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!
Tonight's rescheduled football game between Patrick Henry and John Battle has been moved to tomorrow night, Friday September 27. This is subject to change as weather conditions change. Also, tonight's volleyball game with Chilhowie has been canceled. A future date is TBD.
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.
Attention Rebels!
Today, members of the GSMS Student Ambassadors and PHHS Rebel Elite met for a business lunch. Students discussed positives for the current school year, and brainstormed ideas for creating a collaborative community for all Rebels. Stay tuned for more information about great things to come from our student leaders!
Join PHHS FCA as we join other students from around the nation for the annual "See You at the Pole" event. We will meet around our flag pole at 7:50am to lift up our school and community in prayer. See you at the pole!
Ms. Moncibais has her students learn about food chains/webs and dynamics relationships between organisms in the Ecology Simulation using our Prisims VR classrooms!
If you have thought about learning how to Mountain Bike, now is your chance. Whether you are an expert or just getting started this will be a good event!
Several of Ms. Lindsay Smith's Art students submitted art work in the 2024 Washington County Fair Art Contest. These students went on a field trip Wednesday, September 11, 2024 to see their art work displayed at the fair. Congratulations to each of these students who won either first or second place for their entries. After looking at their art work, students played a round of mini golf, watched a pig race, and enjoyed a few minutes at the petting zoo. Students then toured the William King Art Center and talked to a local artist . A great time was had by all!
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.
Several Patrick Henry High School students attended College Night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center last night. They asked questions and learned more about colleges they may want to attend.
Great minds think alike! Have a great weekend PH Family!
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 -- admission will be 1/2 price for parents at $5.
Big shout out to these recent PH graduates on their first week at VHCC. Whether finding a job, earning a career certificate, or going straight to college Ms. Kathleen is here at PHHS on Tuesdays & Wednesdays to help you navigate your way to a great future. kbuttolph@wcs.k12.va.us
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.
Have you ever wondered how Communities in Schools help our students? Check out this segment that was recently on Good Morning America. https://youtu.be/WPLMbKX5RBA
The Patrick Henry High School FCA started their weekly Thursday morning meetings in the library. These meetings begin at 7:50am. If you need some encouragement come on down on Thursday mornings and meet with them.
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.
