🏆 Washington County Educators Named State Champions in Presidential AI Challenge
Two educators from John S. Battle High School have been recognized as state champions in the Presidential AI Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage innovative uses of artificial intelligence in education.
Susan Davenport, an English teacher, and Teresa Austin, a math teacher, were named Virginia winners in the Educator Track after developing MasteryLens, an AI-powered tool designed to support both teachers and students in the classroom.
Their project, created with mentorship from industry partners at CGI, one of the world’s largest independent technology and professional services firms, functions as an AI chatbot and grading assistant. The tool provides immediate, meaningful feedback to students while also offering teachers valuable insights into student understanding and mastery of content – helping to streamline grading and enhance instruction.
“Having the mentors from CGI in our corner gave us confidence that what we wanted to create was possible,” said Davenport. “They were there every step of the way, offering encouragement and solutions as we developed a final product that we are proud of.”
The Presidential AI Challenge invited educators and students from across the nation and U.S. territories to design innovative AI-based solutions or instructional models. Davenport and Austin submitted their project in January and were notified in March that they had been selected as Virginia winners, advancing to the Southeast Regional Competition.
Through their work on MasteryLens, both educators gained valuable experience in understanding the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence in education. They plan to continue refining the tool with the goal of implementing it in classrooms in the future.
Washington County Public Schools congratulates Ms. Austin and Ms. Davenport on this outstanding achievement and their commitment to innovation in education.
To learn more about MasteryLens, click here.
🌟WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Emma King ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2013
We are thrilled to highlight Emma King, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Emma King, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
📢🎓 Calling All Washington County High School Students
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University has a few spots still available, and this is an experience you don’t want to miss!
📍 Where: Appalachian State University
📅 When: June 22–26
🎒 Who: Rising 9th–12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
🚨 Spots are limited -- don’t wait!
👉 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University has a few spots still available, and this is an experience you don’t want to miss!
📍 Where: Appalachian State University
📅 When: June 22–26
🎒 Who: Rising 9th–12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
🚨 Spots are limited -- don’t wait!
👉 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
🌟WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Audra Meadows ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2023
We are thrilled to highlight Audra Meadows, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Audra Meadows, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
🍎🥗 Happy School Lunch Hero Day
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
This weekend 8 WCPS Robotics teams are competing in the National RDL Championship at ETSU! These teams are forming alliances with other teams and sharpening their skills to represent our school division on the National stage!
📢🎓 Calling All Washington County High School Students
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University is now accepting applications, and this is an experience you don’t want to miss!
📍 Where: Appalachian State University
📅 When: June 22–26
🎒 Who: Rising 9th–12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
🚨 Spots are limited -- don’t wait!
👉 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
Ready to get a taste of college life this summer -- for just $50?!
Campus Connections at Appalachian State University is now accepting applications, and this is an experience you don’t want to miss!
📍 Where: Appalachian State University
📅 When: June 22–26
🎒 Who: Rising 9th–12th graders in Washington County
From exploring the outdoors to staying on a beautiful college campus, this is your chance to build new friendships, gain independence, and experience what college life is all about!
🚨 Spots are limited -- don’t wait!
👉 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFsUWW-KmNFpZa4bL4XkDMEtfSVHHs90xvYM-ZQ5KGZNePoQ/viewform
📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Many roads across the county have developed ice patches overnight. As a result, today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day. No childcare will be provided.
Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.
📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to winter weather conditions, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child’s elementary school.
If additional changes need to be made, we will shift to a remote learning day by 7:30 a.m. Childcare will not be provided if the division transitions to remote learning.
🌟WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Sydney Bailey Arnold ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2018.
We are thrilled to highlight Sydney Bailey Arnold, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Sydney Bailey Arnold, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
The School Board approved the 2026 graduation schedule during last night’s meeting. The last day of school will be Friday, May 22, and graduation ceremonies will take place as follows:
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 p.m. – Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (at the Higher Education Center)
Thursday, May 21
6:00 p.m. – Holston High School
8:00 p.m. – Patrick Henry High School
Friday, May 22
6:00 p.m. – John S. Battle High School
8:00 p.m. – Abingdon High School
More details will be shared by each school as graduation approaches. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 p.m. – Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (at the Higher Education Center)
Thursday, May 21
6:00 p.m. – Holston High School
8:00 p.m. – Patrick Henry High School
Friday, May 22
6:00 p.m. – John S. Battle High School
8:00 p.m. – Abingdon High School
More details will be shared by each school as graduation approaches. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Washington County's Instructional Technology Team preparing to present at #NCTIES26. Showing off innovative ways to use technology in classrooms!
🐾❤️ PAWS-itively Making a Difference
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is back! From March 1–March 31, 2026, Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
We’re collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
🐶🐱 Cat & dog food
🧹 Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
🐾 Kitty litter
Donations can be dropped off at ANY Washington County school.
The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is back! From March 1–March 31, 2026, Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.
We’re collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
🐶🐱 Cat & dog food
🧹 Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
🐾 Kitty litter
Donations can be dropped off at ANY Washington County school.
📢SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. No childcare will be provided.
Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.
🌟WCPS Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Barker ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2009.
We are thrilled to highlight Amanda Barker, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Amanda Barker, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
📢 SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23, 2026. Several roads across the county remain snow-covered and slick, and additional bursts of snow are expected. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please watch for additional information from your child’s school.
📢For Your Information: We are watching forecasts closely. Current data for Washington County shows that we should be able to go to school tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026, on a regular schedule. If a change is needed, we will make a decision by 5:30 a.m. For everyone’s planning purposes, if conditions deteriorate overnight, Remote Learning will not be considered as an option tomorrow.
👶📚Looking for preschool or child care for the 2026–2027 school year?
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
📅 Monday, March 2
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!
📅 Monday, March 2
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 EO Building | Abingdon, VA
Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.
Save the date and share with families who may be interested!
🎻🌟WCPS Students Shine Through Appalachian Music Partnership
Two talented students from Washington County Public Schools are gaining recognition for their musical abilities and dedication to preserving Appalachian music traditions.
Eamon Russell, an eighth grader at E. B. Stanley Middle School, and Easton Compton, a tenth grader at John S. Battle High School, both participate in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Through the program, the students formed a band called The Boys From Bristol, which began during a summer camp and has continued to grow through regular performances and mentorship.
Eamon and Easton have also performed at notable events, including the Virginia School Boards Association Convention during Jenny Nichols’ induction ceremony, and have shared the stage with groups such as Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys as well as The Kody Norris Show.
Their story highlights the impact of community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, build confidence, and represent WCPS on regional and statewide stages.
Two talented students from Washington County Public Schools are gaining recognition for their musical abilities and dedication to preserving Appalachian music traditions.
Eamon Russell, an eighth grader at E. B. Stanley Middle School, and Easton Compton, a tenth grader at John S. Battle High School, both participate in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Through the program, the students formed a band called The Boys From Bristol, which began during a summer camp and has continued to grow through regular performances and mentorship.
Eamon and Easton have also performed at notable events, including the Virginia School Boards Association Convention during Jenny Nichols’ induction ceremony, and have shared the stage with groups such as Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys as well as The Kody Norris Show.
Their story highlights the impact of community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, build confidence, and represent WCPS on regional and statewide stages.
📢SCHEDULE INFORMATION: Washington County Public Schools will operate on a Regular Schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only in the morning and afternoon.
The list of impacted roads by attendance zone are below.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Horizon Drive
*Sparrow Road
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
The list of impacted roads by attendance zone are below.
Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Horizon Drive
*Sparrow Road
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road
Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive
Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
