āØ Washington County Schools Theatre Arts Camp at Emory & Henry University is back for our 5th year!
Theatre Camp 2026 will run Monday through Saturday, June 15 -20 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily, with a final presentation on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. To be eligible for camp, students must live in Washington County, VA and be a rising 3rd-12th grader. Camp is FREE to families and includes daily theatre arts programming (in technical theatre and performance), a T-shirt, lunch, and even a trip to Barter Theatre!
While we want to include every student, spots are limited. In an effort to be as equitable as possible in our registration process, we will open a window for families to complete a ācamp interest formā from February 25 through April 1.
Completing the Camp Interest Form does not guarantee a spot at the camp, but enters your student into a registration lottery. We will lottery the available spots based on a tiered system and notify families by April 10. Those students not selected in the initial lottery will be placed on a waitlist and offered spots as they become available. In the past the majority of students on the waitlist have eventually been called. Families will be allocated spots together, though separate forms for each child are required to enter the lottery process.
We expect students from all tiers to be offered spots. Your child MUST be available for the entirety of camp.
Available spots will go into the lottery system based on the following tiers:
*Tier 1 - Campers wait-listed last year
*Tier 2 - Returning campers
*Tier 3 - New campers
All students must fill out a āCamp Interest Formā before April 1 to be placed in the lottery. If applying after April 1, students will be added to the waitlist.
Link to form WCS Theatre Arts Camp Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL7KURP_JjPHmbuuKFIMtLRAglQ5_4PR08C6NtYxaFO8vDhg/viewform
Theatre Camp 2026 will run Monday through Saturday, June 15 -20 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily, with a final presentation on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. To be eligible for camp, students must live in Washington County, VA and be a rising 3rd-12th grader. Camp is FREE to families and includes daily theatre arts programming (in technical theatre and performance), a T-shirt, lunch, and even a trip to Barter Theatre!
While we want to include every student, spots are limited. In an effort to be as equitable as possible in our registration process, we will open a window for families to complete a ācamp interest formā from February 25 through April 1.
Completing the Camp Interest Form does not guarantee a spot at the camp, but enters your student into a registration lottery. We will lottery the available spots based on a tiered system and notify families by April 10. Those students not selected in the initial lottery will be placed on a waitlist and offered spots as they become available. In the past the majority of students on the waitlist have eventually been called. Families will be allocated spots together, though separate forms for each child are required to enter the lottery process.
We expect students from all tiers to be offered spots. Your child MUST be available for the entirety of camp.
Available spots will go into the lottery system based on the following tiers:
*Tier 1 - Campers wait-listed last year
*Tier 2 - Returning campers
*Tier 3 - New campers
All students must fill out a āCamp Interest Formā before April 1 to be placed in the lottery. If applying after April 1, students will be added to the waitlist.
Link to form WCS Theatre Arts Camp Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL7KURP_JjPHmbuuKFIMtLRAglQ5_4PR08C6NtYxaFO8vDhg/viewform
š§Ŗš¬ Science Fair Stars
Our incredible 4th graders at Rhea Valley Elementary School shined during their Science Fair at the PTO meeting!
From researching and experimenting to confidently presenting their projects, these students showed off their curiosity, creativity, and hard work in a big way. Weāre so proud of their efforts and love seeing our families and school community celebrating learning together!
Our incredible 4th graders at Rhea Valley Elementary School shined during their Science Fair at the PTO meeting!
From researching and experimenting to confidently presenting their projects, these students showed off their curiosity, creativity, and hard work in a big way. Weāre so proud of their efforts and love seeing our families and school community celebrating learning together!
š¶šReminder: Looking for preschool or child care for the 2026ā2027 school year?
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
šš¾ Paws, Pages, and Plenty of Smiles
This week, our therapy dog friends -- Willow and Finley -- paid a special visit to Meadowview Elementary School, spreading calm, comfort, and joy throughout the library.
With gentle cuddles, wagging tails, and a soothing presence, Willow and Finley helped create a peaceful, welcoming space for students as they read, learned, and recharged. Moments like these remind us just how powerful kindness can be -- especially when it comes with a little extra fluff!
Weāre so grateful for visits like these that support student well-being, confidence, and a love of learning.
This week, our therapy dog friends -- Willow and Finley -- paid a special visit to Meadowview Elementary School, spreading calm, comfort, and joy throughout the library.
With gentle cuddles, wagging tails, and a soothing presence, Willow and Finley helped create a peaceful, welcoming space for students as they read, learned, and recharged. Moments like these remind us just how powerful kindness can be -- especially when it comes with a little extra fluff!
Weāre so grateful for visits like these that support student well-being, confidence, and a love of learning.
šāØ Explore. Create. Discover
The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC) is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Exploring Pathways Summer Camp!
This hands-on camp is open to current 4th-, 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade students and gives campers the chance to explore exciting career pathways, build new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
ā° Spots are limited and fill quickly!
š Application deadline: May 1, 2026
š Apply today by visiting:
š https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcctec
Donāt miss this opportunity to spark curiosity and explore future possibilities this summer!
The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC) is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Exploring Pathways Summer Camp!
This hands-on camp is open to current 4th-, 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade students and gives campers the chance to explore exciting career pathways, build new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
ā° Spots are limited and fill quickly!
š Application deadline: May 1, 2026
š Apply today by visiting:
š https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcctec
Donāt miss this opportunity to spark curiosity and explore future possibilities this summer!
š¦š
Making Waves in Adaptive Aquatics
Students from Patrick Henry High School recently made a splash during an Adaptive Aquatics event hosted at Tennessee High School -- and what a fantastic day it was!
Events included the 25-meter and 50-meter freestyle and backstroke races, along with a crowd-favorite āBiggest Splashā competition. A special congratulations to Aiden J., who earned the silver medal in the Big Splash event!
From friendly competition to lots of smiles, these Rebels showed enthusiasm, teamwork, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. Experiences like this highlight the joy of participation and the power of inclusive opportunities for all students.
Students from Patrick Henry High School recently made a splash during an Adaptive Aquatics event hosted at Tennessee High School -- and what a fantastic day it was!
Events included the 25-meter and 50-meter freestyle and backstroke races, along with a crowd-favorite āBiggest Splashā competition. A special congratulations to Aiden J., who earned the silver medal in the Big Splash event!
From friendly competition to lots of smiles, these Rebels showed enthusiasm, teamwork, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. Experiences like this highlight the joy of participation and the power of inclusive opportunities for all students.
āØ Opening Doors to Future Possibilities
Fifth-grade students from Valley Institute Elementary recently had an unforgettable learning experience during a visit to the campus of Virginia Tech -- and what a day it was!
Thanks to the Pathway to Possibilities at Virginia Tech program, students explored the 4-H Mobile Lab, completed a campus scavenger hunt, participated in hands-on classroom activities, and even enjoyed lunch in the university cafeteria. Throughout the day, students learned all about the brain and human body through engaging, interactive lessons -- from matching organs to practicing āstarfish breathing.ā
Best of all, many students left inspired, sharing that they canāt wait to attend Virginia Tech someday. Experiences like this help students imagine whatās possible and begin seeing their futures in new and exciting ways.
Fifth-grade students from Valley Institute Elementary recently had an unforgettable learning experience during a visit to the campus of Virginia Tech -- and what a day it was!
Thanks to the Pathway to Possibilities at Virginia Tech program, students explored the 4-H Mobile Lab, completed a campus scavenger hunt, participated in hands-on classroom activities, and even enjoyed lunch in the university cafeteria. Throughout the day, students learned all about the brain and human body through engaging, interactive lessons -- from matching organs to practicing āstarfish breathing.ā
Best of all, many students left inspired, sharing that they canāt wait to attend Virginia Tech someday. Experiences like this help students imagine whatās possible and begin seeing their futures in new and exciting ways.
š½ļøāØ Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students from Wallace Middle School recently took part in their third annual etiquette class and luncheon at the historic Martha Washington Inn.
Gifted and Beta Club members enjoyed a delicious meal while learning proper dining etiquette and table manners -- skills that will serve them well far beyond middle school. Following lunch, students were treated to a brief tour of the facility, where they learned about the innās rich history and unique character.
Experiences like this provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities and help students build confidence in professional and social settings.
Students from Wallace Middle School recently took part in their third annual etiquette class and luncheon at the historic Martha Washington Inn.
Gifted and Beta Club members enjoyed a delicious meal while learning proper dining etiquette and table manners -- skills that will serve them well far beyond middle school. Following lunch, students were treated to a brief tour of the facility, where they learned about the innās rich history and unique character.
Experiences like this provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities and help students build confidence in professional and social settings.
š¾š Paws, Pages, and Smiles
Sweet therapy dogs Willa and Finley recently made a special visit to the library at Watauga Elementary School, and letās just sayā¦ tails were wagging and smiles were everywhere!
As students checked out new books, they also got the chance to spend a few moments with these furry friends -- proving that the best reading buddies sometimes come with four legs.
Sweet therapy dogs Willa and Finley recently made a special visit to the library at Watauga Elementary School, and letās just sayā¦ tails were wagging and smiles were everywhere!
As students checked out new books, they also got the chance to spend a few moments with these furry friends -- proving that the best reading buddies sometimes come with four legs.
š¾ā¤ļø PAWS-itively Making a Difference
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is back! From March 1āMarch 31, 2026, Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
Weāre collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
š¶š± Cat & dog food
š§¹ Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
š¾ Kitty litter
Donations can be dropped off at ANY Washington County school.
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is back! From March 1āMarch 31, 2026, Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
Weāre collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
š¶š± Cat & dog food
š§¹ Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
š¾ Kitty litter
Donations can be dropped off at ANY Washington County school.
šā Be a Bean Recognition -- Greendale Elementary School -- Hometown Heroes
Principal Michael Colston, Tammy Boyd (Food Service), and Tracey Lester (secretary) were recently recognized by School Board Members for their compassion and teamwork. When a family from another school in Washington County was experiencing hardship and needed access to warm food, the Greendale team worked together to help ensure the family received a hot meal.
Their response was thoughtful, coordinated, and centered on the care for our children and families.
Principal Michael Colston, Tammy Boyd (Food Service), and Tracey Lester (secretary) were recently recognized by School Board Members for their compassion and teamwork. When a family from another school in Washington County was experiencing hardship and needed access to warm food, the Greendale team worked together to help ensure the family received a hot meal.
Their response was thoughtful, coordinated, and centered on the care for our children and families.
š¢SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. No childcare will be provided.
Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Barker ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2009.
We are thrilled to highlight Amanda Barker, 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
We are thrilled to highlight Amanda Barker, 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
š¢ SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23, 2026. Several roads across the county remain snow-covered and slick, and additional bursts of snow are expected. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please watch for additional information from your childās school.
š¢For Your Information: We are watching forecasts closely. Current data for Washington County shows that we should be able to go to school tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026, on a regular schedule. If a change is needed, we will make a decision by 5:30 a.m. For everyoneās planning purposes, if conditions deteriorate overnight, Remote Learning will not be considered as an option tomorrow.
š¶šLooking for preschool or child care for the 2026ā2027 school year?
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
š Monday, March 2
ā° 11:00 a.m. ā 6:00 p.m.
š EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether youāre planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
āØ Future Educators in Action at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center
Students in the Early Childhood Education program at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center are putting their creativity and planning skills to work by designing and building their own classroom models.
Through collaboration and thoughtful design, students created miniature learning environments that reflect developmentally appropriate practices and engaging spaces for young learners. From reading corners to hands-on learning centers, each model shows how intentional classroom design supports curiosity, creativity, and learning.
Students in the Early Childhood Education program at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center are putting their creativity and planning skills to work by designing and building their own classroom models.
Through collaboration and thoughtful design, students created miniature learning environments that reflect developmentally appropriate practices and engaging spaces for young learners. From reading corners to hands-on learning centers, each model shows how intentional classroom design supports curiosity, creativity, and learning.
šš¾During FFA Week, members of the Patrick Henry High School Future Farmers of America visited third- and fourth-grade students at Meadowview Elementary School to lead an engaging lesson on animal by-products.
Students had a great time participating in the activity while learning interesting, real-world facts about agriculture and how it connects to everyday life. Experiences like this highlight the power of cross-school collaboration and hands-on learning!
Students had a great time participating in the activity while learning interesting, real-world facts about agriculture and how it connects to everyday life. Experiences like this highlight the power of cross-school collaboration and hands-on learning!
š»šWCPS Students Shine Through Appalachian Music Partnership
Two talented students from Washington County Public Schools are gaining recognition for their musical abilities and dedication to preserving Appalachian music traditions.
Eamon Russell, an eighth grader at E. B. Stanley Middle School, and Easton Compton, a tenth grader at John S. Battle High School, both participate in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Through the program, the students formed a band called The Boys From Bristol, which began during a summer camp and has continued to grow through regular performances and mentorship.
Eamon and Easton have also performed at notable events, including the Virginia School Boards Association Convention during Jenny Nicholsā induction ceremony, and have shared the stage with groups such as Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys as well as The Kody Norris Show.
Their story highlights the impact of community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, build confidence, and represent WCPS on regional and statewide stages.
Two talented students from Washington County Public Schools are gaining recognition for their musical abilities and dedication to preserving Appalachian music traditions.
Eamon Russell, an eighth grader at E. B. Stanley Middle School, and Easton Compton, a tenth grader at John S. Battle High School, both participate in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Through the program, the students formed a band called The Boys From Bristol, which began during a summer camp and has continued to grow through regular performances and mentorship.
Eamon and Easton have also performed at notable events, including the Virginia School Boards Association Convention during Jenny Nicholsā induction ceremony, and have shared the stage with groups such as Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys as well as The Kody Norris Show.
Their story highlights the impact of community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, build confidence, and represent WCPS on regional and statewide stages.
š§š¬ Hands-On Learning in Action at Glade Spring Middle School
Eighth-grade Agriscience students at Glade Spring Middle School recently wrapped up their Food Science unit with a fun (and tasty!) cheese-making lab. Using just a gallon of milk, rennet, and citric acid, students made their own fresh mozzarella -- a soft cheese thatās simple and quick to create.
Along the way, students practiced reading recipes, measuring ingredients, using thermometers, and problem-solving when things didnāt go exactly as planned. Activities like this help build real-world skills while reinforcing science concepts in an engaging way.
Eighth-grade Agriscience students at Glade Spring Middle School recently wrapped up their Food Science unit with a fun (and tasty!) cheese-making lab. Using just a gallon of milk, rennet, and citric acid, students made their own fresh mozzarella -- a soft cheese thatās simple and quick to create.
Along the way, students practiced reading recipes, measuring ingredients, using thermometers, and problem-solving when things didnāt go exactly as planned. Activities like this help build real-world skills while reinforcing science concepts in an engaging way.
