Attention Patrick Henry Parents of students who are Seniors:
SENIOR BABY ADS/SHOUT-OUTS
As your child’s senior year of high school nears the end, an important stage of life is drawing to a close. New experiences are on the horizon for both of you, but memories of childhood will still be cherished.
In the 2025 edition of the Patriot, Patrick Henry High School’s yearbook, you can recognize your child for years of memories and wish him or her luck for a future that you have helped establish. Senior parents/grandparents/friends may purchase and build your own ad in a variety of sizes by going on-line to Balfour.com to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to the senior in your life. The cost of the ad varies, depending on its size. The deadline for these ads is March 31st, so please don’t delay. For more information contact Mrs. Duncan (micheled@wcs.k12.va.us)
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
Attention PHHS Students: The ASVAB (military entrance exam) will be given at the
Washington County CTE Center on Thursday, February 6th. The
test will begin promptly at 8:30 am and run until 11:00 am. The
exam will be online, so you must bring a charged Chromebook with
you. The test is required for students who are considering entering
any branch of the US military, but it does not commit students to
join. Students may ride the Morning bus from the high school or
drive with permission. This exam is only for Juniors and Seniors.
Any student interested in taking the ASVAB, please pick up a
permission slip from the counseling office.
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.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: Due to snowfall overnight resulting in slick roadways across the county, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day today, Monday, January 27, 2025.
If your student has any issues accessing virtual instruction during their scheduled time, please contact your child’s teacher or principal directly. We will work with them on instruction, assignments, and attendance.
WCPS will operate on a REGULAR schedule tomorrow, Monday, January 27, 2025. Because our 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
We are also closely monitoring the potential for winter weather this evening into tomorrow morning -- We will update should additional schedule changes be needed.
Congratulations to the PHHS Robotics Drone Team for winning the National RDL Competition. Patrick Henry formed an alliance with Elizabethton High School and won the title. John Battle's Team walked away with the coveted "Rookie Team of the Year" for their hard work! So Proud!
Current Robot Drone Championship update! PHHS 2nd place overall, JSBHS in 3rd Place! Heading into semi-finals soon!
Teams from JSBHS and PHHS are competing today in the National Robot Drone League competition on the campus of ETSU! Competition is ongoing but you can follow the scores throughout the day by scanning the QR code below. @WashCoSuper #WashingtonWay
We are closely monitoring the potential for winter weather to impact the area this afternoon, especially near our Russell County border. If you have concerns about your teen driver who would be driving home in these potential conditions, please contact your student's principal and they would be happy to work with you to coordinate an early dismissal. The same goes for bus riders in areas where roads are still snow covered or may become covered if the weather materializes.
We will closely monitor conditions for the remainder of the afternoon, but we do not currently anticipate a division wide schedule change.
WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2025. Because 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
Additionally, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child's principal, and we will work to help meet those needs.
WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Thursday, January 23, 2025. However, buses will only travel on clear routes. There are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711
As a reminder, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child's principal, and we will work to help meet those needs.
Ms. Fields’s Economics classes got savvy with their money last week to see if they had what it takes to be an entrepreneur! Thanks to former Rebel Cindy Fields with the Small Business Development Center for sharing her skills with us!
Special Recognition: During the meeting this evening, School Board Members Recognized the WCPS 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year. These individuals were chosen by their colleagues because they exemplify the best of being a teacher for Washington County Public Schools and the service they provide to the community, school, and most importantly, students.
Elementary Schools:
*Abingdon ~ Gwen Campbell
*Greendale ~ Abby Rasnake
*High Point ~ Heather Hensley
*Meadowview ~ Kimberly Cox
*Rhea Valley ~ Beth Delp
*Valley Institute ~ Joy Hull
*Watauga ~ Sherry Thomason
Middle Schools:
*Damascus ~ Sallie Moss
*Glade Spring ~ Sherry Cannon
*E.B. Stanley ~ Maggie Branton
*Wallace ~ Kaitlyn Maples
Secondary Schools
*Abingdon High ~ Chase Nunley
*John S. Battle High ~ Emily Tallman
*Patrick Henry High ~ Alyssa Fields
*Holston High ~ Buffy Milhorne
*WC CTE Center ~ William (Billy) Buchanan
The Board also congratulated the following grade level Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. Each of the building’s Teacher of the Year were chosen as models of what it means to be a teacher.
*WC Elementary School Teacher of the Year ~ Abby Rasnake
*WC Middle School Teacher of the Year ~ Kaitlyn Maples
*WC High School Teacher of the Year ~ Chase Nunley
Washington County School 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year ~ Chase Nunley
Congratulations to all as we celebrate these exemplary teachers of Washington County Schools!
We had hoped that we would be able to provide in person learning opportunities tomorrow. However, our afternoon update from our meteorologist provided a declining forecast. Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for the morning, which are now predicted to have wind chills hovering in the sub-0 range for much of the morning, and TVA asking customers to participate in a voluntary power conservation effort, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
If your student has any issues accessing virtual instruction during their scheduled time, please contact your child’s teacher or principal directly. We will work with them on instruction, assignments, and attendance. Additionally, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child’s principal, and we will work to help meet those needs. We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your patience as we continue to work through these weather-related schedule challenges.
This winter has brought several challenges, including missed school days due to snow, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate these weather conditions together. Looking ahead to the next couple of days, the forecast is calling for extremely cold temperatures, and as a result, Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents who need that service. We know that there are still a few roads in the county that have been impacted by the snow and ice -- Later this evening, we will provide a list of the roads that will not be used for bus routes tomorrow. We are also asking families to prepare for the division to implement a 2-hour delayed schedule on Wednesday, if necessary. We recognize this decision might raise questions so please review the following information.
Why a 2-Hour Delay?
*Safety: Although the forecast predicts extreme cold, a 2-hour delay gives temperatures a chance to rise slightly during the daylight hours. Local meteorologists say the coldest temperature, or morning low, will be early in the morning. Temperatures have the potential to increase as the morning continues.
*Road Conditions: Snow and ice continue to impact roads across the county, and the delay gives the WCPS transportation department additional time to ensure that bus routes are safe for travel. Driving in the daylight will allow drivers to see slick spots on the roads.
*Bus Preparations: When temperatures drop to extreme lows, starting school buses can become a challenge. Cold diesel engines can cause buses to be slow to start, and they may require extra time for pre-start warm-ups to ensure vehicles are operating properly.
*Comfortable Learning Environment: A 2-hour delay gives our maintenance team extra time to check that all heating systems in school buildings are operational before students and staff arrive. This helps ensure classrooms are at a safe and comfortable temperature when the school day begins. The extra time also allows our maintenance staff to check pipes in the school building to make sure they are not frozen.
* In-Person Learning: While remote learning is beneficial and utilized when needed, in-person learning provides a richer educational experience, with direct access to instruction, hands-on activities, and social interactions which can be difficult to replicate virtually. A 2-hour delay helps maintain the in-person school routine.
Cold Weather Tips:
*Layering is Key: Layering your clothing helps trap warmth and allows you to adjust your outfit based on your activity level and the weather.
*Protect Your Extremities: Hands, feet, ears, and face are especially vulnerable to the cold and should be well-protected.
We know that delays and snow days can be challenging for families, and we sincerely thank you for your continued flexibility. Our goal is to balance instruction with the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We will continue to monitor weather conditions closely to make the best decisions for everyone. As mentioned earlier, childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents who need it. Be on the lookout for specific details from your child’s school.
Due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions, WCPS will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 20, 2025. Childcare will not be available.
Be safe and stay warm!
While we hope you had an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine today, we are looking ahead to this weekend and early next week, where we could experience more weather-related challenges. Significant snowfall is in the forecast for Sunday evening, with an arctic blast of cold temperatures to follow. Given these predictions, we will be closely monitoring the forecast to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We are asking you to plan for the possibility of a schedule change on Monday, January 20, 2025.
We have sent remote learning materials home with students this weekend just in case we have another prolonged closure. However, the earliest we would begin to consider a Remote Learning Day would be Wednesday, January 22, in the event road conditions do not improve by mid-week.
We will continue to monitor conditions and communicate further updates as needed. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this next round of winter weather.
Dr. Duncan has arranged for Patrick Henry High School students to have the opportunity to visit the Glade Spring School and its new historical marker. The Glade Spring School was an elementary school in Glade Spring, VA that for many, many years African American students attended prior to desegregation of schools. The goal is for all students to have a better understanding of where this school is located and its history. Mr. Dennis Hill and his brother Jerry (both PHHS alumni, and retired educators and school administrators) will be at the school to give some background about the school and answer student questions. Dennis and Jerry both attended the Glade Spring School prior to student integration in 1965. There will also be a student assembly during 5th period where the focus will be on Martin Luther King and his legacy. Dennis and Jerry will be there to talk about how Dr. King inspired them, about their experiences attending a segregated school, and what it was like when school desegregation finally occurred.
Washington County Public Schools will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE on Friday, January 17, 2025. However, buses will only travel on clear routes.
There are a few roads in the county still impacted by snow and ice. The roads that will not be used tomorrow, can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711. Principals will be happy to work with students impacted by the use of clear routes only to make further arrangements.
While we are excited to be on a regular schedule tomorrow, the forecast is calling for the possibility of snow in some areas this evening. Please be mindful this could result in schedule changes/alternations, if necessary.
