š„¬ From the greenhouse to our cafeterias
Two years ago, the Horticulture students at Holston High School began working to build a hydroponic growing system and figure out how to make locally grown produce a reality for our schools.
On July 17, students planted lettuce in the greenhouse. Yesterday, August 19, they harvested it -- and tomorrow, that same lettuce will be headed to salad bars at our middle and high schools!
Making this happen has taken two years of planning, building, growing, problem-solving and figuring out the logistics needed to make a harvest like this possible at scale.
During yesterday's harvest, every student had a part to play. Some students harvested the lettuce, others packaged it, prepared transport crates to help keep it fresh, or moved it straight to the cooler. They worked together to keep the process moving from the greenhouse to the cooler.
This is hands-on learning at its best -- students putting their skills to work and seeing the results make their way from the greenhouse to the plates of their fellow students.
We're incredibly proud of our Holston Horticulture students and all the time, effort and teamwork they've put into making this possible. What started as an idea two years ago is now growing food for our schools.
Two years ago, the Horticulture students at Holston High School began working to build a hydroponic growing system and figure out how to make locally grown produce a reality for our schools.
On July 17, students planted lettuce in the greenhouse. Yesterday, August 19, they harvested it -- and tomorrow, that same lettuce will be headed to salad bars at our middle and high schools!
Making this happen has taken two years of planning, building, growing, problem-solving and figuring out the logistics needed to make a harvest like this possible at scale.
During yesterday's harvest, every student had a part to play. Some students harvested the lettuce, others packaged it, prepared transport crates to help keep it fresh, or moved it straight to the cooler. They worked together to keep the process moving from the greenhouse to the cooler.
This is hands-on learning at its best -- students putting their skills to work and seeing the results make their way from the greenhouse to the plates of their fellow students.
We're incredibly proud of our Holston Horticulture students and all the time, effort and teamwork they've put into making this possible. What started as an idea two years ago is now growing food for our schools.
šOur High Point Elementary preschoolers have been busy!
From building with blocks and putting puzzles together to rolling, twisting and cutting Play-Doh in art, our youngest learners are developing important skills through hands-on activities and plenty of creativity.
Along the way, they're learning to share materials, take turns, work together, solve problems and strengthen their fine motor skills -- all while exploring, creating and having fun with their classmates.
We're so proud of the curiosity, creativity and teamwork happening in our preschool classrooms at High Point!
From building with blocks and putting puzzles together to rolling, twisting and cutting Play-Doh in art, our youngest learners are developing important skills through hands-on activities and plenty of creativity.
Along the way, they're learning to share materials, take turns, work together, solve problems and strengthen their fine motor skills -- all while exploring, creating and having fun with their classmates.
We're so proud of the curiosity, creativity and teamwork happening in our preschool classrooms at High Point!
š
Mark your calendars
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its annual Kickoff to Connection! Resource Fair on Monday, September 28, and families are invited to join us!
*Monday, September 28, 2026
*SWVA Higher Education Center ā Abingdon
*5:00ā7:30 p.m.
More than 20 community partners will be on hand, including several new organizations this year. Families will have the opportunity to meet local organizations, learn about available resources and services, ask questions, and make connections that can support students and families throughout the school year.
Raffle prizes will also be given away throughout the evening!
We hope you'll join the Parent Resource Center for an evening of learning about the many resources and services available to WCPS families right here in our community.
Be sure to follow the Washington County Virginia Schools - Parent Resource Center: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its annual Kickoff to Connection! Resource Fair on Monday, September 28, and families are invited to join us!
*Monday, September 28, 2026
*SWVA Higher Education Center ā Abingdon
*5:00ā7:30 p.m.
More than 20 community partners will be on hand, including several new organizations this year. Families will have the opportunity to meet local organizations, learn about available resources and services, ask questions, and make connections that can support students and families throughout the school year.
Raffle prizes will also be given away throughout the evening!
We hope you'll join the Parent Resource Center for an evening of learning about the many resources and services available to WCPS families right here in our community.
Be sure to follow the Washington County Virginia Schools - Parent Resource Center: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
š§© Drafting students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test Friday with a Team Puzzle Challenge.
Working in teams, students tackled mystery 300-piece puzzles -- without a picture to guide them! Just when they were getting comfortable, students rotated to new groups, worked with new teammates, and picked up where someone else had left off. Later, they were given the puzzle picture and challenged to see how much they could accomplish with a clear goal in sight.
The challenge was about much more than completing a puzzle. Students practiced adaptability, communication, collaboration, and perseverance -- skills that are essential in the classroom and in the workplace.
In the real world, we don't always know what the finished product will look like, who we'll be working with, or where someone else left off. Learning how to communicate, support one another, adapt to change, and keep working toward a goal helps students become better prepared for whatever comes next.
Working in teams, students tackled mystery 300-piece puzzles -- without a picture to guide them! Just when they were getting comfortable, students rotated to new groups, worked with new teammates, and picked up where someone else had left off. Later, they were given the puzzle picture and challenged to see how much they could accomplish with a clear goal in sight.
The challenge was about much more than completing a puzzle. Students practiced adaptability, communication, collaboration, and perseverance -- skills that are essential in the classroom and in the workplace.
In the real world, we don't always know what the finished product will look like, who we'll be working with, or where someone else left off. Learning how to communicate, support one another, adapt to change, and keep working toward a goal helps students become better prepared for whatever comes next.
Due to impacts from yesterdayās storms, Walden Road in Abingdon remains closed from Stanley Street to Branch Street.
Families and staff traveling to E.B. Stanley Middle School and Abingdon High School should plan their routes accordingly and allow extra travel time this morning. Abingdon Town Police will be in the area directing traffic; however, delays are expected.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews continue to address storm-related impacts.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Nunley ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 1992
We are thrilled to highlight Kevin Nunley, 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
We are thrilled to highlight Kevin Nunley, 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
ššBurger Bar Friday was a hit
Our middle and high school students got to build their burgers their way today as we kicked off Food Bar Fridays in WCPS cafeterias!
A big thank-you to our School Nutrition team for bringing this fun new lunch option to our students.
And a special thank-you to E.B. Stanley Middle School for letting us join students during lunch to capture some photos and videos, and to Holston High School for sharing a peek at their secret burger sauce!
This is just the beginning -- more Food Bar Fridays are coming later this month!
Our middle and high school students got to build their burgers their way today as we kicked off Food Bar Fridays in WCPS cafeterias!
A big thank-you to our School Nutrition team for bringing this fun new lunch option to our students.
And a special thank-you to E.B. Stanley Middle School for letting us join students during lunch to capture some photos and videos, and to Holston High School for sharing a peek at their secret burger sauce!
This is just the beginning -- more Food Bar Fridays are coming later this month!
šļø A New EmpowerED Podcast Episode Is Now Live!
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center has released the latest episode of its EmpowerED Podcast, featuring VCUās Dr. Staci Carr and Candice Zimmerman discussing self-regulation for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Based on feedback and questions from WCPS families, this episode explores practical strategies for supporting children with self-regulation, including:
*Recognizing early signs of dysregulation
*Using co-regulation to support children before expecting independent coping skills
*Sensory strategies for anxiety, frustration, and unexpected changes in routine
*Compassionate approaches to meltdown recovery
*Creating consistency between home and school
š§ Listen to Episode 5 on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/IPMk8
A big thank you to the WCPS parents and caregivers who shared their questions and feedback to help shape this conversation!
Be sure to follow the Washington County Virginia Schools - Parent Resource Center on Facebook for updates, resources, and information about upcoming events throughout the 2026-2027 school year: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center has released the latest episode of its EmpowerED Podcast, featuring VCUās Dr. Staci Carr and Candice Zimmerman discussing self-regulation for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Based on feedback and questions from WCPS families, this episode explores practical strategies for supporting children with self-regulation, including:
*Recognizing early signs of dysregulation
*Using co-regulation to support children before expecting independent coping skills
*Sensory strategies for anxiety, frustration, and unexpected changes in routine
*Compassionate approaches to meltdown recovery
*Creating consistency between home and school
š§ Listen to Episode 5 on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/IPMk8
A big thank you to the WCPS parents and caregivers who shared their questions and feedback to help shape this conversation!
Be sure to follow the Washington County Virginia Schools - Parent Resource Center on Facebook for updates, resources, and information about upcoming events throughout the 2026-2027 school year: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
š¢ As we approach Day 6 of the school year, we wanted to take a moment to remind our families about the many measures in place to help keep our students and staff safe. School safety is a shared responsibility and an important priority for Washington County Public Schools throughout the school year.Ā
As part of our continued focus on school safety, the Washington County School Board has again identified providing a safe environment to work, learn, and grow as the division's first focus goal for the 2026-2027 school year. This goal builds on our ongoing efforts to strengthen crisis response and emergency preparedness.
WCPS also maintains strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Abingdon Police Department, to support the safety and security of our schools. These partnerships allow us to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) in our schools and strengthen communication and collaboration between our schools and local law enforcement.Ā
In addition, at its meeting Monday, the Washington County School Board approved 2026-2027 Emergency Response Guides for every school in the division. These guides provide school-specific procedures for responding to a variety of emergency situations and are reviewed and updated regularly.Ā
School safety is an ongoing responsibility. Throughout the year, WCPS works with law enforcement and emergency response partners, reviews safety procedures, conducts drills and training, and continually evaluates ways to strengthen security and emergency preparedness across the division.Ā
As we settle into a new school year, we want our families to know that we remain committed to providing safe, supportive environments where every student and staff member can work, learn, and grow. We appreciate the partnership of our families, staff, students, and community as we continue working together to make safety a priority across WCPS.
As part of our continued focus on school safety, the Washington County School Board has again identified providing a safe environment to work, learn, and grow as the division's first focus goal for the 2026-2027 school year. This goal builds on our ongoing efforts to strengthen crisis response and emergency preparedness.
WCPS also maintains strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Abingdon Police Department, to support the safety and security of our schools. These partnerships allow us to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) in our schools and strengthen communication and collaboration between our schools and local law enforcement.Ā
In addition, at its meeting Monday, the Washington County School Board approved 2026-2027 Emergency Response Guides for every school in the division. These guides provide school-specific procedures for responding to a variety of emergency situations and are reviewed and updated regularly.Ā
School safety is an ongoing responsibility. Throughout the year, WCPS works with law enforcement and emergency response partners, reviews safety procedures, conducts drills and training, and continually evaluates ways to strengthen security and emergency preparedness across the division.Ā
As we settle into a new school year, we want our families to know that we remain committed to providing safe, supportive environments where every student and staff member can work, learn, and grow. We appreciate the partnership of our families, staff, students, and community as we continue working together to make safety a priority across WCPS.
šš Burger Bar Friday is Tomorrow
Middle and high school students, weāre kicking off August Food Bar Fridays tomorrow with a Burger Bar!
Build your burger your way and enjoy a fun new lunch option in the cafeteria!
*Friday, August 14
*Burger Bar
*Available at WCPS middle and high schools
And this is just the beginning! More Food Bar Fridays are coming up later this month.
See you in the cafeteria!
Middle and high school students, weāre kicking off August Food Bar Fridays tomorrow with a Burger Bar!
Build your burger your way and enjoy a fun new lunch option in the cafeteria!
*Friday, August 14
*Burger Bar
*Available at WCPS middle and high schools
And this is just the beginning! More Food Bar Fridays are coming up later this month.
See you in the cafeteria!
šš Thank you, First Bank & Trust Company
We are so grateful to First Bank & Trust Company for their generous donation of school supplies! Your support helps ensure our students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn and succeed.
Thank you for investing in our students and supporting Washington County Public Schools! We appreciate your continued partnership with our schools and community.
We are so grateful to First Bank & Trust Company for their generous donation of school supplies! Your support helps ensure our students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn and succeed.
Thank you for investing in our students and supporting Washington County Public Schools! We appreciate your continued partnership with our schools and community.
šøšWeāve got another batch of first-day smiles and memories to share! Weāve loved seeing so many of our students as they kicked off the 2026-2027 school year.
And if you still have a first-day photo to share, send it our way! Weāre always happy to see more.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
And if you still have a first-day photo to share, send it our way! Weāre always happy to see more.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
š„š Celebrating the Abingdon High School Lady Falcons Softball Team!
The Washington County School Board and Washington County Board of Supervisors were proud to recognize the Abingdon High School Lady Falcons Softball Team this evening for capturing the VHSL Class 3 Softball State Championship!
Through hard work, determination, teamwork, and perseverance, the Lady Falcons put together an incredible season and brought home a state title that made our schools and the entire Washington County community proud.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, families, and supporters on this outstanding accomplishment. Way to go, Lady Falcons!
šøšWe received even more great first-day photos over the weekend, so of course, we had to share another round! Weāve loved seeing all of the smiles and excitement as our students started the 2026-2027 school year.
Still have a first-day photo to send us? Keep them coming! Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Still have a first-day photo to send us? Keep them coming! Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight
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
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
šøšAnother round of first-day photos is here, and weāre loving every single one! Thank you to all of our WCPS families and staff who have shared their first-day moments with us. It has been so much fun seeing our students back in our schools!
Keep the pictures coming! Send your first-day photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep the pictures coming! Send your first-day photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
šøš Weāve loved seeing all the smiles, new school-year outfits, bus-stop snapshots, and first-day moments youāve been sharing with us! Thereās nothing better than seeing the excitement of a new school year through the eyes of our WCPS students and families.
Keep those photos coming! Weād love to see more of your first-day memories. Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep those photos coming! Weād love to see more of your first-day memories. Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us and weāll keep sharing them!
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
šøš The first-day smiles are rolling in! Weāve already received so many wonderful photos from across WCPS, and weāre loving seeing our students kick off the new school year!
Keep those first-day pictures coming -- we want to see them all!
Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
Keep those first-day pictures coming -- we want to see them all!
Send your photos to Ashley Hoak at ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on Washington County Public Schools' social media platforms.
šš Happy First Day of School!
The 2026-2027 school year is officially here, and we can't wait to see all the smiling faces filling our schools today!
šø We want to see your first-day photos! Whether it's a proud first-day pose, a bus-stop snapshot, a new school outfit, or a smile on the way into the classroom, share your favorite first-day moments with us!
Send your photos to ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us for a chance to be featured on the Washington County Public Schools social media pages.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on WCPS social media platforms.
Here's to a wonderful first day and an amazing school year!
The 2026-2027 school year is officially here, and we can't wait to see all the smiling faces filling our schools today!
šø We want to see your first-day photos! Whether it's a proud first-day pose, a bus-stop snapshot, a new school outfit, or a smile on the way into the classroom, share your favorite first-day moments with us!
Send your photos to ahoak@wcs.k12.va.us for a chance to be featured on the Washington County Public Schools social media pages.
Please note: Photos submitted may be shared on WCPS social media platforms.
Here's to a wonderful first day and an amazing school year!
š¢ š Back-to-School Traffic & Safety Reminders
With the new school year beginning Friday, August 7, we want to remind families and motorists to use extra caution as students, buses, and school traffic return to our roads.
Plan for increased traffic near Abingdon High School. Ongoing construction related to the roundabout project will continue in the area around AHS. Project officials have advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane during portions of the day, with the exception of 7:00ā8:30 a.m. and 2:30ā4:00 p.m. Families traveling through the area should plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution around the work zone.
As we all get back into our school-year routines, please remember:
*Watch for school buses: Slow down and be alert for buses stopping to pick up or drop off students. Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
*Watch for students: Be especially alert for children walking, riding bikes, or waiting near the roadway and school bus stops.
*Stay focused: Put away distractions and keep your attention on the road, especially in school zones and around school entrances and exits.
*Follow school traffic patterns: Follow posted signs, directions from staff, and designated drop-off and pick-up procedures.
*Give yourself extra time: The first few days of school can bring heavier traffic as everyone settles into new routines.
Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping us keep our students safe.
With the new school year beginning Friday, August 7, we want to remind families and motorists to use extra caution as students, buses, and school traffic return to our roads.
Plan for increased traffic near Abingdon High School. Ongoing construction related to the roundabout project will continue in the area around AHS. Project officials have advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane during portions of the day, with the exception of 7:00ā8:30 a.m. and 2:30ā4:00 p.m. Families traveling through the area should plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution around the work zone.
As we all get back into our school-year routines, please remember:
*Watch for school buses: Slow down and be alert for buses stopping to pick up or drop off students. Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
*Watch for students: Be especially alert for children walking, riding bikes, or waiting near the roadway and school bus stops.
*Stay focused: Put away distractions and keep your attention on the road, especially in school zones and around school entrances and exits.
*Follow school traffic patterns: Follow posted signs, directions from staff, and designated drop-off and pick-up procedures.
*Give yourself extra time: The first few days of school can bring heavier traffic as everyone settles into new routines.
Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping us keep our students safe.
