Your Future Starts Here with the Washington County Promise Program: Funded by Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, the Promise Program is an amazing opportunity for students who live in Washington County, VA to attend Virginia Highlands Community College for free. This generous scholarship is available for the Class of 2025 through 2037 and is designed to make college and workforce training more accessible and affordable, covering tuition, fees, and books.
To learn more about the Washington County Promise Program, click here: https://promiseprogram.org/
WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delay on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. We have had multiple folks checking roads across the county this afternoon -- kudos to VDOT for getting roads in such good shape! As a result, our current plan is to operate on the two hour delayed schedule. We will reevaluate roads in the morning as temperatures are predicted to fall, with the potential for roads to ice over. Childcare will be provided at all elementary schools for working families who need it. Childcare will also be available in the event that we need to close in the morning (a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m.) There will be no virtual option tomorrow. Please be on the lookout for additional childcare information from your student's elementary school. Be safe and stay warm!
Due to inclement weather, all WCPS buildings and offices are closed today, Monday, January 6, 2025. Stay safe and warm!
Stay Connected: As we are now in the winter months and know weather can be unpredictable, it's important to stay connected with Washington County Public Schools.
Did you know you can receive push notifications directly on your phone?
*Download the Washington County VA Schools Mobile App for your smartphone
*The app is available for FREE download in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store
*The app will provide instant access to district and school announcements and calendars
*Select the menu button -- Scroll down to settings; toggle the school(s) you would like to receive push notifications for
To learn more about the mobile app and how to receive news and notifications, watch this helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOcFhm3VBbg
Happy New Year from Washington County Public Schools! We are excited to start 2025 with a renewed energy for learning and teaching -- and wish you a New Year filled with new hopes, new joys, and new beginnings!
Parent Coaching: As we enter the New Year, please remember the valuable resources available through our partners at Parent Guidance, designed to help you thrive in your parenting journey. Click here to register for support from a coach: https://cookcenter.info/coaching
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Washington County Public Schools! We hope your day is filled with laughter, joy, and creating wonderful memories with family and friends!
Merry Christmas Eve! Remember to leave out milk and cookies for Santa -- and don't forget about some carrots for the reindeer! We hope all of our students, families, staff and friends have a wonderful evening.
Health Clinic: The School Based Health Clinic at John S. Battle High School will be open the following days over Christmas Break from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to see patients by appointment only.
*12/26/2024
*12/27/2024
*12/30/2024
*12/31/2024
Please call the clinic at 276-642-5335 to schedule an appointment.
Musical Lunch: Students in Ms. Mitten's Chorus and Guitar classes at Holston High School performed a selection of holiday songs for Damascus Middle School students during lunch. Thanks to these students for sharing their talents!
Vote Now: We are proud to announce we had two Abingdon High School Track athletes nominated for Virginia Male Athlete of the Week and Virginia Female Athlete of the Week! Cast your vote now to help these athletes win statewide recognition for their awesome performance!
*Virginia Male Athlete of the Week -- Tyler Stanley (Abingdon) VA #1 23-4 in the LJ -- Click here to vote: https://va.milesplit.com/articles/354163/vote-boys-performer-of-the-week-week-2-of-indoor-track
*Virginia Female Athlete of the Week -- Josie Jackson (Abingdon) VA #1 3:00.29 in the 1K -- Click here to vote: https://va.milesplit.com/articles/354162/vote-girls-performer-of-the-week-week-2-of-indoor-track
Holiday Performance: Greendale Elementary 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students recently traveled to the Paramount in Bristol to watch Bristol Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. For many students, it was their first time seeing a ballet, and for others, it was their first time seeing The Nutcracker. Prior to this field trip, Mrs. Gates spent time teaching students in music classes about Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and specifically, the music for The Nutcracker.
Special Thanks: Rhea Valley Elementary School would like to thank some very special guests that brought enough toys for each child to take home on Wednesday. The toys were supplied by Will Archer, Michael Daywalt, and the congregation of Potomac Valley Church. RVES would also like to thank Del. Israel O'Quinn, County Administrator Jason Berry, School Board Member Debbie Anderson, and all of the other amazing volunteers that made this event a success!
Mystery Solved: Mrs. Davenport's senior English class at John S. Battle High School channeled their inner Sherlock Holmes and worked together to solve a mystery. After reading the first part of "A Study in Scarlet", the students used their powers of deduction to find the suspect!
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/YDM6i
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Safety and security continue to be a major focus for Washington County Public Schools. A ribbon cut Wednesday morning, celebrated the newly renovated front entrance of Patrick Henry High School. This new entrance features a security vestibule, adding an extra layer of protection for students and staff. Other improvements include canopies at the entrances to help students stay out of the weather when getting on and off buses, as well as energy efficient windows on the front of the building.
“We had a safe school before, but we have a much safer school now,” said Dr. Tim Duncan, principal, of Patrick Henry High School. “It is very safe and secure."
This improvement project has been a priority for the school division for the past few years and was made possible with help from school division leaders, local lawmakers, and the Washington County Board of Supervisors.
Patrick Henry students and staff say they are grateful for the enhanced security, and new look of the high school.
“It is really impressive to see all of the improvements we’ve made in the last few years,” said Isabella Stuart, a senior at PHHS. “My parents went to Patrick Henry, and I have a lot of family that have went through the school, so to see these changes and see the improvements has just been impeccable.”
“As a 1990 graduate of Patrick Henry myself, as far as the aesthetics and how the school looks from the front and from the road, very little has changed in a long time,” added Dr. Duncan. “For people in Glade Spring, Emory, and Meadowview communities, this is a big change, and so it brings a level of excitement and sense of pride for our community.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday featured members of the Rebel Regiment playing the National Anthem, while members of the Rebel Voices sang a few Christmas tunes for those in attendance.
The ceremony also included remarks from Dr. Tim Duncan, Dr. Keith Perrigan, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, school board members Dr. Lee Brannon and Mr. Sanders Henderson, and Delegate Israel O’Quinn.
Check Writing 101: Students in Ms. Rotton's Civics & Economics classes at Glade Spring Middle School have been learning how to write checks -- just in time to finish up holiday shopping!
Holiday Spirit: The Patrick Henry High School Cafeteria Elves are hard at work making tasty breakfast and lunch meals for students and staff -- while also helping everyone get into the festive spirit!
Teachers for Tomorrow: Emory & Henry University, Virginia Highlands Community
College, Bristol Virginia Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools, have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to develop and implement an innovative pathway for students to obtain teacher certification through a collaborative educational pipeline.
“We are thrilled to partner with our public school and community college partners to create an educational pathway that supports the development of future teachers in our region,” said Dr. Michael Puglisi, Provost, Emory & Henry University. “This initiative will not only benefit our students but will help meet the growing demand for educators in our communities.”
This partnership aims to address the critical need for qualified educators by offering students from the local area an accelerated route to become licensed teachers. Students will have access to a streamlined pathway through this program. The opportunity includes experiential learning opportunities, dual enrollment courses, and a structured course sequence designed to take them from high school through to a bachelor’s degree in education and teacher licensure.
Abingdon High School senior, Gavin Songer, was among more than 25 high school students attending the signing event on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College. “I have so many teachers who have helped me and are my absolute role models...I am interested in becoming a teacher so I can make a difference in others’ lives like they have me.”
Program Highlights:
*Emory & Henry University (EHU):
--EHU will provide the final two years of the 1+1+2 Teachers for Tomorrow Program,
enabling students to complete their bachelor’s degree and obtain teacher licensure
through a prescribed curriculum.
--EHU will also offer students a discounted tuition rate of $7,500 per year (excluding the
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant), making the program more accessible and affordable.
--EHU has developed a visit program offering students the chance to explore the EHU
campus during their early years at VHCC. This program provides valuable exposure to
EHU's academic environment, including classroom experiences, as well as a glimpse into
campus life.
--EHU will share annual data with VHCC on transfer students, including persistence rates,
graduation outcomes, and job placement statistics, to ensure ongoing success and
improvement of the program.
*Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC):
--VHCC will offer dual-enrollment classes to BVPS and WCPS students, allowing them to
complete the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) and earn the first year of
the 1+1+2 Teachers for Tomorrow Program.
--Additionally, VHCC will provide EDU-specific courses as part of this program, enabling
students to earn credits toward their Associate of Science (AS) degree in Education,
which constitutes the second year of the program.
*Washington County Public Schools:
--Starting in 10th grade, students will receive information about the "Teachers for
Tomorrow" pathway, encouraging them to consider a career in education.
--Juniors and seniors will gain valuable classroom experience, offering them hands-on
exposure to the teaching profession.
--Dual-enrollment opportunities will be available for 11th and 12th graders, enabling
students to earn up to one year of college credit, setting the foundation for their future
studies.
The goal of this collaborative effort is to create a sustainable, well-supported pipeline that allows students from the region to enter the teaching profession more quickly, effectively, and with the skills needed to succeed in today’s classrooms.
“How wonderful that through this program we will be able to affordably train today’s students to be tomorrow’s teachers...all right here in southwest Virginia,” said Dr. Adam Hutchison, President, Virginia Highlands Community College. “This outstanding opportunity is a true testament to the partnerships and collaborative spirit that is so vital to providing opportunities for the future.”
Through this comprehensive program, students will gain the skills, credentials, and experience they need to make a meaningful impact as educators, while simultaneously addressing the needs of local schools and communities. This collaboration serves as a model for how higher education, community colleges, and K-12 schools can work together to provide quality education and training for the next generation of
teachers.
“As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher just like my grandma,” said Kinsley Bird, a Patrick Henry High School graduate and current VHCC student. “I cannot imagine doing anything else – and this program just made my path smoother and more affordable.” Kinsley will be joining the Emory & Henry family this spring of 2025.
Photo Fun: Check out this festive area set up in the cafeteria at Abingdon High School by our AHS School Nutrition Department personnel. This space allows students and staff to have some fun and take holiday photos!
