Washington County Public Schools

🌟 Honoring the Washington Way Award Recipients! 🌟 This evening, the Washington County School Board recognized staff members who go above and beyond each day to support our students, schools, and community. These individuals embody the spirit of service, excellence, and dedication that define the Washington Way. ✨ Above and Beyond Custodian Award *Jane King – GES ~ For the custodian who keeps things shining and spirits high! 💬 Customer Service Award *Mary Harris – WES ~ For the friendly face who’s always ready to help and brighten someone’s day. 💉 Helping Hand Award *Tonia Roop ~ For the nurse or aide who’s always there with care and compassion. 🔧 Master Technician Award *Trevor Orfield ~ For the behind-the-scenes problem-solver who keeps everything running smoothly. 🍎 Silver Spoon Award *Tina Wright – JSB ~ For the food service hero who serves up smiles (and great meals!). 🚌 Wheels on the Bus Award *Carey Yarber ~ For the transportation team member who goes the extra mile to get students where they need to be. 👏 Congratulations to all of our Washington Way Award honorees! Thank you for the heart, hard work, and dedication you bring to Washington County Public Schools every single day.

🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS! 🏆 Tonight, the Washington County School Board proudly recognized the Abingdon High School Girls Volleyball Team for their incredible achievement as 2025 State Champions! This remarkable group of athletes, along with their outstanding coaches, showcased extraordinary teamwork, resilience, and skill throughout their championship season. ✨ State Champion Team Members *Scottlyn Bales *Maggie Crabtree *Madeline Fields *Makenzie Fullen *Jamey Gilbert *Zoe Gray *Reece Hungate *Ava Kiser *Lucy Piper *Isabella Statzer *Tahlyn Tritt *Annsley Trivette *Emery West 👟 Coaching Staff *Head Coach: Alexis Perkins *Assistant Coaches: Patrick Roberts, Josie Sheets, Cora Stoakley 👏 Congratulations, Lady Falcons! Your hard work and determination have brought home a state title and made the entire Washington County community proud.

🌟 Celebrating Student Achievement! 🌟 This evening, the Washington County School Board proudly recognized outstanding student-athletes from across our high schools. Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance this season have set them apart, and we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments! 🏈 FOOTBALL *Eli Tweed, Holston High School – 1,622 rushing yards & 21 TDs *Jeb Stewart, Patrick Henry High School – 1,307 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 1,945 all-purpose yards & 16 total TDs ⛳ GOLF *Christina Zochowski, John S. Battle High School ~All-District ~All-Region ~Shot 71 at Regionals, tied for 4th, and qualified for the Boys State Tournament 🏐 VOLLEYBALL *Grace Carrier, John S. Battle High School – 1,000 Assists *Camryn Ratliff, John S. Battle High School – All-State *Erin South, Patrick Henry High School – 2nd Team All-State *Ava Kiser, Abingdon High School – 1,000 Career Assists *Annsley Trivette, Abingdon High School – First Team All-State *Gracie Statzer, Abingdon High School – 1,000 Career Kills, First Team All-State, and 2025 Mountain 7 Player of the Year *Coach Alexis Perkins, Abingdon High School – 2025 Mountain 7 Coach of the Year

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Due to the potential for frozen roads and black ice in some parts of the county, Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-Hour Delay tomorrow, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. 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 child’s elementary school.

🎁💙 Holiday Cheer in Action! 💙🎁

Washington County Public Schools is feeling the holiday spirit thanks to some wonderful friends at Emory & Henry University!

From the Office of Philanthropy & Engagement, Heather Hess, Director of Alumni Engagement, and Natalie Ottone, Director of Donor Relations, stopped by Meadowview Elementary to deliver a generous donation to the Meadowview Christmas Fund.

Their support helps ensure students have a little extra joy this holiday season -- and we are so grateful!

Pictured left to right:
✨ Heather Hess, Director of Alumni Engagement, Emory & Henry University
✨ Mrs. Jennifer Puckett, Principal, Meadowview Elementary School
✨ Mrs. Samantha Bowers, Assistant Principal, Meadowview Elementary School
✨ Natalie Ottone, Director of Donor Relations, Emory & Henry University

Thank you, Emory & Henry, for pouring kindness into our community and making Christmas brighter for Meadowview students! 🎄

📢SCHEDULE CHANGE: Washington County Public Schools will dismiss two hours early today, Monday, December 8, 2025, due to winter weather conditions. Afterschool activities will be postponed. The school board meeting will still take place at 6:00 pm tonight. 

WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Roark ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 1996.
We are thrilled to highlight Mr. Brandon Roark, 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

🌟 12 Days of Digital Safety
Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, we’re launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety – a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.

🕹️📲Day 3 – App & Game Review: Go through the apps and games your child uses. Remove anything unfamiliar or unsafe, so their digital environment stays as joyful as the holiday season itself.

➡️To learn more, click here: https://childrescuecoalition.org/educations/safeguarding-children-online-the-importance-of-monitoring-internet-and-social-media-usage/

After speaking with the forecaster at AccuWeather and reviewing multiple forecasts, we anticipate snow flurries throughout the day. However, due to temperatures and other conditions, we do not anticipate accumulation on roads. We will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts throughout the day and will adjust our afternoon schedule if conditions change.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: An Important Update from the WCPS Transportation Department: Due to weather conditions, buses will NOT run in the Konnarock, Taylor's Valley, and Green Cove areas of Washington County on Monday, December 8, 2025.

📬Letters to Juliet… from Washington County!

Holston High School’s English 9 Honors students took their introduction to Romeo & Juliet to a whole new level! As part of their study, students in Ms. Mitten’s class wrote letters to Juliet seeking her advice.

Thanks to Mrs. Cox, those letters traveled all the way to Casa di Giulietta in Verona, Italy, where they were delivered straight into Juliet’s famous mailbox.

Now the waiting begins… Members of the Juliet Club -- who answer letters from around the world on Juliet’s behalf -- will hopefully be writing back soon!

🌟 12 Days of Digital Safety

Washington County Public Schools is committed to student safety both in and out of the classroom. As we count down the 12 remaining days before Christmas Break, we’re launching our 12 Days of Digital Safety – a series of simple, practical tips to help keep students safe online. The holiday season often brings extra screen time, new devices, and more online activity, so each day will highlight a different aspect of digital safety, along with helpful resources families can use right away.

📱⏱️Day 2 -- Screen Time Check-In: Holiday breaks can bring extra screen time. Take a moment to review your child’s usage and make small adjustments to maintain balance – helping them enjoy both devices and family moments.

➡️To learn more, click here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Although many roads across the division are clear, we have enough roads in multiple attendance areas that are snow covered and very slick. As a result Washington County Public schools will be closed today, Friday, December 5, 2025. We realize that temperatures are rising and this will melt quickly. Unfortunately, the timing of the melt will not coincide with the schedule of our buses. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child’s elementary school.

📢Schedule Change: According to the latest AccuWeather forecast that is formulated specifically for our school division, Washington County has been upgraded from an Advisory to a Steady Snow Warning, with the heaviest snowfall expected between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Friday. As a result, WCPS will operate on a 2-hour delayed schedule on Friday, December 5, with the hope that we can remain on the delayed schedule. If weather conditions require us to close, a final decision will be announced by 7:30 a.m.

With the delayed schedule, childcare will be available at elementary schools for elementary-aged students beginning at 8:00 a.m. until the start of the school day. Parents must provide transportation, and additional details will be shared directly by elementary principals.

To learn more about our schedule change options, frequently asked questions about winter weather procedures, and ways to stay connected with WCPS, click here:
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/article/2573248

📚✉️Students in Mrs. Davenport’s 3rd-period Sophomore English class at John S. Battle High School took on a No Technology Day and put their letter-writing skills to the test. They worked together to piece a business letter back together using their understanding of the letter-writing process and strong reasoning skills.

🦕✨ Fossil-making fun at Damascus Middle School!
Students in Ms. Ritter’s Science 7 classes rolled up their sleeves and used air-dry clay and tiny dinosaurs to create their very own fossils. Hands-on learning at its finest!

✨❄️ Reindeer have officially taken over Valley Institute Elementary School! As part of their “Never Miss a Monday” initiative, students and staff showed up in full festive spirit. If you spot Santa, be sure to tell him Valley’s reindeer crew is unmatched! 🦌

✨ Students at Abingdon Elementary School spent November proving that small acts can make a big difference! They collected food for local food banks, and their Student Council team boxed and loaded all donations before heading out for the recent break.