6, in the Art Gallery in the Virginia Highlands Community College Library. Holston High School English teacher Christine Mitten and Art teacher Carter Harlow coordinate this event to showcase the talents of our Washington County students. This exhibit will continue through Thursday, February 27, so be sure to check it out!
Vaccinations and Immunizations: Information for 2025 school entry requirements can be found on our website. View letters and packets for:
*2025 Rising Kindergartener
*2025 Rising 7th Grader
*2025 Rising 12th Grader
To view the information, visit the Health and Wellness section of our website and click the Vaccinations and Immunizations tab: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/health-and-wellness
Schedule Update: Our road checkers have been busy this afternoon checking the conditions of roads across the county. They have determined there are still several roads that remain slick due to the snow and sleet we have received today. However, we are hopeful as temperatures are predicted to warm overnight, conditions will improve. However, warmer temperatures and rains could also cause flooding issues. Either way, a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 will allow us time to determine the safest course of action. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working families. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your childās principal.
In the event conditions deteriorate and we need to make a shift to a Remote Learning Day, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, if not earlier.
Check It Out: Thank you to WJHL for coming out to showcase the SkillsUSA District Competition yesterday at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center! Click here to watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTsLHURlAkY
We wanted to remind you of a few upcoming calendar changes during the months of February and March:
*The 2-Hour Early Dismissal scheduled for Thursday, February 13, will now be a REGULAR (Full) school day due to days missed because of inclement weather.
*A reminder that Monday, February 17 (Presidentās Day) will now be a REGULAR school day due to days missed because of inclement weather.
*The School Board Meeting will be held as scheduled on Tuesday, February 18.
*The 2-Hour Early Dismissal scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, will now be a REGULAR (Full) school day due to days missed because of inclement weather.
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. Jenny Nichols.
Schedule Update: The storm track shifted South overnight and has caused treacherous road conditions in some parts of the county. As a result WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day for today, Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
As you may be aware, some counties in Southwest Virginia are under a winter storm warning. It is possible that some parts of our county will be affected. We will be closely monitoring the potential for winter weather this evening into tomorrow morning. Our road checkers will be out assessing road conditions across the county during the early morning hours. Please be aware this potential winter weather could result in a schedule change for Tuesday, February 11. If necessary, we will announce any changes as early as possible.
