š Enjoy your fall break, WCPS! We hope you enjoy the day off and get a chance to relax, recharge and enjoy a little bit of fall.
š¢ On August 10, the Washington County Board of Supervisors asked Washington County Public Schools to present a conceptual plan for consideration of a 1% local sales tax referendum that included a plan for consolidation of schools. The School Board submitted a conceptual plan and on September 22, the Board of Supervisors approved placing the referendum on the ballot for a special election on April 6, 2027.
Now that the referendum is officially on the ballot, our immediate focus will shift to providing information about the sales tax referendum, which if approved, would help address millions of dollars in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) needs across the school division without the need for a significant increase in other revenue sources. As a result, Washington County Public Schools has separated its school facilities and planning information into two webpages to make it easier for families and community members to find information about two separate topics; the Sales Tax Referendum and the potential for unification.
Discussions about potential school configuration adjustments will slow down dramatically as additional information is gathered and the best configuration for Washington County Public Schools as a whole is evaluated. We do not anticipate significant updates about unification or other potential school configuration adjustments in the near future.
Information about each topic can be found on the following webpages:
*Sales Tax Referendum Information: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcps/page/school-facilities-and-capital-improvement
*School Configuration Adjustments Information: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/school-configuration-adjustments
The sales tax referendum webpage will continue to be updated regularly as additional information becomes available. Community members are encouraged to visit the appropriate webpage for updates and information about each topic.
šØš A little creativity goes a long way
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School have been working hard painting the clay fish they made in art class. We love seeing our students bring their creations to life through hands-on learning!
First graders at Meadowview Elementary School have been working hard painting the clay fish they made in art class. We love seeing our students bring their creations to life through hands-on learning!
šš What a night for E.B. Stanley Middle School
More than 250 students came out for a fun-filled tailgate Monday evening before heading to Abingdon High School to cheer on the E.B. Stanley Falcons middle school football team.
Students enjoyed games, face painting, pizza and ice cream before showing off their school spirit from the stands!
A big thank you to the E.B. Stanley staff members who helped make the evening possible -- and to our students for bringing so much energy and school spirit!
More than 250 students came out for a fun-filled tailgate Monday evening before heading to Abingdon High School to cheer on the E.B. Stanley Falcons middle school football team.
Students enjoyed games, face painting, pizza and ice cream before showing off their school spirit from the stands!
A big thank you to the E.B. Stanley staff members who helped make the evening possible -- and to our students for bringing so much energy and school spirit!
š¢ Washington County Public Schools Demonstrate Strong Performance Growth in State Accountability Results
Washington County Public Schools is celebrating strong results following the release of Virginiaās 2025ā2026 School Performance and Support Framework results.
Thirteen of Washington Countyās 15 schools earned the stateās Distinguished rating, while the remaining two schools earned Meets Expectations. As a result, all 15 WCPS schools met or exceeded state expectations under Virginiaās accountability framework. We are extremely excited to announce that Holston High had the highest Framework score in the State!
The 2025ā2026 ratings for WCPS schools are:
*Abingdon Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Abingdon High School ā Meets Expectations
*Damascus Middle School ā Distinguished
*E.B. Stanley Middle School ā Distinguished
*Glade Spring Middle School ā Meets Expectations
*Greendale Elementary School ā Distinguished
*High Point Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Holston High School ā Distinguished
*John S. Battle High School ā Distinguished
*Meadowview Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Patrick Henry High School ā Distinguished
*Rhea Valley Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Valley Institute Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Wallace Middle School ā Distinguished
*Watauga Elementary School ā Distinguished
In addition to Holston Highās top overall score, several WCPS schools were recognized among the stateās highest-performing schools based on their overall framework scores. All four Washington County high schools ranked among the top 20 schools statewide. John S. Battle High School ranked seventh, Abingdon High School ranked ninth and Patrick Henry High School ranked 17th. With more than 1,800 public schools statewide, this is an amazing accomplishment for our students and staff!
Several WCPS schools were also recognized among the stateās top schools for growth in their overall framework scores.
Five Washington County schools ā Abingdon Elementary School, Damascus Middle School, Abingdon High School, Holston High School and John S. Battle High School ā ranked among the top 10 schools in Virginia for score gains within their respective school levels from last year to this year. Abingdon Elementary School had the highest growth in overall framework score statewide. Patrick Henry High School ranked among the top 20 in growth as well.
We realize that there will be confusion about the discrepancy between Abingdon High Schoolās excellent performance and its designation. The school was rated Distinguished in 2024-2025 and was among the highest-growth high schools in the Commonwealth in the 2025ā2026 results. The schoolās score was 23 points above the minimum standard for Distinguished status and had the ninth-highest overall score in the Commonwealth. However, due to a federal accountability model variation, Abingdon High Schoolās final reported designation was adjusted to Meets Expectations. WCPS will provide further information about this adjustment soon.
āWe are very proud of the academic performance of all schools in Washington County. Our success can be attributed to our focus on doing whatever it takes to help our students succeed,ā Superintendent Keith Perrigan said. āThat recipe includes amazing students, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, a board that is focused on academic excellence and recruiting/retaining the best staff possible to ensure that classrooms and students have the support they need to excel.ā
Virginiaās School Performance and Support Framework provides a broader measure of school performance than traditional accreditation measures. The framework considers multiple indicators, including student achievement, academic growth, chronic absenteeism and other measures of student readiness and success.
The framework places schools into four performance categories: Distinguished, Meets Expectations, Approaching Expectations and Needs Intensive Support. The 2025ā2026 results mark the second year Virginia has used the current framework.
Washington County Public Schools is celebrating strong results following the release of Virginiaās 2025ā2026 School Performance and Support Framework results.
Thirteen of Washington Countyās 15 schools earned the stateās Distinguished rating, while the remaining two schools earned Meets Expectations. As a result, all 15 WCPS schools met or exceeded state expectations under Virginiaās accountability framework. We are extremely excited to announce that Holston High had the highest Framework score in the State!
The 2025ā2026 ratings for WCPS schools are:
*Abingdon Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Abingdon High School ā Meets Expectations
*Damascus Middle School ā Distinguished
*E.B. Stanley Middle School ā Distinguished
*Glade Spring Middle School ā Meets Expectations
*Greendale Elementary School ā Distinguished
*High Point Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Holston High School ā Distinguished
*John S. Battle High School ā Distinguished
*Meadowview Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Patrick Henry High School ā Distinguished
*Rhea Valley Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Valley Institute Elementary School ā Distinguished
*Wallace Middle School ā Distinguished
*Watauga Elementary School ā Distinguished
In addition to Holston Highās top overall score, several WCPS schools were recognized among the stateās highest-performing schools based on their overall framework scores. All four Washington County high schools ranked among the top 20 schools statewide. John S. Battle High School ranked seventh, Abingdon High School ranked ninth and Patrick Henry High School ranked 17th. With more than 1,800 public schools statewide, this is an amazing accomplishment for our students and staff!
Several WCPS schools were also recognized among the stateās top schools for growth in their overall framework scores.
Five Washington County schools ā Abingdon Elementary School, Damascus Middle School, Abingdon High School, Holston High School and John S. Battle High School ā ranked among the top 10 schools in Virginia for score gains within their respective school levels from last year to this year. Abingdon Elementary School had the highest growth in overall framework score statewide. Patrick Henry High School ranked among the top 20 in growth as well.
We realize that there will be confusion about the discrepancy between Abingdon High Schoolās excellent performance and its designation. The school was rated Distinguished in 2024-2025 and was among the highest-growth high schools in the Commonwealth in the 2025ā2026 results. The schoolās score was 23 points above the minimum standard for Distinguished status and had the ninth-highest overall score in the Commonwealth. However, due to a federal accountability model variation, Abingdon High Schoolās final reported designation was adjusted to Meets Expectations. WCPS will provide further information about this adjustment soon.
āWe are very proud of the academic performance of all schools in Washington County. Our success can be attributed to our focus on doing whatever it takes to help our students succeed,ā Superintendent Keith Perrigan said. āThat recipe includes amazing students, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, a board that is focused on academic excellence and recruiting/retaining the best staff possible to ensure that classrooms and students have the support they need to excel.ā
Virginiaās School Performance and Support Framework provides a broader measure of school performance than traditional accreditation measures. The framework considers multiple indicators, including student achievement, academic growth, chronic absenteeism and other measures of student readiness and success.
The framework places schools into four performance categories: Distinguished, Meets Expectations, Approaching Expectations and Needs Intensive Support. The 2025ā2026 results mark the second year Virginia has used the current framework.
šāØ A new way to celebrate great choices at Greendale Elementary
Students recently watched as the GES News Crew unveiled the schoolās new Book Vending Machine -- and theyāre already excited to start earning books!
Every nine weeks, teachers and staff receive three tokens to recognize students who are demonstrating excellence in academics, behavior, character, overcoming obstacles, meeting new challenges and so much more.
When a student receives a token, they can take it to the library and use it to choose a book from the vending machine.
What a fun way to recognize students while encouraging a love of reading! We canāt wait to see how many books find new homes at GES
Students recently watched as the GES News Crew unveiled the schoolās new Book Vending Machine -- and theyāre already excited to start earning books!
Every nine weeks, teachers and staff receive three tokens to recognize students who are demonstrating excellence in academics, behavior, character, overcoming obstacles, meeting new challenges and so much more.
When a student receives a token, they can take it to the library and use it to choose a book from the vending machine.
What a fun way to recognize students while encouraging a love of reading! We canāt wait to see how many books find new homes at GES
š£ Parent Resource Center Family Event
Washington County families are invited to a free community event on Thursday, October 8, from 4ā7 p.m. at Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church!
Families can connect with a variety of free resources, including:
*VDHās mobile health bus
*Clothing closet
*Dental services through Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
*Haircuts
*Free food
The event is open to all families, and preregistration is encouraged! Registering ahead of time helps our community partners plan for staffing and supplies.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/95AigMsrZ8pHXEQ47
This event is hosted by the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center in collaboration with Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, VDH, and Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
Washington County families are invited to a free community event on Thursday, October 8, from 4ā7 p.m. at Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church!
Families can connect with a variety of free resources, including:
*VDHās mobile health bus
*Clothing closet
*Dental services through Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
*Haircuts
*Free food
The event is open to all families, and preregistration is encouraged! Registering ahead of time helps our community partners plan for staffing and supplies.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/95AigMsrZ8pHXEQ47
This event is hosted by the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center in collaboration with Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, VDH, and Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic
ššš Learning from Our Community Helpers
Watauga Elementary kindergarten students had some very special visitors last week as they learned about the important work of our local first responders.
Students had the opportunity to meet law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics, ask questions and learn more about the many ways these community helpers work to keep people safe.
A special thank-you to:
*Deputy Tilson and K9 Kala
*Green Springs Fire Department
*Officer Jack Thurston, Damascus Police Department
*Richardson Ambulance Service paramedics Katie and Josh Mattox
*Lt. Gemmell and Detective Lane from the Washington County Sheriff's Office S.E.R.T. Team
*Officer Matt Watson, Watauga Elementary's School Resource Officer
We are grateful to all of the first responders who serve our schools and communities each day -- and to those who take the time to help our students learn about their important work!
Watauga Elementary kindergarten students had some very special visitors last week as they learned about the important work of our local first responders.
Students had the opportunity to meet law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics, ask questions and learn more about the many ways these community helpers work to keep people safe.
A special thank-you to:
*Deputy Tilson and K9 Kala
*Green Springs Fire Department
*Officer Jack Thurston, Damascus Police Department
*Richardson Ambulance Service paramedics Katie and Josh Mattox
*Lt. Gemmell and Detective Lane from the Washington County Sheriff's Office S.E.R.T. Team
*Officer Matt Watson, Watauga Elementary's School Resource Officer
We are grateful to all of the first responders who serve our schools and communities each day -- and to those who take the time to help our students learn about their important work!
āØ Wallace Middle School Student Recognitions
The Washington County School Board recognized two Wallace Middle School students during tonightās meeting for their outstanding actions and accomplishments.
*Meila Leonard was recognized for her quick thinking and courageous actions to help keep a fellow student safe.
*Zoe Mason was recognized for achieving perfect scores on her 2025ā2026 SOL assessments -- an incredible academic accomplishment!
Congratulations, Mila and Zoe! Weāre proud to celebrate you both!
š½š„¬ Happy Virginia Farm to School Week
This week, weāre celebrating some of the local partners who help bring fresh food to WCPS cafeterias -- and highlighting the connection between agriculture, our schools and the meals we serve to students.
*Whitesides Sweet Corn -- providing fresh, locally grown sweet corn
*Anderson & Sons Meat Processing -- providing locally processed sausage
*Holston High School Horticulture -- growing fresh lettuce right here in our own school greenhouse
Weāre grateful for the farmers, producers and students who help bring local food from the farm -- and the greenhouse -- to our school cafeterias!
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
On behalf of Washington County Public Schools and Abingdon High School, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who responded and cared for our students and staff following Friday eveningās bus accident in Johnson County.
We are grateful to Johnson County Public Schools for the care and support they provided to our students and staff during an incredibly difficult situation. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Johnson County Sheriffās Office, emergency medical personnel, first responders and the many others who came to the aid of our students and staff. Their compassion, professionalism and willingness to help meant more than we can adequately express.
Our students and staff were surrounded by people who cared for them, comforted them and helped ensure they made it safely home to their families. The offers of support and assistance from others were immeasurable. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who played a part in that effort.
From an internal standpoint, our WCPS team stepped up and performed exceptionally in an unthinkable situation. Our bus drivers responded extraordinarily well and protected our students above all else. Our coaching staff managed the scene with precision and compassion. Parents at the scene provided invaluable assistance. Our WCPS athletic trainers, AHS Counseling staff and Highlands Community Services provided care and support to our students during and following the incident. Central Services and AHS administrators, along with School Board members, provided on-site and behind-the-scenes support to assist those on the front lines. Despite cellular challenges, our Communications Director provided information to families in a timely manner. Our football squad did exactly what you would expect from a team: they rallied and took care of one another in a heartwarming display of brotherhood.
We understand that the tragedy could have been much worse, and we know that our Falcon community was blessed and protected last night. We also recognize that this was a tragic accident that affected more than our school community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.
Dr. Keith Perrigan
Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools
Leslie Cumbow
Principal, Abingdon High School
Garrett Amburgey
Head Football Coach, Abingdon High School
Andrew Hockett
Transportation Supervisor, Washington County Public Schools
Washington County School Board
We are grateful to Johnson County Public Schools for the care and support they provided to our students and staff during an incredibly difficult situation. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Johnson County Sheriffās Office, emergency medical personnel, first responders and the many others who came to the aid of our students and staff. Their compassion, professionalism and willingness to help meant more than we can adequately express.
Our students and staff were surrounded by people who cared for them, comforted them and helped ensure they made it safely home to their families. The offers of support and assistance from others were immeasurable. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who played a part in that effort.
From an internal standpoint, our WCPS team stepped up and performed exceptionally in an unthinkable situation. Our bus drivers responded extraordinarily well and protected our students above all else. Our coaching staff managed the scene with precision and compassion. Parents at the scene provided invaluable assistance. Our WCPS athletic trainers, AHS Counseling staff and Highlands Community Services provided care and support to our students during and following the incident. Central Services and AHS administrators, along with School Board members, provided on-site and behind-the-scenes support to assist those on the front lines. Despite cellular challenges, our Communications Director provided information to families in a timely manner. Our football squad did exactly what you would expect from a team: they rallied and took care of one another in a heartwarming display of brotherhood.
We understand that the tragedy could have been much worse, and we know that our Falcon community was blessed and protected last night. We also recognize that this was a tragic accident that affected more than our school community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.
Dr. Keith Perrigan
Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools
Leslie Cumbow
Principal, Abingdon High School
Garrett Amburgey
Head Football Coach, Abingdon High School
Andrew Hockett
Transportation Supervisor, Washington County Public Schools
Washington County School Board
š§¹ Happy National Custodian Day
Washington County Public Schools is celebrating the incredible custodians who work behind the scenes each day to keep our schools clean, safe and welcoming for students and staff.
From early mornings to after-school activities, our custodians do so much to help our schools run smoothly -- and weāre grateful for all they do!
Thank you to all of our WCPS custodians!
Washington County Public Schools is celebrating the incredible custodians who work behind the scenes each day to keep our schools clean, safe and welcoming for students and staff.
From early mornings to after-school activities, our custodians do so much to help our schools run smoothly -- and weāre grateful for all they do!
Thank you to all of our WCPS custodians!
š Career Exploration at Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry High School students recently had the opportunity to explore different career paths and connect with local professionals during a career fair.
Thank you to all of the community partners who took the time to share their expertise, experiences and insights with students. Opportunities like these help students make connections and learn more about the possibilities that await them after high school.
We appreciate our community partners for investing in the future of WCPS students!
Patrick Henry High School students recently had the opportunity to explore different career paths and connect with local professionals during a career fair.
Thank you to all of the community partners who took the time to share their expertise, experiences and insights with students. Opportunities like these help students make connections and learn more about the possibilities that await them after high school.
We appreciate our community partners for investing in the future of WCPS students!
š Homecoming starts with math
As Holston High School gets ready for Friday nightās Homecoming game, Holston FFA students have been putting their ag skills to work -- and it takes a lot more than paint to get the football field ready.
Before the lettering and logos take shape, students measure, square corners, plot coordinates and lay out every detail by hand using tape measures, string and plenty of geometry. Every line and curve is carefully measured before the first drop of paint hits the grass.
It takes teamwork, precision and problem-solving to bring the field to life -- skills these students are putting into practice right here on their own football field.
Weāre looking forward to seeing the finished product under the lights Friday night!
As Holston High School gets ready for Friday nightās Homecoming game, Holston FFA students have been putting their ag skills to work -- and it takes a lot more than paint to get the football field ready.
Before the lettering and logos take shape, students measure, square corners, plot coordinates and lay out every detail by hand using tape measures, string and plenty of geometry. Every line and curve is carefully measured before the first drop of paint hits the grass.
It takes teamwork, precision and problem-solving to bring the field to life -- skills these students are putting into practice right here on their own football field.
Weāre looking forward to seeing the finished product under the lights Friday night!
š Battle in the Valley
Valley Institute Elementary School students had a special visit from some familiar faces Friday as members of the John S. Battle High School football team, cheerleaders and staff came back to take on the Bulldogs in a kickball tournament!
The September PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) incentive recognizes students for positive behavior and good choices, giving VIES students a chance to spend time with Battle students, enjoy temporary tattoos and cool off with a shaved ice station.
The day also featured a Battle spirit day as Valley students showed their support for the older students who once walked the same halls.
Valley Institute Elementary School students had a special visit from some familiar faces Friday as members of the John S. Battle High School football team, cheerleaders and staff came back to take on the Bulldogs in a kickball tournament!
The September PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) incentive recognizes students for positive behavior and good choices, giving VIES students a chance to spend time with Battle students, enjoy temporary tattoos and cool off with a shaved ice station.
The day also featured a Battle spirit day as Valley students showed their support for the older students who once walked the same halls.
š Civics Comes to Life at Wallace Middle School!
Mr. Stinsonās 7th grade civics students at Wallace Middle School recently took their learning beyond the classroom with two unique experiences in Abingdon!
Students attended The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Barter Theatre, where they connected civics concepts such as rules, justice and the rights of the accused to the story unfolding on stage.
Students also explored the VA250 Mobile Museum, connecting what they have learned about Americaās founding to Virginiaās commemoration of the nationās 250th anniversary. The interactive museum brings Virginia and American history to communities across the state.
It was a great opportunity for students to see their classroom learning come to life through experiences right here in their community!
Mr. Stinsonās 7th grade civics students at Wallace Middle School recently took their learning beyond the classroom with two unique experiences in Abingdon!
Students attended The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Barter Theatre, where they connected civics concepts such as rules, justice and the rights of the accused to the story unfolding on stage.
Students also explored the VA250 Mobile Museum, connecting what they have learned about Americaās founding to Virginiaās commemoration of the nationās 250th anniversary. The interactive museum brings Virginia and American history to communities across the state.
It was a great opportunity for students to see their classroom learning come to life through experiences right here in their community!
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©ŗ CNA Students Build Hands-On Skills at WCCTEC
Washington County Career & Technical Education Center CNA students are building important patient-care skills and putting their classroom knowledge into practice.
Students have been learning and practicing proper patient positioning in bed, how to obtain accurate weights, catheter care, and safely donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE).
These hands-on experiences give students the opportunity to practice essential skills and prepare for the work they may one day do in the healthcare field.
Washington County Career & Technical Education Center CNA students are building important patient-care skills and putting their classroom knowledge into practice.
Students have been learning and practicing proper patient positioning in bed, how to obtain accurate weights, catheter care, and safely donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE).
These hands-on experiences give students the opportunity to practice essential skills and prepare for the work they may one day do in the healthcare field.
š“The Asian Cuisine Bar is back this Friday
Middle and high school students can enjoy the Asian Cuisine Bar during lunch on Friday, September 25.
Check out whatās on the menu and make plans to give it a try!
Middle and high school students can enjoy the Asian Cuisine Bar during lunch on Friday, September 25.
Check out whatās on the menu and make plans to give it a try!
