John S. Battle 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!

From the WCPS Transportation Department: Due to an accident on Interstate 81 and traffic detouring onto Lee Highway, several WCPS buses in the Bristol area are delayed in traffic. This may impact Friday afternoon drop-off times.

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.

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.

From the WCPS Transportation Department: Buses in the John S. Battle High School area may be running late this afternoon (Monday, December 2) due to an accident on Island Road. Several WCPS buses are sitting in traffic due to the incident.

Health Clinic: The School Based Health Clinic at John S. Battle High School will be open Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to see patients by appointment only. Please call the clinic at 276-642-5335 to schedule an appointment.

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. 

For the first time in school history, JSB and PHHS had teams competing in the RDL (Robot Drone League) regional competition! These teams brought home 1st place -PHHS and 2nd Place- JSBHS! Both will now advance to the national competition in January! #WashingtonWay

Promise Program: Representatives were thrilled to visit our high schools this week and share the exciting details about the Washington County Promise Program. This commitment by Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Viginia and Virginia Highlands Community College offers an incredible opportunity for high school students to attend VHCC with free tuition and jumpstart their future without the financial burden. During the visits, students learned about the requirements needed to take advantage of this life-changing program. It's time to start planning your next steps! To qualify for the Washington County Promise Program, students must: *Graduate high school between 2025 and 2037 *Live in Washington County, VA, for at least 12 months prior to graduation *Complete the FAFSA and VHCC scholarship applications *Choose a degree or workforce credential program *Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA once you're in college *Perform 8 hours of volunteer work each year Our high schoolers were eager to learn how they can take part in this program, and we're excited to see them take full advantage of this opportunity. Visit https://promiseprogram.org/ to review all of the eligibility requirements and start your application today!

Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be? #WashingtonWayAward Categories: *Above and Beyond Custodian Award -- Vote for a custodian that makes a difference! *Silver Spoon Award -- Vote for the best food service worker out there! *Helping Hand Award -- Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you! *Master Technician Award -- Vote for the one who has helped you fix things! *Wheels on the Bus Award -- Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home! *Customer Service Award -- Vote for the person who is always there to help! Scan the QR Code by Friday, November 22 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be? #WashingtonWayAward Categories: *Above and Beyond Custodian Award -- Vote for a custodian that makes a difference! *Silver Spoon Award -- Vote for the best food service worker out there! *Helping Hand Award -- Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you! *Master Technician Award -- Vote for the one who has helped you fix things! *Wheels on the Bus Award -- Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home! *Customer Service Award -- Vote for the person who is always there to help! Scan the QR Code by Friday, December 6 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

Promise Program: Today was a proud moment for Washington County Public Schools! We witnessed something truly special as our community gathered at Virginia Highlands Community College to celebrate the launch of the Washington County Promise Program. This commitment by Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and VHCC marks a major step forward in providing a brighter future for our students. Thanks to this incredible program, students who live in Washington County, VA, can now pursue higher education with free tuition, breaking down financial barriers and opening doors to countless opportunities. We’re beyond excited to see the impact this will have on our students, their families, and our community as a whole. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us today - from students and faculty to community leaders and partners. Your support means everything as we work together to enrich the lives of our young people. Head over to https://promiseprogram.org/ and discover how this opportunity can benefit your student! #WashingtonCountySchools #VHCCPromise #StudentOpportunities #OurFuture #CommunityStrong #EducationMatters (Photo Courtesy: Virginia Highlands Community College)

From the WCPS Transportation Department: Due to an accident on Interstate 81 and traffic delays as a result, several WCPS buses are delayed in their afternoon routes.

Washington County Public Schools will operate on a regular schedule on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. We do have the following transportation information and route changes for students and families to be aware of. These changes will be in place until further notice: *Taylor's Valley Bus 37 -- Students who live in Taylor's Valley can meet Bus 37 at the VFW Post on Route 91 at 7:15 a.m. Pick up in the afternoon will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. *Konnarock/Green Cove Bus 69 -- Students who live above Green Cove Road on Route 58, or on Green Cove Road, can meet Bus 69 at the intersection of Green Cove and Route 58. Students who live on Rhymer Road or the closed section of Route 58 can meet Bus 69 at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church. Your driver will reach out to you with additional messaging about times. *Bus 38 -- Students who live on Rush Creek Road can meet Bus 38 at the intersection of Rush Creek and Confederate Road at 7:00 a.m. with drop off at approximately 3:45 p.m.