Fireside Chat: The First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin is inviting you to join in a fireside chat with award-winning social psychologist, author, and researcher Dr. Jonathan Haidt, author of the bestselling book The Anxious Generation.
The event will be live streamed at Abingdon High School on Thursday, September 19 and run from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The school community is invited to take part in this event where community conversations will be facilitated to provide an opportunity for parents, families, community leaders, and educators to come together to help shape the policies that govern schools and communities.
Dr. Jonathan Haidt's bestselling book The Anxious Generation explores the impact of social media and other cultural changes on today's youth. He argues that this "phone-based childhood" contributes to increased anxiety and mental health issues among younger generations. Dr. Haidt suggests that the constant pressure to present a curated image online, along with a culture of comparison with rapid information dissemination, has created an environment where young people are more prone to stress and depression. His research highlights the need for societal and structural changes to address these challenges and support healthier development for the younger generation.
Patriot Day: As part of 9/11 remembrance, students in Mr. Henderson's U.S. History class at Glade Spring Middle School made commemorative postage stamps.
We wanted to provide you with an update on the increased safety and security at High Point Elementary School, E.B. Stanley Middle School, Wallace Middle School and John S. Battle High School this morning. We are blessed to live in a community where safety is a top priority, and we are incredibly grateful for our law enforcement partners who provided a quick response. Through the great collaboration of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police and the Abingdon Police Department, a suspect has been identified behind the threats posted to social media and is in custody. We have determined that the threat was never credible, however all agencies involved treated it as if it were. We will continue to work with our law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. We would also like to thank the staff members at our schools for their work to keep students calm and safe as the investigation was ongoing. Be sure to extend your thanks to our staff and law enforcement agencies involved next time you have a chance.
Thank you,
Keith Perrigan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Washington County Public Schools
812 Thompson Dr.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-739-3000
@WashCoSuper
“Committed to the Success of Every Student“
We wanted to make you aware that we have received information that rumors have been circulating on social media about a potential school threat at High Point Elementary School, E.B. Stanley Middle School and Wallace Middle School. At this time, those rumors are not believed to be credible. Out of an abundance of caution, we will have an increased law enforcement presence and operating on a Safety First Protocol. In addition to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service are investigating the threat. The Town of Abingdon Police Department is also assisting in the investigation with E.B. Stanley.
John S. Battle High School will also have an increased law enforcement presence due to rumors of a threat. Those rumors are not believed to be credible.
Grandparents Day: Watauga Elementary School welcomed more than 400 grandparents for a "Grand Slam" luncheon to celebrate Grandparents Day on Monday. We love seeing our students and grandparents all smiles!
Robotics: Engineering 1/Robotics students at Washington County Career & Technical Education Center built a robot system using specified criteria & constraints. They then tested their designs, evaluated performance, and collected data to explore ways to improve their designs.
Looking for a fun tune to listen to this weekend? Check out Greendale's song for this year, Building the Best Me. It goes with their theme of Building the Best YOU. Students have been learning the song in music class. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKaMRiKN30A
Check This Out: First year Auto Body Tech students with Mr. Burress at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center have been learning how to water sand, paint prime, and apply clear coat to fenders.
Mark Your Calendars: Tuesday, September 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center! All high school students are invited to attend to meet with college representatives from various schools. Registering prior is not required for attendance, but registering for any of the below events at strivefair.com will allow students to track the college representatives they speak with throughout each event. Students will receive a QR code via text and email, and will show the QR code to the college reps.
If you are not able to attend on Tuesday, check out these other dates in surrounding counties:
*Wise County and City of Norton College Fair
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
UVA Wise -- 437 Stadium Drive -- Wise, VA 24293
*Smyth County College and Career Fair
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Oak Point Elementary School -- 138 Oak Point Dr. -- Marion, VA 24354
Mathematical Measurements: John S. Battle students in Ms. Austin's Algebra 2 class worked with a partner to gather height and forearm length from each other, made a table as a class of the data, used a graphing calculator to plot the class data, determined if there was a correlation, and found an equation of the line of the best between the two variables. The equation gave the students the ability to use it to predict the height or forearm length of a student when given the other variable.
School Days at the Washington County Fair will be here before we know it! The 19th annual School Days at the Fair will take place Friday, September 13th. Come enjoy an afternoon of fun!
The Virginia Department of Health is asking you to share your thoughts on adolescent health. It's part of VDH's Virginia Community Conversations, with several virtual options. Registration is required, as space is limited. Scan the QR code to register.
The School Nutrition Department at Abingdon High School has started the Breakfast After the Bell Program. Some students say they are not hungry first thing in the morning. Now, students have a second chance to grab breakfast between 1st and 2nd period, and take it to class!
Vote Now: Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands is a Regional Finalist for the 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant! Be sure to cast your vote to help CIS-AH become a regional winner & further their impact throughout our community. See the flyer on how to vote
Mathematical Scavenger Hunt: Sixth grade students at Damascus Middle School are learning how to add & subtract mixed numbers. Their teacher, Ms. Childress, had the students practice what they learned by putting their skills to the test with a scavenger hunt around the building.
For Your Information: Please be advised Glade Spring Middle School will be used to land a medical helicopter for an emergency in the area. There is no emergency at Glade Spring Middle School. We are working together to facilitate a landing zone, please don't be alarmed.
Happy Labor Day from WCPS! We hope all of our students, staff and families have been enjoying this long weekend! We will see you back on Tuesday.
Fall 2024 Gifted Referrals will be accepted through September 16. Please contact Ms. Susan O'Dell at sodell@wcs.k12.va.us with any questions.
https://forms.gle/rPq8yLjctpVm2ysH9
We love seeing our high school students helping out our elementary students! This group of students from Abingdon High School laced up their running shoes to help Abingdon Elementary with their Fun Run Fundraiser.
Trivia Time: Holston High School hosted a Faculty/Staff vs. Student Trivia Competition, which was a big hit! While all participants had a blast, it was the Faculty/Staff that came out with the win!
