UPDATE BELOW!! WOW!!
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
We're on FIRE! 🔥 The fundraiser just hit $19,000 and we crushed over $1,000 in a single hour—that's the power of community right there! 💪
Our 5th graders are already colored, cooled, and celebrating, while the 2nd graders are out there running their hearts out as we speak! 🏃♂️💨
The momentum is REAL and we're so close to 20K (and beyond!). If you haven't jumped in yet, now's the time to show some LOVE and help us cross that finish line! 💚 Every donation counts, and your support means everything to these amazing kids. Let's GOOOO! 🎉
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
We're on FIRE! 🔥 The fundraiser just hit $19,000 and we crushed over $1,000 in a single hour—that's the power of community right there! 💪
Our 5th graders are already colored, cooled, and celebrating, while the 2nd graders are out there running their hearts out as we speak! 🏃♂️💨
The momentum is REAL and we're so close to 20K (and beyond!). If you haven't jumped in yet, now's the time to show some LOVE and help us cross that finish line! 💚 Every donation counts, and your support means everything to these amazing kids. Let's GOOOO! 🎉
🔬🚀 Registration is open for the Fall 2026 K–5 STEM Academy!
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade can explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving!
📅 Tuesdays, October 27–November 24
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m. (Kindergarten ends at 7:15 p.m.)
📍 Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
💲 $35 per student
Register today at www.swcenter.edu/K5STEMacademy and let the discovery begin! 🧪
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade can explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving!
📅 Tuesdays, October 27–November 24
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m. (Kindergarten ends at 7:15 p.m.)
📍 Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
💲 $35 per student
Register today at www.swcenter.edu/K5STEMacademy and let the discovery begin! 🧪
🧱🚂 LEGO Coding Express is coming!
Join us Friday, October 16, at 4 p.m. for a fun, hands-on STEM experience with Sonia Vanhook from the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
Students will get to explore the LEGO Education Coding Express, a STEM kit designed to spark curiosity, creativity and early coding skills through hands-on play.
📍 Washington County Public Library
📅 Friday, October 16
⏰ 4 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
Coach Overbay and Coach Southworth's PE classes have been busy the last few weeks.
Recently, students in 5th grade enjoyed a visit from the AHS Falcon Football Team. During morning PE class, students and football members played a good game of Flag Football. Students always enjoy their visit each year.
Students in Kindergarten and First Grade have been playing "Toss, Match and Move" in PE. Our students have been having fun, while building important movement skills! Students practiced their underhand tossing skills by tossing colored bean bags into the matching colored hula hoops. The activity helped students develop hand-eye coordination, accuracy, spatial awareness, and proper underhand tossing technique, while also reinforcing color recognition.
Recently, students in 5th grade enjoyed a visit from the AHS Falcon Football Team. During morning PE class, students and football members played a good game of Flag Football. Students always enjoy their visit each year.
Students in Kindergarten and First Grade have been playing "Toss, Match and Move" in PE. Our students have been having fun, while building important movement skills! Students practiced their underhand tossing skills by tossing colored bean bags into the matching colored hula hoops. The activity helped students develop hand-eye coordination, accuracy, spatial awareness, and proper underhand tossing technique, while also reinforcing color recognition.
Here are some activities happening in Mrs. Farnum's Music Classes at WES:
*Students in 2nd grade notating rhythm patterns.
*Ms. Stanley’s class practicing singing patterns with the pitches Mi, Sol, and La.
*Ms. Morrow's class moving scarves to the words of the song “ Blowing in the Wind”.
*Ms. McCall's class playing rhythm instruments to the song “Autumn is Here”.
*Ms. Barlow's class tracing the melodic contour to the song “ Stars and Stripes Forever”.
*1st grade students in Ms. Nunley's class making Quarter Notes and Eighth Notes with playdoh.
There's a lot happening in Mrs. Farnum's Music classes at WES:
1. Students in Mrs. Persiani’s class learning to sing the song “ Rico’s Pizza Restaurant”
2. Mrs. Jones class keeping a steady beat together as they perform a cup routine to the song “El Capitan” by John Philip Sousa.
3. Mrs. Brooks class learning to sing the song “ Yoo Hoo” and using glockenspiels to accompany the song. Some students were also chosen to play a special solo on the resonator bells.
4. Mrs. Deel’s class using scarves to move with the music.
5. Students in Mrs. Persiani’s class learning how to play a singing game call “ Good King/Queen Leopold” in which the King/Queen chooses what type of voice ( whisper, speaking, singing, or shouting) the students use.
6. Students in Mrs. Stanley’s class playing the egg shakers and working on following musical directions that teach opposite words such as play and stop, fast and slow, loud and quiet.
1. Students in Mrs. Persiani’s class learning to sing the song “ Rico’s Pizza Restaurant”
2. Mrs. Jones class keeping a steady beat together as they perform a cup routine to the song “El Capitan” by John Philip Sousa.
3. Mrs. Brooks class learning to sing the song “ Yoo Hoo” and using glockenspiels to accompany the song. Some students were also chosen to play a special solo on the resonator bells.
4. Mrs. Deel’s class using scarves to move with the music.
5. Students in Mrs. Persiani’s class learning how to play a singing game call “ Good King/Queen Leopold” in which the King/Queen chooses what type of voice ( whisper, speaking, singing, or shouting) the students use.
6. Students in Mrs. Stanley’s class playing the egg shakers and working on following musical directions that teach opposite words such as play and stop, fast and slow, loud and quiet.
⭐WCPS Educator Spotlight
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize Lillie Ruble, a first-year teacher at Watauga Elementary School in the Center-Based Classroom, for her outstanding commitment to students and her service beyond the classroom.
This summer, Ms. Ruble was selected to serve as a Special Events Lead Volunteer and Photographer for the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In this role, she contributed to the planning and execution of major events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge, and other signature experiences for thousands of athletes from across the country.
Her work with the Special Olympics USA Games reflects the same dedication she demonstrates each day at Watauga Elementary. Ms. Ruble is known for her thoughtful planning, individualized instruction, and commitment to ensuring that every student feels included, supported, and able to fully participate in classroom learning.
We are proud to celebrate educators like Ms. Ruble whose passion for service and inclusion extends far beyond the classroom and makes a lasting impact on the students and communities she serves.
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize Lillie Ruble, a first-year teacher at Watauga Elementary School in the Center-Based Classroom, for her outstanding commitment to students and her service beyond the classroom.
This summer, Ms. Ruble was selected to serve as a Special Events Lead Volunteer and Photographer for the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In this role, she contributed to the planning and execution of major events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge, and other signature experiences for thousands of athletes from across the country.
Her work with the Special Olympics USA Games reflects the same dedication she demonstrates each day at Watauga Elementary. Ms. Ruble is known for her thoughtful planning, individualized instruction, and commitment to ensuring that every student feels included, supported, and able to fully participate in classroom learning.
We are proud to celebrate educators like Ms. Ruble whose passion for service and inclusion extends far beyond the classroom and makes a lasting impact on the students and communities she serves.
Second Graders enjoyed spending time with AHS FFA members at the Food for America event last week. Students learned about local agriculture and enjoyed seeing friendly animals! 🐄🐓💙
FFA members also joined students at WES to teach a fun lesson on sunflowers, as a part of the FFA PALS program last week.
Happy Principal's Day Mrs. Nunley!
We are blessed at WES to have Mrs. Nunley as our fearless leader! Students light up when they see her enter a room. She encourages and loves students, staff, and parents every day.
Our school is NEVER a boring place to be and we are thankful for the hard work, the support, the laughter, and motivation to be our BEST!
Thank you for being you! You lead, we will follow!
We are blessed at WES to have Mrs. Nunley as our fearless leader! Students light up when they see her enter a room. She encourages and loves students, staff, and parents every day.
Our school is NEVER a boring place to be and we are thankful for the hard work, the support, the laughter, and motivation to be our BEST!
Thank you for being you! You lead, we will follow!
🍎🥗 Happy School Lunch Hero Day
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
UPDATE: WES has now raised $21, 205! The 3rd graders have taken to the track! THANK YOU!!!
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
WE MADE IT TO 20K!!!! We have earned $20, 180!! You all are AMAZING!!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!! WOW!
At 12:25 the first graders of WES will take the track!! We would LOVE to keep growing our numbers!
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
At 12:25 the first graders of WES will take the track!! We would LOVE to keep growing our numbers!
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
🚨 PLEASE DONATE NOW AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🚨
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
🎉 TODAY IS THE BIG DAY! 🎉 We would LOVE to make it to 20K by the day's end!!!
So far we have raised $17,275!!! WOW! 🤩
Help us reach our goal by the end of the day—every donation makes a difference!
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Our 5th graders are stretching and getting ready to run RIGHT NOW! Let’s cheer them on and finish strong! 💪💙
Donate here: https://myfunrun.com/wescolorun2026
🎉 TODAY IS THE BIG DAY! 🎉 We would LOVE to make it to 20K by the day's end!!!
So far we have raised $17,275!!! WOW! 🤩
Help us reach our goal by the end of the day—every donation makes a difference!
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Our 5th graders are stretching and getting ready to run RIGHT NOW! Let’s cheer them on and finish strong! 💪💙
🤖✨ Robot STEAM Skills at the Library!
Calling all young learners! Join us at the Abingdon Library for a fun, hands-on STEAM experience.
📅 Friday, April 17
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
👧🧒 Ages 6–10
Students will explore early STEAM skills using robots, led by Sonia Vanhook and Megan Counts from the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Educational Outreach Department.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and explore! 🚀
Calling all young learners! Join us at the Abingdon Library for a fun, hands-on STEAM experience.
📅 Friday, April 17
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
👧🧒 Ages 6–10
Students will explore early STEAM skills using robots, led by Sonia Vanhook and Megan Counts from the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Educational Outreach Department.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and explore! 🚀
Kindergarten playing egg shakers to the song “ Presto Largo”. In this lesson they learned that tempo = the speed of music and that Presto= fast, Moderato= medium, and Largo= slow.
3rd grade learning about the role of a conductor and how to conduct music with time signatures in 2/4,3/4, and 4/4.
4th grade using a bucket toss activity to review note values and to create complete measures in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures.
3rd grade learning about the role of a conductor and how to conduct music with time signatures in 2/4,3/4, and 4/4.
4th grade using a bucket toss activity to review note values and to create complete measures in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures.
Dear Watauga Families,
As we begin to enjoy the warmer weather, I wanted to send a friendly reminder about our Washington County dress code to help ensure all students are dressed appropriately for the school day.
Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Shirts should fully cover the midsection- No crop tops.
• Shorts must be fingertip length or longer.
• Thin-strapped tank tops are not permitted.
Our goal is to maintain a positive and distraction-free learning environment for all students. If a student is out of dress code, the following will occur:
• First offense: A warning will be given and a parent/guardian will be contacted.
• Second offense: A parent/guardian will be asked to bring a change of clothes for the student.
We appreciate your support in helping us reinforce these expectations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
As we begin to enjoy the warmer weather, I wanted to send a friendly reminder about our Washington County dress code to help ensure all students are dressed appropriately for the school day.
Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Shirts should fully cover the midsection- No crop tops.
• Shorts must be fingertip length or longer.
• Thin-strapped tank tops are not permitted.
Our goal is to maintain a positive and distraction-free learning environment for all students. If a student is out of dress code, the following will occur:
• First offense: A warning will be given and a parent/guardian will be contacted.
• Second offense: A parent/guardian will be asked to bring a change of clothes for the student.
We appreciate your support in helping us reinforce these expectations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fifth graders at WES have been studying probability! Learning can be fun and games!
PLEASE VOTE for LEIF one more time!!! He made it to the "wildcard" round!
📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Many roads across the county have developed ice patches overnight. As a result, today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day. No childcare will be provided.
Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.
📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to winter weather conditions, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child’s elementary school.
If additional changes need to be made, we will shift to a remote learning day by 7:30 a.m. Childcare will not be provided if the division transitions to remote learning.
