š²āļøļø Pedaling into Adventure at Damascus Middle School!
On May 19 and 20, Damascus Middle School students had the opportunity to get outside, stay active, and challenge themselves during a special Bike From/To School event!
Led by Mr. Brandon Dale, Student Support Coordinator for Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands, more than 20 students biked from Damascus Middle School to the Damascus Town Park on May 19 and from the park back to DMS on May 20 while practicing their riding skills and enjoying time outdoors.
A special thank you goes out to SORBA Tri-Cities, Communities in Schools, the Town of Damascus, the Damascus Police Department, SRO Justin Greer, the WCPS Educational Outreach Department, and Sundog Outfitters for helping make this fun and rewarding experience possible for students.
On May 19 and 20, Damascus Middle School students had the opportunity to get outside, stay active, and challenge themselves during a special Bike From/To School event!
Led by Mr. Brandon Dale, Student Support Coordinator for Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands, more than 20 students biked from Damascus Middle School to the Damascus Town Park on May 19 and from the park back to DMS on May 20 while practicing their riding skills and enjoying time outdoors.
A special thank you goes out to SORBA Tri-Cities, Communities in Schools, the Town of Damascus, the Damascus Police Department, SRO Justin Greer, the WCPS Educational Outreach Department, and Sundog Outfitters for helping make this fun and rewarding experience possible for students.
On this Memorial Day, Washington County Public Schools honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
As we enjoy this day with our families, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, and to honor those who gave all.
As we enjoy this day with our families, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, and to honor those who gave all.
š Congratulations to the Abingdon High School Class of 2026!
Tonight, we proudly celebrate an outstanding group of graduates as they mark the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and achievement. The Class of 2026 has demonstrated leadership, determination, school spirit, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
As these students begin the next chapter of their journeys, we are excited to see the many ways they will continue to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 -- your hard work has paid off, and your future is bright!
š Congratulations to the John S. Battle High School Class of 2026!
This evening, we celebrate an exceptional group of graduates whose hard work, perseverance, and dedication have led them to this important milestone. Throughout their high school journey, these students have excelled in academics, athletics, fine arts, career and technical education, and countless extracurricular activities.
The Class of 2026 has left a lasting impact on the John S. Battle community, and we are proud of all they have accomplished.
Congratulations, graduates -- we look forward to seeing all the amazing things your future holds!
š¢ Please see below for important graduation information shared by John S. Battle High School and Abingdon High School regarding tonightās ceremonies.
John S. Battle High School ā 6:00p.m.
We are closely monitoring the weather for this evening, and the forecast shows a dry period between 4:00-8:00 p.m. We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026, and graduation will proceed as planned at 6:00 p.m.
Although lightning is not currently in the forecast, we want everyone to be aware of our safety procedures should the weather conditions change. If lightning is seen in the area during the ceremony, all spectators will be asked to return to their vehicles, and the graduates will report to the gymnasium during the waiting period. The ceremony will resume as soon as it is safe to return.
We will continue to monitor the weather conditions throughout the day, and our goal is to provide a respectful and memorable ceremony for the graduates and families.
The backup plan is to move the graduation to Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. We will not make this decision until the very last minute. The ceremony will take almost an hour to complete, and we are hopeful that we can complete the ceremony this evening.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026!
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/jhTXsrLgaLw
Abingdon High School ā 8:00 p.m.
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 this evening, and graduation will proceed as planned at 8:00 p.m.
Although lightning is not currently in the forecast, we want everyone to be aware of our safety procedures should weather conditions change. If lightning is seen in the area during the ceremony, all spectators will be asked to return to their vehicles, and graduates will report to the gymnasium during the waiting period. The ceremony will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to provide a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates and their families.
Livestream: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/abingdon-high-school-abingdon-va/evt681f83363a
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to safely celebrate the Class of 2026!
John S. Battle High School ā 6:00p.m.
We are closely monitoring the weather for this evening, and the forecast shows a dry period between 4:00-8:00 p.m. We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026, and graduation will proceed as planned at 6:00 p.m.
Although lightning is not currently in the forecast, we want everyone to be aware of our safety procedures should the weather conditions change. If lightning is seen in the area during the ceremony, all spectators will be asked to return to their vehicles, and the graduates will report to the gymnasium during the waiting period. The ceremony will resume as soon as it is safe to return.
We will continue to monitor the weather conditions throughout the day, and our goal is to provide a respectful and memorable ceremony for the graduates and families.
The backup plan is to move the graduation to Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. We will not make this decision until the very last minute. The ceremony will take almost an hour to complete, and we are hopeful that we can complete the ceremony this evening.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026!
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/jhTXsrLgaLw
Abingdon High School ā 8:00 p.m.
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 this evening, and graduation will proceed as planned at 8:00 p.m.
Although lightning is not currently in the forecast, we want everyone to be aware of our safety procedures should weather conditions change. If lightning is seen in the area during the ceremony, all spectators will be asked to return to their vehicles, and graduates will report to the gymnasium during the waiting period. The ceremony will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to provide a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates and their families.
Livestream: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/abingdon-high-school-abingdon-va/evt681f83363a
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to safely celebrate the Class of 2026!
šš Thatās a wrap on the 2025-2026 school year!
Today marks the last day of school for Washington County Public Schools, and what an incredible year it has been. From classroom achievements and athletic accomplishments to performances, competitions, celebrations, and everyday moments of learning and growth, our students and staff have accomplished so much.
Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community for your continued support throughout the school year. Most importantly, congratulations to our students for all of their hard work and success this year!
We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer! āļø
Today marks the last day of school for Washington County Public Schools, and what an incredible year it has been. From classroom achievements and athletic accomplishments to performances, competitions, celebrations, and everyday moments of learning and growth, our students and staff have accomplished so much.
Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community for your continued support throughout the school year. Most importantly, congratulations to our students for all of their hard work and success this year!
We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer! āļø
š Congratulations to the Patrick Henry High School Class of 2026!
Tonight, we proudly celebrate the accomplishments of an outstanding group of graduates as they close one chapter and prepare to begin another. Through their dedication, resilience, and commitment, these students have achieved an incredible milestone and created memories that will last a lifetime.
We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing where their futures take them.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 -- we canāt wait to see all that you achieve!
š Congratulations to the Holston High School Class of 2026!
This evening, we celebrate a remarkable group of students whose hard work, determination, and perseverance have brought them to this important milestone. Throughout their time at Holston High School, these graduates have made lasting memories, built meaningful relationships, and accomplished so much both inside and outside the classroom.
As they begin the next chapter of their journey, we are excited to see the positive impact they will make in their communities and beyond.
Congratulations, graduates -- your future is bright!
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!
