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.
šāØ Honoring Student Achievement: The George Washington Research Paper Celebration
Fourth graders from Washington County Public Schools were celebrated yesterday during the annual George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration, one of our most meaningful academic traditions. Each year, students showcase their writing skills by researching and writing essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from each elementary school were selected, and those students and their families were honored with a special brunch at the Martha Washington Inn. Students received certificates and a commemorative book written by George Washington, and division finalists had the opportunity to read their essays aloud -- creating memories to last a lifetime.
š Division Winners
*Third Place: Hadley D., Rhea Valley Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin and monetary award
*Second Place: Juliette F., Watauga Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin and monetary award
*First Place: Maycee S., Meadowview Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin, monetary award, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon for the student and family
š« School Winners
Abingdon Elementary School
*Third: Maren H.
*Second: Damien M.
*First: Basil H.
Greendale Elementary School
*Third: Demi L.
*Second: Konnor C.
*First: Hadassah M.
High Point Elementary School
*Third: Josie O.
*Second: Abree H.
*First: Hayden A.
Meadowview Elementary School
*Third: Maggie C.
*Second: Carson B.
*First: Maycee S.
Rhea Valley Elementary School
*Third: Arbor G.
*Second: Lucas F.
*First: Hadley D.
Valley Institute Elementary School
*Third: Bryleigh D.
*Second: Kohen G.
*First: Zane S.
Watauga Elementary School
*Third: Ellie E.
*Second: Hudson H.
*First: Juliette F.
Congratulations to all of our talented fourth graders! We are proud to celebrate their hard work, creativity, and growing passion for history and writing.
A special thank-you to Dr. Lentz, whose continued support and commitment make the George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration possible each year. His dedication to academic excellence and student achievement helps ensure meaningful opportunities like this remain a valued tradition for our students.
Fourth graders from Washington County Public Schools were celebrated yesterday during the annual George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration, one of our most meaningful academic traditions. Each year, students showcase their writing skills by researching and writing essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from each elementary school were selected, and those students and their families were honored with a special brunch at the Martha Washington Inn. Students received certificates and a commemorative book written by George Washington, and division finalists had the opportunity to read their essays aloud -- creating memories to last a lifetime.
š Division Winners
*Third Place: Hadley D., Rhea Valley Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin and monetary award
*Second Place: Juliette F., Watauga Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin and monetary award
*First Place: Maycee S., Meadowview Elementary School ā George Washington commemorative coin, monetary award, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon for the student and family
š« School Winners
Abingdon Elementary School
*Third: Maren H.
*Second: Damien M.
*First: Basil H.
Greendale Elementary School
*Third: Demi L.
*Second: Konnor C.
*First: Hadassah M.
High Point Elementary School
*Third: Josie O.
*Second: Abree H.
*First: Hayden A.
Meadowview Elementary School
*Third: Maggie C.
*Second: Carson B.
*First: Maycee S.
Rhea Valley Elementary School
*Third: Arbor G.
*Second: Lucas F.
*First: Hadley D.
Valley Institute Elementary School
*Third: Bryleigh D.
*Second: Kohen G.
*First: Zane S.
Watauga Elementary School
*Third: Ellie E.
*Second: Hudson H.
*First: Juliette F.
Congratulations to all of our talented fourth graders! We are proud to celebrate their hard work, creativity, and growing passion for history and writing.
A special thank-you to Dr. Lentz, whose continued support and commitment make the George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration possible each year. His dedication to academic excellence and student achievement helps ensure meaningful opportunities like this remain a valued tradition for our students.
šSchool Board Appreciation Month Recognition
On Monday, Washington County Public Schools proudly recognized our School Board members in celebration of Virginia School Boards Association School Board Appreciation Month. We are grateful for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students and community.
We also recognized our Student School Board Representatives, who bring an important student voice to the table:
*Hannah Lee ā Abingdon High School
*Savannah Davis ā John S. Battle High School
*Hayden Roark ā Patrick Henry High School
*Kasey Ball ā Holston High School
*Lillian Early ā Washington County Career and Technical Education Center
We appreciate all of our Student School Board Representatives for their leadership and service.
On Monday, Washington County Public Schools proudly recognized our School Board members in celebration of Virginia School Boards Association School Board Appreciation Month. We are grateful for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students and community.
We also recognized our Student School Board Representatives, who bring an important student voice to the table:
*Hannah Lee ā Abingdon High School
*Savannah Davis ā John S. Battle High School
*Hayden Roark ā Patrick Henry High School
*Kasey Ball ā Holston High School
*Lillian Early ā Washington County Career and Technical Education Center
We appreciate all of our Student School Board Representatives for their leadership and service.
š
š¢School Calendar Update
At last night's School Board meeting, the Board decided to remove the two-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, March 11 and make it a regular school day. The Board also decided we would be in session on Thursday, March 12 as a make-up day due to the number of days we have missed this year for inclement weather. Schools will be closed on Friday, March 13 as planned.
With this change, we will adjust the last day of the third nine-week grading period to Thursday, March 12. The fourth grading period will start on Monday, March 16.
At last night's School Board meeting, the Board decided to remove the two-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, March 11 and make it a regular school day. The Board also decided we would be in session on Thursday, March 12 as a make-up day due to the number of days we have missed this year for inclement weather. Schools will be closed on Friday, March 13 as planned.
With this change, we will adjust the last day of the third nine-week grading period to Thursday, March 12. The fourth grading period will start on Monday, March 16.
šā Be a Bean Recognition -- Wallace Middle School -- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Last night, School Board members recognized Ms. Childress from Wallace Middle School! Since stepping into her role, Ms. Childress has brought exceptional professionalism, quickly organizing and streamlining the schoolās bookkeeping and financial processes. Her work has had a positive impact across the entire building.
Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Childress is known for her warm, approachable, and supportive nature. Staff members know they can come to her with questions and requests and will always be met with kindness and help.
Weāre proud to celebrate Ms. Childress and grateful for the difference she makes every day at Wallace Middle School!
Last night, School Board members recognized Ms. Childress from Wallace Middle School! Since stepping into her role, Ms. Childress has brought exceptional professionalism, quickly organizing and streamlining the schoolās bookkeeping and financial processes. Her work has had a positive impact across the entire building.
Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Childress is known for her warm, approachable, and supportive nature. Staff members know they can come to her with questions and requests and will always be met with kindness and help.
Weāre proud to celebrate Ms. Childress and grateful for the difference she makes every day at Wallace Middle School!
š¦š Learning in Action at Abingdon Elementary
Fifth graders in Mrs. Tignorās class at Abingdon Elementary School are putting math skills to work in a creative way -- designing their own zoo layouts while learning about area and perimeter. To make it even more realistic, students are also working within a set budget, building problem-solving and real-world math skills along the way.
Hands-on learning like this helps students make meaningful connections and brings math to life!
Fifth graders in Mrs. Tignorās class at Abingdon Elementary School are putting math skills to work in a creative way -- designing their own zoo layouts while learning about area and perimeter. To make it even more realistic, students are also working within a set budget, building problem-solving and real-world math skills along the way.
Hands-on learning like this helps students make meaningful connections and brings math to life!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Savannah Webb ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 2013.
We are thrilled to highlight Savannah Webb, 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 Savannah Webb, 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®āāļøš National School Resource Officer Day
Today, we proudly recognize the School Resource Officers who help keep our schools safe, support our students, and build positive relationships across Washington County Public Schools.
Thank you for the care, guidance, and dedication you bring to our school communities every day.
Today, we proudly recognize the School Resource Officers who help keep our schools safe, support our students, and build positive relationships across Washington County Public Schools.
Thank you for the care, guidance, and dedication you bring to our school communities every day.
š
School Schedule Reminder:
Washington County Public Schools will be in session on Monday, February 16 (Presidentsā Day). This day will serve as a make-up day due to recent inclement weather.
Washington County Public Schools will be in session on Monday, February 16 (Presidentsā Day). This day will serve as a make-up day due to recent inclement weather.
āØ Greendale Elementary on the National Stage
Greendale Elementary proudly represented Washington County Public Schools at the National ESEA Conference in Denver!
Presenters Michael Colston, Lucy Davenport, and Dr. Brenda Sprinkle shared Home to School: Transforming Literacy Outcomes Through Family and Community Engagement, highlighting how one rural school used strong family and community partnerships to improve literacy outcomes and earn National ESEA Distinguished School recognition.
Their session featured practical, research-based strategies -- like home reading programs, community literacy partnerships, and family literacy nights -- that other schools can replicate to support student success.
āØFebruary is Black History Month, and Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize the powerful contributions of leaders whose impact continues to shape our communities and culture.
Back by popular demand, the WCPS Nutrition Department hosted a special gumbo tasting today, Thursday, February 12, inspired by Leah Chase, the legendary Queen of Creole Cuisine.
Leah Chaseās restaurant, Dooky Chaseās Restaurant in New Orleans, became an important meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s. She opened her doors to activists and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and others who needed a safe place for strategy and discussion. The restaurant provided not only great meals, but also a sense of solidarity and hope, playing a crucial role in the fight for racial equality. Through Chaseās impact on Creole cuisine and commitment to her community, she became a driving force in the kitchen and in maintaining cultural heritage and unity. Today, our students enjoyed a special tasting of gumbo, inspired by Chase! We believe that through meals like this, there can be conversations and a deeper appreciation for the valuable contributions towards American food traditions by chefs like Leah Chase.
*Check out additional photos of our student's enjoying gumbo in the comments!
**Photo Courtesy: Dooky Chase's Restaurant
āļøš§ Cool Science in Action
Pre-K students at Watauga Elementary School have been exploring Arctic animals and learning how they stay warm in snowy, icy environments. After discovering that animals use blubber to insulate their bodies, students put their knowledge to the test with a hands-on experiment -- seeing firsthand how blubber helps keep warmth in cold, icy water!
Learning is even more exciting when curiosity, science, and a little chilly fun come together!
Pre-K students at Watauga Elementary School have been exploring Arctic animals and learning how they stay warm in snowy, icy environments. After discovering that animals use blubber to insulate their bodies, students put their knowledge to the test with a hands-on experiment -- seeing firsthand how blubber helps keep warmth in cold, icy water!
Learning is even more exciting when curiosity, science, and a little chilly fun come together!
š¢Transportation Update
Due to an issue on Interstate 81, traffic is being rerouted into Abingdon. As a result, Washington County Public Schools anticipates afternoon traffic delays across all attendance zones.
Due to an issue on Interstate 81, traffic is being rerouted into Abingdon. As a result, Washington County Public Schools anticipates afternoon traffic delays across all attendance zones.
ššØ Bringing Characters to Life
Mrs. Beairdās students at Glade Spring Middle School put their creativity and critical thinking on display by creating life-style character analysis posters. Students traced a group member and filled their designs with text evidence, literary analysis, and creative elements that show what makes their characters tick. This hands-on activity is part of a No Technology SOL Review Week, helping students think deeply and collaborate in new ways!
Mrs. Beairdās students at Glade Spring Middle School put their creativity and critical thinking on display by creating life-style character analysis posters. Students traced a group member and filled their designs with text evidence, literary analysis, and creative elements that show what makes their characters tick. This hands-on activity is part of a No Technology SOL Review Week, helping students think deeply and collaborate in new ways!
š February is School Board Appreciation Month
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize and thank our dedicated School Board members for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
From setting the vision for our schools to making thoughtful decisions that support student success, our School Board members give their time, expertise, and heart to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day in our classrooms, schools, and communities.
Join us in saying thank you to our School Board for their dedication to WCPS and for always putting students first!
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize and thank our dedicated School Board members for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
From setting the vision for our schools to making thoughtful decisions that support student success, our School Board members give their time, expertise, and heart to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day in our classrooms, schools, and communities.
Join us in saying thank you to our School Board for their dedication to WCPS and for always putting students first!
š¢SCHEDULE INFORMATION: Washington County Public Schools will operate on a Regular Schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only in the morning and afternoon.
The list of impacted roads by attendance zone are below.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Horizon Drive
*Sparrow Road
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
The list of impacted roads by attendance zone are below.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Horizon Drive
*Sparrow Road
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
š Your Childās Kindergarten Journey Starts Here!
Mark your calendars! On Friday, March 27, 2026, Washington County Public Schools will be holding Kindergarten Registration for children who will be 5 years old by September 30, 2026.
What to bring for screening/registration:
*Birth Certificate
*Immunization Record
*Evidence of Physical Exam
*Proof of Address
Mark your calendars! On Friday, March 27, 2026, Washington County Public Schools will be holding Kindergarten Registration for children who will be 5 years old by September 30, 2026.
What to bring for screening/registration:
*Birth Certificate
*Immunization Record
*Evidence of Physical Exam
*Proof of Address
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Lindsey Wu ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2019.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Lindsey Wu, 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 Ms. Lindsey Wu, 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£Transportation Update ā Impacted Roads ā Monday, February 9, 2026
As a follow-up to our earlier schedule change announcement, below is the list of roads where bus service will be impacted tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only during the morning and afternoon routes.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Chip Ridge Road
*Hillandale Road
*Montgomery Road
*Horizon Drive
*Azure Lane
*Rattle Creek (Past Condor)
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
John S. Battle High School Attendance Zone
*Swinging Bridge Road
*Anderson Road
*Slaughter Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Buchanan Road
*Morning Glory Lane
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
*Greertown Road
As a follow-up to our earlier schedule change announcement, below is the list of roads where bus service will be impacted tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only during the morning and afternoon routes.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Chip Ridge Road
*Hillandale Road
*Montgomery Road
*Horizon Drive
*Azure Lane
*Rattle Creek (Past Condor)
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
John S. Battle High School Attendance Zone
*Swinging Bridge Road
*Anderson Road
*Slaughter Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Buchanan Road
*Morning Glory Lane
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
*Greertown Road
