Washington County Public Schools understands that the ongoing federal government shutdown may cause uncertainty for some of our families. We want to remind you that breakfast, lunch, and CACFP afterschool meals are provided at no cost for all WCPS students through our division wide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Students can count on receiving healthy, nutritious meals at school each day.
We also recognize that families may have concerns about access to food outside the school day. To help, several community partners provide a backpack-style program that offers easy-to-prepare food items for elementary students to take home from school over weekends and during school breaks. Families with children in elementary school who are interested in participating can contact their childās school for more information on how to sign up.
In addition, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program ā a state-funded initiative temporarily providing benefits to Virginians previously enrolled in SNAP whose federal benefits have been disrupted. Benefits are scheduled to begin November 3, with additional support directed to food banks across the state.
If your family experiences food insecurity, please know there are also local food resources available through area food banks, churches, and community organizations.
Food Resources:
Abingdon Faith in Action
276-628-4813
798 Hillman Hwy ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Located behind St. Johnās Lutheran Church, Abingdon Faith in Action operates the Stone Soup Food Pantry serving Washington County residents. Clients can shop there once a month and will receive a $25 gift certificate for clothing and shoes to use at New Life Thrift Shop ā A Ministry of Faith in Action in Abingdon. Additionally, FIA also provides emergency financial assistance to families for rent and utilities as funds are available through an application process, as well as helping those who are uninsured obtain medicine in emergency situations. FIA also hosts the Crossroads Medical Mission bus monthly.
*Food Pantry Hours: Monday & Friday ā 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday ā 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Feeding Southwest Virginia
276-628-9266 (Fax: 276-628-3974)
www.feedingswva.org
21452 Gravel Lake Rd ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Located off Exit 17 in the Abingdon Distribution Center is the Abingdon Harvest Home Community Kitchen, which provides three home cooked meals to-go three days a week:
*Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (They also have a mobile food pantry; you must call for times and locations)
*Hunger & Help Line ā Call 540-299-0004
*Text: 276-250-4500
*Email: hungerandhelp@feedingswva.org
*Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00pm
*After Hours: Call 211
Highlands Fellowship
276-628-3297 (Fax: 276-628-1011; Bristol Campus: 276-669-7400)
22417 Watauga Rd ā Abingdon, VA 24211
*Located off Route 75, clients can visit once per month for food assistance.
*Open Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (closed 5th Wednesday of the month; closed if Washington County Public Schools are closed)
*Clothing ā Free clothing closet to assist families in need
First Assembly of God
276-669-3016
1400 Lee Hwy - Bristol, VA 2420
www.firstassemblybristol.org
*Food is distributed Wednesday at 10:00 am after Bible Study, until the last person is served.
*Clothing will be given out at this time as well.
Mendota Food Pantry
2562 Mendota Rd ā Mendota, VA 24270
*Located at the Mendota Community Center, food distribution is on the fourth Thursday every month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (If distribution day falls on holidays or there is no fourth Thursday, distribution will be on the third Thursday).
Southern Manna Soup Kitchen
110 Town Square ā Glade Spring, VA 24340
*Hot meals on Friday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Itās a God Thing One Way Ministries
276-475-3318
1004 South Shady Ave ā Damascus, VA 24236
*Produce & Dairy: Wednesdays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
*Produce: Sundays 12:30 pm
*Food Box: 3rd Saturday of the month, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Damascus Senior Center
276-475-5232
209 Legion St ā Damascus, VA
*Wednesday 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Bristol Faith in Action
276-466-8292
1556 Euclid Ave ā Bristol, VA 24201
*Tuesday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Pleasant View United Methodist Church
276-628-6323
18416 Lee Highway ā Abingdon, VA
*Monday thru Friday 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Abingdon Farmerās Market
276-698-1434
abingdonmarket@gmail.com
www.abingdonfarmersmartket.com
100 Remsburg Dr ā Abingdon, VA 24210
*Participating vendors will match up to $25 when using your EBT card.
*April thru November: Saturday ā 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday ā 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
*Winter Market: First and Third Saturday ā 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fellowship Baptist Church
14221 Ravenwood Dr., Meadowview, VA
*First Tuesday of the month: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Washington County Public Schools remains committed to supporting our students and families ā both inside and outside the classroom.
Students visited for a special trick-or-treat celebration -- sharing smiles, hugs, and Halloween spirit while making unforgettable connections with the residents.
This yearās competition drew nearly 300 submissions from students across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and Willās play earned a top spot -- even performed live by the Barter Players on Monday morning!
A huge shoutout to Will and his teacher, Michele Duncan, for this amazing accomplishment.
At Abingdon Elementary, custodian James Henegar is going above the call of duty! Mr. Henegar was recently celebrated for creating a special leadership opportunity for a third-grade student -- showing incredible compassion and creativity in helping build confidence and belonging.
Washington County Public Schools invites families and community members to take part in our upcoming textbook review sessions!
Weāre currently reviewing materials for:
š Elementary & High School Mathematics
š Middle & High School English
You can preview the proposed textbooks October 28ā30 in the School Board Office main meeting room (2nd floor).
Your input helps us ensure WCPS students have access to the highest-quality instructional resources possible -- weād love to hear your feedback!
Mrs. Smithās Career Strategies class at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put their problem-solving skills to the test -- by launching marshmallows!
Using the Engineering Design Process, students designed catapults from everyday materials -- cups, spoons, rubber bands, paperclips, cardboard, and tape -- and worked to send a marshmallow flying at least 10 feet.
They made adjustments for wind, tested and tweaked their designs, and showed some serious STEM skills. One student even set a new record with an incredible 44-foot launch!
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Molly Counts Dailey, a proud Holston 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
Join us on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon for this one-of-a-kind, free symposium.
This event brings together local, state, national, and international leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence -- and how we can use this technology ethically and authentically in our schools, workplaces, and communities.
Hereās whatās in store:
š¤ Keynote speakers from Duke Law and UVAās Darden School of Business
š¼ A Business Leader Panel Discussion
š An Education Leader Panel Discussion
š“ āLunch and Learnā breakout sessions
š¬ An Expert Townhall
Thanks to our amazing partners, thereās no cost to attend!
š Register today to save your spot and be part of this transformative day of learning and innovation: https://forms.gle/ZbYRk6R8zozDgMav7
Third grade turned into a chocolate lab at Meadowview Elementary! Students explored how chocolate changes when it melts and cools -- observing, recording, and of course, enjoying the process.
Science has never been so delicious!
Kindergarten and Pre-K students at Abingdon Elementary School recently got a high-flying lesson on community heroes! They toured a MedFlight helicopter and learned from their very own SRO Officer Sanchez, along with deputies from the Washington County SWAT and K9 units, about the important roles they play in keeping our community safe.
From pups to pilots, students had an unforgettable day learning about the heroes who help us every day!
Join us for the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Eagle Run 5K Run/Walk -- Saturday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Abingdon!
This event honors our veterans and supports the SkillsUSA Club at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center. Whether youāre chasing a personal best or enjoying a walk, itās the perfect way to show your support -- and a great training run before your Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!
šļø Register today and run with purpose!
https://www.athlinks.com/event/veterans-day-eagle-run-5k-runwalk-389541
Today weāre shining a spotlight on some true Hometown Heroes from Abingdon High School! Students Shyanne Wright and Brody Stringer, along with teachers Teena Main and Eddie Beck, were recently recognized for their quick and caring response when a student experienced a medical emergency during lunch.
Their calm actions, teamwork, and compassion made all the difference -- a perfect example of what it means to Be a Bean in Washington County Public Schools!
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Mercedes James-Sanders, 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
This week, weāre celebrating the incredible WCPS transportation team -- the drivers, monitors, and mechanics who keep our students safe on the road every single day.
Letās all do our part to make sure every student gets to and from school safely:
āļø Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing.
āļø Stay alert in school zones and neighborhoods.
āļø Practice kindness and patience on the road.
A huge THANK YOU to our dedicated drivers who are often the first and last friendly faces our students see each day!
Principal Jason Matlock successfully defended his dissertation last night through Radford University and is officially Dr. Matlock! His research focused on addressing chronic absenteeism through a networked improvement community using improvement science.
We couldnāt be prouder of this huge accomplishment. Congratulations, Dr. Matlock!
Weāre so excited to see everyone tomorrow, Saturday, October 18, for the WCPS Boo Dash & Monster Mile!
Here are a few important details to help the day go smoothly:
š Race Start Time: 4:00 p.m.
š Location: Wye Park (just down from the trailhead ā look for the gazebo)
š Packet Pickup & Same-Day Registration: Begins at 2:00 p.m.
š» Costume Contest Judging: 3:40 p.m.
(Prizes for Best Team Costume, Funniest Costume, and Best Homemade Costume!)
š Parking Information:
Weāre expecting a great turnout!
*Primary Parking: The Meadows Sports Complex ā follow the posted signs guiding you to the path leading to the Virginia Creeper Trail entrance. Itās less than a three-minute walk to Wye Park ā consider it your warm-up!
*Secondary Parking: Across from the Virginia Creeper Trail Welcome Center (300 Green Spring Road).
*Directional signs will be posted to help guide you to the start area.
Whether youāre running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we canāt wait to kick off this fun, festive community event with you!
A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors -- Pumpkin Premier, Spooky Sponsors, Monster Sponsors, and more -- and to our talented graphics design, welding, auto body, and engineering students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center who helped design and create the t-shirts, medals, and trophies!
See you at the starting line!
In partnership with the Virginia Attorney General and the Commonwealth Football Coaches Association's Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative, we're raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs -- and most importantly, working together to save lives.
Remember: "Just One Pill Can Kill."
