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!!
š± Shout out to Lawrence Cox of Holston High School, who was recently recognized by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for his dedication to agricultural education and student leadership!
Mr. Cox, a graduate of John S. Battle High School, is in his 19th year of teaching and continues to make a meaningful impact through hands-on learning experiences in horticulture, agriculture, and aquaponics, while also serving as an FFA adviser.
We are grateful for the passion, leadership, and opportunities he provides for students each day.
Mr. Cox, a graduate of John S. Battle High School, is in his 19th year of teaching and continues to make a meaningful impact through hands-on learning experiences in horticulture, agriculture, and aquaponics, while also serving as an FFA adviser.
We are grateful for the passion, leadership, and opportunities he provides for students each day.
š°š A big thank-you to the talented Culinary Arts students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Yesterday morning, the Washington County School Board and Dr. Perrigan provided breakfast to recognize students for the incredible desserts they prepared for School Board meetings throughout the 2025ā26 school year.
We appreciate their hard work, creativity, professionalism, and dedication. Thank you for sharing your talents and helping make each meeting a little sweeter!
Yesterday morning, the Washington County School Board and Dr. Perrigan provided breakfast to recognize students for the incredible desserts they prepared for School Board meetings throughout the 2025ā26 school year.
We appreciate their hard work, creativity, professionalism, and dedication. Thank you for sharing your talents and helping make each meeting a little sweeter!
šš„¤ Smoothie time at Holston High School
These delicious breakfast smoothies served to students looked almost too good to drink! From fresh fruit flavors to a refreshing start to the morning, they made for a great way to kick off the school day.
We love seeing our School Nutrition teams bringing creative and tasty options that help fuel students each morning.
These delicious breakfast smoothies served to students looked almost too good to drink! From fresh fruit flavors to a refreshing start to the morning, they made for a great way to kick off the school day.
We love seeing our School Nutrition teams bringing creative and tasty options that help fuel students each morning.
šāļø Celebrating Our Future Educators
This morning, Washington County Public Schools proudly hosted our first-ever Future Educators Signing Day, celebrating an outstanding group of seniors who have committed to pursuing careers in education.
During this special ceremony, students signed their intent to enter the teaching professionātaking the first step toward making a lasting impact in classrooms of their own one day.
Congratulations to:
Washington County CTE Center (WCCTEC):
*Leighlynd Teets
*Gracie Blevins
*Lauren Hearl ā Future Athletic Trainer
John S. Battle High School:
*Taylor Fleenor
*Kaydynn Sullivan
*Andrew Allison
Patrick Henry High School:
*Lauren Ellis
*Hayden Roark
*Addilyn Yarber
Abingdon High School:
*Bailey Hamer
*Hannah Lee
*Gracie Statzer
*Landree Woodall
*Haylee Hansen
As part of this initiative, each student will be guaranteed an interview with WCPS as they continue their journey toward becoming future educators.
We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to serving others and making a difference. The future is bright!
This morning, Washington County Public Schools proudly hosted our first-ever Future Educators Signing Day, celebrating an outstanding group of seniors who have committed to pursuing careers in education.
During this special ceremony, students signed their intent to enter the teaching professionātaking the first step toward making a lasting impact in classrooms of their own one day.
Congratulations to:
Washington County CTE Center (WCCTEC):
*Leighlynd Teets
*Gracie Blevins
*Lauren Hearl ā Future Athletic Trainer
John S. Battle High School:
*Taylor Fleenor
*Kaydynn Sullivan
*Andrew Allison
Patrick Henry High School:
*Lauren Ellis
*Hayden Roark
*Addilyn Yarber
Abingdon High School:
*Bailey Hamer
*Hannah Lee
*Gracie Statzer
*Landree Woodall
*Haylee Hansen
As part of this initiative, each student will be guaranteed an interview with WCPS as they continue their journey toward becoming future educators.
We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to serving others and making a difference. The future is bright!
šš©ŗ Happy National School Nurse Day
Today, we celebrate the incredible school nurses of Washington County Public Schools who care for our students with compassion, professionalism, and dedication each and every day.
From supporting student health and wellness to providing comfort and care when itās needed most, our school nurses play a vital role in keeping our schools safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families -- we appreciate you!
Today, we celebrate the incredible school nurses of Washington County Public Schools who care for our students with compassion, professionalism, and dedication each and every day.
From supporting student health and wellness to providing comfort and care when itās needed most, our school nurses play a vital role in keeping our schools safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families -- we appreciate you!
šØš Celebrating Student Artists
We are proud to recognize these talented students who were honored at last nightās School Board meeting as participants in the 2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest!
Congratulations to:
*Brooke Batiste (Grade 4, High Point Elementary School) ā Elementary School Entry
*Christina Curry-Cruz (Grade 8, E. B. Stanley Middle School) ā Middle School Entry
*Chloe Humphrey (Grade 11, John S. Battle High School) ā High School Entry
We are proud to recognize these talented students who were honored at last nightās School Board meeting as participants in the 2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest!
Congratulations to:
*Brooke Batiste (Grade 4, High Point Elementary School) ā Elementary School Entry
*Christina Curry-Cruz (Grade 8, E. B. Stanley Middle School) ā Middle School Entry
*Chloe Humphrey (Grade 11, John S. Battle High School) ā High School Entry
šš Honoring a Historic Season! šš
The Abingdon High School Lady Falcons were recognized at last nightās School Board meeting for their incredible achievement as VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions -- a milestone moment in Abingdon High School history!
This team made school history with their outstanding season, showcasing determination, teamwork, and resilience every step of the way.
Players:
Lauren Baker
Scottlyn Bales
Maddie Fields
Makenzie Fullen
Amelia Holbrook
Addison Kinder
Barrett King
Dera Loudy
Elizabeth Nichols
Scout Summitt
Annsley Trivette
Head Coach: Jimmy Brown
Assistant Coaches:
James Agner
Austin Barnhart
Calla Haderer
We are proud to celebrate this team and their unforgettable accomplishment. Congratulations again on a historic season!
The Abingdon High School Lady Falcons were recognized at last nightās School Board meeting for their incredible achievement as VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions -- a milestone moment in Abingdon High School history!
This team made school history with their outstanding season, showcasing determination, teamwork, and resilience every step of the way.
Players:
Lauren Baker
Scottlyn Bales
Maddie Fields
Makenzie Fullen
Amelia Holbrook
Addison Kinder
Barrett King
Dera Loudy
Elizabeth Nichols
Scout Summitt
Annsley Trivette
Head Coach: Jimmy Brown
Assistant Coaches:
James Agner
Austin Barnhart
Calla Haderer
We are proud to celebrate this team and their unforgettable accomplishment. Congratulations again on a historic season!
šāØ Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day
Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers of Washington County Public Schools who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and commitment help create supportive classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for the impact you make across our schools and for all you do for our students, families, and community. We are proud to have you as part of WCPS!
Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers of Washington County Public Schools who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and commitment help create supportive classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for the impact you make across our schools and for all you do for our students, families, and community. We are proud to have you as part of WCPS!
