š„The WGES Student News Crew at Greendale Elementary School had an incredible opportunity to go behind the scenes at WCYB! From the newsroom to the lights and cameras, students got a firsthand look at what it takes to bring the news to our community every day.
They asked thoughtful questions, soaked in the fast-paced energy of the studio, and even stepped into the role of professional storytellers.
Weāre so proud of these budding journalistsātheir curiosity and excitement show that the future of storytelling is BRIGHT!
Big thanks to our friends at WCYB for welcoming our students into the newsroom!
They asked thoughtful questions, soaked in the fast-paced energy of the studio, and even stepped into the role of professional storytellers.
Weāre so proud of these budding journalistsātheir curiosity and excitement show that the future of storytelling is BRIGHT!
Big thanks to our friends at WCYB for welcoming our students into the newsroom!
š¹šØThings are blooming in art at Meadowview Elementary School! Fourth graders have been busy painting their clay roses, and the results are just as amazing as their creativity!
Washington County Public Schools is proud to offer families a convenient option for medical care through our School-Based Virtual Health Clinic, in partnership with Niswonger Childrenās Network and Ballad Health Medical Associates Urgent Care.
How it works:
*With parent/guardian permission and signed consent forms, the school nurse can connect your child with a Ballad Health provider through secure live video.
*Providers can check your childās heart and lungs, look at sore throats, ears, or rashes, order basic labs, and even send prescriptions to your pharmacy ā all without your child leaving school.
*Parents/guardians are invited to join the visit in-person or virtually.
*Doctorās notes can be provided to the school if needed.
Conditions treated include:
Fever, sore throat, allergies, ear pain, nausea, rashes, pink eye, cold/flu symptoms, minor injuries, and more.
Cost:
Visits are billed to your insurance. If uninsured, the flat fee is $55 per visit (plus minimal charges for flu, strep, or COVID tests).
How to enroll your child:
*Complete and return the consent and enrollment forms included in your back-to-school packet (English and Spanish versions available).
*Please include a copy of your insurance card, front and back.
*Online consent form link: https://schooltelemed.balladhealth.org/
This service is available at:
Abingdon Elementary, Greendale Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Rhea Valley Elementary, Valley Institute Elementary, Watauga Elementary, Damascus Middle, E.B. Stanley Middle, Glade Spring Middle, Wallace Middle, Abingdon High School, Holston High School, and Patrick Henry High School.
For questions, please contact your school nurse.
To learn more, click here: https://www.balladhealth.org/telehealth/school-based-virtual-clinic
How it works:
*With parent/guardian permission and signed consent forms, the school nurse can connect your child with a Ballad Health provider through secure live video.
*Providers can check your childās heart and lungs, look at sore throats, ears, or rashes, order basic labs, and even send prescriptions to your pharmacy ā all without your child leaving school.
*Parents/guardians are invited to join the visit in-person or virtually.
*Doctorās notes can be provided to the school if needed.
Conditions treated include:
Fever, sore throat, allergies, ear pain, nausea, rashes, pink eye, cold/flu symptoms, minor injuries, and more.
Cost:
Visits are billed to your insurance. If uninsured, the flat fee is $55 per visit (plus minimal charges for flu, strep, or COVID tests).
How to enroll your child:
*Complete and return the consent and enrollment forms included in your back-to-school packet (English and Spanish versions available).
*Please include a copy of your insurance card, front and back.
*Online consent form link: https://schooltelemed.balladhealth.org/
This service is available at:
Abingdon Elementary, Greendale Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Rhea Valley Elementary, Valley Institute Elementary, Watauga Elementary, Damascus Middle, E.B. Stanley Middle, Glade Spring Middle, Wallace Middle, Abingdon High School, Holston High School, and Patrick Henry High School.
For questions, please contact your school nurse.
To learn more, click here: https://www.balladhealth.org/telehealth/school-based-virtual-clinic
The 2025 Fall Duke Marine Lab Trip Was a Success!
On September 17th, 54 high school students and 8 chaperones headed to Beaufort, North Carolina, for an unforgettable experience at the Duke University Marine Lab. This hands-on learning adventure gave students a unique opportunity to explore marine science alongside experts in the field.
During their stay on Duke's coastal campus, students participated in a variety of excursions and labs. They teamed up with UNC and Captain Stacyās team to head out to sea, collecting and studying multiple marine species through dissection and observation to better understand coastal ecosystems.
Some students chose to go clamming, while others explored local historical sites, including Fort Macon. The group also compared two unique island environmentsāRachel Carson Estuary and Shackleford Banksāgaining valuable insight into the differences between sound-side and ocean-side erosion.
Another highlight was a visit with Keith Rittmaster, curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and director of Bonehenge. Students learned about marine mammal conservation, how beached whales, porpoises, and dolphins are prepared for museum and classroom displays, and how they can become better environmental stewards.
Weāre incredibly proud of our students and grateful to our partners at Duke University Marine Lab for this incredible opportunity. Stay tuned for details on future tripsāand high school students, be sure to inquire about how you can be part of the next Duke Marine Lab adventure!
On September 17th, 54 high school students and 8 chaperones headed to Beaufort, North Carolina, for an unforgettable experience at the Duke University Marine Lab. This hands-on learning adventure gave students a unique opportunity to explore marine science alongside experts in the field.
During their stay on Duke's coastal campus, students participated in a variety of excursions and labs. They teamed up with UNC and Captain Stacyās team to head out to sea, collecting and studying multiple marine species through dissection and observation to better understand coastal ecosystems.
Some students chose to go clamming, while others explored local historical sites, including Fort Macon. The group also compared two unique island environmentsāRachel Carson Estuary and Shackleford Banksāgaining valuable insight into the differences between sound-side and ocean-side erosion.
Another highlight was a visit with Keith Rittmaster, curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and director of Bonehenge. Students learned about marine mammal conservation, how beached whales, porpoises, and dolphins are prepared for museum and classroom displays, and how they can become better environmental stewards.
Weāre incredibly proud of our students and grateful to our partners at Duke University Marine Lab for this incredible opportunity. Stay tuned for details on future tripsāand high school students, be sure to inquire about how you can be part of the next Duke Marine Lab adventure!
Damascus Middle School is gearing up for something BIG!
Thanks to our friends from Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands and a grant from Outrideās Riding for Focus program, DMS now has 30 brand-new bikes and helmets to launch a school-wide cycling program!
Students, families, and community members came together at the Bike Build Bash to pump tires, grease pedals, and get these bikes ready to roll ā with a little expert help from Sun Dog Outfitters.
This 6-week cycling program will give students the chance to boost their mental and physical health, build confidence, strengthen friendships, and discover the joy of riding.
Thanks to our friends from Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands and a grant from Outrideās Riding for Focus program, DMS now has 30 brand-new bikes and helmets to launch a school-wide cycling program!
Students, families, and community members came together at the Bike Build Bash to pump tires, grease pedals, and get these bikes ready to roll ā with a little expert help from Sun Dog Outfitters.
This 6-week cycling program will give students the chance to boost their mental and physical health, build confidence, strengthen friendships, and discover the joy of riding.
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Linda Austin ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 1980.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Linda Austin, a proud Abingdon 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
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Linda Austin, a proud Abingdon 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
šš„ At Glade Spring Middle School, Ms. Stevensās 6th grade Exploring Technology students put their engineering skills to the test!
They designed 3D-printed containers and padded them with recycled materials to see if they could protect an egg during a rooftop drop experiment.
Letās just say the eggs didnāt quite make it this roundā¦ but the students had a cracking good time learning about design, problem-solving, and testing ideas!
They designed 3D-printed containers and padded them with recycled materials to see if they could protect an egg during a rooftop drop experiment.
Letās just say the eggs didnāt quite make it this roundā¦ but the students had a cracking good time learning about design, problem-solving, and testing ideas!
āØ Our Pre-K students at Abingdon Elementary are learning all about the letter T ā with a tasty twist! They enjoyed a taste test of tater tots, tomatoes, tangerines, and tortilla chips.
Huge shoutout to our amazing School Nutrition team at AES for helping bring learning to life (and making it delicious, too)!
Huge shoutout to our amazing School Nutrition team at AES for helping bring learning to life (and making it delicious, too)!
Nothing says late summer like corn on the cob!
Yesterday, WCPS students and staff enjoyed Whitesides sweet corn at lunch -- a local favorite that brought plenty of smiles to the cafeteria.
We're grateful for the chance to share fresh, local flavors with our school community!
Yesterday, WCPS students and staff enjoyed Whitesides sweet corn at lunch -- a local favorite that brought plenty of smiles to the cafeteria.
We're grateful for the chance to share fresh, local flavors with our school community!
š£Reminder
WCPS will dismiss 2 hours early tomorrow, Thursday, September 18 for Parent/Teacher Conferences.
We look forward to seeing our families and teachers connect!
WCPS will dismiss 2 hours early tomorrow, Thursday, September 18 for Parent/Teacher Conferences.
We look forward to seeing our families and teachers connect!
šāØ Sneak Peek Alert
The 1st place trophies for the WCPS Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile are being handcrafted by our talented Welding students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center! Theyāre still getting their finishing touches (paint coming soon), but we couldnāt wait to share the process!
And thatās not all ā our 2nd and 3rd place finishers will go home with some awesome medals, also created by our students!
Register now for a chance to win one of these one-of-a-kind student-made awards!
šhttps://www.athlinks.com/event/397082
š When: Saturday, October 18
š Where: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon (Wye Park)
ā° Race Start: 4:00 p.m. (packet pickup & registration begin at 2:00 p.m.)
āØ Registration Details:
ā WCPS Students & Staff: FREE if you pre-register by Oct. 3
ā Parents & Community Members: $20 if you pre-register by Oct. 3
(Late registration: $10 students | $15 staff | $30 community)
š Donāt miss your chance to snag an event t-shirt in your size ā pre-register by October 3!
š Costumes encouraged (family-friendly, please: no masks, nothing scary or gory) ā with awards for:
š Best Team Costume
š Funniest Costume
š Best Homemade Costume
The 1st place trophies for the WCPS Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile are being handcrafted by our talented Welding students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center! Theyāre still getting their finishing touches (paint coming soon), but we couldnāt wait to share the process!
And thatās not all ā our 2nd and 3rd place finishers will go home with some awesome medals, also created by our students!
Register now for a chance to win one of these one-of-a-kind student-made awards!
šhttps://www.athlinks.com/event/397082
š When: Saturday, October 18
š Where: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon (Wye Park)
ā° Race Start: 4:00 p.m. (packet pickup & registration begin at 2:00 p.m.)
āØ Registration Details:
ā WCPS Students & Staff: FREE if you pre-register by Oct. 3
ā Parents & Community Members: $20 if you pre-register by Oct. 3
(Late registration: $10 students | $15 staff | $30 community)
š Donāt miss your chance to snag an event t-shirt in your size ā pre-register by October 3!
š Costumes encouraged (family-friendly, please: no masks, nothing scary or gory) ā with awards for:
š Best Team Costume
š Funniest Costume
š Best Homemade Costume
Washington County Public Schools, in partnership with Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS), is proud to provide convenient healthcare services to all WCPS students and staff.
Our school-based clinics operate much like urgent care, offering assessment, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of acute illnesses and injuries. Services include:
*Prescriptions and school notes
*Testing for COVID, Flu, Strep, RSV, Mono, glucose, and more
*Sports and school entrance physicals
š Clinic Hours & Locations
*High Point Elementary School (HPES): 8:00 a.m. ā 11:30 a.m.
*John S. Battle High School (JSB): 12:30 p.m. ā 4:00 p.m.
*Appointments available between 11:30 a.m. ā 12:30 p.m. if needed.
š Please call (276) 642-5335 before arriving, though walk-ins are welcome.
šŖ Entry Instructions
*At HPES: Use the playground doors beside the track (follow the signs).
*At JSB: Enter through the main doors; office staff will buzz you in.
š³ Insurance & Payment
We accept all insurances. For patients without insurance, fees are based on income using a sliding scale.
Our school-based clinics operate much like urgent care, offering assessment, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of acute illnesses and injuries. Services include:
*Prescriptions and school notes
*Testing for COVID, Flu, Strep, RSV, Mono, glucose, and more
*Sports and school entrance physicals
š Clinic Hours & Locations
*High Point Elementary School (HPES): 8:00 a.m. ā 11:30 a.m.
*John S. Battle High School (JSB): 12:30 p.m. ā 4:00 p.m.
*Appointments available between 11:30 a.m. ā 12:30 p.m. if needed.
š Please call (276) 642-5335 before arriving, though walk-ins are welcome.
šŖ Entry Instructions
*At HPES: Use the playground doors beside the track (follow the signs).
*At JSB: Enter through the main doors; office staff will buzz you in.
š³ Insurance & Payment
We accept all insurances. For patients without insurance, fees are based on income using a sliding scale.
š¬Stay Connected š¬
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://5il.co/3pua2
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://5il.co/3pua2
š”āØ Innovation in Action
WCPS staff recently partnered with TEACH for a hands-on professional development session: "The Near Future of Generative AI in the High School ELA Classroom."
Instead of the usual sit-and-get, Cary Wright led teachers through an interactive journey that blended Virginia's standards, AI's potential, and the everyday realities of teaching.
From exploring ethics and equity, to tackling challenges ahead, to testing real AI tools for lesson planning and grading -- our staff left with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration!
WCPS staff recently partnered with TEACH for a hands-on professional development session: "The Near Future of Generative AI in the High School ELA Classroom."
Instead of the usual sit-and-get, Cary Wright led teachers through an interactive journey that blended Virginia's standards, AI's potential, and the everyday realities of teaching.
From exploring ethics and equity, to tackling challenges ahead, to testing real AI tools for lesson planning and grading -- our staff left with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration!
šāØLearning is in full bloom at Meadowview Elementary School! Mrs. Taylor's Pre-K class has been busy exploring their very own classroom Apple Orchard. From colors and numbers to letters and sensory play, our youngest learners are harvesting curiosity and fun every day!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Jones ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2006.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Sarah Jones, 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
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Sarah Jones, 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
š¬š¬ Scientifically Investigating Marshmallows
Mrs. Adams' first graders at Abingdon Elementary School put their senses to work as young scientists this week! Using the scientific method (and some very yummy marshmallows), students observed, tested, and even added descriptive adjectives to their conclusions.
Hands-on learning never tasted so sweet!
Mrs. Adams' first graders at Abingdon Elementary School put their senses to work as young scientists this week! Using the scientific method (and some very yummy marshmallows), students observed, tested, and even added descriptive adjectives to their conclusions.
Hands-on learning never tasted so sweet!
ā°āØ Reminder for Friday, September 12
All WCPS students will dismiss 3 hours early tomorrow for School Days at the Fair.
We're excited to celebrate the 20th Annual School Days at the Fair with our students and staff:
š Friday, September 12, 2025
š 12:00 ā 3:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds
šļø Free admission for WCPS students & staff (with ID badge) | Parents just $5
All WCPS students will dismiss 3 hours early tomorrow for School Days at the Fair.
We're excited to celebrate the 20th Annual School Days at the Fair with our students and staff:
š Friday, September 12, 2025
š 12:00 ā 3:00 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds
šļø Free admission for WCPS students & staff (with ID badge) | Parents just $5
āØAt Glade Spring Middle School, teamwork and pride are on full display thanks to Lauren K. and Kylee H. Every day, these dedicated students make sure our country and state flags are raised high and flying proudly over GSMS.
Thank you, Lauren and Kylee, for starting each day with respect, responsibility, and school spirit.
Thank you, Lauren and Kylee, for starting each day with respect, responsibility, and school spirit.
šāØ Attention WCPS High School Students & Families!
Happening TONIGHT ā donāt miss VHCC College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center from 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. š
Youāll have the chance to meet representatives from 50+ colleges and universities including VHCC, King, ETSU, Emory & Henry, Virginia Tech, Radford, UVA-Wise, Milligan, and many more!
This is your one-stop event to:
ā Explore programs and majors
ā Learn how to pay for college
ā Discover scholarship opportunities
ā Ask questions directly to college reps
š Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
š When: Tonight, 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m.
š Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration
Donāt miss this opportunity to start planning your future after high school! š
Happening TONIGHT ā donāt miss VHCC College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center from 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m. š
Youāll have the chance to meet representatives from 50+ colleges and universities including VHCC, King, ETSU, Emory & Henry, Virginia Tech, Radford, UVA-Wise, Milligan, and many more!
This is your one-stop event to:
ā Explore programs and majors
ā Learn how to pay for college
ā Discover scholarship opportunities
ā Ask questions directly to college reps
š Where: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
š When: Tonight, 6:00 ā 7:30 p.m.
š Register here: https://app.strivescan.com/registration
Donāt miss this opportunity to start planning your future after high school! š
