šøšAnother round of first-day photos is here, and weāre loving every single one! Thank you to all of our WCPS families and staff who have shared their first-day moments with us. It has been so much fun seeing our students back in our schools!
Keep the pictures coming! Send your first-day photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep the pictures coming! Send your first-day photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.




šøš Weāve loved seeing all the smiles, new school-year outfits, bus-stop snapshots, and first-day moments youāve been sharing with us! Thereās nothing better than seeing the excitement of a new school year through the eyes of our WCPS students and families.
Keep those photos coming! Weād love to see more of your first-day memories. Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep those photos coming! Weād love to see more of your first-day memories. Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.










šøš The first-day smiles are rolling in! Weāve already received so many wonderful photos from across WCPS, and weāre loving seeing our students kick off the new school year!
Keep those first-day pictures coming -- we want to see them all!
Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep those first-day pictures coming -- we want to see them all!
Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.









šš Happy First Day of School!
The 2026-2027 school year is officially here, and we can't wait to see all the smiling faces filling our schools today!
šø We want to see your first-day photos! Whether it's a proud first-day pose, a bus-stop snapshot, a new school outfit, or a smile on the way into the classroom, share your favorite first-day moments with us!
Send your photos to ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us for a chance to be featured on the Washington County Public Schools social media pages.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on WCPS social media platforms.
Here's to a wonderful first day and an amazing school year!
The 2026-2027 school year is officially here, and we can't wait to see all the smiling faces filling our schools today!
šø We want to see your first-day photos! Whether it's a proud first-day pose, a bus-stop snapshot, a new school outfit, or a smile on the way into the classroom, share your favorite first-day moments with us!
Send your photos to ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us for a chance to be featured on the Washington County Public Schools social media pages.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on WCPS social media platforms.
Here's to a wonderful first day and an amazing school year!

š¢ š Back-to-School Traffic & Safety Reminders
With the new school year beginning Friday, August 7, we want to remind families and motorists to use extra caution as students, buses, and school traffic return to our roads.
Plan for increased traffic near Abingdon High School. Ongoing construction related to the roundabout project will continue in the area around AHS. Project officials have advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane during portions of the day, with the exception of 7:00ā8:30 a.m. and 2:30ā4:00 p.m. Families traveling through the area should plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution around the work zone.
As we all get back into our school-year routines, please remember:
*Watch for school buses: Slow down and be alert for buses stopping to pick up or drop off students. Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
*Watch for students: Be especially alert for children walking, riding bikes, or waiting near the roadway and school bus stops.
*Stay focused: Put away distractions and keep your attention on the road, especially in school zones and around school entrances and exits.
*Follow school traffic patterns: Follow posted signs, directions from staff, and designated drop-off and pick-up procedures.
*Give yourself extra time: The first few days of school can bring heavier traffic as everyone settles into new routines.
Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping us keep our students safe.
With the new school year beginning Friday, August 7, we want to remind families and motorists to use extra caution as students, buses, and school traffic return to our roads.
Plan for increased traffic near Abingdon High School. Ongoing construction related to the roundabout project will continue in the area around AHS. Project officials have advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane during portions of the day, with the exception of 7:00ā8:30 a.m. and 2:30ā4:00 p.m. Families traveling through the area should plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution around the work zone.
As we all get back into our school-year routines, please remember:
*Watch for school buses: Slow down and be alert for buses stopping to pick up or drop off students. Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
*Watch for students: Be especially alert for children walking, riding bikes, or waiting near the roadway and school bus stops.
*Stay focused: Put away distractions and keep your attention on the road, especially in school zones and around school entrances and exits.
*Follow school traffic patterns: Follow posted signs, directions from staff, and designated drop-off and pick-up procedures.
*Give yourself extra time: The first few days of school can bring heavier traffic as everyone settles into new routines.
Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping us keep our students safe.

āļøš Washington County Public Schools looks forward to welcoming students back on Friday for the start of the 2026-2027 school year!
As you make your final back-to-school preparations, remember that Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9. During the three-day sales tax holiday, shoppers can purchase qualifying school supplies priced at $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item without paying sales tax. Additional qualifying items are also included.
Planning to shop during the tax-free weekend? We encourage families to take advantage of the savings! Students are not expected to have all of their school supplies on the first day of school, so there's no need to rush your purchases. Take advantage of the tax-free weekend and enjoy the savings!
š School Supply Lists (2026-2027):
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/.../school-supply.../23882243
ā¹ļø Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Information:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
We can't wait to welcome our students on Friday. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!
As you make your final back-to-school preparations, remember that Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9. During the three-day sales tax holiday, shoppers can purchase qualifying school supplies priced at $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item without paying sales tax. Additional qualifying items are also included.
Planning to shop during the tax-free weekend? We encourage families to take advantage of the savings! Students are not expected to have all of their school supplies on the first day of school, so there's no need to rush your purchases. Take advantage of the tax-free weekend and enjoy the savings!
š School Supply Lists (2026-2027):
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/.../school-supply.../23882243
ā¹ļø Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Information:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
We can't wait to welcome our students on Friday. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!


š Back to School 2026-2027
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šWashington County Health Department is offering extended clinic hours to help students get up-to-date on their vaccines!
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šWashington County Health Department is offering extended clinic hours to help students get up-to-date on their vaccines!


š Welcome, 2026-2027 Student School Board Representatives
We had the pleasure of welcoming our new Student School Board Representatives this afternoon with a luncheon as they prepare to serve as student voices on the Washington County School Board during the 2026-2027 school year!
Please join us in welcoming:
*Abingdon High School: Caden Singleton
*John S. Battle High School: T.J. Bishop
*Patrick Henry High School: Zen Moser
*Holston High School: Payton Long
*Washington County Career & Technical Education Center: Zayne Bolen
We are excited to have these five students representing their schools and fellow students throughout the coming school year. We look forward to hearing their perspectives, ideas, and experiences as we continue working together to make WCPS the best it can be for all students.
We had the pleasure of welcoming our new Student School Board Representatives this afternoon with a luncheon as they prepare to serve as student voices on the Washington County School Board during the 2026-2027 school year!
Please join us in welcoming:
*Abingdon High School: Caden Singleton
*John S. Battle High School: T.J. Bishop
*Patrick Henry High School: Zen Moser
*Holston High School: Payton Long
*Washington County Career & Technical Education Center: Zayne Bolen
We are excited to have these five students representing their schools and fellow students throughout the coming school year. We look forward to hearing their perspectives, ideas, and experiences as we continue working together to make WCPS the best it can be for all students.

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

šļø As we prepare to welcome students back for an exciting new school year, now is the perfect time to explore resources that can help your child succeed!
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center has released a new episode of the EmpowerED Podcast featuring the I'm Determined Center. In this episode, you'll learn about:
*Self-determination
*Self-advocacy
*Practical ways families can help children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Whether you're returning to WCPS or joining our school community for the first time, this episode offers valuable tips and encouragement for families as we begin the 2026-2027 school year.
š§ Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pxWfVY8xms9DyUSNaKHEZ...
Looking for more helpful resources? Browse the full EmpowerED Podcast series from the Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5AJoy78OgYw57PZ2nSaFQb...
We hope you'll tune in, and we wish all of our students, families, and staff a fantastic start to the new school year!
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center has released a new episode of the EmpowerED Podcast featuring the I'm Determined Center. In this episode, you'll learn about:
*Self-determination
*Self-advocacy
*Practical ways families can help children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Whether you're returning to WCPS or joining our school community for the first time, this episode offers valuable tips and encouragement for families as we begin the 2026-2027 school year.
š§ Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pxWfVY8xms9DyUSNaKHEZ...
Looking for more helpful resources? Browse the full EmpowerED Podcast series from the Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5AJoy78OgYw57PZ2nSaFQb...
We hope you'll tune in, and we wish all of our students, families, and staff a fantastic start to the new school year!

š We are excited to welcome our newest educators to the Washington County Public Schools family!
Today, our New Teacher Orientation kicked off as teachers gathered for breakfast before receiving a warm welcome from Superintendent Dr. Keith Perrigan and members of the Washington County School Board.
Throughout the orientation, our new teachers will learn about the programs, resources, and support available across our division while connecting with colleagues and preparing for a successful school year.
Please join us in giving our newest teachers a warm WCPS welcome! We are excited to have you on our team and look forward to the positive impact you will make in the lives of our students.
Today, our New Teacher Orientation kicked off as teachers gathered for breakfast before receiving a warm welcome from Superintendent Dr. Keith Perrigan and members of the Washington County School Board.
Throughout the orientation, our new teachers will learn about the programs, resources, and support available across our division while connecting with colleagues and preparing for a successful school year.
Please join us in giving our newest teachers a warm WCPS welcome! We are excited to have you on our team and look forward to the positive impact you will make in the lives of our students.








š As we gear up for the new school year, the WCPS School Nutrition Department is excited to share some important updates designed to help your year start off smoothly and stay on track.
š±Go Green with Digital Menus
Did you know you can have school menus automatically emailed to you? Simply choose which schools youād like to follow, and youāll get menus sent right to your inbox!
ā”ļøSign Up Here: https://shorturl.at/jU9sH
Note: Menus for August will be emailed on Friday, July 31.Ā
In the meantime, view August menus here: https://www.wcpsvacncafe.com/index.php?sid=1560448952848&page=menus
š±Free Mobile Menu App
Our School Nutrition mobile app makes it easy to check daily menus from your phone. Itās free, convenient, and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play App Store.Ā
ā”ļø To learn more about the mobile app and to download, click here: https://shorturl.at/JdWeP
š³Linq Connect ā Online Payments for Ć La Carte Items
All WCPS students receive free meals, but if your child would like to purchase Ć la carte items (like snacks, etc.), you can add funds online via Linq Connect.
ā”ļø Make a payment here: https://shorturl.at/KOabd
š±Go Green with Digital Menus
Did you know you can have school menus automatically emailed to you? Simply choose which schools youād like to follow, and youāll get menus sent right to your inbox!
ā”ļøSign Up Here: https://shorturl.at/jU9sH
Note: Menus for August will be emailed on Friday, July 31.Ā
In the meantime, view August menus here: https://www.wcpsvacncafe.com/index.php?sid=1560448952848&page=menus
š±Free Mobile Menu App
Our School Nutrition mobile app makes it easy to check daily menus from your phone. Itās free, convenient, and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play App Store.Ā
ā”ļø To learn more about the mobile app and to download, click here: https://shorturl.at/JdWeP
š³Linq Connect ā Online Payments for Ć La Carte Items
All WCPS students receive free meals, but if your child would like to purchase Ć la carte items (like snacks, etc.), you can add funds online via Linq Connect.
ā”ļø Make a payment here: https://shorturl.at/KOabd



š Back to School 2026-2027
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šWashington County Health Department is offering extended clinic hours to help students get up-to-date on their vaccines!
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šWashington County Health Department is offering extended clinic hours to help students get up-to-date on their vaccines!


āļøš Back-to-school season is here
Washington County Public Schools looks forward to welcoming students back on Friday, August 7 for the start of the 2026-2027 school year!
As you make your final back-to-school preparations, remember that Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. During the three-day sales tax holiday, shoppers can purchase qualifying school supplies priced at $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item without paying sales tax. Additional qualifying items are also included.
Planning to shop during the tax-free weekend? We encourage families to take advantage of the savings! Students are not expected to have all of their school supplies on the first day of school, so there's no need to rush your purchases before Friday.
š School Supply Lists (2026-2027):
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/school-supply-lists-2026-2027/23882243
ā¹ļø Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Information:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
We can't wait to welcome our students on Friday, August 7. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!
Washington County Public Schools looks forward to welcoming students back on Friday, August 7 for the start of the 2026-2027 school year!
As you make your final back-to-school preparations, remember that Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. During the three-day sales tax holiday, shoppers can purchase qualifying school supplies priced at $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item without paying sales tax. Additional qualifying items are also included.
Planning to shop during the tax-free weekend? We encourage families to take advantage of the savings! Students are not expected to have all of their school supplies on the first day of school, so there's no need to rush your purchases before Friday.
š School Supply Lists (2026-2027):
https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/school-supply-lists-2026-2027/23882243
ā¹ļø Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Information:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
We can't wait to welcome our students on Friday, August 7. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!


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¢ Washington County Public Schools is continuing to offer free meal opportunities this summer for all children and teens 18 and under!
Grab-and-Go Meals in July: Thanks to our partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia, families have the opportunity to pick up multiple Grab-and-Go breakfasts and lunches at various locations ā no need to stay onsite and eat! Children do NOT need to be present for meal pick-up. Enrollment is required through Feeding Southwest Virginia ā forms will be available at each pick-up site. You may only get meals from one location.
Check out our full schedule for locations, dates, and times in the graphics below.
Grab-and-Go Meals in July: Thanks to our partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia, families have the opportunity to pick up multiple Grab-and-Go breakfasts and lunches at various locations ā no need to stay onsite and eat! Children do NOT need to be present for meal pick-up. Enrollment is required through Feeding Southwest Virginia ā forms will be available at each pick-up site. You may only get meals from one location.
Check out our full schedule for locations, dates, and times in the graphics below.


š Back to School 2026-2027
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šVaccines available through your local healthcare provider or health department
Make sure your child is ready for the first day of school -- get their vaccines now and avoid the last-minute rush!
šBeat the back-to-school wait times
šøNo out-of-pocket cost for required vaccines
šVaccines available through your local healthcare provider or health department

š¢ The Washington County School Board voted today to appoint Andy Puckett to serve as the interim representative for the Monroe District.Ā
The vacancy was created following the resignation of Dr. Lee Brannon, who stepped down from the School Board after being appointed to serve as the Interim Monroe District representative on the Washington County Board of Supervisors.Ā
Mr. Puckett was selected following the application, public hearing, and interview process established in accordance with Virginia law. He will serve as the interim Monroe District representative until a qualified individual is elected to complete the remainder of the term during the November 2026 Special Election. The current term expires on December 31, 2027.
A lifelong resident of Washington County and a 1999 graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Mr. Puckett is Senior Vice President at First Bank & Trust Company. He and his wife are raising their two children in Washington County, where both attend Patrick Henry High School. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in the community through service with several local organizations, including the Glenrochie Country Club, the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority, the Washington County Agriculture Advisory Committee, and the Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.Ā
As he begins his service on the School Board, Mr. Puckett is committed to building upon the progress made by the Board while continuing to expand opportunities for students and support the recruitment and retention of outstanding educators. He also looks forward to giving back to the community that has provided him and his family with opportunities to live, work, and thrive.
The Washington County School Board thanks each applicant for their interest in serving the Monroe District and for their commitment to public service. The Board congratulates Mr. Puckett on his appointment and looks forward to working with him in support of the students, staff, and families of Washington County Public Schools.Ā Ā
The vacancy was created following the resignation of Dr. Lee Brannon, who stepped down from the School Board after being appointed to serve as the Interim Monroe District representative on the Washington County Board of Supervisors.Ā
Mr. Puckett was selected following the application, public hearing, and interview process established in accordance with Virginia law. He will serve as the interim Monroe District representative until a qualified individual is elected to complete the remainder of the term during the November 2026 Special Election. The current term expires on December 31, 2027.
A lifelong resident of Washington County and a 1999 graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Mr. Puckett is Senior Vice President at First Bank & Trust Company. He and his wife are raising their two children in Washington County, where both attend Patrick Henry High School. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in the community through service with several local organizations, including the Glenrochie Country Club, the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority, the Washington County Agriculture Advisory Committee, and the Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.Ā
As he begins his service on the School Board, Mr. Puckett is committed to building upon the progress made by the Board while continuing to expand opportunities for students and support the recruitment and retention of outstanding educators. He also looks forward to giving back to the community that has provided him and his family with opportunities to live, work, and thrive.
The Washington County School Board thanks each applicant for their interest in serving the Monroe District and for their commitment to public service. The Board congratulates Mr. Puckett on his appointment and looks forward to working with him in support of the students, staff, and families of Washington County Public Schools.Ā Ā


āļøšø Summer may be winding down, but the memories are still rolling in!
We love seeing how our WCPS students and staff have been spending their summer break -- from family vacations and camps to outdoor adventures, reading, sports, and everything in between.
Take a look at some of the latest summer snapshots shared with us! Thank you to everyone who continues to send in your photos and help us celebrate a summer full of fun.
š§ We'd love to see even more summer memories! Email your photos to School Outreach Specialist Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us.
Please note: Any photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
We love seeing how our WCPS students and staff have been spending their summer break -- from family vacations and camps to outdoor adventures, reading, sports, and everything in between.
Take a look at some of the latest summer snapshots shared with us! Thank you to everyone who continues to send in your photos and help us celebrate a summer full of fun.
š§ We'd love to see even more summer memories! Email your photos to School Outreach Specialist Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us.
Please note: Any photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.



š Congratulations to Will Duncan, a rising senior at Patrick Henry High School, on being appointed to the Virginia Secretary of Educationās Student Advisory Board!
Will is one of eight high school seniors from across the Commonwealth selected to serve on the board, representing Region VII and Washington County Public Schools.
Established by the Virginia General Assembly, the Student Advisory Board provides students with the opportunity to share their perspectives on education and help inform policies that impact schools across Virginia. Through this role, he will help ensure student voices are represented in conversations about the future of education.
We are proud of Will for this outstanding achievement and excited to see him represent Patrick Henry High School, Washington County Public Schools, and Region VII at the state level!
Will is one of eight high school seniors from across the Commonwealth selected to serve on the board, representing Region VII and Washington County Public Schools.
Established by the Virginia General Assembly, the Student Advisory Board provides students with the opportunity to share their perspectives on education and help inform policies that impact schools across Virginia. Through this role, he will help ensure student voices are represented in conversations about the future of education.
We are proud of Will for this outstanding achievement and excited to see him represent Patrick Henry High School, Washington County Public Schools, and Region VII at the state level!

