Patrick Henry High School

Teachers for Tomorrow: Emory & Henry University, Virginia Highlands Community College, Bristol Virginia Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and implement an innovative pathway for students to obtain teacher certification through a collaborative educational pipeline. “We are thrilled to partner with our public school and community college partners to create an educational pathway that supports the development of future teachers in our region,” said Dr. Michael Puglisi, Provost, Emory & Henry University. “This initiative will not only benefit our students but will help meet the growing demand for educators in our communities.” This partnership aims to address the critical need for qualified educators by offering students from the local area an accelerated route to become licensed teachers. Students will have access to a streamlined pathway through this program. The opportunity includes experiential learning opportunities, dual enrollment courses, and a structured course sequence designed to take them from high school through to a bachelor’s degree in education and teacher licensure. Abingdon High School senior, Gavin Songer, was among more than 25 high school students attending the signing event on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College. “I have so many teachers who have helped me and are my absolute role models...I am interested in becoming a teacher so I can make a difference in others’ lives like they have me.” Program Highlights: *Emory & Henry University (EHU): --EHU will provide the final two years of the 1+1+2 Teachers for Tomorrow Program, enabling students to complete their bachelor’s degree and obtain teacher licensure through a prescribed curriculum. --EHU will also offer students a discounted tuition rate of $7,500 per year (excluding the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant), making the program more accessible and affordable. --EHU has developed a visit program offering students the chance to explore the EHU campus during their early years at VHCC. This program provides valuable exposure to EHU's academic environment, including classroom experiences, as well as a glimpse into campus life. --EHU will share annual data with VHCC on transfer students, including persistence rates, graduation outcomes, and job placement statistics, to ensure ongoing success and improvement of the program. *Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC): --VHCC will offer dual-enrollment classes to BVPS and WCPS students, allowing them to complete the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) and earn the first year of the 1+1+2 Teachers for Tomorrow Program. --Additionally, VHCC will provide EDU-specific courses as part of this program, enabling students to earn credits toward their Associate of Science (AS) degree in Education, which constitutes the second year of the program. *Washington County Public Schools: --Starting in 10th grade, students will receive information about the "Teachers for Tomorrow" pathway, encouraging them to consider a career in education. --Juniors and seniors will gain valuable classroom experience, offering them hands-on exposure to the teaching profession. --Dual-enrollment opportunities will be available for 11th and 12th graders, enabling students to earn up to one year of college credit, setting the foundation for their future studies. The goal of this collaborative effort is to create a sustainable, well-supported pipeline that allows students from the region to enter the teaching profession more quickly, effectively, and with the skills needed to succeed in today’s classrooms. “How wonderful that through this program we will be able to affordably train today’s students to be tomorrow’s teachers...all right here in southwest Virginia,” said Dr. Adam Hutchison, President, Virginia Highlands Community College. “This outstanding opportunity is a true testament to the partnerships and collaborative spirit that is so vital to providing opportunities for the future.” Through this comprehensive program, students will gain the skills, credentials, and experience they need to make a meaningful impact as educators, while simultaneously addressing the needs of local schools and communities. This collaboration serves as a model for how higher education, community colleges, and K-12 schools can work together to provide quality education and training for the next generation of teachers. “As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher just like my grandma,” said Kinsley Bird, a Patrick Henry High School graduate and current VHCC student. “I cannot imagine doing anything else – and this program just made my path smoother and more affordable.” Kinsley will be joining the Emory & Henry family this spring of 2025.

Teachers of the Year: It is an honor for Washington County Schools to announce and congratulate the following teachers selected by their respective schools as their 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. These persons 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 These teachers will be recognized as their building’s Teacher of the Year at the Washington County School Board meeting on January 21, 2025. As well, we are excited to announce and congratulate the grade level Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. Each of the building’s Teacher of the Year could be chosen as all are models of what it means to be a teacher. *2025-2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year -- Abby Rasnake *2024-2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year -- Kaitlyn Maples *2024-2025 High School Teacher of the Year -- Chase Nunley The 2024-2025 Washington County Teacher of the Year will be announced during the Washington County School Board Meeting on January 21, 2025, and will be our Division’s candidate for the Region VII Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to all as we celebrate these exemplary teachers of Washington County Schools.

WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delay on Thursday, December 12, 2024 due to black ice in some locations. Opening later will allow better visibility for drivers. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents if needed.

Based on our conversations with our meteorologist at AccuWeather, we anticipate weather conditions to deteriorate during our normal dismissal time. As a result, Washington County Public Schools will dismiss 2-Hours early today, Wednesday, December 11, 2024. All extracurricular activities for Wednesday are postponed.

#TheWashingtonWay: We are so thankful for our amazing support staff that we have here at WCPS! At the meeting this evening, School Board Members recognized our Support Staff Award Winners for the fall semester. *Master Technician Award -- Jason Salyers (Technology Department) *Wheels on the Bus Award -- Ronica Blevins (Transportation Department) *Above and Beyond (Custodian) Award -- Becky Lane-Smith (Watauga Elementary School) *Helping Hand Award -- Lynn Redman (High Point Elementary School) *Silver Spoon Award -- Kristen Deel (E.B. Stanley Middle School) *Customer Service Award -- Abby Stamper (WCPS Annex) Congratulations to our award winners and thank you for your hard work!

On Saturday, December 7, several PHHS faculty, staff, administration, and their respective family members participated in a team building outing by going to the Barter Theatre and watching "A Christmas Story". A great time was had by all!

It's becoming a Winter Wonderland in the PH library! Ms. Smith's 2nd block spread some Christmas cheer by painting snowmen onto the library windows!

To celebrate a successful fall semester and prepare for the upcoming winter break, Patrick Henry High School looks forward to our Winter Wonderland!

Due to predictions of windchills in the morning in the single digits, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule on Friday, December 6, 2024. Childcare will be available for working parents at elementary schools.

Please don't forget that Patrick Henry High School will be hosting a financial aid event for seniors and contributing family members TONIGHT, December 4th from 3 to 6 p.m. No matter where you choose to continue your education this spring or next fall 2025, financial aid and scholarship opportunities can play a huge role in that decision. Representatives from Virginia Highlands Community College will be here to answer your questions, help you complete your financial aid application, known as the FAFSA form, and provide you and your family with more information about the Washington County Promise Program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Kathleen or Mrs. Baker.

Rebel Radio has released their second episode. In this Episode, Holden Belcher and Bryce Reynolds broadcast the PH Basketball quad! We are excited to bring to you action court side! https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gRZf3WN8GBFuRnarPfHuI?si=H2NSIgY2RgCU_MOXBi1udg

Communities In Schools wants your PRESENCE for Christmas. Students who have perfect attendance in December will be eligible for daily drawings for Christmas presents. Our first two winners were Cole C. And Zoe R.

In what has been a tricky morning, we have decided to call a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday December 3, 2024. Main roads are clear, as are some back roads and side streets. However, “road checkers”, encountered multiple slick secondary roads. At our December School Board Meeting, we will present a Snow Route plan that would potentially allow us to have in person learning on days like today. Be safe, stay warm, and we’ll see everyone online

Due to current snowfall in some parts of Washington County, temperatures in the teens overnight, and predicted snowfall in the morning hours, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Childcare will be provided for working parents at elementary schools. Should conditions worsen to warrant a Remote Learning Day, childcare will not be available. A decision to change from a 2 hour delayed schedule to Remote Learning will be made by 7:30 a.m.

Don't miss your chance to save money on your purchase the 2025 PHHS yearbook. The price goes up from $60 to $65 after December 31st.

Congratulations to Mr. Burke's 1st period class for winning No Tardy November, sponsored by Communities in Schools. This class had the least amount of tardies throughout the month of November. They were treated with cheddar rounds from Pals for their big win! Watch out for December's contest!

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!

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. 

Congratulations to the Patrick Henry One-Act Team!! The team placed 4th in the Super Regionals Competition on Saturday with an Outstanding Acting Award for Lotte G., Honorable Mentions to Laci C., Sophie M., Zen M., and an Outstanding Technical Award for our Technical Team. The team will celebrate their season with a FINAL PERFORMANCE on NOVEMBER 23 at 7 p.m. in the Kennedy-Reedy Theatre at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts, Emory & Henry University. Go Rebels VHSL One-Act! We are proud of you!

Congratulations to the following Patrick Henry High School Rebel Voices Chorus members who were selected by audition to participate in the All-District Chorus: Sofia B. Twyla B. Laci C. Lotte G. Xavier G. Claire L. Zen M. Sophie M. Jaiden W. Brady H. (alternate) Greyson P. (alternate) In order to be chosen, students had to learn and perform a solo piece alone for two judges and read a short unfamiliar piece of music at sight. Most of these students had never auditioned for the high school All-District Chorus before. Being selected for All-District Chorus is one the highest honors a singer in Virginia can receive! Great job Rebels!