Please see the attachment for week 1 of our SOL testing schedule
Rhea Valley Elementary Pre-K students recently took a fantastic field trip to Emory & Henry University -- and it was more than just a day out! Not only did our youngest learners get to explore campus, run on the football field, catch touchdown passes, and cheer with pom poms, but they also learned some important lessons -- like how to safely use sidewalks and crosswalks.
Even better? Patrick Henry High School's Teachers for Tomorrow Dual Enrollment students were right there helping every step of the way. They guided Pre-K students across streets, modeled safe walking practices, and helped make sure everyone stayed safe while learning!
https://youtu.be/RViX0MIcufo
We will conduct a lockdown drill this week as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and secure learning environment at Rhea Valley Elementary School. This exercise aims to practice the procedures we would follow in the unlikely event of an emergency requiring us to secure the school premises. This specific drill will be for Pre-k through 5th. Feel free to discuss the purpose of a lockdown drill with your student, so they may understand the significance and importance of being prepared.
Summer Enrichment Experience at Virginia Tech
The deadline to apply for SEE VT has been extended to April 15, and all fees have been waived, meaning this incredible opportunity is now free for all campers! SEE VT is a residential camp for rising 6th and 7th grade gifted students from rural communities. At SEE VT, rural middle school students will have access to place-based and rural-focused academic enrichment to include STEM and humanities courses, social activities, exploration of campus life, field trips, and more!
Camp will be held on Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus June 15-20, 2025. Applications are due by April 15.
Please see the below flyer for more information.
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
✨📚 Read Across America Fun ✨📚
Mrs. Blackburn's English 7 student authors from Damascus Middle School read their books to kindergarten students at Rhea Valley Elementary School in celebration of Read Across America Week!
This annual activity meets a variety of learning goals for the older students, including the opportunity to develop both their written and spoken voices with a specific audience in mind. They also had a chance to see how their words bring joy to others!
Approved 2025-2026 School Calendar: This calendar was approved on 2/18/2025, by the School Board based on recommendations from the Calendar Committee and additional feedback from Dr. Perrigan.
*Please Note: Inclement weather annually causes the last day of school to be rescheduled later than it appears on the calendar. It is recommended you delay making plans for the start of vacations until after June 5.
A special thanks to the Calendar Committee for their work putting this calendar together.
To view the calendar on the WCPS website, click here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3765/WCPS/5334217/2025-2026_School_Calendar_REVISED_2.26.25.pdf
Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration: It's time to get ready for Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration at Washington County Public Schools -- Mark your calendars for March 27, 2025!
*Children who will be 5 years of age by September 30th are eligible for kindergarten enrollment.
*Children who will be 4 years of age by September 30th are eligible to register for Pre-K.
*Children who will be 3 years of age by September 30th are eligible to register at Meadowview, Rhea Valley, and the Child Development Hub -- located at 300 Towne Center Dr., Abingdon, VA.
Families should contact the school in the zone in which they reside for more information -- Abingdon Elementary, Greendale Elementary, High Point Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Rhea Valley Elementary, Valley Institute Elementary, and Watauga Elementary. A Head Start representative will be available at each school during registration.
Documentation Needed for Screening/Registration:
*Pre-K: Proof of Income and Proof of Address
*Kindergarten: Birth Certificate, Immunization Record, Evidence of Physical Exam, Proof of Address
Important Information for Damascus Area Students: No Bus Service to Konnarock, Green Cove, and Taylors Valley today, Friday, February 21, 2025.
Schedule Update: It has been a busy day for our road checkers, assessing road conditions across the county. VDOT has done a great job of clearing roads of snow and ice. As a result, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule tomorrow, Friday, February 21, 2025.
We are aware that some roads, particularly in the Valley Institute area, remain snow and ice covered. Because of this, buses will be running on clear routes only. We encourage parents of teen drivers to check road conditions before they head out in the morning. If slick roads prevent your child from attending school, please contact your child's principal.
The 2-Hour Delay will also give real feel temperatures time to rise by about 10 degrees between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child's school.
Our road checkers will be out again early tomorrow morning evaluating conditions. Should a shift to a Remote Learning Day be necessary, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. Please note, if we transition to a Remote Learning Day, childcare will not be provided.
Stay safe, and we will keep you updated!
Important Update: Due to continued deteriorating road conditions, we have made the decision to cancel the Remote Learning Day Meal Pick Up at Abingdon High School today.
We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Stay safe and warm!
Schedule Update: Due to deteriorating weather conditions, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day for today, Thursday, February 20, 2025. No childcare will be provided.
Due to the Remote Learning Day, breakfast and lunch meals will be available for Washington County students at one central location. Meals can be picked up between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School. Follow the signage to the back cafeteria door for pick up.
Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Childcare will be provided for working families at elementary schools. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child's school.
Due to predicted winter weather this evening into the early morning hours, we will recheck road conditions tomorrow morning. If a shift to Remote Learning is necessary, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. If we move to Remote Learning, please note that we will not be able to provide childcare.
Stay safe, and we will keep you updated!
Schedule Change: Based on multiple forecasts (including the highly reliable FirstWARN Tri-Cities) and a Winter Weather Advisory for Washington County, WCPS will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to the timing of anticipated snowfall and the likelihood of poor road conditions. This will be a traditional snow day, and we encourage our students to enjoy some outdoor fun in the snow!
Please note, if weather conditions do not improve and roads remain unsafe later this week, Thursday and Friday may transition to Remote Learning Days.
WCPS has 10 Remote Learning Days available to use throughout the course of the school year. We’ve already used six of those days, and we would like to keep some in reserve for potential use later. As we get closer to scheduled state testing and assessments, having some days in reserve would provide a safety net. Adding additional school days to the end of the school year will be discussed at the School Board meeting in March.
Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we will keep you updated on any further schedule changes.
📚✨ Honoring Student Achievement: The George Washington Research Paper Celebration ✨📚
The George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration is one of the most exciting events of the year for WCPS fourth graders! Each year, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their writing talents by crafting essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from every elementary school were selected, and those students, along with their families, were treated to a tasty brunch at the Martha Washington Inn to celebrate their hard work and creativity. Each participant was presented with a certificate and a special book written by George Washington.
The top three division winners had a chance to read their essay aloud at the event -- a memory they'll cherish!
The overall division winner was awarded an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon this summer, to explore the home of our nation's first president.
🌟 Congratulations to Andrew S., of Valley Institute Elementary, named the overall division winner 🌟
A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible and to our hardworking fourth graders! Let's keep fostering a passion for history and writing in our students!
George Washington Awards by school:
Abingdon Elementary School:
*Third Place: Parker S.
*Second Place: Callan D.
*First Place: Ayla S.
Greendale Elementary School:
*Third Place: Lily Krieger
*Second Place: Hunter A.
*First Place: Will C.
High Point Elementary School:
*Third Place: Londyn L.
*Second Place: John W.
*First Place: Avery B.
Meadowview Elementary School:
*Third Place: Bentley H.
*Second Place: Adelyn C.
*First Place: Coy R.
Rhea Valley Elementary School:
*Third Place: Rees D.
*Second Place: Frankie H.
*First Place: Knox M.
Valley Institute Elementary School:
*Third Place: Leah H.
*Second Place: Patrick P.
*First Place: Andrew S.
Watauga Elementary School:
*Third Place: Campbell C.
*Second Place: Charles H.
*First Place: Randall W.
Top Three Division Winners:
*Third Place -- Will C. -- Greendale Elementary School
*Second Place -- Avery B. -- High Point Elementary School
*First Place -- Andrew S. -- Valley Institute Elementary School
Schedule Change: Due to the number of roads still closed across Washington County and the number of employees who are unable to leave their homes, WCPS will provide virtual instruction tomorrow, Monday, February 17, 2025.
Schedule Update: Our road checkers have been busy this afternoon checking the conditions of roads across the county. They have determined there are still several roads that remain slick due to the snow and sleet we have received today. However, we are hopeful as temperatures are predicted to warm overnight, conditions will improve. However, warmer temperatures and rains could also cause flooding issues. Either way, a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 will allow us time to determine the safest course of action. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working families. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child’s principal.
In the event conditions deteriorate and we need to make a shift to a Remote Learning Day, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, if not earlier.
Schedule Change: Due to water, limbs, and other debris on several roads, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule, today, Friday, February 7, 2025. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents.
WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Because the WCPS Transportation Department has determined there are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice, buses will only travel on clear routes. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711
Our website provider is having issues this morning, that's why our district website is returning an error right now. You can get to your school apps and email by going directly to our SSO Portal at https://portal.wcs.k12.va.us.