Holston High School

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.

Good afternoon, WCPS Families & Staff -- We are providing an additional update following the initial water testing for lead in all Washington County Public Schools’ buildings. That information was released on November 7. If you recall, on October 26, 2024, new regulations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required water that is used in schools be tested for lead by 2028. To be ahead of that timeline, the Washington County Service Authority tested five fixtures at every school (at least two fixtures in the kitchens and two or more water fountains in various locations throughout the school). There are three possible results from testing: *Non-detect: Practice good water habits *Less than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Consider risk mitigation such as flushing before use *Greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Stop using the water source and take remediation steps The initial results released in November found that four of our schools had at least one fixture that tested less than 10 ppb (Meadowview Elementary – two fixtures, Watauga Elementary – one fixture, Glade Spring Middle School – one fixture, and Holston High School – two fixtures). One school had two fixtures that tested above 10 ppb (Greendale Elementary). As a result, we took additional precautions at those five schools immediately. Only fixtures that tested non-detect are available for cooking purposes at these schools. This is above and beyond the protocols recommended by the EPA. We immediately discontinued the use of consumable water fixtures at the five schools (e.g. drinking fountains) the moment we received the initial testing results. As a result, we have been providing bottled water for students and staff. We also took additional steps and installed a new water cooler at all schools in our division. Those water coolers are equipped with five different filters that are designed to remove lead and other impurities. As a further safeguard, we began the process of testing every fixture at Glade Spring Middle School and Holston High School. That testing is now complete with test results showing 36 fixtures tested non-detect at Glade Spring Middle School, 10 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 13 fixtures tested above 10 ppb. A further breakdown shows that two drinking fountains – Room 302 drinking fountain and the drinking fountain at the main entrance in the gymnasium saw elevated readings. At Holston High School, 59 fixtures tested non-detect, 14 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 16 fixtures tested above 10 ppb. A further breakdown shows one drinking fountain – the girls locker room drinking fountain, saw an elevated test result. Other next steps are to determine and troubleshoot whether the elevated testing numbers are due to the fixture itself, or if it is a result of the plumbing in the walls. Those fixtures will remain off until further notice. It is possible that sinks that are no longer used or needed will be removed from future service. We have been given clearance to use all points of contact that have returned “non-detect” results. We continue to await test results at Watauga Elementary School and Meadowview Elementary School, which also saw elevated results. Additional testing has now been completed at Greendale Elementary School, Glade Spring Middle School, and Holston High School. Once testing is finished at Watauga and Meadowview, we will conduct more tests at the remaining 11 schools in our division. We will continue to work with the Washington County Service Authority and the Office of Drinking Water to ensure we are taking all needed steps to keep our students and staff safe. At the same time, we are also staying in contact with the local Health Department. The new testing results for Glade Spring Middle School, Holston High School, and Greendale Elementary School, as well as additional information, which includes an FAQ, and a helpful flyer, can be found at this link on our website: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/washington-county-service-authority-information/722977 If you have any questions or concerns, we will continue to work with the agencies referenced above to share the latest information and provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper

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.

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. 

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

Exemplar Award Recognition: During a meeting on Thursday, school board members recognized Mr. Long, principal of Holston High School and Mr. Colston, principal of Greendale Elementary School. The board thanked both administrators for their hard work in preparing students for their futures. On October 24, the Virginia Board of Education recognized 141 schools for their high achievement and continued improvement as part of its Exemplar School Recognition Program. The recognized schools include 92 schools across the Commonwealth earning the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. Washington County Public Schools is honored that Greendale Elementary School and Holston High School received the 2024-2025 Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. The Highest Achievement Award is based on performance during the 2023-2024 school year. "Being recognized in the Exemplar School Recognition Program is a direct reflection of a school's commitment to high performance and increasing excellence," said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons.

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

Highest Achievement Exemplar Award: On Thursday, October 24, the Virginia Board of Education recognized 141 schools for their high achievement and continued improvement as part of its Exemplar School Recognition Program. The recognized schools include 92 schools across the Commonwealth earning the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. Washington County Public Schools is honored that Greendale Elementary School and Holston High School received the 2024-2025 Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. The Highest Achievement Award is based on performance during the 2023-2024 school year. "Being recognized in the Exemplar School Recognition Program is a direct reflection of a school's commitment to high performance and increasing excellence," said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons.

It was an exciting Friday for Washington County Public Schools! We were honored to provide a tour of Rhea Valley Elementary, Holston High School, and Abingdon High School to Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and her staff, as well as Sen. Todd Pillion. During the visit, Secretary Guidera was able to see the new safety vestibule at Abingdon High School, learned about flood recovery efforts at Rhea Valley Elementary and saw the Hydrophonics System in action at Holston. Secretary Guidera also offered a special congratulations to Holston High School for being recognized Thursday with the 2024-2025 Virginia Board of Education Exemplar High Achievement Award. As always, our students were great ambassadors for our distinguished guests, and we loved highlighting all the great things happening in WCPS!

Exemplar School Recognition: On Thursday, the Virginia Board of Education recognized 141 schools for their high achievement and continued improvement as part of its Exemplar School Recognition Program. The recognized schools include 92 schools across the Commonwealth earning the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award. Washington County Public Schools is excited to announce Greendale Elementary School and Holston High School have received the 2024-2025 Board of Education Highest Achievement Award! The Highest Achievement Award is based on performance during the 2023-2024 school year. Schools recognized for Highest Achievement demonstrated high levels of success across all school quality indicators, including success in narrowing achievement gaps, as well as: *Achieve Performance Level One for reading, mathematics, and science based on the student pass rate (which does not include growth measures) for the "all students" group in the school. *Achieve at Level One in the Chronic Absenteeism, Graduation and Completion Index (GCI), and Dropout Rate school quality indicators. Congratulations Greendale Elementary School and Holston High School! We are so proud of our students and staff!

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)

Homecoming Preparations: Holston High School Turfgrass Management students have been hard at work this week preparing the game field for Homecoming! Students have been involved in every aspect of planning the design, laying it out, and painting the field. Athletic field markings are a major component of the Turfgrass industry.

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.

Good afternoon WCPS Families & Staff -- The full Washington County Public Schools division will operate on a two-hour delayed schedule on Monday, October 7, 2024. Delaying the start of school will allow additional time for students and staff to arrive safely in daylight hours, due to some area roads still having debris. Childcare will be provided beginning at 8:00 a.m. for working families at each elementary school. We do have the following transportation information and route changes for students and families to be aware of: *Taylor's Valley Bus 37 -- Students who live in Taylor's Valley can meet Bus 37 at the VFW Post on Route 91 at 9:15 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 pick up and drop off times. *Bus 38 -- Students who live on Rush Creek Road can meet Bus 38 at the intersection of Rush Creek and Confederate Road at 9:00 a.m. with drop off at approximately 3:45 p.m. Again, a big thank you for your continued support and patience -- your efforts to help our school community and families has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper “Committed to the Success of Every Student“

Volunteer Efforts: Sending a shoutout of thanks to members of the Holston High School Football team for signing up to volunteer with the United Way of Southwest Virginia at the Disaster Relief Center in Damascus.

Due to Rhea Valley Elementary, Damascus Middle, and Holston High schools being closed on Friday, October 4, 2024, free breakfast and lunch meals will be available for pick-up between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Holston High School. Students do not have to be present for families to pick up the meals. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.