š¢ Washington County Public Schools has been monitoring the heat conditions throughout the day, and temperatures and wet-bulb globe temperatures have remained consistently above the Virginia High School Leagueās recommended threshold for outdoor activities.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Friday, September 4. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
All of our high school football teams are scheduled to play on the road today. Any decision regarding those games will be made by the host school divisions based on conditions.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Friday, September 4. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
All of our high school football teams are scheduled to play on the road today. Any decision regarding those games will be made by the host school divisions based on conditions.
šMeadowview Elementaryās 4th graders put their math skills to work with a fun word problem pizza activity!
Students created their own word problems using pizza as the theme, then challenged their classmates to read, solve and show their thinking.
Students created their own word problems using pizza as the theme, then challenged their classmates to read, solve and show their thinking.
š Building Strong Readers Through Structured Literacy
Weāre excited to have 35 Washington County Public Schools teachers participating in Orton-Gillingham (OG) Structured Literacy training this week at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center!
Each year, WCPS provides this training for new staff members as part of our ongoing commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and helping every student become a strong, confident reader.
The Orton-Gillingham approach gives teachers explicit, systematic, sequential and multisensory strategies that support the development of reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary and oral language skills.
These strategies benefit all learners while providing important support for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Most importantly, our teachers are gaining practical tools and strategies they can take directly back to their classrooms and put to work with students.
Weāre incredibly proud of these educators for investing in their professional growth and, most importantly, in the success of their students!
A special thank you to Shane Baxter, our OG instructor, for sharing his expertise, knowledge and passion for structured literacy with our teachers. We appreciate his continued partnership and dedication to supporting our educators!
Weāre excited to have 35 Washington County Public Schools teachers participating in Orton-Gillingham (OG) Structured Literacy training this week at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center!
Each year, WCPS provides this training for new staff members as part of our ongoing commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and helping every student become a strong, confident reader.
The Orton-Gillingham approach gives teachers explicit, systematic, sequential and multisensory strategies that support the development of reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary and oral language skills.
These strategies benefit all learners while providing important support for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Most importantly, our teachers are gaining practical tools and strategies they can take directly back to their classrooms and put to work with students.
Weāre incredibly proud of these educators for investing in their professional growth and, most importantly, in the success of their students!
A special thank you to Shane Baxter, our OG instructor, for sharing his expertise, knowledge and passion for structured literacy with our teachers. We appreciate his continued partnership and dedication to supporting our educators!
š¢Washington County Public Schools has been monitoring the heat conditions throughout the day, and temperatures and wet-bulb globe temperatures have remained consistently above the Virginia High School Leagueās recommended threshold for outdoor activities.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Thursday, September 3.
Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Thursday, September 3.
Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
š§¢š© Hats Off to Our Valley Institute Students
Earlier this week, Valley Institute Elementary students joined in on their Never Miss a Monday campaign by wearing and showing off their favorite hats!
From fun and silly to stylish and unique, VIES students brought plenty of personality to the school day. What a fun way to add a little extra excitement to the week!
Earlier this week, Valley Institute Elementary students joined in on their Never Miss a Monday campaign by wearing and showing off their favorite hats!
From fun and silly to stylish and unique, VIES students brought plenty of personality to the school day. What a fun way to add a little extra excitement to the week!
Due to a potential community threat this morning, Wallace Middle School and John S. Battle High School were placed on a brief soft lockdown as a precautionary safety measure.
The individual involved in the situation has been taken into custody. There was a significant law enforcement presence in the area as authorities responded, and law enforcement will remain in the area to provide additional security and reassurance for our students and staff.
We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their significant and quick response and continued presence in our community.
We will continue to share additional information as it becomes available.
The individual involved in the situation has been taken into custody. There was a significant law enforcement presence in the area as authorities responded, and law enforcement will remain in the area to provide additional security and reassurance for our students and staff.
We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their significant and quick response and continued presence in our community.
We will continue to share additional information as it becomes available.
š¢Conceptual Facilities Plan Q&A
As we continue conversations about the conceptual facilities plan being considered by Washington County Public Schools, we know there are many questions about what the plan could mean for our schools, students, staff and communities.
We have compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document addressing many of the questions and misconceptions we have heard so far. The document provides additional context about the conceptual plan, including potential school configurations, facilities needs, transportation, academics and programs, athletics, staffing, the potential use of existing facilities, and the proposed 1% local sales tax referendum.
Because this is a conceptual plan and no decisions have been made, we recognize that this document cannot answer every question or address every concern. We expect questions and ideas to continue as the conversation moves forward, and public input will be an important part of any future planning process. As new questions come in, we will add those to the public FAQ. You can find the most recent version of the FAQ and other important documents related to this issue at this link: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcps/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
We encourage families and community members to take some time to review the Q&A. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information about what is being considered, what has ā and has not ā been decided, and what questions will need to be explored as the process continues.
To view the Q&A, click here: https://shorturl.at/tR7en
As we continue conversations about the conceptual facilities plan being considered by Washington County Public Schools, we know there are many questions about what the plan could mean for our schools, students, staff and communities.
We have compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document addressing many of the questions and misconceptions we have heard so far. The document provides additional context about the conceptual plan, including potential school configurations, facilities needs, transportation, academics and programs, athletics, staffing, the potential use of existing facilities, and the proposed 1% local sales tax referendum.
Because this is a conceptual plan and no decisions have been made, we recognize that this document cannot answer every question or address every concern. We expect questions and ideas to continue as the conversation moves forward, and public input will be an important part of any future planning process. As new questions come in, we will add those to the public FAQ. You can find the most recent version of the FAQ and other important documents related to this issue at this link: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcps/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
We encourage families and community members to take some time to review the Q&A. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information about what is being considered, what has ā and has not ā been decided, and what questions will need to be explored as the process continues.
To view the Q&A, click here: https://shorturl.at/tR7en
š¢ Washington County Public Schools has been monitoring the heat conditions throughout the day, and temperatures and heat indexes have remained consistently above the Virginia High School Leagueās recommended threshold for outdoor activities.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 2. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
As a result, all outdoor athletic activities and practices are suspended until 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 2. Conditions will be reevaluated at 5 p.m. to determine whether outdoor activities can safely resume.
šÆ Challenge accepted
Students in Mrs. Smithās Career Strategies class at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center put the Engineering Design Process to work with a catapult challenge!
Working with a limited set of materials, students had to research, design, build and test a catapult capable of launching a regular-sized marshmallow at least 10 feet. They had just five attempts to test their designs, make adjustments and see how well their ideas worked.
The challenge gave students an opportunity to put creativity, problem-solving, design and testing skills into action -- all while having a little fun along the way!
Students in Mrs. Smithās Career Strategies class at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center put the Engineering Design Process to work with a catapult challenge!
Working with a limited set of materials, students had to research, design, build and test a catapult capable of launching a regular-sized marshmallow at least 10 feet. They had just five attempts to test their designs, make adjustments and see how well their ideas worked.
The challenge gave students an opportunity to put creativity, problem-solving, design and testing skills into action -- all while having a little fun along the way!
š¾ Clifford made a big impression at High Point Elementary
High Point Elementary School first graders recently spent the spent the week reading about everyoneās favorite big red dog, Clifford the Big Red Dog!
As they followed Cliffordās adventures, students worked on reading comprehension, story elements and identifying positive character traits.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight
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
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
š Asian Cuisine Bar Friday was a hit
Our middle and high school students got to enjoy the Asian Cuisine Bar in their cafeterias today, with plenty of delicious options to choose from!
A big shoutout to our incredible School Nutrition teams for all of the planning, preparation and hard work that goes into making meals like this possible. From preparing the food to getting everything ready for students, they work hard to bring fun and fresh lunch options to our cafeterias.
Our middle and high school students got to enjoy the Asian Cuisine Bar in their cafeterias today, with plenty of delicious options to choose from!
A big shoutout to our incredible School Nutrition teams for all of the planning, preparation and hard work that goes into making meals like this possible. From preparing the food to getting everything ready for students, they work hard to bring fun and fresh lunch options to our cafeterias.
š¦š Celebrating Dolly's Life and Legacy at GSMS
Students and staff at Glade Spring Middle School came together to honor the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with a Dolly-inspired dress-up day and a school full of beautiful butterflies.
Through dressing up, spreading kindness and creating colorful butterflies, students celebrated Dolly's incredible spirit and her lifelong message of using our gifts to lift others up and make a difference.
We love seeing our students find meaningful and creative ways to remember an inspiration whose impact reached far beyond music.
Students and staff at Glade Spring Middle School came together to honor the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with a Dolly-inspired dress-up day and a school full of beautiful butterflies.
Through dressing up, spreading kindness and creating colorful butterflies, students celebrated Dolly's incredible spirit and her lifelong message of using our gifts to lift others up and make a difference.
We love seeing our students find meaningful and creative ways to remember an inspiration whose impact reached far beyond music.
š Learning to Follow the Evidence
Students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put forensic techniques into practice! Criminal Justice students learned how to visualize oil residues left on touched surfaces and then used fingerprint powder to develop the prints.
It's a hands-on lesson in how forensic evidence can help investigators uncover clues and piece together a story.
Students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put forensic techniques into practice! Criminal Justice students learned how to visualize oil residues left on touched surfaces and then used fingerprint powder to develop the prints.
It's a hands-on lesson in how forensic evidence can help investigators uncover clues and piece together a story.
š Asian Cuisine Bar is Tomorrow
Middle and high school students, our August Food Bar Fridays continue this Friday with an Asian Cuisine Bar!
Try something new and enjoy a fun new lunch option in the cafeteria!
*Friday, August 28
*Asian Cuisine Bar
*Available at WCPS middle and high schools
See you in the cafeteria!
Middle and high school students, our August Food Bar Fridays continue this Friday with an Asian Cuisine Bar!
Try something new and enjoy a fun new lunch option in the cafeteria!
*Friday, August 28
*Asian Cuisine Bar
*Available at WCPS middle and high schools
See you in the cafeteria!
š¶ A little piece of Washington County history
Thanks to the Bristol Herald Courier for sharing this newspaper clipping from 1967, advertising a Dolly Parton show at John S. Battle High School!
Long before she became a country music icon, a 21-year-old Dolly was making her way to Washington County for a Wednesday night show at John Battle.
Who remembers this? Were you there that night, or have you heard stories from someone who was?
Weād love to hear your memories in the comments!
šø Newspaper clipping courtesy of the Bristol Herald Courier
š©ŗ Hands-On Learning at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center
Students in the Sports Medicine program have been building important skills theyāll use in future health care careers. Before they can accurately check a patientās blood pressure, students first need to master two key skills: locating the brachial artery and properly positioning the blood pressure cuff -- which can be trickier than it looks!
This recent lesson gave students the opportunity to practice these foundational skills through hands-on learning and prepare for what comes next in their Sports Medicine training.
Students in the Sports Medicine program have been building important skills theyāll use in future health care careers. Before they can accurately check a patientās blood pressure, students first need to master two key skills: locating the brachial artery and properly positioning the blood pressure cuff -- which can be trickier than it looks!
This recent lesson gave students the opportunity to practice these foundational skills through hands-on learning and prepare for what comes next in their Sports Medicine training.
š¢ Washington County Public Schools Outperforms Statewide SOL Pass Rates
2025-2026 results show higher pass rates in all five reported areas
WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA - Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) students exceeded Virginia statewide Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates across every area included in results released by the state on August 25, 2026, for the 2025-2026 school year.
The results show particularly strong performance in elementary and middle school reading and mathematics, with WCPS students outperforming the statewide rate by 9.6 percentage points in grades 3-8 reading and 10.7 percentage points in grades 3-8 mathematics. Washington County students also surpassed statewide pass rates on high school end-of-course assessments in mathematics, reading, and science.
KEY RESULT: Washington County exceeded the statewide pass rate in all five reported SOL areas, with advantages ranging from 3.1 to 10.7 percentage points.
š
Learning from Tradition
Students at Patrick Henry High School recently had the opportunity to learn about gardening, food preservation, and Appalachian traditions when Deborah Kiser, grandmother of PHHS student Jonathan P., visited Ms. Sexton's class.
She shared her knowledge of traditional gardening and canning, walking students through the process and demonstrating how to can tomatoes using the water bath method.
Experiences like this connect classroom learning with the knowledge, traditions, and skills that have been passed down through generations. What a wonderful way for students to learn from someone in their own community!
Students at Patrick Henry High School recently had the opportunity to learn about gardening, food preservation, and Appalachian traditions when Deborah Kiser, grandmother of PHHS student Jonathan P., visited Ms. Sexton's class.
She shared her knowledge of traditional gardening and canning, walking students through the process and demonstrating how to can tomatoes using the water bath method.
Experiences like this connect classroom learning with the knowledge, traditions, and skills that have been passed down through generations. What a wonderful way for students to learn from someone in their own community!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Dakota Dixon ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 2013
We are thrilled to highlight Dakota Dixon, 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
We are thrilled to highlight Dakota Dixon, 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
