Greendale Elementary

Due to winter weather, Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Friday, November 22, 2024. NO childcare will be provided. Classroom teachers will communicate with students to facilitate classes. Stay safe and warm!

Good afternoon, WCPS Families & Staff – We are providing an update following initial water testing for lead in all Washington County Public Schools’ buildings. That information was released earlier this month. On October 26, 2024, new regulations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required water that is used in schools be tested for lead by 2028. To be ahead of that timeline, the Washington County Service Authority tested five fixtures at every school (at least two fixtures in the kitchens and 2 or more water fountains in various locations throughout the school). There are three possible results from testing: *Non-detect: Practice good water habits *Less than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Consider risk mitigation such as flushing before use *Greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Stop using the water source and take remediation steps If you recall, the initial testing found that four of our schools had at least one fixture that tested less than 10 ppb (Meadowview Elementary – two fixtures, Watauga Elementary – one fixture, Glade Spring Middle School – one fixture, and Holston High School – two fixtures). One school had two fixtures that tested above 10 ppb (Greendale Elementary). As a result, we took additional precautions at those five schools immediately. Only fixtures that tested non-detect are available for cooking purposes at these schools. This is above and beyond the protocols recommended by the EPA. The moment we received the initial testing results, we immediately discontinued the use of consumable water fixtures at the five schools (e.g. drinking fountains) – with that protocol remaining in place until the issue is remedied. As a result, we have been providing bottled water for students and staff. We are also installing a new water cooler at all schools in our division. This water cooler is equipped with five different filters that are designed to remove lead and other impurities. As an additional safeguard, we also began the process of testing every fixture in Greendale Elementary. That testing is now complete, with test results showing 52 fixtures tested non-detect, 8 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 17 fixtures tested above 10 ppb. The good news is these new test results show that all but one of the drinking fountains came back as non-detect – with many of the elevated readings coming from fixtures not needed for day-to-day school operations. One fixture tested extremely high, and we believe that could be because the classroom sink has not been used for an extended period of time. We will replace that fixture and test again before considering future use. (The samples for lead testing are taken after the fixture has been unused for a minimum of eight hours to get a worst-case result. Flushing the fixture for an extended period reduces the likelihood of lead presence.) We are replacing the sink in the kitchen that initially tested above 10 ppb and will retest again before returning that sink to service. Other next steps are to determine and troubleshoot whether the elevated testing numbers are due to the fixture itself, or if it is a result of the plumbing in the walls. Those fixtures will remain turned off until further notice. It is possible that sinks that are no longer used or needed will be removed from future service. We have been given clearance to use all points of contact that have returned "non-detect" results. More testing has taken place at the four schools that also saw elevated results. Once those test results are complete, we will conduct additional tests at the remaining 11 schools in our division. We will continue to work with the Washington County Service Authority and the Office of Drinking Water to ensure we are taking all needed steps to keep our students and staff safe. We are also staying in contact with the local Health Department. The new Greendale testing results and additional information which includes an FAQ, and a helpful flyer can be found at this link on our website: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/washington-county-service-authority-information/722977 If you have any questions or concerns, we will continue to work with the agencies referenced above to share the latest information and provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper

Stay in the Know: With the potential for winter weather this evening through tomorrow morning, we wanted to alert you of the two options for Friday, November 22, if Washington County Public Schools is NOT on a regular schedule. *Remote Learning Day -- NO childcare will be provided *Two-Hour Delay -- Childcare will be provided at elementary schools from 8:00 a.m. until the start of the school day. As a reminder: A Remote Learning Day will be announced if instruction is going to be provided during an unscheduled closure of a school or schools. Classroom teachers will communicate with students about the processes they will use to facilitate their classes. A Remote Learning Day is NOT a traditional snow day. School Closed will be announced if instruction is NOT going to be provided during an unscheduled closure of a school or schools. As we are now entering the winter months and know weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to stay connected with Washington County Public Schools. We have various ways for you to stay in the loop. Websites: *The district and individual school websites will be the hub of communication for all WCPS. *All information that affects the school or district will be communicated through district and/or school web pages. The district website is https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/ *School web pages are “school initials + .wcs.k12.va.us” (example: Abingdon High School = ahs.wcs.k12.va.us) *The websites can be translated to multiple languages by clicking the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner. Receive Text Messages, Phone Calls & Emails: *The contact information for students and/or parents comes from the Contact 1-5 Data in PowerSchool for each student. *Check with your student’s school to make sure your contact information is up to date. Receive Push Notifications: *Download the Washington County VA Schools Mobile App for your smartphone. *The app is available for FREE download in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. *The app will provide instant access to district and school announcements and calendars. *Scroll down to settings; toggle the school(s) you would like to receive push notifications for and view. Social Media: *The district maintains and operates Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram accounts as well as a district YouTube account. *Families are encouraged to follow the district accounts @washcovaschools for updates, news, and information. *Individual schools maintain a Facebook and Twitter account. 

National ESEA Distinguished Schools Recognition: The Virginia Department of Education has selected Greendale Elementary School as one of two schools in Virginia to receive the 2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Award. Recognized for exceptional student performance for two consecutive years, Greendale Elementary School made noteworthy gains in reading and science SOL scores, improving by 9 and 14 points respectively in the last year. The school implemented key literacy initiatives, such as targeted reading interventions, an open library, and ongoing professional development for school staff. The school has also focused on data driven instruction such as formative and summative assessments to guide differentiation; explicit teaching with clear demonstrations and guided practice; tailored instruction for personal interventions; and small group instruction and remediation. "I am so proud of Mr. Michael Colston and all of the educators at Greendale Elementary for their perseverance and the incredible gains their students have made as a result," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "Their intentional focus on improving literacy outcomes, targeted tutoring in reading and math before and after school, and community engagement and collaboration initiatives have all contributed to creating the culture of success and excellence that embodies the school. Congratulations on this well-deserved and impressive achievement." Students receiving free lunch make up 88% of Greendale Elementary’s student population. ESEA is the abbreviation for the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the primary source of federal aid for elementary and secondary education requiring states to establish long-term and interim goals for increasing student achievement in reading and mathematics. ESEA provides funds to all of Virginia’s school divisions for supplemental educational support to eligible schools. The focus of these programs is to raise the achievement level of students at risk of academic failure due to poverty and other factors. The Distinguished Schools Program, a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, recognizes federally funded schools from each state for their outstanding achievements in education. Each year, only two schools per state are chosen as National ESEA Distinguished Schools, underscoring the prestigious nature of this honor.

Greendale Elementary has been named a 2024 National ESEA Distinguished School. This prestigious honor, awarded to only two schools per state each year, celebrates our outstanding efforts and the incredible progress of our students. This tremendous honor is due to the efforts of our gifted staff and exceptional students.

On Thursday, November 14, Greendale Elementary second and third graders put on a program of folk dances from around the world. Dances included the Heel-Toe Polka (Czech Republic), Sasha (Russia), Chimes of Dunkirk (France), Los Machetes (Mexico), and t'Smidge (Netherlands). The program culminated with students inviting family members to the floor for a community dance to Old Brass Wagon (American) during which students taught their family members how to swing their partner, do-si-do, and promenade.

Greendale Elementary School hosted its annual Thanksgiving Meal today with special guests joining us for a wonderful meal. Thank you to our cafeteria staff for providing a Thanksgiving feast that was enjoyed by our Greendale family.

The Schoolwide Spelling Bee will be in the forum on Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m. Teresa Carter from WCYB will moderate.

2nd Grade and 3rd Grade will present a program on Folk Dances at the PTO program on Thursday, 11/14 at 6:00 p.m.

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, November 22 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

Greendale Elementary celebrated Veterans Day and honored our veterans with a special program this morning. Veterans joined our school family for refreshments and an educational program on the importance of honoring our flag and the significance of honoring those who have served our country. We thank those who joined us this morning and, more importantly, those who have served our country.

Exemplar Award Recognition: During a meeting on Thursday, school board members recognized Mr. Long, principal of Holston High School and Mr. Colston, principal of Greendale Elementary School. The board thanked both administrators for their hard work in preparing students for their futures. On 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.

Bingo Tonight!! GES Forum 6 PM Great prizes! Concessions!

Greendale Elementary hosted its annual 5th grade vs. Faculty Flag Football Game on Monday, November 4. After a hard-fought game, the students won in overtime, with an overall score of 42-36.

October culminated with our vocabulary parade on Halloween. Students chose a word and dressed in a costume that reflected that word. This year, as a special treat, students were able to stop at various stations during the parade and trick-or-treat. Thank you to GES PTO for providing candy!

Greendale Pride Newsletter October 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/srg9y

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

Applications for Gingerbread Kids are due by November 15. Please check your child's Tuesday folder for more information.

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.

The K-9 Unit, with Deputy Tilson and Kala from the Washington County Sheriff's Department, visited Greendale Elementary this morning to provide a program and to celebrate students' perfect attendance. The school had 135 students with perfect attendance in September!