The first few days of school are always full of excitement, and Assistant Principal Mr. Francisco has loved getting to know some of Abingdon Elementary's newest Bobcats!
WCPS āBeanā Spotlight: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
This weekās āBe a Beanā spotlight shines on Karla Worley, a teacher at Valley Institute Elementary School. Ms. Worley has shown us what it truly means to Be a Bean -- transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning.
After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, Karla chose to honor his memory in a way that would impact both her students and her community. She launched a project-based learning tradition at Valley Institute called the Bulldog Bakery. This schoolwide project blends reading, vocabulary, and math skills with hands-on learning and service. Students make homemade dog treats, collect supplies for the Washington County Animal Shelter, and deliver the donations themselves -- connecting classroom lessons to real-world kindness.
Karlaās compassion doesnāt stop there. Last school year, she was able to offer empathy, encouragement, and a steady source of support to a family going through an incredibly difficult time.
Karla Worley is a shining example of how Coffee Bean employees turn challenges into opportunities. She has transformed personal grief into something beautiful and lasting for her students, her school, and her community.
This weekās āBe a Beanā spotlight shines on Karla Worley, a teacher at Valley Institute Elementary School. Ms. Worley has shown us what it truly means to Be a Bean -- transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning.
After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, Karla chose to honor his memory in a way that would impact both her students and her community. She launched a project-based learning tradition at Valley Institute called the Bulldog Bakery. This schoolwide project blends reading, vocabulary, and math skills with hands-on learning and service. Students make homemade dog treats, collect supplies for the Washington County Animal Shelter, and deliver the donations themselves -- connecting classroom lessons to real-world kindness.
Karlaās compassion doesnāt stop there. Last school year, she was able to offer empathy, encouragement, and a steady source of support to a family going through an incredibly difficult time.
Karla Worley is a shining example of how Coffee Bean employees turn challenges into opportunities. She has transformed personal grief into something beautiful and lasting for her students, her school, and her community.
Greendale Elementary School is bringing stories to life this year with their schoolwide theme, "Once Upon a Leo." Each month, students explore a new fairy tale and connect its lessons to their daily learning.
This month's tale is The Three Little Pigs, which is helping students highlight and discuss positive character traits like perseverance and problem-solving. These lessons are being woven into classwork, making storybook themes part of everyday learning!
This month's tale is The Three Little Pigs, which is helping students highlight and discuss positive character traits like perseverance and problem-solving. These lessons are being woven into classwork, making storybook themes part of everyday learning!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Cale Smith ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2021.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Cale Smith, 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
New Menu Item!
Our amazing school nutrition teams debuted a brand-new menu item today -- the Sunshine Salad -- and it's been a big hit with students!
Made with fresh lettuce, crisp cucumber slices, red onion, red bell pepper, sweet orange slices, turkey, and shredded mozzarella cheese -- it's as colorful as it is delicious!
Couldn't try it today? Don't worry -- you can grab the Sunshine Salad again on August 29!
Our amazing school nutrition teams debuted a brand-new menu item today -- the Sunshine Salad -- and it's been a big hit with students!
Made with fresh lettuce, crisp cucumber slices, red onion, red bell pepper, sweet orange slices, turkey, and shredded mozzarella cheese -- it's as colorful as it is delicious!
Couldn't try it today? Don't worry -- you can grab the Sunshine Salad again on August 29!
Science in Action at Damascus Middle School
Mrs. Caywood's 6th grade scientists at Damascus Middle School put their inquiry skills to the test to find out which brand of paper towel is the most absorbent and the most cost-effective.
Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, they discovered how science can help answer real-world questions -- and even save a few dollars!
Mrs. Caywood's 6th grade scientists at Damascus Middle School put their inquiry skills to the test to find out which brand of paper towel is the most absorbent and the most cost-effective.
Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, they discovered how science can help answer real-world questions -- and even save a few dollars!
Kickoff to Connection
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its very first eventāKickoff to Connection!
* When: September 25
*Where: EO Building, Abingdon
*Time: 4:00ā6:00 p.m.
This resource fair is designed to support and empower families of students with disabilities. Youāll have the chance to meet community partners, each hosting a table with valuable information, resources, and support for your family.
Itās a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations offering a wide range of servicesācome join us and start building your network!
Be sure to give the Parent Resource Center Facebook page a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its very first eventāKickoff to Connection!
* When: September 25
*Where: EO Building, Abingdon
*Time: 4:00ā6:00 p.m.
This resource fair is designed to support and empower families of students with disabilities. Youāll have the chance to meet community partners, each hosting a table with valuable information, resources, and support for your family.
Itās a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations offering a wide range of servicesācome join us and start building your network!
Be sure to give the Parent Resource Center Facebook page a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
Bus Safety Superstars
Our PK-1st grade Wildcats at Watauga Elementary School had an awesome time learning bus safety with Mr. Pat and Mr. Darrell!
They practiced how to hop on and off the bus safely, the importance of staying seated, and how to be respectful to their driver and classmates along the ride.
Big thanks to our transportation team for helping all of our students travel safely to and from school!
Our PK-1st grade Wildcats at Watauga Elementary School had an awesome time learning bus safety with Mr. Pat and Mr. Darrell!
They practiced how to hop on and off the bus safely, the importance of staying seated, and how to be respectful to their driver and classmates along the ride.
Big thanks to our transportation team for helping all of our students travel safely to and from school!
šWhen your principals shop at the same store...
John S. Battle High School Assistant Principal Keith Davis and Principal Jimmy King showed up matching! Just more proof that great minds (and great leaders) think alike!
John S. Battle High School Assistant Principal Keith Davis and Principal Jimmy King showed up matching! Just more proof that great minds (and great leaders) think alike!
Our behind-the-scenes heroes are in the spotlight!
From our school nutrition staff who serve up fresh fruit and smiles, to our bus drivers logging the equivalent of a California road trip every day -- thank you to WCYB for highlighting our hardworking staff who support Washington County studentsā daily journeys.
These are the folks making mornings brighter, meals healthier, and rides smoother for all of our students across the division.
Click here to see the full story from WCYB: https://wcyb.com/news/local/staff-go-the-extra-mile-to-support-washington-county-students-daily-journey#
From our school nutrition staff who serve up fresh fruit and smiles, to our bus drivers logging the equivalent of a California road trip every day -- thank you to WCYB for highlighting our hardworking staff who support Washington County studentsā daily journeys.
These are the folks making mornings brighter, meals healthier, and rides smoother for all of our students across the division.
Click here to see the full story from WCYB: https://wcyb.com/news/local/staff-go-the-extra-mile-to-support-washington-county-students-daily-journey#
Stay Connected
Be sure to check out the latest edition of The Washington Way! It's our division newsletter to help you stay updated with what is going on across the WCPS system.
Visit this link to read the news: https://shorturl.at/nVXem
Be sure to check out the latest edition of The Washington Way! It's our division newsletter to help you stay updated with what is going on across the WCPS system.
Visit this link to read the news: https://shorturl.at/nVXem
Thank you to WCYB for coming out this morning to highlight the incredible people who work behind the scenes to keep Washington County Public Schools running strong -- our school nutrition teams, transportation staff, maintenance crews, technology experts, and clerical superstars!
Their impact is felt in every classroom, bus ride, cafeteria and hallway across our division.
Tune in this evening to WCYB for the full report!
Their impact is felt in every classroom, bus ride, cafeteria and hallway across our division.
Tune in this evening to WCYB for the full report!
Our School-Based Health Clinics are open for business at High Point Elementary School and John S. Battle High School!
Open during school hours, these clinics are here to help keep our students and staff healthy!
Open during school hours, these clinics are here to help keep our students and staff healthy!
Even the rain couldn't dampen spirits this morning -- SRO Hay was on umbrella service, making sure Glade Spring Middle School faculty and staff stayed dry on their way inside!
Thank you, Deputy Hay, for going above and beyond to take care of our WCPS family!
Thank you, Deputy Hay, for going above and beyond to take care of our WCPS family!
Due to multiple traffic accidents on I-81, traffic is currently being detoured through the Town of Abingdon. This is expected to impact afternoon bus drop-off times across multiple schools in the Division. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to get all students home safely.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music!
The School Choirs of Washington County are taking the stage with Gordon Mote -- three-time Academy of Country Music Keyboard/Piano Player of the Year!
*John S. Battle High School
*Saturday, September 6
*7:00 p.m.
*Tickets: $20
Scan the QR code on the flyer to grab your tickets now!
To purchase tickets online, click here: http://abingdonchorus.square.site
Learn more about Gordon Mote here: www.gordonmote.com
WCPS āBeanā Spotlight: Love and Accountability
As we kick off the school year with our āBe a Beanā theme, weāre celebrating WCPS employees and alumni who are transforming their environments in powerful ways.
Todayās spotlight is on Lawrence Cox, horticulture instructor at Holston High School, and Andrew Greer, a 2025 Holston graduate.
Andrew admitted school wasnāt always his favorite, and that heād rather be outside working with his hands than sitting in a classroom. But Mr. Cox saw something in him! Last year, he made Andrew the greenhouse manager, giving him a role that played to his strengths and boosted his confidence. Growing lettuce in the aquaponics lab became one of Andrewās favorite parts of school, and his attendance went from chronically absent to nearly perfect.
Now, Andrew is giving back to the same school where he discovered his passion and is working as a custodian.
As we kick off the school year with our āBe a Beanā theme, weāre celebrating WCPS employees and alumni who are transforming their environments in powerful ways.
Todayās spotlight is on Lawrence Cox, horticulture instructor at Holston High School, and Andrew Greer, a 2025 Holston graduate.
Andrew admitted school wasnāt always his favorite, and that heād rather be outside working with his hands than sitting in a classroom. But Mr. Cox saw something in him! Last year, he made Andrew the greenhouse manager, giving him a role that played to his strengths and boosted his confidence. Growing lettuce in the aquaponics lab became one of Andrewās favorite parts of school, and his attendance went from chronically absent to nearly perfect.
Now, Andrew is giving back to the same school where he discovered his passion and is working as a custodian.
Special Recognition
At tonight's School Board meeting, we celebrated Patrick Henry High School and Holston High School for earning the VHSL 2024-2025 Stay in the Game Award -- an honor recognizing teams that went the entire fall, winter, and spring seasons without a single player ejection.
Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches, and fans for showing what it means to play the right way!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Julia Casey ~ Patrick Henry High School ~ Class of 2009.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Julia Casey, a proud Patrick Henry High School graduate, and teacher at John S. Battle High School!
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 Ms. Julia Casey, a proud Patrick Henry High School graduate, and teacher at John S. Battle High School!
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
Back-to-School Photo Fun
The first day of the school year was filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of picture-perfect moments! Check out some of the first day smiles from across Washington County Public Schools.
The first day of the school year was filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of picture-perfect moments! Check out some of the first day smiles from across Washington County Public Schools.
