Good afternoon, WCPS Families & Staff -- Due to the current heartbreaking devastation in Damascus, several of our schools still without power, internet or phone service, and many families without any utilities, including water, Washington County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024. We have moved frozen food from several schools without electricity to a refrigerated trailer, generously provided by Food City. A huge shoutout to our Maintenance and Cafeteria teams and to our School Board Members who spent their Saturday morning moving frozen food. However, many schools have lost all their refrigerated food items, and we will need to place orders for replacements on Monday. We will not be able to provide childcare at most schools for those same reasons and staffing concerns. If that changes, your child's school will send you more information. Thank you for your patience as we work through this situation together, as a community. Please pray for our students and friends in Damascus, with many, having lost everything. We are in the process of identifying needs and will provide information soon about how we can help our friends and neighbors. Be safe, 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“
Washington County Public Schools will be CLOSED Friday, September 27, 2024. The decision to close is based on forecast models calling for heavy rain to continue into Friday, which could lead to flash flooding. Hurricane Helene is also expected to bring strong winds, possibly gusting over 65 mph at times. Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency for Virginia due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Helene and we have been informed that swift water rescue and other emergency teams have been dispatched to the area as a precaution.
Because of this closure, child care will be offered for working parents from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday, at each elementary school. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students by Washington County Public Schools. Each elementary school will send out additional information about child care. The Boys and Girls Club will also provide child care for students already enrolled in the program, at Woodland Hills Christian Church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Washington County Public Schools will provide breakfast and lunch for those students as well. *Please have a backup plan for child care in the event conditions deteriorate overnight to the point it is unsafe to travel -- A final decision on child care availability will be made after reevaluating conditions in the morning.
Please take the following steps to prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Helene to help ensure the safety of your family:
Be Self-Sufficient for 72 Hours: Make sure you have enough food, water, medication, flashlights and other essential supplies to last for at least three days.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on trusted weather reports and updates on the storm's path and any potential impacts to our area
Expect Road and Utility Disruptions: Roads could be blocked, and various utilities such as power, water and communication services may be impacted. Plan accordingly.
Exercise Caution: Avoid travel during heavy rain and wind, especially in areas prone to flooding or landslides. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
Student Input: The School Nutrition Department hosted its first ever School Menu Student Advisory Meeting on Wednesday. High school students representing the four school communities participated in a great discussion, where they shared input and ideas when it comes to school meals and menu planning!
Due to flood warnings, downed trees, and the potential of another 5 inches of rain today Washington County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Flu Vaccine Clinic: WCPS is scheduled to have flu vaccine clinics in schools October 8th, 10th and 11th. Be on the lookout for student registration forms being sent home.
We wanted to make you aware that overnight, the Abingdon Police Department received information about a nonspecific potential threat that appears to be a couple days old. No school was specifically named, however, a student from Abingdon High School received a screenshot of the information. Overnight interviews determined a few students from E.B. Stanley Middle School also received a version of the screenshot. After consulting with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that the screen shot has been circulating in other states and did not originate in our area.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Abingdon Police Department will continue to investigate, and have additional officers at Abingdon High School and E.B. Stanley Middle School this morning. We are grateful for our partnerships with local law enforcement and will continue to take all threats, specific and non-specific, seriously.
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“
Falcon Stadium has a new entrance! Big thanks to King Construction!
The Falcons are headed to Christiansburg in our new Falcon bus! 🦅 🚌
Due to the Homecoming Week events, we have rescheudle underclass pictures for Wednesday, October 2. Senior picture retakes have been rescheudled for Friday, October 4. Thank you!
School Days at the Fair will take place on Friday, September 13th. There will be free admission to the fairgrounds from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for all students and school employees -- admission will be 1/2 price for parents at $5.
Please note: School staff members will need to show their ID for the free admission.
See the flyer attached about the September 10 college fair at VHCC
The School Nutrition Department at Abingdon High School has started the Breakfast After the Bell Program. Some students say they are not hungry first thing in the morning. Now, students have a second chance to grab breakfast between 1st and 2nd period, and take it to class!
Vote Now: Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands is a Regional Finalist for the 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant! Be sure to cast your vote to help CIS-AH become a regional winner & further their impact throughout our community. See the flyer on how to vote
Happy Labor Day from WCPS! We hope all of our students, staff and families have been enjoying this long weekend! We will see you back on Tuesday.
Some AHS students had the opportunity to help Abingdon Elementary with their Fun Run fundraiser! Thanks to AES for the invitation!
Join our coaching team!
https://washingtonco.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2169
Dunk Your Superintendent! If you don’t like the idea of a new cell phone policy or think school starts too early in August, now is your chance to take out your start of school frustrations, and dunk Dr. Perrigan! He’ll be in the dunk tank at Dairy Queen in Abingdon (Exit 19 location) on Saturday, with the fun beginning at 4:00 p.m. Proceeds raised from the event go towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. WCPS students and staff have loved participating in fundraisers for St. Jude and are thrilled to be able to give back.
Tickets for tonight's football game against Bluefield may be purchased online using the link below for $8 (this includes a convenience fee) or $7 cash at the gate. You will need to present your phone for tickets purchased online.
https://gofan.co/event/1665441
We packed the Farmer's Market tonight for Meet the Falcons! Big thanks to everyone that had a hand in planning the event and those that came out to support our students! We are excited for a #falconawesome year at AHS! 💙🩶🦅
Join us this Thursday at the Farmer's Market!
