Damascus Middle School

Good evening, Earlier this week we received additional information concerning instructional hours and remote learning. This led to a conversation with VDOE staff which provided a new perspective on our plan to offer virtual instruction on March 5. As a result of this conversation, I am announcing that WCPS will be closed on March 5 and that our last day of school will remain the same (May 29). We hope to offer childcare for working parents of elementary students on March 5. If possible, we will provide additional information in the near future. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper “Committed to the Success of Every Student“

So thrilled to have Dr. Jerry Jones share his talent and story of being educated in SWVA during Segregation with PHHS students. Check out some of the other Black History Month activities held in @washcovaschools here - go.boarddocs.com/vsba/wcps/Boar…

Join Mr. Dale and the E&H Outdoor Program tomorrow at 6:00 at the E&H Outdoor Program Building to learn how to rock climb and boulder!

On Tuesday, February 27, the Damascus Middle School SCA, sponsored by Ms. Amy Caywood and Ms. Lisa Blackburn, honored our School Board members and Central Services Staff with a luncheon catered by Puerto Nuevo. SCA members enjoyed talking with our special guests!

We are proud to announce Damascus Middle School raised $2,430 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! DMS is grateful to those who participated in the Math-A-Thon, as well as the generous sponsors who supported this worthy cause and helped our students discover the difference they made with every dollar raised!

Join us for the Band Pre-Assessment Concert tomorrow at Holston High School at 7:00 PM.

Spring Sports Practices will be held today. Students must have a VHSL Physical on file to participate.

WCPS Students going into grades 5,6,and 7: Be sure to check out this fun opportunity available to you this summer. Registration has begun and spaces are limited, so please check it out and if you are interested, register soon.

The Washington Co. Career & Technical Center will have an Open House on March 12 , 6:00-8:00. This is open to all 8th graders and their parents who would like to visit our shops, labs and classrooms and learn about the NINE different program areas we offer at the WCCTEC. Instructors will be on hand to answer questions.

Dear Families This is just a reminder that schools will dismiss 2 hours early tomorrow, February 22, for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Please make arrangements for your child's transportation. Thank you, Washington County Schools

Be sure to check out these exciting opportunities for our students sponsored by the Washington County Public Library next month!

Good afternoon, A few folks have reached out to us about increased cases of flu and other illnesses in our schools. After reviewing the attendance data at every school in our division, we noticed that a few of our schools have had a slight increase in the number of students who are absent and/or checked out of school early. Thankfully, the increases are not to the extent that we would consider closing school or making other schedule changes. However, in order to make our learning environments as safe and healthy as possible, we have approved overtime for all custodians and have directed them to make sure all areas of our schools are properly cleaned and disinfected, especially those areas with higher than normal absences. We will also be disinfecting school buses as necessary. We appreciate the communication from our families about the increase in illnesses and we hope that everyone who has been affected feels better soon. If we see attendance rate increase at an alarming rate, we will communicate with the local Health Department about how to best address the situation. In the meantime, we hope you and your family stay healthy and avoid the Flu, COVID, and the other illnesses that seem to peak this time of year. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper

Join Mr. Dale and the E&H Outdoor Program on February 29 to learn how to rock climb and boulder!

It's National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! We are so thankful for our SROs, and we are especially thankful for our own!

Families, we hope that you'll take advantage of this very timely and informative session being offered free of charge for all our families. Join via ZOOM tonight for the next session in our Mental Health Series The ABCs of Substance Use and Vaping!

Due to downed trees and power lines in some parts of the County, bus service will be delayed for some students as we reroute buses. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

DMS students have raised $1,295 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sixth grade’s in 1st place for the movie & popcorn party, followed very closely by 7th grade, & 8th grade. The top 5 fundraisers are Case M., Hattie G., Canyon D., Maddox S., & Bella G.! If you haven’t already done so, please register online & join us! If you have registered, reshare your information on Facebook to remind your family & friends this is the last week to donate to this worthy cause & help us reach our $5,000 goal!

Lacrosse Opportunity for Washington County Students:

Thank you, Mr. Matlock, for all you do at Damascus Middle School!

As a reward for recruiting the most family members and friends to donate at the DMS blood drive, students in Mrs. Childress's homeroom enjoyed donuts from Blackbird Bakery and a movie!