š Beat the Back-to-School Rush!
The Mount Rogers Health Department will be offering school-based immunization clinics for students who will be entering 7th and 12th grade for the upcoming school year.
Clinics will be held on the following dates:
š April 10
*Wallace Middle School
*Abingdon High School
*Patrick Henry High School
*Damascus Middle School
š April 15
*John S. Battle High School
*E.B. Stanley Middle School
*Glade Spring Middle School
*Holston High School
These clinics will provide required immunizations, including Tdap and MenACWY, to help students be ready for the start of the school year.
Students who still need these immunizations have been given a consent form. To participate in the clinic, completed forms must be returned no later than March 27.
If you did not receive a consent form or need another copy, please contact your childās school nurse.
Scheduling your childās immunizations now is a great way to avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure they are ready for the first day of school!
The Mount Rogers Health Department will be offering school-based immunization clinics for students who will be entering 7th and 12th grade for the upcoming school year.
Clinics will be held on the following dates:
š April 10
*Wallace Middle School
*Abingdon High School
*Patrick Henry High School
*Damascus Middle School
š April 15
*John S. Battle High School
*E.B. Stanley Middle School
*Glade Spring Middle School
*Holston High School
These clinics will provide required immunizations, including Tdap and MenACWY, to help students be ready for the start of the school year.
Students who still need these immunizations have been given a consent form. To participate in the clinic, completed forms must be returned no later than March 27.
If you did not receive a consent form or need another copy, please contact your childās school nurse.
Scheduling your childās immunizations now is a great way to avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure they are ready for the first day of school!
š WCPS Educators Leading the Way
Weāre proud to share that Mrs. Odum and Ms. Melton of Wallace Middle School, along with Mrs. Smith, recently presented at the Virginia Middle School Association Conference held at James Madison University.
The Virginia Middle School Association hosts the Commonwealthās only conference dedicated exclusively to middle school educators -- bringing together teachers, administrators, and advocates from across Virginia for engaging workshops, inspiring keynote sessions, and meaningful collaboration focused on supporting young adolescents.
We are incredibly proud of these educators for representing Washington County Public Schools and sharing their expertise on a statewide stage. Their leadership and commitment to middle school students make a lasting impact both in and beyond the classroom.
Weāre proud to share that Mrs. Odum and Ms. Melton of Wallace Middle School, along with Mrs. Smith, recently presented at the Virginia Middle School Association Conference held at James Madison University.
The Virginia Middle School Association hosts the Commonwealthās only conference dedicated exclusively to middle school educators -- bringing together teachers, administrators, and advocates from across Virginia for engaging workshops, inspiring keynote sessions, and meaningful collaboration focused on supporting young adolescents.
We are incredibly proud of these educators for representing Washington County Public Schools and sharing their expertise on a statewide stage. Their leadership and commitment to middle school students make a lasting impact both in and beyond the classroom.
š¤ First Season, Strong Finish
This year marked the first season of robotics competition at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, as students came together as Fourge Robotics -- four schools united as one team.
In their debut season competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, the team participated in eight events across two states and earned a spot at the Virginia VEX Robotics State Championship. They finished 28th out of 56 teams, an impressive accomplishment for a first-year program!
Throughout the season, these students showed resilience, determination, and growth -- and weāre proud of what theyāve achieved.
This year marked the first season of robotics competition at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, as students came together as Fourge Robotics -- four schools united as one team.
In their debut season competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, the team participated in eight events across two states and earned a spot at the Virginia VEX Robotics State Championship. They finished 28th out of 56 teams, an impressive accomplishment for a first-year program!
Throughout the season, these students showed resilience, determination, and growth -- and weāre proud of what theyāve achieved.
š£ļøš Debate Teams Headed to State
Students from Abingdon High School and Patrick Henry High School delivered impressive performances at the VHSL Debate Super Regionals in Yorktown this past weekend!
In their first-year competing, Abingdon High Schoolās debate team placed:
š„ 1st Place -- Public Forum Debate
š„ 2nd Place -- Policy Debate
The Falcons also finished 2nd out of 8 schools in the Super Regional sweepstakes, qualifying for the VHSL State Debate Championship at Randolph-Macon College on April 18.
Congratulations to Coach Christie Lawson and debaters Milo Leidig, Liam Lawson, Seanna Gilbert, and Savana Johnson, who will represent Abingdon High at the state competition!
Also headed to state is Carter Withers from Patrick Henry High School, who placed 1st out of eight debaters in the Lincoln-Douglas Forum. Congratulations to Coach John Walker and Carter on this outstanding accomplishment!
We wish all of our debaters the best of luck at State!
Students from Abingdon High School and Patrick Henry High School delivered impressive performances at the VHSL Debate Super Regionals in Yorktown this past weekend!
In their first-year competing, Abingdon High Schoolās debate team placed:
š„ 1st Place -- Public Forum Debate
š„ 2nd Place -- Policy Debate
The Falcons also finished 2nd out of 8 schools in the Super Regional sweepstakes, qualifying for the VHSL State Debate Championship at Randolph-Macon College on April 18.
Congratulations to Coach Christie Lawson and debaters Milo Leidig, Liam Lawson, Seanna Gilbert, and Savana Johnson, who will represent Abingdon High at the state competition!
Also headed to state is Carter Withers from Patrick Henry High School, who placed 1st out of eight debaters in the Lincoln-Douglas Forum. Congratulations to Coach John Walker and Carter on this outstanding accomplishment!
We wish all of our debaters the best of luck at State!
š±š¬ Young Scientists at Work
Students at Meadowview Elementary School have been digging into plant science with a colorful hands-on experiment!
Second graders recently explored how plants move water and nutrients by placing celery stalks in cups of water mixed with food coloring. Over several days, students watched as the celery pulled the colored water up through its stem -- just like real plants move water from their roots to their leaves and flowers.
Along the way, these young scientists made daily observations and recorded the changes they saw as the color traveled through the celery and into the leaves.
Hands-on learning like this helps bring science to life and shows just how amazing plants can be!
Students at Meadowview Elementary School have been digging into plant science with a colorful hands-on experiment!
Second graders recently explored how plants move water and nutrients by placing celery stalks in cups of water mixed with food coloring. Over several days, students watched as the celery pulled the colored water up through its stem -- just like real plants move water from their roots to their leaves and flowers.
Along the way, these young scientists made daily observations and recorded the changes they saw as the color traveled through the celery and into the leaves.
Hands-on learning like this helps bring science to life and shows just how amazing plants can be!
š¢ SCHEDULE CHANGE: Many roads across the county have developed ice patches overnight. As a result, today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day. No childcare will be provided.
Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.
š¢ SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to winter weather conditions, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your childās elementary school.
If additional changes need to be made, we will shift to a remote learning day by 7:30 a.m. Childcare will not be provided if the division transitions to remote learning.
š
Congratulations, Mr. Bussey
Washington County Public Schools is proud to celebrate Mr. Bussey for receiving the Larry Johnson SMAC Award!
The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to developing and implementing policies and programs that promote the health and safety of student-athletes.
Mr. Busseyās dedication to student safety can be seen every day -- from monitoring conditions during practices to supporting important initiatives like extreme heat safety protocols. His work helps ensure that our students can participate in athletics in a safe and healthy environment.
Washington County Public Schools is proud to celebrate Mr. Bussey for receiving the Larry Johnson SMAC Award!
The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to developing and implementing policies and programs that promote the health and safety of student-athletes.
Mr. Busseyās dedication to student safety can be seen every day -- from monitoring conditions during practices to supporting important initiatives like extreme heat safety protocols. His work helps ensure that our students can participate in athletics in a safe and healthy environment.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Sydney Bailey Arnold ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2018.
We are thrilled to highlight Sydney Bailey Arnold, 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 Sydney Bailey Arnold, 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
šš State Champions
Congratulations to the Abingdon High School Lady Falcons on capturing the VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Championship!
It was an incredible season, and weāre proud of the hard work, teamwork, and determination shown by these student-athletes and their coaches.
šø Photo courtesy: Virginia High School League
Congratulations to the Abingdon High School Lady Falcons on capturing the VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Championship!
It was an incredible season, and weāre proud of the hard work, teamwork, and determination shown by these student-athletes and their coaches.
šø Photo courtesy: Virginia High School League
šØāØ Celebrating Youth Art Month
March is Youth Art Month, and weāre proud to showcase the incredible creativity of our students here at Washington County Public Schools!
Artwork from talented students across several of our schools is currently on display at the School Board Office, highlighting the imagination, skill, and hard work happening every day in our art classrooms. From colorful paintings to detailed drawings, each piece reflects the unique creativity of our young artists.
Take a look at some of the amazing artwork on display and help us celebrate the power of art in our schools!
March is Youth Art Month, and weāre proud to showcase the incredible creativity of our students here at Washington County Public Schools!
Artwork from talented students across several of our schools is currently on display at the School Board Office, highlighting the imagination, skill, and hard work happening every day in our art classrooms. From colorful paintings to detailed drawings, each piece reflects the unique creativity of our young artists.
Take a look at some of the amazing artwork on display and help us celebrate the power of art in our schools!
š¬āØ STEM Fun This Spring
Our friends at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center are inviting young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and math during the 2026 Spring Kā5 STEM Academy!
This hands-on program gives elementary students the chance to experiment, build, and discover while learning alongside other curious minds.
š Tuesdays, April 7 ā May 5
ā° 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. (Kindergarten dismisses at 7:15 p.m.)
š Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center ā One Partnership Circle, Abingdon
š² Cost: $35
Spots fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register soon!
š Learn more and register here:
https://www.swcenter.edu/k5stemacademy
Our friends at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center are inviting young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and math during the 2026 Spring Kā5 STEM Academy!
This hands-on program gives elementary students the chance to experiment, build, and discover while learning alongside other curious minds.
š Tuesdays, April 7 ā May 5
ā° 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. (Kindergarten dismisses at 7:15 p.m.)
š Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center ā One Partnership Circle, Abingdon
š² Cost: $35
Spots fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register soon!
š Learn more and register here:
https://www.swcenter.edu/k5stemacademy
ā A Sweet Way to Learn
Students at High Point Elementary School celebrated an early Pi Day with a delicious math lesson! Second graders explored fractions using pie, helping them visually identify equal parts while practicing fraction vocabulary.
After learning how pies can be divided into halves, fourths, and more, students got to enjoy the tasty treat as well! Hands-on learning (and a little pie!) made this math lesson extra memorable.
Students at High Point Elementary School celebrated an early Pi Day with a delicious math lesson! Second graders explored fractions using pie, helping them visually identify equal parts while practicing fraction vocabulary.
After learning how pies can be divided into halves, fourths, and more, students got to enjoy the tasty treat as well! Hands-on learning (and a little pie!) made this math lesson extra memorable.
š Student Voices Making a Difference
At our recent School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two of our Student School Board Representatives, Hayden Roark from Patrick Henry High School and Kasey Ball from Holston High School, for their service this year.
Throughout the school year, Hayden and Kasey have represented their peers by attending School Board meetings, sharing student perspectives, and helping keep the Board connected to whatās happening in our schools.
We appreciate their leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving as the voice of students across our division.
At our recent School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two of our Student School Board Representatives, Hayden Roark from Patrick Henry High School and Kasey Ball from Holston High School, for their service this year.
Throughout the school year, Hayden and Kasey have represented their peers by attending School Board meetings, sharing student perspectives, and helping keep the Board connected to whatās happening in our schools.
We appreciate their leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving as the voice of students across our division.
šā Be a Bean Recognition -- Glade Spring Middle School -- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
At last nightās School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two outstanding seventh-grade students from Glade Spring Middle School, Preston Yarber and Tryston Miller, with Be a Bean honors.
During a recent boysā basketball open gym, an accident occurred that resulted in a coach being injured. Preston and Tryston quickly stepped up to help. Preston helped clear the gym to ensure the other students were safe, while Tryston went to get help from his mom, who is a nurse, and helped alert staff members.
Their quick thinking, leadership, and willingness to help others during an unexpected situation are wonderful examples of what it means to Be a Bean.
We are proud of Preston and Tryston for stepping up and making a difference!
At last nightās School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two outstanding seventh-grade students from Glade Spring Middle School, Preston Yarber and Tryston Miller, with Be a Bean honors.
During a recent boysā basketball open gym, an accident occurred that resulted in a coach being injured. Preston and Tryston quickly stepped up to help. Preston helped clear the gym to ensure the other students were safe, while Tryston went to get help from his mom, who is a nurse, and helped alert staff members.
Their quick thinking, leadership, and willingness to help others during an unexpected situation are wonderful examples of what it means to Be a Bean.
We are proud of Preston and Tryston for stepping up and making a difference!
The School Board approved the 2026 graduation schedule during last nightās meeting. The last day of school will be Friday, May 22, and graduation ceremonies will take place as follows:
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 p.m. ā Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (at the Higher Education Center)
Thursday, May 21
6:00 p.m. ā Holston High School
8:00 p.m. ā Patrick Henry High School
Friday, May 22
6:00 p.m. ā John S. Battle High School
8:00 p.m. ā Abingdon High School
More details will be shared by each school as graduation approaches. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 p.m. ā Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (at the Higher Education Center)
Thursday, May 21
6:00 p.m. ā Holston High School
8:00 p.m. ā Patrick Henry High School
Friday, May 22
6:00 p.m. ā John S. Battle High School
8:00 p.m. ā Abingdon High School
More details will be shared by each school as graduation approaches. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
šØ Celebrating Youth Art Month in WCPS
At tonightās School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize the talented student artists who participated in this yearās Youth Art Month Art Contest.
Students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the division showcased their creativity and artistic skill through a wide range of impressive artwork. One student was selected as Best in Show, with additional winners recognized across multiple grade-level categories.
We would also like to thank our outstanding art teachers whose guidance and encouragement help inspire the next generation of artists. Their dedication plays a vital role in nurturing creativity in our classrooms every day.
āļøLast week, students from the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center had the opportunity to attend the SWVA Alliance for Manufacturing Womenās Symposium.
The day included engaging panel discussions, an inspiring keynote speaker, and valuable networking opportunities with local businesses in the manufacturing industry. Experiences like this allow students to explore career pathways, learn directly from industry professionals, and see the many possibilities available in modern manufacturing.
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 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
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
ā°š With the time change this weekend, mornings will be darker for the next several weeks.
Washington County Public Schools encourages drivers to use extra caution during morning travel times. Many of our students will be waiting at bus stops, walking to bus pickup locations, and boarding buses in lower light conditions.
Please slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for students and stopped school buses. A few extra seconds of attention can make a big difference in keeping our students safe.
Thank you for helping us keep our Washington County students safe each morning!
Washington County Public Schools encourages drivers to use extra caution during morning travel times. Many of our students will be waiting at bus stops, walking to bus pickup locations, and boarding buses in lower light conditions.
Please slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for students and stopped school buses. A few extra seconds of attention can make a big difference in keeping our students safe.
Thank you for helping us keep our Washington County students safe each morning!
