
Celebrating Excellence at Greendale Elementary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the incredible achievement of Greendale Elementary School, which was named a 2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schoolāone of only two schools in Virginia to receive this prestigious honor!
This award recognizes exceptional student performance and academic growth, and we couldnāt be prouder of our students, staff, and school community. As Principal Michael Colston shared, this honor reflects the dedication, hard work, and commitment of everyone at Greendale who makes student success a priority every single day!
We also want to send a thank you to our special guests who joined us for this event.
Congratulations, Greendale Elementary!





š± Staying Safe in the Digital World
Students at E.B. Stanley Middle School heard an important lesson in social media safety from Special Agent Travis Howard of the Virginia State Police.
Agent Howard shared with students' tips on recognizing online dangers and making smart digital choices. His presentation helped students understand how to stay safe, responsible and cyber-smart in today's online world.








šØš¶ Showcasing Art and Music
High Point Elementary School students and families spent Thursday evening celebrating youth art and music at EO in Abingdon!
The talented HPES Choir filled the room with songs of peace and unity, plus a special springtime surprise song that had everyone smiling! Families also explored a beautiful student art show, showcasing the creativity of our young artists.
And because keeping our students safe is always a top priority, the Virginia State Police were on hand to share important cybersecurity tips.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this night so special!











WCPS Middle School Administrators at #VMSA conference enjoying @mr_alsheimer challenging us to be more engaging.




A Voice for Rural Schools
Washington County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Keith Perrigan, and President of the Coalition of Small and Rural Schools, wrote a great article for Cardinal News highlighting an important issue facing our rural schools: the Support Cap.
In his article, Dr. Perrigan emphasizes that the Support Cap, which was initially implemented by the General Assembly as a temporary austerity measure 16 years ago, continues to impact rural schools to this day.
To read Dr. Perrigan's full article, click here: https://cardinalnews.org/2025/03/27/rural-schools-and-communities-need-full-removal-of-the-support-cap/

Enrollment Now Open for the 2025 Summer CTE Exploring Pathways Camp
This camp is open to rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Washington County Public Schools. It will be held June 9 - 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. daily. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
Campers will choose four classes to rotate through each day. If these classes fill up, they will be asked to select two additional classes as alternatives. You can enroll your child by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code on the flyer. You can also find the application online at https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us. The deadline for registration is May 9, 2025.
https://forms.gle/iBVVmUBFaL49XtVx9


From classroom to kitchen -- our students are cooking up success!
We're shining a spotlight on Zach N. a talented culinary student at Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, who completed a fantastic 120-hour work experience at JJ"s Restaurant in Abingdon.
With hard work, dedication, and a passion for cooking, Zach got a hands-on experience in a fast-paced kitchen, sharpening his skills and preparing for a bright future in the culinary world.
Check out this great article highlighting his accomplishments: https://rsvprehab.com/news/zach-at-jjs-restaurant-in-abingdon-virginia/

Abingdon Elementary School was rocking this week with an unforgettable visit from Mr. Nigel and his band!
With music, dancing, and plenty of laughter, students were reminded of the power of kindness, respect, and making good choices. His message: "You matter! I matter! We all matter!"
It was a day filled with fun and life lessons! Check out all of those smiles!









š§šØšāāļøWCCTEC Students Showcase Future Careers
Our students from the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center represented their individual programs at a career fair this week sponsored by Valley Institute Elementary School. Elementary students were able to use a virtual welder, listen to their own heartbeat and test their hair and nail skills on manikins!







Farming meets Finance at JSB
Students in Intro to Animal Systems Class at John S. Battle High School wrapped up learning about farm income and expenses by playing Farmopoly! Students had to keep up with income (getting paid rent, selling livestock or products) and expenses (buying properties, or landing on drought). The top student ended with over $6,000 and several properties with barns.





Lights, Camera, Career Exploration
Patrick Henry High School students had a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of digital media and design during tours of WCYB-TV and ETSU's Digital Media Center!
Check out some of the fun during the tour at WCYB.





Watauga Elementary School Lucky Little Leprechaun STEM Night
From coding robots on a rainbow quest to flying drones in search of a pot of gold, our Watauga Elementary students recently put their creativity to the test during Lucky Little Leprechaun STEM Night!











Washington Way Award Nominations:
Nominate a special support staff person for the Spring #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be?
#WashingtonWayAward Categories:
*Above and Beyond Custodian Award ~ Vote for a custodian that makes a difference!
*Silver Spoon Award ~ Vote for the best food service worker out there!
*Helping Hand Award ~ Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you!
*Master Technician Award ~ Vote for the one who has helped you fix things!
*Wheels on the Bus Award ~ Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home!
*Customer Service Award ~ Vote for the person who is always there to help!
Scan the QR Code by Friday, April 18 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video: https://youtu.be/IM7Y0BdMbF4


Principal for the Day
Violet R. recently served as Principal for the Day at Greendale Elementary School, and she did an A+ job! From helping around the school to sharing her brilliant ideas, Violet proved she's got what it takes to lead!


WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Kaylee Jackson ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2010.
We are thrilled to highlight Ms. Kaylee Jackson, 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





āØOur WCPS Central Services team has been working hard to support our schools!
Whether theyāre keeping the car rider line moving, serving up assists in the cafeteria, or making sure our schools shine, theyāre always in the game and ready to help!
Their dedication and teamwork make every day a slam dunk. Thank you for showing what Full Court Support is all about!





Special Congratulations
Congratulations to our WCCTEC students for their outstanding performance at the District SkillsUSA competitions!
Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder. Best of luck to those advancing to the State SkillsUSA competition next!



šGlade Spring Middle School Represents at Glade Spring's 150th Celebration
Over the weekend, Brinly M. and Scarlett B. read their award-winning essays at the Town of Glade Spring's 150th Celebration. The topic of the essay was "What Glade Spring Means to Me."
Congratulations to all who worked hard for this very special celebration!






Fueling Success, One Breakfast at a Time
At the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, breakfast isnāt just a meal ā itās the key to starting the day with success. Thanks to the Grab-and-Go Breakfast Program, students can begin their day with a quick, nutritious meal ā in a way that is convenient and easily accessible for them.
Whatās on the menu? Biscuits, fresh fruit or juice, whole grain goodness and a choice of milk.
Want to see it in action? Check out our video and hear from our students and staff about why this program is making a difference!
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOuvFqO7bAE

WCTEC Students Cash in on Financial Literacy
Thanks to People Incorporated, students at Washington County Career and Technical Education Center are getting a crash course in real-world money management. From checking and lending to banking, they're learning the skills they need for a bright financial future.
We want to give a shoutout to People Inc. for investing in our students' success!



