š¢ For Your Information
The Virginia Department of Social Services will issue a one-time $120 food benefit through Virginia SUN Bucks beginning in July 2026 to eligible children.
Children who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or income-based Medicaid benefits are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks.
Families who are not enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid may still apply and potentially qualify by visiting https://virginiasunbucks.com/ and mailing the application to:
Virginia SUN Bucks
c/o VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Beginning June 15 through August 31, applications may also be completed by calling the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414.
The SUN Bucks application will require your childās āLocal Student ID Number,ā which is the lunch number your child uses at school.
If approved, benefits will be issued on a rolling basis beginning in July 2026 and will be loaded onto your current SNAP EBT card or a Virginia SUN Bucks card mailed to the address on file with your childās school.
To apply for Virginia SUN Bucks, click here: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks/how-to-apply-for-sun-bucks/
For additional information and resources, please click here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/summer-ebt-information----2026/27420624
The Virginia Department of Social Services will issue a one-time $120 food benefit through Virginia SUN Bucks beginning in July 2026 to eligible children.
Children who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or income-based Medicaid benefits are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks.
Families who are not enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid may still apply and potentially qualify by visiting https://virginiasunbucks.com/ and mailing the application to:
Virginia SUN Bucks
c/o VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Beginning June 15 through August 31, applications may also be completed by calling the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414.
The SUN Bucks application will require your childās āLocal Student ID Number,ā which is the lunch number your child uses at school.
If approved, benefits will be issued on a rolling basis beginning in July 2026 and will be loaded onto your current SNAP EBT card or a Virginia SUN Bucks card mailed to the address on file with your childās school.
To apply for Virginia SUN Bucks, click here: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks/how-to-apply-for-sun-bucks/
For additional information and resources, please click here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/summer-ebt-information----2026/27420624
š¢ Due to the potential for rain and thunderstorms this evening, Washington County Public Schools would like to share the following updates regarding tonightās graduation ceremonies:
Holston High School ā 6:00 p.m.
At this time, Holston High School plans to hold graduation at the stadium beginning at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony may be delayed due to weather. If so, we will begin as soon as conditions improve, as close to 6:00 p.m. as possible.
The gymnasium will be open at 6:00 p.m. for family members and guests who would like to get out of the weather while awaiting the ceremony.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYwoW9h-qjk
Patrick Henry High School ā 8:00 p.m.
Due to the unpredictable forecast and expected rain and thunderstorms, Patrick Henry High Schoolās graduation ceremony will be moved indoors to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The ceremony will still begin at 8:00 p.m.
Each graduate will receive seven tickets for family members to watch the ceremony from the main ballroom. Additional seating and overflow viewing areas with large monitors will be available for guests and families with small children.
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/dVnUdzDLUOQ?feature=share
Please note that another event at the Higher Education Center is expected to conclude around 7:15 p.m., so guests are encouraged not to arrive excessively early. Graduates have been instructed to arrive by 7:30 p.m.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to safely celebrate the Class of 2026!
Holston High School ā 6:00 p.m.
At this time, Holston High School plans to hold graduation at the stadium beginning at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony may be delayed due to weather. If so, we will begin as soon as conditions improve, as close to 6:00 p.m. as possible.
The gymnasium will be open at 6:00 p.m. for family members and guests who would like to get out of the weather while awaiting the ceremony.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYwoW9h-qjk
Patrick Henry High School ā 8:00 p.m.
Due to the unpredictable forecast and expected rain and thunderstorms, Patrick Henry High Schoolās graduation ceremony will be moved indoors to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The ceremony will still begin at 8:00 p.m.
Each graduate will receive seven tickets for family members to watch the ceremony from the main ballroom. Additional seating and overflow viewing areas with large monitors will be available for guests and families with small children.
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/dVnUdzDLUOQ?feature=share
Please note that another event at the Higher Education Center is expected to conclude around 7:15 p.m., so guests are encouraged not to arrive excessively early. Graduates have been instructed to arrive by 7:30 p.m.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to safely celebrate the Class of 2026!
šØš A huge thank you to Patrick Henry High School students Sammy B. and Apple B. for volunteering their time and talents to help beautify the tricycle area at the Ballad Early Learning Center in Abingdon!
Through their creativity and artistic abilities, the students created beautiful murals that will be enjoyed by children for years to come. Their willingness to give back and help make the space more welcoming and engaging is truly appreciated.
Thank you for making a lasting impact on the youngest members of our community!
Through their creativity and artistic abilities, the students created beautiful murals that will be enjoyed by children for years to come. Their willingness to give back and help make the space more welcoming and engaging is truly appreciated.
Thank you for making a lasting impact on the youngest members of our community!
š Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Tonight, we celebrated a remarkable group of students who have dedicated themselves to developing valuable career, technical, and workforce skills that will serve them well in the future. Through hands-on learning, industry certifications, and real-world experiences, these students have prepared themselves for success in college, careers, and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work, determination, and accomplishments, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in our communities and workforce.
šāš¤ Real-world math was on the menu in Mrs. Booherās 4th grade classroom at Rhea Valley Elementary School!
Students recently put their math skills to work using Texas Roadhouse menus to solve real-life math problems involving meal totals, change, and budgeting decisions. Activities like these help students see how math connects to everyday life while making learning fun and engaging.
And yes ā there was even a little line dancing involved along the way!
Students recently put their math skills to work using Texas Roadhouse menus to solve real-life math problems involving meal totals, change, and budgeting decisions. Activities like these help students see how math connects to everyday life while making learning fun and engaging.
And yes ā there was even a little line dancing involved along the way!
šš Today, Washington County Public Schools had the privilege of honoring an incredible group of retirees during our annual Retiree Reception.
Together, these dedicated employees have devoted countless years of service to the students, families, and schools of Washington County. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, office, bus garage, and hallways ā they have helped shape generations of students and made a lasting difference in our communities.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment, compassion, and the many ways they have supported WCPS throughout their careers.
Please join us in congratulating our retirees and wishing them happiness, relaxation, and new adventures in this next chapter!
Together, these dedicated employees have devoted countless years of service to the students, families, and schools of Washington County. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, office, bus garage, and hallways ā they have helped shape generations of students and made a lasting difference in our communities.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment, compassion, and the many ways they have supported WCPS throughout their careers.
Please join us in congratulating our retirees and wishing them happiness, relaxation, and new adventures in this next chapter!
šæš¦ Calling All Curious Minds! Gifted Summer Camp is Back!
Washington County Public Schools is excited to offer Gifted Summer Camp for students in grades 1ā8, happening June 22ā25 at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
This yearās theme is Habitats, and students will dive into hands-on activities exploring ecosystems, animals, and the world around themāending the week with an exciting field trip to Bays Mountain Park to experience a real-life habitat up close!
āØ Camp Highlights:
*Interactive, hands-on learning experiences
*Creative exploration of ecosystems
*Field trip adventure on the final day
š Schedule:
*June 22ā24: 8:00 a.m. ā 12:00 p.m.
*June 25 (Field Trip Day): 8:00 a.m. ā 1:30 p.m.
š Snacks provided dailyājust bring a water bottle! (And a bagged lunch for Thursday!)
š How to Register:
Be sure to complete both the registration form and student information form using the links provided. Forms can also be emailed or sent with your student on the first day.
*Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezfPC75qCT0WsiFlDYtS_PrePyGbRHNYtFbt1Ca2Q_TcX8bA/viewform
*Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dls9xcDNF0HBELZs3CIQumRKI1Vp_RubKNwR1DEZKao/edit?tab=t.0
š© Questions? Contact Mrs. Susan OāDell at sodell@wcs.k12.va.us
We canāt wait for a fun-filled week of discovery, creativity, and learning!
Washington County Public Schools is excited to offer Gifted Summer Camp for students in grades 1ā8, happening June 22ā25 at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
This yearās theme is Habitats, and students will dive into hands-on activities exploring ecosystems, animals, and the world around themāending the week with an exciting field trip to Bays Mountain Park to experience a real-life habitat up close!
āØ Camp Highlights:
*Interactive, hands-on learning experiences
*Creative exploration of ecosystems
*Field trip adventure on the final day
š Schedule:
*June 22ā24: 8:00 a.m. ā 12:00 p.m.
*June 25 (Field Trip Day): 8:00 a.m. ā 1:30 p.m.
š Snacks provided dailyājust bring a water bottle! (And a bagged lunch for Thursday!)
š How to Register:
Be sure to complete both the registration form and student information form using the links provided. Forms can also be emailed or sent with your student on the first day.
*Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezfPC75qCT0WsiFlDYtS_PrePyGbRHNYtFbt1Ca2Q_TcX8bA/viewform
*Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dls9xcDNF0HBELZs3CIQumRKI1Vp_RubKNwR1DEZKao/edit?tab=t.0
š© Questions? Contact Mrs. Susan OāDell at sodell@wcs.k12.va.us
We canāt wait for a fun-filled week of discovery, creativity, and learning!
šļø Check out what our Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center has been working on!
The PRC is excited to launch the first episode in its new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) podcast series, EmpowerED, now available on Spotify.
Join the PRC alongside special guests Dr. Staci Carr and Mrs. Candice Zimmerman as they discuss topics identified by families as areas of greatest interest, including:
āØ Parent stress, burnout, and self-care
āØ Supporting independence with daily living skills
āØ Teaching self-regulation skills
āØ Autism and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD and anxiety
This episode serves as an introduction to these important conversations, with future episodes taking a deeper dive into each topic.
š§ Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3n0T8sKfJNectXHQ7Qmzp3...
A huge thank you to the families who completed the survey and helped guide these conversations!
Remember to follow the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center Facebook page for more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
The PRC is excited to launch the first episode in its new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) podcast series, EmpowerED, now available on Spotify.
Join the PRC alongside special guests Dr. Staci Carr and Mrs. Candice Zimmerman as they discuss topics identified by families as areas of greatest interest, including:
āØ Parent stress, burnout, and self-care
āØ Supporting independence with daily living skills
āØ Teaching self-regulation skills
āØ Autism and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD and anxiety
This episode serves as an introduction to these important conversations, with future episodes taking a deeper dive into each topic.
š§ Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3n0T8sKfJNectXHQ7Qmzp3...
A huge thank you to the families who completed the survey and helped guide these conversations!
Remember to follow the Washington County Schools Parent Resource Center Facebook page for more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
š Washington County Educators Named State Champions in Presidential AI Challenge
Two educators from John S. Battle High School have been recognized as state champions in the Presidential AI Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage innovative uses of artificial intelligence in education.
Susan Davenport, an English teacher, and Teresa Austin, a math teacher, were named Virginia winners in the Educator Track after developing MasteryLens, an AI-powered tool designed to support both teachers and students in the classroom.
Their project, created with mentorship from industry partners at CGI, one of the worldās largest independent technology and professional services firms, functions as an AI chatbot and grading assistant. The tool provides immediate, meaningful feedback to students while also offering teachers valuable insights into student understanding and mastery of content ā helping to streamline grading and enhance instruction.
āHaving the mentors from CGI in our corner gave us confidence that what we wanted to create was possible,ā said Davenport. āThey were there every step of the way, offering encouragement and solutions as we developed a final product that we are proud of.ā
The Presidential AI Challenge invited educators and students from across the nation and U.S. territories to design innovative AI-based solutions or instructional models. Davenport and Austin submitted their project in January and were notified in March that they had been selected as Virginia winners, advancing to the Southeast Regional Competition.
Through their work on MasteryLens, both educators gained valuable experience in understanding the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence in education. They plan to continue refining the tool with the goal of implementing it in classrooms in the future.
Washington County Public Schools congratulates Ms. Austin and Ms. Davenport on this outstanding achievement and their commitment to innovation in education.
To learn more about MasteryLens, click here.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Emma King ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2013
We are thrilled to highlight Emma King, 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 Emma King, 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
šāØ A new summer adventure is coming to Washington County Public Schools!
The WCS Jack Tales Program and WCS Theatre Arts Camp are excited to introduce the new Appalachian Storytelling Camp for rising 1st and 2nd grade students. This exciting camp experience will encourage creativity, imagination, and a love of storytelling through engaging Appalachian-inspired activities and experiences.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScq647t7ID9Tx2A74yS-AiK8TkdmYbMo3cZ6OjfBGwSKC7JMA/viewform
We canāt wait to see our young storytellers this summer!
The WCS Jack Tales Program and WCS Theatre Arts Camp are excited to introduce the new Appalachian Storytelling Camp for rising 1st and 2nd grade students. This exciting camp experience will encourage creativity, imagination, and a love of storytelling through engaging Appalachian-inspired activities and experiences.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScq647t7ID9Tx2A74yS-AiK8TkdmYbMo3cZ6OjfBGwSKC7JMA/viewform
We canāt wait to see our young storytellers this summer!
šæš¬ Students in Mrs. Cannonās Science 8 class at Glade Spring Middle School recently put their scientific investigation skills to work with a hands-on popcorn experiment!
Students worked to determine how many unpopped kernels were in a bag of microwave popcorn while observing science in action right before their eyes. Learning is always more exciting when students can investigate, explore, and discover through hands-on activities!
Students worked to determine how many unpopped kernels were in a bag of microwave popcorn while observing science in action right before their eyes. Learning is always more exciting when students can investigate, explore, and discover through hands-on activities!
š
Mark your calendars! āļøš
Washington County Public Schools is excited to announce two great meal programs this summer for all children and teens 18 and under!
On-Site Meals in June: Stop by one of four WCPS locations for free breakfast and lunch ā no-sign up needed. Just come and enjoy your meals, and fuel up for summer fun. No application required. Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site.
Grab-and-Go Meals in June and 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.
*Please note: The Meadowview Grab-and-Go Meal location will be up and running once summer school comes to an end on June 23.
Washington County Public Schools is excited to announce two great meal programs this summer for all children and teens 18 and under!
On-Site Meals in June: Stop by one of four WCPS locations for free breakfast and lunch ā no-sign up needed. Just come and enjoy your meals, and fuel up for summer fun. No application required. Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site.
Grab-and-Go Meals in June and 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.
*Please note: The Meadowview Grab-and-Go Meal location will be up and running once summer school comes to an end on June 23.
šāØ Fairy tales recently came to life at Rhea Valley Elementary School during the spring STEM Fairy Tale Family Engagement Night!
Students and families worked together to help beloved storybook characters solve problems through hands-on STEM activities -- from building Rapunzel a ladder and designing houses for the three little pigs to creating a raft for the gingerbread man and bridges for the three billy goats gruff.
Families also enjoyed coding with robots from the Washington County Technology Trailer and had the opportunity to sign up for library cards through the Washington County Public Library.
Students and families worked together to help beloved storybook characters solve problems through hands-on STEM activities -- from building Rapunzel a ladder and designing houses for the three little pigs to creating a raft for the gingerbread man and bridges for the three billy goats gruff.
Families also enjoyed coding with robots from the Washington County Technology Trailer and had the opportunity to sign up for library cards through the Washington County Public Library.
āš Meadowview Elementary School 3rd graders have been working hard as they prepare for the Math SOL! From mastering multiplication and strengthening problem-solving skills to practicing math strategies and explaining their thinking, these students are putting in the effort each and every day.
Weāre proud of their determination, focus, and positive attitude as they continue showing what they know!
Weāre proud of their determination, focus, and positive attitude as they continue showing what they know!
š½ļøš Homemade buttermilk biscuits and chocolate gravy made for a delicious hands-on learning experience recently at Patrick Henry High School!
Students in Ms. Sextonās Center Based program worked together to prepare this tasty classroom project while building teamwork, communication, and everyday life skills along the way. Learning can be both meaningful and delicious!
Students in Ms. Sextonās Center Based program worked together to prepare this tasty classroom project while building teamwork, communication, and everyday life skills along the way. Learning can be both meaningful and delicious!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Terra Abrams ~ Holston High School ~ Class of 2005
We are thrilled to highlight Terra Abrams, a proud Holston High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Terra Abrams, a proud Holston High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
š¢š Calling All Washington County High School Students
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University has a few spots still available, and this is an experience you donāt want to miss!
š Where: Appalachian State University
š When: June 22ā26
š Who: Rising 9thā12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
šØ Spots are limited -- donāt wait!
š Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University has a few spots still available, and this is an experience you donāt want to miss!
š Where: Appalachian State University
š When: June 22ā26
š Who: Rising 9thā12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
šØ Spots are limited -- donāt wait!
š Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
š±š« Growing young scientists at Meadowview Elementary School
First grade students have been learning all about the different parts of a plant and what plants need to survive. As part of their hands-on learning, students are currently observing, growing, and recording changes in their own bean plants!
First grade students have been learning all about the different parts of a plant and what plants need to survive. As part of their hands-on learning, students are currently observing, growing, and recording changes in their own bean plants!
Happy #SchoolCommunicatorsDay to Ashley Hoak, our School Outreach Specialist! We couldn't tell The Washington Way story without her! ~ Thank you Ashley for ALL you do!!
