š
We are proud to recognize Mr. Brad Bussey, who was honored at last eveningās School Board meeting as the recipient of the prestigious Larry Johnson Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) Award!
Presented by the Virginia High School League, this award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes across the Commonwealth.
Mr. Busseyās commitment to student safety is evident each and every day -- from monitoring conditions during practices to supporting critical initiatives like extreme heat safety protocols. His leadership helps ensure that our students can participate in athletics in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.
Congratulations, Mr. Bussey and thank you for the impact you make on our students and programs!
Presented by the Virginia High School League, this award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes across the Commonwealth.
Mr. Busseyās commitment to student safety is evident each and every day -- from monitoring conditions during practices to supporting critical initiatives like extreme heat safety protocols. His leadership helps ensure that our students can participate in athletics in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.
Congratulations, Mr. Bussey and thank you for the impact you make on our students and programs!


āļøšWe are proud to recognize our WCPS Poetry Contest winners, who were honored at last eveningās School Board meeting!
Congratulations to our first-place winners:
Grades 3ā5
*Gabriel Landry ā Rhea Valley Elementary School
Grades 6ā8
*Cortlyn Lockhart ā Glade Spring Middle School
Grades 9ā12
*Sky Coleman ā Abingdon High School
These talented students showcased creativity, expression, and a love for writing through their outstanding work.
Congratulations to our first-place winners:
Grades 3ā5
*Gabriel Landry ā Rhea Valley Elementary School
Grades 6ā8
*Cortlyn Lockhart ā Glade Spring Middle School
Grades 9ā12
*Sky Coleman ā Abingdon High School
These talented students showcased creativity, expression, and a love for writing through their outstanding work.

š ļøš We are proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students from the SkillsUSA State Competition!
These students represented Washington County Career and Technical Center with excellence, skill, and professionalism at the state level:
Automotive Refinishing Technology
*1st Place ā Elizabeth Rolen
*2nd Place ā Brayden Ferguson
Bricklayer
* 2nd Place ā Rylie Brown
Collision Damage Appraisal
*2nd Place ā Kallie OāNeill
*3rd Place ā Trey Cannon
Collision Repair Technology
*1st Place ā Layla Wilson
Welding Fabrication Team ā 2nd Place
*Kendon Keith
*Draven Potter-Cole
*Aaden Stacy
We are also proud to recognize Caleb Brown, who was elected as a State SkillsUSA Post-Secondary Officer!
Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work, talent, and dedication -- your accomplishments make WCPS proud!

š We are proud to celebrate the Scholastic Bowl State Champions from Patrick Henry High School, who were recognized at tonightās School Board meeting!
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their hard work, dedication, and achievement at the highest level:
*Sofia Belcher
*Kirah Boswell
*Summer Brooks
*Louis Carroll
*Belle Ditto
*Annabelle Finney
*Xavier Gilbert
*Tyler Harrison
*Randa Lopez
*Nathaniel Moser
*Isabella Smythe
*Austin Spates
*Carter Steiner
*Haven Street
*Carter Withers
Your commitment to academic excellence has made WCPS proud -- congratulations, State Champions!


šāØExploring the future at Holston High School
Holston High School students recently had an incredible opportunity at the Plan Your Path Career Fair, hosted in partnership with Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands. With more than 40 career fields and local colleges represented, students were able to explore a wide range of pathways and possibilities for their future.
Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations, and colleges who participated and helped make this event such a meaningful experience for our students!
Holston High School students recently had an incredible opportunity at the Plan Your Path Career Fair, hosted in partnership with Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands. With more than 40 career fields and local colleges represented, students were able to explore a wide range of pathways and possibilities for their future.
Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations, and colleges who participated and helped make this event such a meaningful experience for our students!










šāāļøšāāļø Join the Abingdon High School Youth Track Clinic
Calling all WCPS students in grades Kā6 -- come learn the fundamentals of track & field from the athletes and coaches at Abingdon High School!
Clinic Details:
š April 13 & 14 | 6:00ā8:00 p.m.
š Abingdon High School Track
Participants will learn the basics of sprints, jumps, throws, and distance events in a fun and supportive environment.
š Bonus Opportunity:
Join us on April 15 at 6:00 p.m. to participate in the Washington County Track Meet!
š² Cost: $25 (cash or check)
š Be sure to complete the attached flyer to register.
Donāt miss this great opportunity to build skills, stay active, and have fun!
Calling all WCPS students in grades Kā6 -- come learn the fundamentals of track & field from the athletes and coaches at Abingdon High School!
Clinic Details:
š April 13 & 14 | 6:00ā8:00 p.m.
š Abingdon High School Track
Participants will learn the basics of sprints, jumps, throws, and distance events in a fun and supportive environment.
š Bonus Opportunity:
Join us on April 15 at 6:00 p.m. to participate in the Washington County Track Meet!
š² Cost: $25 (cash or check)
š Be sure to complete the attached flyer to register.
Donāt miss this great opportunity to build skills, stay active, and have fun!

šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Santanna Couch ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 2012.
We are thrilled to highlight Santanna Couch, 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
We are thrilled to highlight Santanna Couch, 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


š¶Music is coming to life at Watauga Elementary School
Students across grade levels are building their musical knowledge in fun and interactive ways:
Kindergarten students explored tempo by playing egg shakers along to āPresto Largo,ā learning how music can be fast (presto), medium (moderato), or slow (largo).
Third grade students stepped into the role of conductors, learning how to lead music using time signatures like 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.
Fourth grade students took a hands-on approach with a bucket toss activity to review note values and create complete measures using different time signatures.
From rhythm to leadership, these lessons are helping students develop creativity, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for music!
Students across grade levels are building their musical knowledge in fun and interactive ways:
Kindergarten students explored tempo by playing egg shakers along to āPresto Largo,ā learning how music can be fast (presto), medium (moderato), or slow (largo).
Third grade students stepped into the role of conductors, learning how to lead music using time signatures like 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.
Fourth grade students took a hands-on approach with a bucket toss activity to review note values and create complete measures using different time signatures.
From rhythm to leadership, these lessons are helping students develop creativity, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for music!



š£Learning goes beyond the classroom at Patrick Henry High School
Students in Ms. Sextonās class recently visited the Buller Fish Hatchery, where they explored the rich diversity of native fish species in our region and learned about the important conservation efforts that help keep our local lakes and rivers thriving.
During their visit, students also discovered the vital work being done to protect endangered native mussel species -- highlighting the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems for future generations.
Experiences like this bring learning to life while connecting students to the world around them!








š±šæHands-on learning is growing strong at the Washington County Career and Technical Center
Students Emma S. and Aiden L. recently spent time preparing garden beds and planting new herbs that will support Culinary Arts classes in the coming months. From clearing out old leaves and branches to carefully placing new plants, their hard work is helping cultivate future learning opportunities.
A special thank you to Bland County Correctional Center for generously donating the plants and supporting our students.
Students Emma S. and Aiden L. recently spent time preparing garden beds and planting new herbs that will support Culinary Arts classes in the coming months. From clearing out old leaves and branches to carefully placing new plants, their hard work is helping cultivate future learning opportunities.
A special thank you to Bland County Correctional Center for generously donating the plants and supporting our students.

š¦“⨠Fossil Fun for Meadowview Elementary School
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School recently enjoyed a hands-on learning experience at the Hands On! Discovery Center, where they explored fossils and learned more about the past in an interactive way.
Experiences like this help bring classroom learning to life, sparking curiosity and excitement as students discover the world around them.
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School recently enjoyed a hands-on learning experience at the Hands On! Discovery Center, where they explored fossils and learned more about the past in an interactive way.
Experiences like this help bring classroom learning to life, sparking curiosity and excitement as students discover the world around them.





šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Sofia King ~ Holston High School ~ Class of 2016.
We are thrilled to highlight Sofia King, a proud Holston 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 Sofia King, a proud Holston 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·š£ Happy Easter from Washington County Public Schools
Wishing our WCPS community a happy Easter and a great spring season. We hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends this weekend.
Wishing our WCPS community a happy Easter and a great spring season. We hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends this weekend.

šāØ Happy National School Librarian Day
Today, we celebrate the incredible school librarians across Washington County Public Schools!
Our librarians inspire a love of reading, support student learning, spark curiosity, and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in todayās world. Whether theyāre guiding research, recommending the perfect book, or creating welcoming spaces for all learners, their impact is felt every day.
Today, we celebrate the incredible school librarians across Washington County Public Schools!
Our librarians inspire a love of reading, support student learning, spark curiosity, and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in todayās world. Whether theyāre guiding research, recommending the perfect book, or creating welcoming spaces for all learners, their impact is felt every day.

š Measuring Fun at Abingdon Elementary School
First graders at Abingdon Elementary School are exploring math in a hands-on way by learning about nonstandard measurement. Using items like cubes, cheese sticks, and even their own feet, students are discovering different ways to measure objects around the classroom.
This engaging activity helps students build early math skills while making learning interactive, creative, and fun!
First graders at Abingdon Elementary School are exploring math in a hands-on way by learning about nonstandard measurement. Using items like cubes, cheese sticks, and even their own feet, students are discovering different ways to measure objects around the classroom.
This engaging activity helps students build early math skills while making learning interactive, creative, and fun!



š
Reminder: No school on Friday, April 3; Monday, April 6; and Tuesday, April 7 for Easter Break!
Enjoy a great break with family and friends! š·š£
Enjoy a great break with family and friends! š·š£

šš Reading Meets Real-World Design
At Damascus Middle School, learning came to life in an exciting way! After reading and annotating a text about the history of basketball, students took their understanding to the next level through a hands-on STEM challenge -- designing and building their own basketball goals.
This engaging activity was the perfect way to wrap up their Read Madness celebration, bringing together literacy, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving all in one experience.
At Damascus Middle School, learning came to life in an exciting way! After reading and annotating a text about the history of basketball, students took their understanding to the next level through a hands-on STEM challenge -- designing and building their own basketball goals.
This engaging activity was the perfect way to wrap up their Read Madness celebration, bringing together literacy, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving all in one experience.



šChild Abuse Prevention Day
Today, staff across Washington County Public Schools showed their support for Child Abuse Prevention Day by wearing blue -- a simple but meaningful way to bring awareness to an important issue affecting children and families in our communities.
Together, we can help create safe, supportive environments where every child feels protected and valued.
Thank you to our staff for helping share this message and for the care and commitment you show to our students each and every day.
Today, staff across Washington County Public Schools showed their support for Child Abuse Prevention Day by wearing blue -- a simple but meaningful way to bring awareness to an important issue affecting children and families in our communities.
Together, we can help create safe, supportive environments where every child feels protected and valued.
Thank you to our staff for helping share this message and for the care and commitment you show to our students each and every day.

š¢Washington County Public Schools would like to share an important calendar update for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Due to the Statewide Special Election taking place in several of our school buildings, and the anticipated high voter turnout, schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This decision has been made to help ensure a safe environment for our students and to prevent any disruptions to the voting process.
As a result, April 21 will serve as a Student Flex Day. Teachers will provide materials or guidance in advance so students can:
*Review for upcoming Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments
*Complete missing assignments
*Prepare for end-of-year coursework
Please note: New graded assignments will not be given on this day. The goal is to provide students with additional time to review, make up missed assignments, and to prepare to finish the school year strong.
What this means for staff:
*Teachers and instructional staff will report as normal and will use the day for instructional planning, collaboration, entering grades and preparing for upcoming assessments.
Childcare Option for Elementary Families:
*To support families, childcare will be available for elementary-aged students at each of our seven elementary schools. Meals will be provided for students participating in childcare.
Families who plan to utilize this option will need to sign up in advance so schools can appropriately plan for staffing and supervision. More information on how to register will be shared by your childās elementary school.
Principals will share school-specific details related to extracurricular activities, parking, and other impacts to school operations.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure a safe environment for both our students and our community on Election Day.
Due to the Statewide Special Election taking place in several of our school buildings, and the anticipated high voter turnout, schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This decision has been made to help ensure a safe environment for our students and to prevent any disruptions to the voting process.
As a result, April 21 will serve as a Student Flex Day. Teachers will provide materials or guidance in advance so students can:
*Review for upcoming Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments
*Complete missing assignments
*Prepare for end-of-year coursework
Please note: New graded assignments will not be given on this day. The goal is to provide students with additional time to review, make up missed assignments, and to prepare to finish the school year strong.
What this means for staff:
*Teachers and instructional staff will report as normal and will use the day for instructional planning, collaboration, entering grades and preparing for upcoming assessments.
Childcare Option for Elementary Families:
*To support families, childcare will be available for elementary-aged students at each of our seven elementary schools. Meals will be provided for students participating in childcare.
Families who plan to utilize this option will need to sign up in advance so schools can appropriately plan for staffing and supervision. More information on how to register will be shared by your childās elementary school.
Principals will share school-specific details related to extracurricular activities, parking, and other impacts to school operations.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure a safe environment for both our students and our community on Election Day.

š Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
Today, we recognize and celebrate the paraprofessionals across Washington County Public Schools who play an essential role in supporting students and staff each day.
From assisting in classrooms and providing individualized support to helping create a positive and inclusive learning environment, paraprofessionals make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Their dedication, patience, and care do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all that you do to support student success across WCPS!
Today, we recognize and celebrate the paraprofessionals across Washington County Public Schools who play an essential role in supporting students and staff each day.
From assisting in classrooms and providing individualized support to helping create a positive and inclusive learning environment, paraprofessionals make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Their dedication, patience, and care do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all that you do to support student success across WCPS!

