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!
The task force, which held its first meeting on January 8, 2026, reflects the commitment of WCPS to student safety both in schools and online. While online threats may sometimes feel distant, these risks are occurring right here in Southwest Virginia.
The task force brings together a diverse group of partners, including parents, teachers, school administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, and law enforcement. Representatives at the inaugural meeting included the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Washington County Sheriffās Office, Abingdon Town Police Department, and the Childrenās Advocacy Center.
The groupās goals include:
*Increasing awareness of current and emerging online threats
*Sharing prevention strategies and educational resources
*Strengthening communication and collaboration among schools, families, and community partners
*Supporting proactive measures to keep students safe online
During the meeting, WCPS announced a resource provided through the Virginia Attorney Generalās Office called Proxyware, a cutting-edge Internet safety technology designed to detect and disrupt online threats targeting children.
According to Proxyware data:
*82% of teens have been exposed to violent content online
*77% have seen online content involving drugs or alcohol
*75% have encountered sexual content while online
Additionally, Proxyware has detected 192,000 digital attacks targeted at Virginia children while at school during the current calendar year alone. Unlike traditional cybersecurity tools such as firewalls ā which focus on blocking known harmful websites ā Proxyware detects harmful activity on trusted platforms such as search engines, news sites, educational tools, and online games. Using artificial intelligence and synthetic personas that emulate children online, the system proactively identifies predators and disrupts threats before students are harmed.
As part of its ongoing commitment to Internet safety, WCPS is in the process of implementing several measures across the division, including:
*Locking down YouTube access
*Providing parents with after-hours device controls (middle school pilot program)
*Restricting incoming, external email communication for elementary and middle school students
*Updating take-home device policies by grade level
*Establishing screen time limits by grade
*Internet safety assemblies for students in grades 4-6
*Presentations led by the FBI and Virginia State Police
*Family engagement nights to assist parents with device setup and controls
*Continued evaluation of Proxyware implementation
Washington County Public Schools will continue to share updates as the task forceās work progresses and encourages families to partner with schools in promoting safe and responsible digital use.
In addition, under the guidance of Ms. Harris, members of the Student Council Association (SCA) volunteered with Faith in Action, turning Dr. Kingās message of service, justice, and unity into action. Through this service opportunity, students honored his legacy by giving back and helping strengthen their community.
Hands-on learning makes concepts stick, and in first grade, learning is definitely SWEET!
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
Students in Mr. Greerās Carpentry class at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put their skills to work building a brand-new Little Free Library for the Glade Spring community.
This special project replaced a library originally installed by the Book Lovers Club of Glade Spring -- a local book club with a 90-year history of sharing a love of reading. Thanks to our talented students, that tradition will continue for generations to come!
We love seeing hands-on learning make a real impact beyond the classroom. Great work!
Mrs. Mooreās 4th grade math classes at Meadowview Elementary School had hands-on fun building 2D and 3D shapes to practice and strengthen their geometry skills. From constructing to exploring, students deepened their understanding of shapes while engaging in active, meaningful learning.
When students get the opportunity to build, create, and explore, learning truly comes to life!
Referrals for gifted education services are currently being accepted through January 30. Parents who wish to refer their child for evaluation should contact their childās homeroom teacher. For questions, please contact Ms. Susan OāDell at sodell@wcs.k12.va.us.
Spring 2026 Gifted Education Referral Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWwRsaIXaUJFKogEaaGSViANzzAAW9QaJwV5gxVr9yILCStQ/viewform
What an exciting day of competition as our Scholastic Bowl teams from Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School came together to compete in the annual Superintendentās Cup!
Students were challenged across English, math, science, social studies, and miscellaneous knowledge, showing off their teamwork, quick thinking, and academic excellence. Our administrators and community leaders even joined in the fun with some friendly competition!
š Congratulations to Patrick Henry High School, winners of this yearās Superintendentās Cup!
ā Top Scorers / MVPs:
*Carter W. (Patrick Henry High School)
*Sage B. (Holston High School)
Thank you to all of our students, coaches, staff, and supporters for making this a fantastic day celebrating academics in Washington County Public Schools!
We are proud to recognize Laura Nunley, Principal, SRO Officer Watson, and Mary Harris from Watauga Elementary School, who were recently recognized by the School Board for going above and beyond to support a student and family.
On a snowy morning in December, a Watauga student and her parent slid off the road along Hillman Highway and became stuck in a ditch. With a dead cell phone and limited options, help arrived in the form of familiar faces. Mrs. Nunley happened upon the scene, ensured the family made it home safely, coordinated with Officer Watson, and called on Mary Harris -- who used her jeep to help recover the vehicle and spare the family a costly tow.
Thank you for modeling kindness, compassion, and community!
This week, Washington County Public Schools proudly recognizes and thanks our school principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to students, staff, and families.
Principals play a vital role in creating positive school cultures, supporting teachers, and helping students succeed every day. We are grateful for their hard work and the impact they make across our schools.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Taylor Skeens Evans, 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
