Sweet learning at Glade Spring Middle School
Mrs. Beaird's 6th grade students at Glade Spring Middle School recently stepped into the role of candy shop designers! Using Roald Dahl's "The Bicycle and the Sweet Shop" as their guide, they applied creativity and critical thinking to craft menus, packaging, and advertising displays that blended literature with real-world skills.
Mrs. Beaird's 6th grade students at Glade Spring Middle School recently stepped into the role of candy shop designers! Using Roald Dahl's "The Bicycle and the Sweet Shop" as their guide, they applied creativity and critical thinking to craft menus, packaging, and advertising displays that blended literature with real-world skills.
Abingdon High School was the first visitor to EO Career Commons for the 2025-2026 school year! Our students brought curiosity and enthusiasm as they created resumes, sharpened interview skills, and explored EO's hands-on learning labs.
Thank you to EO, volunteers, Virginia Highlands Community College, and CGI for making this experience possible!
Thank you to EO, volunteers, Virginia Highlands Community College, and CGI for making this experience possible!
Real-World Skills in Action at WCCTEC!
Masonry 3 students at WCCTEC recently took classroom learning to the next level with a big project: measuring, grading, and pouring a concrete slab for the Welding Shop. This new slab will soon hold an outdoor welding booth -- perfect for practicing outdoor welding and tackling larger projects that won't fit inside.
Under the CTE Work-Based Learning Program, students took on jobsite roles just like the pros:
*Foreman: Colton F.
*Estimator: Dalton A. (with math skills from his Data Analysis class!)
*Crew Members: Clayton C., Levi B., Brayden P., and Dakota S.
From calculating materials and labor needs to cutting asphalt and clearing debris, this crew did it all -- and wrapped up the slab on Monday, August 25, meeting professional construction standards.
Huge thanks to Masonry Instructor Johnny Blevins for his guidance and to Mr. Gene Greer's Carpentry class for lending a hand. Teamwork truly makes the dream work at Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Masonry 3 students at WCCTEC recently took classroom learning to the next level with a big project: measuring, grading, and pouring a concrete slab for the Welding Shop. This new slab will soon hold an outdoor welding booth -- perfect for practicing outdoor welding and tackling larger projects that won't fit inside.
Under the CTE Work-Based Learning Program, students took on jobsite roles just like the pros:
*Foreman: Colton F.
*Estimator: Dalton A. (with math skills from his Data Analysis class!)
*Crew Members: Clayton C., Levi B., Brayden P., and Dakota S.
From calculating materials and labor needs to cutting asphalt and clearing debris, this crew did it all -- and wrapped up the slab on Monday, August 25, meeting professional construction standards.
Huge thanks to Masonry Instructor Johnny Blevins for his guidance and to Mr. Gene Greer's Carpentry class for lending a hand. Teamwork truly makes the dream work at Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
Watchful Wildcats are on the move at Watauga Elementary School
Led by School Resource Officer Matt Watson, these awesome student leaders help with hallway traffic, duty locations, and even escort new Wildcats each morning.
We're so proud of the way they are serving their school community -- showing that leadership starts right here at Washington County Public Schools!
Led by School Resource Officer Matt Watson, these awesome student leaders help with hallway traffic, duty locations, and even escort new Wildcats each morning.
We're so proud of the way they are serving their school community -- showing that leadership starts right here at Washington County Public Schools!
Monster Makers at WCCTEC
Our WCCTEC Early Childhood Education students turned recycled materials into the most amazing monsters! Using boxes, bottle caps, paper rolls, and lots of imagination, each group designed their own one-of-a-kind creature.
This hands-on project wasn't just about creativity -- it brought multiple intelligences to life:
*Spatial -- designing colorful monster features
*Bodily-kinesthetic -- cutting, gluing, and building
*Logical -- figuring out how to make parts fit and balance
*Linguistic -- naming and storytelling
*Interpersonal -- sharing materials and ideas
*Naturalistic -- learning how recycling helps our planet
What an awesome way to mix creativity, collaboration, and sustainability -- proving that learning can be both fun and impactful!
Our WCCTEC Early Childhood Education students turned recycled materials into the most amazing monsters! Using boxes, bottle caps, paper rolls, and lots of imagination, each group designed their own one-of-a-kind creature.
This hands-on project wasn't just about creativity -- it brought multiple intelligences to life:
*Spatial -- designing colorful monster features
*Bodily-kinesthetic -- cutting, gluing, and building
*Logical -- figuring out how to make parts fit and balance
*Linguistic -- naming and storytelling
*Interpersonal -- sharing materials and ideas
*Naturalistic -- learning how recycling helps our planet
What an awesome way to mix creativity, collaboration, and sustainability -- proving that learning can be both fun and impactful!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Cody Mumpower ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2012.
We are thrilled to highlight Mr. Cody Mumpower, 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 Mr. Cody Mumpower, 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
EmpowerED at Glade Spring Middle School
Mr. Ritchie's students are starting the year strong and EmpowerED! From the very first days of class, they're diving into learning with energy, confidence, and collaboration -- setting the tone for a successful school year ahead.
Mr. Ritchie's students are starting the year strong and EmpowerED! From the very first days of class, they're diving into learning with energy, confidence, and collaboration -- setting the tone for a successful school year ahead.
Future Ready Friday: Scientists in the Making
Sixth-grade students in Mrs. Caywood's class at Damascus Middle School turned candy into chemistry by using Skittles to model the structure of atoms and the placement of subatomic particles.
Through hands-on activities like this, WCPS students are building future-ready skills -- learning how to ask questions, think critically, and make evidence-based conclusions that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
Sixth-grade students in Mrs. Caywood's class at Damascus Middle School turned candy into chemistry by using Skittles to model the structure of atoms and the placement of subatomic particles.
Through hands-on activities like this, WCPS students are building future-ready skills -- learning how to ask questions, think critically, and make evidence-based conclusions that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
šš Itās Time to Register ā WCPS Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile
Washington County Public Schools, in partnership with We Run Events, is thrilled to be hosting our Boo Dash 5K and Monster Mile this fall!
*When: Saturday, October 18
*Packet Pickup & Registration: 2:00 p.m.
*Race Start: 4:00 p.m.
*Where: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon (Wye Park)
*Registration Details:
WCPS Students & Staff: FREE if you pre-register by October 3
Parents & Community Members: $20 if you pre-register by October 3
After October 3:
*WCPS Students - $10
*WCPS Staff - $15
*Parents & Community Members - $30
T-shirts in your size are not guaranteed without pre-registration
This community-wide event is all about health, wellness, and Halloween Fun ā and yes, costumes are encouraged! We just ask that costumes remain family-friendly (no masks, nothing scary, gory, etc.).
Awards will be given for:
Best Team Costume
Best Homemade Costume
Funniest Costume
Not a runner? No problem! The Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile is perfect for walkers, strollers, families, and friends who just want to enjoy a fun afternoon on the Creeper Trail. Whether you walk every step, jog a little, or cheer from the sidelines ā YOU belong at this event!
*Register now:https://www.athlinks.com/event/397082/results/Event/1119071/Results
Washington County Public Schools, in partnership with We Run Events, is thrilled to be hosting our Boo Dash 5K and Monster Mile this fall!
*When: Saturday, October 18
*Packet Pickup & Registration: 2:00 p.m.
*Race Start: 4:00 p.m.
*Where: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon (Wye Park)
*Registration Details:
WCPS Students & Staff: FREE if you pre-register by October 3
Parents & Community Members: $20 if you pre-register by October 3
After October 3:
*WCPS Students - $10
*WCPS Staff - $15
*Parents & Community Members - $30
T-shirts in your size are not guaranteed without pre-registration
This community-wide event is all about health, wellness, and Halloween Fun ā and yes, costumes are encouraged! We just ask that costumes remain family-friendly (no masks, nothing scary, gory, etc.).
Awards will be given for:
Best Team Costume
Best Homemade Costume
Funniest Costume
Not a runner? No problem! The Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile is perfect for walkers, strollers, families, and friends who just want to enjoy a fun afternoon on the Creeper Trail. Whether you walk every step, jog a little, or cheer from the sidelines ā YOU belong at this event!
*Register now:https://www.athlinks.com/event/397082/results/Event/1119071/Results
Thankful Thursday: Spotlight on Deputy Roberts
This week, weāre shining a spotlight on Deputy Roberts, School Resource Officer at Valley Institute Elementary School. Valley is Deputy Robertsā first assignment as an SRO -- and itās a special one, since heās also a proud VIES alumnus returning home to serve students in a new way.
Before becoming an SRO, Deputy Roberts worked as a Patrolman and Crisis Intervention Team Officer, where he helped implement the Mental Health System Co-Response Program in Washington County Public Schools. His passion for mental health awareness and his role as a dad to an 8-year-old fuel his commitment to supporting students and helping them navigate school with compassion.
Already, heās been busy connecting with students -- learning names, reading in classrooms and eating lunch in the cafeteria. His goal? To go above and beyond safety by fostering kindness, respect, and positive values in every child he meets.
Throughout the school year, we plan to highlight each of our amazing SROs across Washington County Public Schools.
This week, weāre shining a spotlight on Deputy Roberts, School Resource Officer at Valley Institute Elementary School. Valley is Deputy Robertsā first assignment as an SRO -- and itās a special one, since heās also a proud VIES alumnus returning home to serve students in a new way.
Before becoming an SRO, Deputy Roberts worked as a Patrolman and Crisis Intervention Team Officer, where he helped implement the Mental Health System Co-Response Program in Washington County Public Schools. His passion for mental health awareness and his role as a dad to an 8-year-old fuel his commitment to supporting students and helping them navigate school with compassion.
Already, heās been busy connecting with students -- learning names, reading in classrooms and eating lunch in the cafeteria. His goal? To go above and beyond safety by fostering kindness, respect, and positive values in every child he meets.
Throughout the school year, we plan to highlight each of our amazing SROs across Washington County Public Schools.
Wellness Wednesday: Heat Safety
Staying safe in the heat is a top priority for Washington County Public Schools! The School Board is implementing a new policy on Student Athlete Extreme Heat Safety and Protection to keep students safe during outdoor activities.
Whatās in the policy?
*A five-tier system using wet bulb globe thermometers to monitor conditions
*Temperatures checked every 15 minutes when its 80Ā°F or warmer
*At higher tiers: more water breaks, extra rest time, and removal of helmets/shoulder pads
*Applies to all outdoor extracurricular activities ā including marching band
Pictured: Yesterday, Mr. Bussey was out at practice monitoring the wet bulb globe, helping ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students.
Staying safe in the heat is a top priority for Washington County Public Schools! The School Board is implementing a new policy on Student Athlete Extreme Heat Safety and Protection to keep students safe during outdoor activities.
Whatās in the policy?
*A five-tier system using wet bulb globe thermometers to monitor conditions
*Temperatures checked every 15 minutes when its 80Ā°F or warmer
*At higher tiers: more water breaks, extra rest time, and removal of helmets/shoulder pads
*Applies to all outdoor extracurricular activities ā including marching band
Pictured: Yesterday, Mr. Bussey was out at practice monitoring the wet bulb globe, helping ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students.
š¢ As part of the ongoing Sanitary Sewer Project on East Valley Street and Walden Road, the Town of Abingdon has announced that the intersection of Boone Street and Walden Road will now be closed, with the exception of local traffic only.
This change may impact the car rider line at E.B. Stanley Middle School, and those wishing to go back through town using Boone Street. This portion of the project is expected to last two to three weeks.
Please plan for extra time during drop-off and pick-up, and continue to use patience as these necessary improvements to Abingdonās infrastructure move forward.
This change may impact the car rider line at E.B. Stanley Middle School, and those wishing to go back through town using Boone Street. This portion of the project is expected to last two to three weeks.
Please plan for extra time during drop-off and pick-up, and continue to use patience as these necessary improvements to Abingdonās infrastructure move forward.
The first few days of school are always full of excitement, and Assistant Principal Mr. Francisco has loved getting to know some of Abingdon Elementary's newest Bobcats!
WCPS āBeanā Spotlight: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
This weekās āBe a Beanā spotlight shines on Karla Worley, a teacher at Valley Institute Elementary School. Ms. Worley has shown us what it truly means to Be a Bean -- transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning.
After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, Karla chose to honor his memory in a way that would impact both her students and her community. She launched a project-based learning tradition at Valley Institute called the Bulldog Bakery. This schoolwide project blends reading, vocabulary, and math skills with hands-on learning and service. Students make homemade dog treats, collect supplies for the Washington County Animal Shelter, and deliver the donations themselves -- connecting classroom lessons to real-world kindness.
Karlaās compassion doesnāt stop there. Last school year, she was able to offer empathy, encouragement, and a steady source of support to a family going through an incredibly difficult time.
Karla Worley is a shining example of how Coffee Bean employees turn challenges into opportunities. She has transformed personal grief into something beautiful and lasting for her students, her school, and her community.
This weekās āBe a Beanā spotlight shines on Karla Worley, a teacher at Valley Institute Elementary School. Ms. Worley has shown us what it truly means to Be a Bean -- transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning.
After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, Karla chose to honor his memory in a way that would impact both her students and her community. She launched a project-based learning tradition at Valley Institute called the Bulldog Bakery. This schoolwide project blends reading, vocabulary, and math skills with hands-on learning and service. Students make homemade dog treats, collect supplies for the Washington County Animal Shelter, and deliver the donations themselves -- connecting classroom lessons to real-world kindness.
Karlaās compassion doesnāt stop there. Last school year, she was able to offer empathy, encouragement, and a steady source of support to a family going through an incredibly difficult time.
Karla Worley is a shining example of how Coffee Bean employees turn challenges into opportunities. She has transformed personal grief into something beautiful and lasting for her students, her school, and her community.
Greendale Elementary School is bringing stories to life this year with their schoolwide theme, "Once Upon a Leo." Each month, students explore a new fairy tale and connect its lessons to their daily learning.
This month's tale is The Three Little Pigs, which is helping students highlight and discuss positive character traits like perseverance and problem-solving. These lessons are being woven into classwork, making storybook themes part of everyday learning!
This month's tale is The Three Little Pigs, which is helping students highlight and discuss positive character traits like perseverance and problem-solving. These lessons are being woven into classwork, making storybook themes part of everyday learning!
WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Cale Smith ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2021.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Cale Smith, 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
New Menu Item!
Our amazing school nutrition teams debuted a brand-new menu item today -- the Sunshine Salad -- and it's been a big hit with students!
Made with fresh lettuce, crisp cucumber slices, red onion, red bell pepper, sweet orange slices, turkey, and shredded mozzarella cheese -- it's as colorful as it is delicious!
Couldn't try it today? Don't worry -- you can grab the Sunshine Salad again on August 29!
Our amazing school nutrition teams debuted a brand-new menu item today -- the Sunshine Salad -- and it's been a big hit with students!
Made with fresh lettuce, crisp cucumber slices, red onion, red bell pepper, sweet orange slices, turkey, and shredded mozzarella cheese -- it's as colorful as it is delicious!
Couldn't try it today? Don't worry -- you can grab the Sunshine Salad again on August 29!
Science in Action at Damascus Middle School
Mrs. Caywood's 6th grade scientists at Damascus Middle School put their inquiry skills to the test to find out which brand of paper towel is the most absorbent and the most cost-effective.
Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, they discovered how science can help answer real-world questions -- and even save a few dollars!
Mrs. Caywood's 6th grade scientists at Damascus Middle School put their inquiry skills to the test to find out which brand of paper towel is the most absorbent and the most cost-effective.
Through hands-on experiments and data analysis, they discovered how science can help answer real-world questions -- and even save a few dollars!
Kickoff to Connection
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its very first eventāKickoff to Connection!
* When: September 25
*Where: EO Building, Abingdon
*Time: 4:00ā6:00 p.m.
This resource fair is designed to support and empower families of students with disabilities. Youāll have the chance to meet community partners, each hosting a table with valuable information, resources, and support for your family.
Itās a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations offering a wide range of servicesācome join us and start building your network!
Be sure to give the Parent Resource Center Facebook page a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
The Washington County Public Schools Parent Resource Center is hosting its very first eventāKickoff to Connection!
* When: September 25
*Where: EO Building, Abingdon
*Time: 4:00ā6:00 p.m.
This resource fair is designed to support and empower families of students with disabilities. Youāll have the chance to meet community partners, each hosting a table with valuable information, resources, and support for your family.
Itās a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations offering a wide range of servicesācome join us and start building your network!
Be sure to give the Parent Resource Center Facebook page a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532
Bus Safety Superstars
Our PK-1st grade Wildcats at Watauga Elementary School had an awesome time learning bus safety with Mr. Pat and Mr. Darrell!
They practiced how to hop on and off the bus safely, the importance of staying seated, and how to be respectful to their driver and classmates along the ride.
Big thanks to our transportation team for helping all of our students travel safely to and from school!
Our PK-1st grade Wildcats at Watauga Elementary School had an awesome time learning bus safety with Mr. Pat and Mr. Darrell!
They practiced how to hop on and off the bus safely, the importance of staying seated, and how to be respectful to their driver and classmates along the ride.
Big thanks to our transportation team for helping all of our students travel safely to and from school!
