We will provide a list of impacted roads this evening.
Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your childās elementary school.
Families always have the final say when determining if travel is safe for their student. Schools will work with families to make up missed learning for absences related to travel concerns in the affected areas.
Weāre proud to share that Chase Nunley has been named the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) Northeast Regional Coach of the Year!
Since launching Abingdon High Schoolās strength and conditioning program in 2018, Coach Nunley has transformed the athletic culture at AHS -- supporting more than 200 student-athletes each year, promoting inclusion, and helping pave the way for state championships, national recognition, and success both on and off the field.
This well-deserved honor recognizes his leadership, dedication to student-athlete development, and commitment to excellence. Way to represent Abingdon High School and WCPS!
Last week, fourth graders at Meadowview Elementary School explored the phases of the moon with a hands-on (and tasty!) activity using Oreos. From waxing to waning, students built each moon phase and strengthened their science skills -- all while enjoying a sweet treat.
Students at Damascus Middle School had the opportunity to stay after school last week for an Art MakerSpace, hosted by art teacher Mrs. Mitten-Stanford. During this creative hour, students explored hands-on artmaking and worked with clay in a relaxed, collaborative environment.
Shoutout to Marleigh A., Sophie B., Allana C., Lily D., Alyssa W., and Ellie W. for their creativity and enthusiasm!
š Celebrating Our Community Schools
Washington County Public Schools is proud to share that 14 of our schools have earned the Virginia Community Schools Designation through the Virginia Department of Education!
This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting studentsā academic success and well-being by strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations. Through the Community Schools approach, our schools help address barriers to learning, expand access to supports, and increase student engagement -- so every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Congratulations to our designated schools:
*Abingdon Elementary School
*Abingdon High School
*Damascus Middle School
*Glade Spring Middle School
*Greendale Elementary School
*High Point Elementary School
*Holston High School
*John S. Battle High School
*Meadowview Elementary School
*Patrick Henry High School
*Rhea Valley Elementary School
*Valley Institute Elementary School
*Watauga Elementary School
*Wallace Middle School
Special thanks to EO and Danielle Dye for their leadership and tireless work preparing our schools for this rigorous designation process. Your partnership made this achievement possible.
We are proud of this recognition and remain committed to building strong school, family, and community connections that support student success.
Washington County Emergency Services and the Washington County Sheriffās Office are opening a limited Warming Shelter beginning today at 1:00 p.m.
š Location:
Hayters Gap Community Center
7720 Hayters Gap Road
Abingdon, VA 24210
The shelter will provide cots, basic food, and water.
The shelter will close at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27.
ā ļø Important notes:
ā¢ Bring any medications you may need if staying overnight
ā¢ The Community Center does not have cell service
ā¢ VDOT is working to clear secondary roads
Need a ride? Call 276-676-6000
This information is being shared from Washington County Emergency Services and the Sheriffās Office for families who may be in need.
We are thrilled to highlight Mr. William Denton, a proud Abingdon 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
Gifted students at Abingdon Elementary School recently teamed up with Food Cityās Department of Emerging Technology to explore the exciting world of coding, artificial intelligence, and game development. Students didnāt just learn about technology -- they built their own video games and got to play them, too!
The day wrapped up with some big-picture thinking as students brainstormed what future jobs might look like. Their ideas? Glasses that double as phones and drones delivering food!
From creativity to critical thinking, these students are already imagining the future -- and helping shape it.
Holston High School students recently kicked off a new āEat & Exploreā series -- an opportunity for students to learn about different colleges, careers, and experiences during their lunch period.
During the first session, Holston graduate Seciley Quina (Class of 2025) shared insight into Virginia Tech and the Corps of Cadets, giving students a firsthand look at campus life and leadership opportunities beyond high school.
A big thank-you to Seciley for returning to inspire the next generation of Cavaliers, and best wishes for a successful semester!
āļøš¢As a winter storm approaches, we are sending out a condensed version of a communication we sent out earlier this winter about our decision-making process for schedule changes. Washington County Public Schools covers a large geographic area with varying elevations, road conditions, and weather patterns. When winter weather affects our county, we carefully weigh multiple factors to make decisions that prioritize student and staff safety while maintaining in-person learning whenever conditions allow.
Why WCPS Sometimes Delays School
*Temperature: Even when forecasts predict extreme cold, a 2-hour or 3-hour delay gives temperatures a chance to rise slightly during the daylight hours. We begin to consider this when temperatures are single digits or wind chills are below zero. As temperatures drop, we recognize that for some students, school is the warmest place they may have access to.
*Road Conditions: Snow and ice may impact roads differently across the county, and a delay gives the WCPS transportation department extra time to ensure all bus routes are safe for travel. Driving in the daylight also allows drivers to identify potential slick spots more easily.
*Bus Preparations: Cold temperatures can make starting school buses challenging. Diesel engines may require extra time to warm up and operate properly.
*Comfortable/Safe Learning Environment: A delay gives our maintenance teams additional time to ensure parking lots are clear, heating systems are fully operational, and that plumbing and other systems are safe before students and staff arrive.
*Childcare: Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary aged students only) for working families who need it.
Why WCPS Sometimes Closes School
*Operating on a delayed schedule does not improve student and staff safety.
*Road and Transportation Safety: Unsafe roads or bus travel across the county.
*Adverse Weather Conditions: Forecasted storms, snow, ice, windchill, or temperatures too low for safe travel.
*Childcare: When schools are closed due to weather, WCPS will determine whether it is safe to offer childcare at elementary schools based on road conditions. If childcare is offered, meals will be provided for elementary students at those school locations. Details about childcare and meal availability will be communicated as needed.
Importance of In-Person Learning
*While remote learning is utilized when necessary, in-person instruction provides a richer educational experience, including direct access to teachers, hands-on activities, meals, and social interactions ā all of which are difficult to replicate virtually. We have additional days built into the 2nd semester and make-up days built into the calendar. Once these options are exhausted, we will begin to consider virtual learning as an option.
To learn about WCPS Schedule Change Options, click here: Schedule Change Options
To read Frequently Asked Questions about schedule changes, click here: Frequently Asked Questions
To learn how to Stay Connected with WCPS, click here: Stay Connected
Families always have the final say when deciding whether their child should attend school. Absences due to unsafe travel are excused, and schools will work with families to support learning. Our goal is to keep students safe, ensure schools are ready, and maintain in-person learning when possible. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we navigate winter weather together.
šŗ Thank you to WJHL for highlighting our new Internet Safety and Prevention Task Force and helping share the important work being done to protect students in todayās digital world.
Link: https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/washington-county-va-schools-announces-internet-safety-and-prevention-task-force/
Fifth graders at Abingdon Elementary School are enjoying hands-on learning as they investigate static electricity. From sparks of curiosity to electrifying discoveries, these students are powering up their science skills one experiment at a time!
In kindergarten, Mrs. Holden read special books highlighting Dr. Kingās world-changing work, sparking thoughtful discussions. In music class, Mrs. Edwards taught students about Dr. King and the powerful Civil Rights songs that became anthems for equal rights and a call to end segregation and discrimination.
We are grateful for our dedicated teachers who help students learn, reflect, and grow through lessons that inspire understanding, empathy, and hope.
We are proud to recognize Noah Street, a 10th grade student at John S. Battle High School, for going above and beyond to help others in his community.
On December 19, a fallen tree blocked the road and left Bus 85 unable to continue its route. After waiting nearly 30 minutes, Noah realized help might be needed. Living nearby, he went home, hopped on his four-wheeler, and returned to the scene to lend a hand.
When he arrived, only one VDOT truck had reached the area. Noah jumped in to help cut and move the tree out of the roadway until additional crews arrived -- allowing traffic to pass and the bus to safely continue its route.
Afterward, Noah rode his four-wheeler back home, walked down the road, and still made it onto the bus to get to school.
This is a true example of kindness, responsibility, and stepping up when it matters most!
