Washington County Public Schools

Special Congratulations: Patrick Henry High School's One-Act team was runner up on Saturday, November 2, in the VHSL Regional Competition, and will now advance to the Super Regional Competition in Narrows, Virginia on Saturday, November 16. Sophie M. and Laci C. were recognized as Outstanding Actors. Lotte G. and Zen M. were given Honorable Mentions. The team earned a Technical Award in costuming. Congratulations to these students on an outstanding performance and good luck at Super Regionals!

Utilizing Technology: On Monday, High Point Elementary students enjoyed learning how to use Google Meet for Remote Learning Practice Day. Students took time in each class to learn the ins and outs of navigating assignments and the learning platform, Schoology.

Reminder: Washington County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, for Election Day. We will see our students and staff back in class on Wednesday.

A special congratulations to Clint Wilson, a senior at John S. Battle High School, for being appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Student Advisory Board. Selected students work closely with the Virginia Department of Education and will play a vital role in ensuring that student voices are heard in the creation of policies affecting education in the Commonwealth. To learn more about the Student Advisory Board, click here: https://www.education.virginia.gov/student-advisory-board/

Virtual Events: Check out the offerings for the November Mental Health Series through Parent Guidance. The focus for November is School Avoidance. Each session is open to everyone. To learn more, click here: https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex/

Tech Trek: Rhea Valley Elementary School recently welcomed the WCPS Tech Trek Mobile STEM Lab to their school. During the visit, students engaged in a variety of fascinating activities! They had the chance to fly drones, which allowed them to explore the principals of flight and learn about aerodynamics in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, students showcased their creativity by designing and creating 3-D keychains, using technology to bring their ideas to life. Students also participated in a thrilling obstacle course challenge with Spheros, where they raced programmable robots through various hurdles.

Promise Program: Your future starts here with the Washington County Promise Program! Students, this is your chance to get free tuition and kickstart your post high school journey. Thanks to Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, this life-changing opportunity is available for eligible students. We want YOU to be part of it! What's required? *Graduate high school between 2025 and 2037 *Live in Washington County, VA, for at least 12 months prior to graduation *Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident *Complete the FAFSA and VHCC scholarship applications *Choose a degree or workforce credential program *Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA once you're in college *Perform 8 hours of volunteer work each year This program removes the financial barriers, so that you can focus on what really matters -- your education and future! Check out https://promiseprogram.org/ and get started today. #WashingtonCountySchools #VHCCPromise #FreeTuition #YourFutureStartsHere #StudentSuccess #EducationForAll (Photo Courtesy: Virginia Highlands Community College)

Reminder: Monday, November 4 is In-School Remote Learning Practice Day. Schools will be open, and attendance will be taken. Students will learn how to participate in online instruction in the event of inclement weather. On Tuesday, November 5, schools will be closed due to Election Day.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest: To celebrate Halloween, our talented Washington County Career & Technical Education Center students went head-to-head in a creative pumpkin decorating contest, bringing their unique skills & ideas to life! Each class showcased their creativity and teamwork. Check out some of their incredible designs.

College Planning: Many seniors at Patrick Henry High School recently took part in VCAW or Virginia College Application Week. During this week, most colleges waive their application fee! A total of 7 different colleges visited PHHS, giving students a chance to find out more about their respective college.

Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #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, December 6 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

Interactive Playground: At Abingdon Elementary School, students have been engaging with the Lu Interactive Playground during their gym classes! This innovative system incorporates various activities designed to combine learning with physical exercise. One of the activities involves students solving math problems displayed on a large wall projection and throwing balls to hit the correct answers. Students are also able to participate in matching games and work on completing various puzzles. The Lu Interactive Playground utilizes a state-of-the-art 3D camera system that transforms these expansive wall projections into interactive touch screens capable of detecting objects.

How would you describe a chocolate chip cookie?! Second grade students at Watauga Elementary had a delicious lesson on adjectives by describing cookies. With sweet treats in hand, the students eagerly sharpened their descriptive skills. Their smiles showed how fun learning is!

Learning with Pumpkins: Holston High FFA members enjoyed hosting PALS for Rhea Valley Elementary 5th grade students on Tuesday! Members taught the 5th graders about the pumpkin life cycle, and afterwards, each student got to paint their own pumpkin to take home.

WCPS Calendar Notes: Monday, November 4 is In-School Remote Learning Practice Day. Schools will be open, and attendance will be taken. Students will learn how to participate in online instruction in the event of inclement weather. On Tuesday, November 5, schools will be closed due to Election Day.

SWVA-HEALS: It was an exciting morning as the ribbon was cut for the HEALS Lab School at Emory & Henry University School of Health Sciences! SWVA-HEALS is a high school career academy for 10th-12th graders interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Established in 2023, the academy serves as a pipeline preparing future healthcare professionals to meet the workforce shortages in Southwest Virginia. This is an inspiring example of collaboration among multiple K-12 school divisions in Southwest Virginia, community colleges, and institutions of higher education. The program focuses on career exploration in the many disciplines of healthcare professions -- including nursing and mental health -- with hands-on clinical skills development and shadowing opportunities. Students will work with faculty and mentors to prepare and complete an individualized college and career plan after graduation. To learn more about SWVA-HEALS, click here: https://www.emoryhenry.edu/swva-heals/

Highest Achievement Exemplar Award: On Thursday, October 24, the Virginia Board of Education recognized 141 schools for their high achievement and continued improvement as part of its Exemplar School Recognition Program. The recognized schools include 92 schools across the Commonwealth earning the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. Washington County Public Schools is honored that Greendale Elementary School and Holston High School received the 2024-2025 Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. The Highest Achievement Award is based on performance during the 2023-2024 school year. "Being recognized in the Exemplar School Recognition Program is a direct reflection of a school's commitment to high performance and increasing excellence," said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons.

Learning with Popcorn: Students in Ms. Caywood's Science 6 classes at Damascus Middle School learned how to use the three different methods of heat transfer -- conduction, convection, and radiation -- to make popcorn!

Reminder: The Washington County School (WCS) Board, with the assistance and advice of a community Interaction Team, and after extensive discussion with the community, developed a curriculum for a Family Life Education Program which is based upon, but not limited to, the Virginia Standards of Learning. This program has been successfully implemented over the last two decades with the purpose of helping students in our community better understand themselves, and their relationship with others as a basis for more responsible family membership. The primary emphasis of the program is to educate children and youth about safe and responsible behaviors for their health and future. If you wish to learn more about the program, or if you would like to view the material, a public preview will be held prior to the start of the Family Life Program. Family Life material is only provided to students with opt-in consent to participate. The curriculum has not changed from last school year and will be offered to K-5, 7th and 9th grade students. A preview of instruction materials and an opportunity to ask questions will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 6:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Abingdon High School Library. Your child's school will notify you with topics and content to be covered in Family Life. This notification from your child's school will also include the opt-in consent forms.

Perfect Attendance Award: The K-9 Unit, with Deputy Tilson & Kala from the Washington County Sheriff's Office visited Greendale Elementary School to provide a program & to celebrate students' perfect attendance. The school had 135 students with perfect attendance in September!