āļø Snow Day Highlightsāļø
Check out the fun, creativity, and excitement as our WCPS students enjoyed the winter wonderland! From building snowmen to sled riding, our students made the most of their snow day.
Feel free to share photos with our school outreach specialist, by emailing Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
*Please note: Submitted photos may be posted to WCPS social media platforms.
šāØCongratulations to Greendale Elementary School! āØš
The GES team is shining bright in Austin, Texas, at the ESEA Conference! This morning, they were honored at an exclusive breakfast as one of ONLY 69 National Distinguished Schools in the United States.
What an incredible achievement for the Greendale community!
āļøShare Photos of Your Snow Day Funāļø
We hope everyone is enjoying this snow day! Whether you are catching snowflakes and having a blast outside, or cozying up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, we want to see how you are spending this snowy day!
Feel free to share photos with our school outreach specialist, by emailing Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
*Please note: Submitted photos may be posted to WCPS social media platforms.
Happening Tonight: Do you have burning questions about parenting, relationships, or your child's well-being? Submit them anonymously before or during a live session with a skilled therapist who provides thoughtful, personalized answers, to as many questions as possible. Sign-up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Om_xLTXqTI6v4I0uYtLP_Q#/registration
This program is thanks to our partners at Parent Guidance.
š Celebrating Excellence in Robotics and Innovation š¤āØ
During a meeting this evening, School Board members recognized the outstanding achievements of the John S. Battle High School Robotics/Drone Team and the Patrick Henry High School Robotics/Drone Team for their accomplishments!
š John S. Battle High School:
*Regional RDL Competition: Autonomous Award and Second Place Alliance
*National RDL Competition: Rookie of the Year Award and Third Place Alliance
āØJohn S. Battle High School Team Members Coached by Andrew Smith:
*Noah B.
*Andrew M.
*Owen S.
*Allen S.
*Cas W.
š Patrick Henry High School:
*Regional RDL Competition: Alliance Team Regional Champions and Rookie of the Year Award
*National RDL Competition: Alliance Team National Champions
āØPatrick Henry High School Team Members Coached by Eric Hoffman:
*Richard B.
*Bryce C.
*Isaac C.
*Conner G.
*Bishop R.
*Bryce R.
Both teams have displayed exceptional skill, innovation, and teamwork, and we couldn't be more proud of their hard work and dedication!
Schedule Change: Based on multiple forecasts (including the highly reliable FirstWARN Tri-Cities) and a Winter Weather Advisory for Washington County, WCPS will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to the timing of anticipated snowfall and the likelihood of poor road conditions. This will be a traditional snow day, and we encourage our students to enjoy some outdoor fun in the snow!
Please note, if weather conditions do not improve and roads remain unsafe later this week, Thursday and Friday may transition to Remote Learning Days.
WCPS has 10 Remote Learning Days available to use throughout the course of the school year. Weāve already used six of those days, and we would like to keep some in reserve for potential use later. As we get closer to scheduled state testing and assessments, having some days in reserve would provide a safety net. Adding additional school days to the end of the school year will be discussed at the School Board meeting in March.
Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we will keep you updated on any further schedule changes.
šāØ Honoring Student Achievement: The George Washington Research Paper Celebration āØš
The George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration is one of the most exciting events of the year for WCPS fourth graders! Each year, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their writing talents by crafting essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from every elementary school were selected, and those students, along with their families, were treated to a tasty brunch at the Martha Washington Inn to celebrate their hard work and creativity. Each participant was presented with a certificate and a special book written by George Washington.
The top three division winners had a chance to read their essay aloud at the event -- a memory they'll cherish!
The overall division winner was awarded an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon this summer, to explore the home of our nation's first president.
š Congratulations to Andrew S., of Valley Institute Elementary, named the overall division winner š
A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible and to our hardworking fourth graders! Let's keep fostering a passion for history and writing in our students!
George Washington Awards by school:
Abingdon Elementary School:
*Third Place: Parker S.
*Second Place: Callan D.
*First Place: Ayla S.
Greendale Elementary School:
*Third Place: Lily Krieger
*Second Place: Hunter A.
*First Place: Will C.
High Point Elementary School:
*Third Place: Londyn L.
*Second Place: John W.
*First Place: Avery B.
Meadowview Elementary School:
*Third Place: Bentley H.
*Second Place: Adelyn C.
*First Place: Coy R.
Rhea Valley Elementary School:
*Third Place: Rees D.
*Second Place: Frankie H.
*First Place: Knox M.
Valley Institute Elementary School:
*Third Place: Leah H.
*Second Place: Patrick P.
*First Place: Andrew S.
Watauga Elementary School:
*Third Place: Campbell C.
*Second Place: Charles H.
*First Place: Randall W.
Top Three Division Winners:
*Third Place -- Will C. -- Greendale Elementary School
*Second Place -- Avery B. -- High Point Elementary School
*First Place -- Andrew S. -- Valley Institute Elementary School
š Get to Know Your Washington County School Board Members š
As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, it's the perfect time to get to know the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the best educational experiences possible!
Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Debbie Anderson.
šāØAre you thinking about the 2025-2026 school year? It's time to start exploring all of the exciting opportunities Washington County Public Schools has to offer! Check out our Course Catalog to discover a wide range of courses and programs that can help you plan your next steps. Whether you're interested in advanced classes, career and technical education programs, or new electives, there's something for everyone! The course catalog focuses on: High School -- Career and Technical Education -- Virtual VA -- Governor's School -- Middle School.
š Start exploring now: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3765/WCPS/2959170/Course_Catalog.pdf
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Emma Buchanan Wyatt -- Patrick Henry High School -- Class of 2015. š
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Emma Buchanan Wyatt, a proud Patrick Henry 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
Schedule Change: Due to the number of roads still closed across Washington County and the number of employees who are unable to leave their homes, WCPS will provide virtual instruction tomorrow, Monday, February 17, 2025.
šHappy Valentine's Day from Valley Institute Elementary SchoolšValley's faculty and staff sends a big thank you the amazing VIES PTO for making the day so special and sweet! Teachers had a chance to enjoy games and a beautiful spread of desserts for Valentine's Day. VIES students were able to celebrate the day with goodies and fun!
šCelebrating Successš It was an exciting afternoon at Patrick Henry High School as recent outstanding student achievements were recognized! PHHS was named the 2024 Alliance Champion Team in the National Robot Drone League Competition at ETSU. šA big congratulations to the team for their accomplishment! The award was officially presented by Dr. Betsy Cunningham, Director of Operations for ETSU Research Corporation, during a special assembly.
But that's not all! During the assembly, students and staff also celebrated:
š¤ All-State Chorus students who will represent PHHS at a prestigious level
š Scholastic Bowl team headed to the state tournament
š Varsity Boys Basketball for their outstanding season
šāāļø Boys Swim Team for their successful season
šāāļø Indoor Track team for their amazing performances
š School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, honoring SRO Rose, for his dedication and commitment to keeping students and staff safe
šSchool Resource Officer Appreciation DayšWhile National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day falls on Saturday this year (February 15) we are taking the time today, to extend a big THANK YOU to all of our incredible SROs! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community does not go unnoticed. You are more than just officers -- you are mentors, role models, and trusted members of our school families. š Let's take a moment to show our appreciation for everything our SROs do each and every day to ensure a safe learning space š
š
Special Congratulationsš
You're looking at the new Holston High School Record Holders for the 4x200M Relay! The previous record, set in 1983 at 2:01:4 was beat by this group of awesome athletes! The new record is now 1:59:88!
Congratulations to Zyleigh H., Seciley Q., Rily C., and Rylee W.!
šWhile National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day officially falls on Saturday, February 15 this year, Washington County Public Schools will be celebrating our incredible School Resource Officers tomorrow, Friday, February 14! š
Students, this is your chance to show your appreciation! šTake a moment to thank your School Resource Officer for their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on our school community. Whether it's a high five, a note, or a simple "thank you", let's make sure our SROs know how much they mean to us!
š Get to Know Your Washington County School Board Members š
As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, it's the perfect time to get to know the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our students have the best educational experiences possible!
Today, we are spotlighting Mr. Adam Wilson.
Honoring Black History: February is Black History Month, and Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize the incredible contributions of notable individuals throughout history. This provides a special opportunity to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and resiliency of Black communities and to deepen our understanding of their lasting impact on society.
In celebration of Black History Month, the WCPS School Nutrition Department highlighted Leah Chase, known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. We had a special menu item celebrating her life and dedication to bringing people together through food. Leah Chaseās restaurant, Dooky Chaseās Restaurant in New Orleans, became an important meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s. She opened her doors to activists and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and others who needed a safe place for strategy and discussion. The restaurant provided not only great meals, but also a sense of solidarity and hope, playing a crucial role in the fight for racial equality. Through Chaseās impact on Creole cuisine and commitment to her community, she became a driving force in the kitchen and in maintaining cultural heritage and unity. Today, our students enjoyed a special tasting of gumbo, inspired by Chase! We believe that through meals like this, there can be conversations and a deeper appreciation for the valuable contributions towards American food traditions by chefs like Leah Chase.
Check out this fun video one of our staff members enjoying gumbo! https://youtube.com/shorts/VgPB1VqiLqE?feature=shared
Photo of Leah Chase Courtesy of Dooky Chaseās Restaurant
šØ Showcasing Our Talented Students šØ The Second Annual Washington County Public Schools Art and Poetry Contest Reception was recently held on Thursday, February 6, in the Art Gallery in the Virginia Highlands Community College Library. Holston High School English teacher Christine Mitten and Art teacher Carter Harlow coordinate this event to showcase the talents of our Washington County students. This exhibit will continue through Thursday, February 27, so be sure to check it out!
Vaccinations and Immunizations: Information for 2025 school entry requirements can be found on our website. View letters and packets for:
*2025 Rising Kindergartener
*2025 Rising 7th Grader
*2025 Rising 12th Grader
To view the information, visit the Health and Wellness section of our website and click the Vaccinations and Immunizations tab: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/page/health-and-wellness
