Working Together: SCA members at Damascus Middle School visited Haynes Corn Maze. Students engaged in team building, communication, and friendly competition to solve the riddles and complete the maze!
Thank You to Our Heroes: Rhea Valley Elementary School hosted a special Veterans Day Program on Wednesday. We appreciate all of the Veterans and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard members for coming to RVES. We can't thank you enough for your service and dedication.
Good evening,
On October 26, 2024, new regulations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required water that is used in schools be tested for lead by 2028. In an effort to be ahead of this requirement, the Washington County Service Authority has already conducted testing for lead in all Washington County Public Schools' buildings. They tested 5 fixtures at every school, at least 2 fixtures in the kitchens and water fountains in various locations throughout the school.
There are three possible results from testing:
*Non-detect: Practice good water habits
*Less than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Consider risk mitigation such as flushing before use
*Greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Stop using the water source and take remediation steps
During a meeting this afternoon with the Washington County Service Authority and Office of Drinking Water, I learned that four of our schools had at least one fixture that tested less than 10 ppb (Meadowview Elementary - 2 fixtures, Watauga Elementary - 1 fixture, Glade Spring Middle School -1 fixture, and Holston High School -2 fixtures.) One school had two fixtures that tested above 10 ppb (Greendale Elementary)
As a result, we will begin taking additional precautions at those five schools immediately. Only fixtures that tested Non-detect will be available for cooking purposes at those schools. This is above and beyond the protocols recommended by the EPA. As an additional safeguard, we will begin the process of testing every fixture in these buildings beginning with Greendale Elementary School tomorrow morning. After the testing is complete at the 5 schools mentioned earlier, we will begin the process of testing every fixture at the remaining schools as an additional precaution.
As stated before, we will discontinue consumable water fixtures at these 5 schools (e.g. drinking fountains) until the issue is remedied. As a result, we will provide bottled water for students and staff, but please feel free to send water from home with your child.
Additional information provided by the Washington County Service Authority and Office of Drinking Water which includes a FAQ, and an informational flyer can be found at this link on our website: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/washington-county-service-authority-information/722977
We will continue to work with the Washington County Service Authority, Office of Drinking Water and Virginia Department of Health to ensure we are maintaining the safest possible environment for our students and staff while communicating the latest information with our stakeholders.
If you have concerns related to this issue, we will work with the agencies referenced above to provide answers to your questions.
Thank you,
Keith Perrigan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Washington County Public Schools
812 Thompson Dr.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-739-3000
@WashCoSuper
WCCTEC ManufacturED 360 Students Visit Carter Cat: The ManufacturED 360 students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center had an incredible experience at Carter Cat, where they explored exciting career paths in manufacturing! They learned about Carter Cat's apprenticeship program, discovered the wide range of job opportunities, and took an in-depth tour of the facility, checking out the impressive equipment used in the industry.
Flag Football Fun: Greendale Elementary hosted its annual 5th grade vs. Faculty Flag Football Game on Monday! After a hard-fought game, the students won in overtime, with an overall score of 42-36.
Creative Action Shots: Ms. C's yearbook staff at John S. Battle High School drenched some willing volunteers with water balloons! The project helped photographers learn how various camera settings can capture action shots. Mrs. Southworth also joined in on the fun!
Mock Election: Watauga Elementary School held a Mock Election on Monday, and it was a huge success! Students presented their Voter Registration Cards and cast their ballots online, as well as dropping their paper ballots in the ballot box. The issues that were voted on include various school improvement suggestions presented by the WES 2024 Student Council.
Utilizing Technology: On Monday, High Point Elementary students enjoyed learning how to use Google Meet for Remote Learning Practice Day. Students took time in each class to learn the ins and outs of navigating assignments and the learning platform, Schoology.
Special Congratulations: Patrick Henry High School's One-Act team was runner up on Saturday, November 2, in the VHSL Regional Competition, and will now advance to the Super Regional Competition in Narrows, Virginia on Saturday, November 16. Sophie M. and Laci C. were recognized as Outstanding Actors. Lotte G. and Zen M. were given Honorable Mentions. The team earned a Technical Award in costuming. Congratulations to these students on an outstanding performance and good luck at Super Regionals!
Virtual Events: Check out the offerings for the November Mental Health Series through Parent Guidance. The focus for November is School Avoidance. Each session is open to everyone. To learn more, click here: https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex/
Promise Program: Your future starts here with the Washington County Promise Program! Students, this is your chance to get free tuition and kickstart your post high school journey. Thanks to Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, this life-changing opportunity is available for eligible students. We want YOU to be part of it!
What's required?
*Graduate high school between 2025 and 2037
*Live in Washington County, VA, for at least 12 months prior to graduation
*Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
*Complete the FAFSA and VHCC scholarship applications
*Choose a degree or workforce credential program
*Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA once you're in college
*Perform 8 hours of volunteer work each year
This program removes the financial barriers, so that you can focus on what really matters -- your education and future!
Check out https://promiseprogram.org/ and get started today.
#WashingtonCountySchools #VHCCPromise #FreeTuition #YourFutureStartsHere #StudentSuccess #EducationForAll
(Photo Courtesy: Virginia Highlands Community College)
Reminder: Washington County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, for Election Day. We will see our students and staff back in class on Wednesday.
Tech Trek: Rhea Valley Elementary School recently welcomed the WCPS Tech Trek Mobile STEM Lab to their school. During the visit, students engaged in a variety of fascinating activities! They had the chance to fly drones, which allowed them to explore the principals of flight and learn about aerodynamics in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, students showcased their creativity by designing and creating 3-D keychains, using technology to bring their ideas to life. Students also participated in a thrilling obstacle course challenge with Spheros, where they raced programmable robots through various hurdles.
A special congratulations to Clint Wilson, a senior at John S. Battle High School, for being appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Student Advisory Board. Selected students work closely with the Virginia Department of Education and will play a vital role in ensuring that student voices are heard in the creation of policies affecting education in the Commonwealth.
To learn more about the Student Advisory Board, click here: https://www.education.virginia.gov/student-advisory-board/
Reminder: Monday, November 4 is In-School Remote Learning Practice Day. Schools will be open, and attendance will be taken. Students will learn how to participate in online instruction in the event of inclement weather.
On Tuesday, November 5, schools will be closed due to Election Day.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest: To celebrate Halloween, our talented Washington County Career & Technical Education Center students went head-to-head in a creative pumpkin decorating contest, bringing their unique skills & ideas to life! Each class showcased their creativity and teamwork. Check out some of their incredible designs.
College Planning: Many seniors at Patrick Henry High School recently took part in VCAW or Virginia College Application Week. During this week, most colleges waive their application fee! A total of 7 different colleges visited PHHS, giving students a chance to find out more about their respective college.
Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be?
#WashingtonWayAward Categories:
*Above and Beyond Custodian Award -- Vote for a custodian that makes a difference!
*Silver Spoon Award -- Vote for the best food service worker out there!
*Helping Hand Award -- Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you!
*Master Technician Award -- Vote for the one who has helped you fix things!
*Wheels on the Bus Award -- Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home!
*Customer Service Award -- Vote for the person who is always there to help!
Scan the QR Code by Friday, December 6 to nominate a support staff person.
To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4
Interactive Playground: At Abingdon Elementary School, students have been engaging with the Lu Interactive Playground during their gym classes! This innovative system incorporates various activities designed to combine learning with physical exercise. One of the activities involves students solving math problems displayed on a large wall projection and throwing balls to hit the correct answers. Students are also able to participate in matching games and work on completing various puzzles. The Lu Interactive Playground utilizes a state-of-the-art 3D camera system that transforms these expansive wall projections into interactive touch screens capable of detecting objects.
WCPS Calendar Notes: Monday, November 4 is In-School Remote Learning Practice Day. Schools will be open, and attendance will be taken. Students will learn how to participate in online instruction in the event of inclement weather.
On Tuesday, November 5, schools will be closed due to Election Day.
