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.
Thank you to WCYB for highlighting a trip several Damascus Middle School students took to Laurel Creek Park. Click the link to read and watch the story: https://wcyb.com/news/local/middle-schoolers-engage-in-hands-on-environmental-learning-aiming-to-preserve-local-park
DMS held its second Career Cafe this week, with a presentation about Occupational Therapy. The presenters were Dr. Amanda Bird Blevins and Dr. Hannah Caudill from Emory and Henry's Department of Occupational Therapy.
The volleyball game today has been postponed. It will be played on Monday, October 7.
Cavs in Motion is a running program that combines physical fitness and personal growth. We will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:00, October 1-November 7. We will not practice during Fall Break or on Election Day. DMS will have a girls team and a boys team. They will not practice together but will participate in the culminating event, the Speedway in Lights 5K on November 10 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. For more information, girls can talk with Mrs. Childress, Mrs. Cox, or Nurse Stiltner; boys can talk with Mr. Dale.
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.
Real World Learning: Gifted and Talented Education Program students from Damascus Middle School visited Laurel Creek Park. The students heard from the town manager and town staff about a creek bank erosion and will now spend the rest of the year exploring ways to solve the issue. This project will give students a real-world application to something they are working on in the classroom. WCYB came out to the park to interview students about the importance of this project and talked with them about what they are hoping to learn. Tune in to WCYB News at 5:30 this evening to see the report.
Volleyball plays at home tonight against Virginia Middle School! Go Cavs!
Reminder: school dismisses two hours early today for Parent Teacher Conferences!
During our first Career Cafe, sponsored by School Counselor Jamie Moser, students enjoyed learning about the careers of veterinarian and veterinary technician. Veterinarian Dr. Emily Winebarger Hoss and Vet Tech Chlowe Taylor shared the joys and challenges of their jobs.
The volleyball team plays at Wallace Middle School today! Go Cavs!
Good luck to the football team as they play Northwood Middle School at Holston High School today! Go Cavs!
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.
School will dismiss three hours early today for an afternoon of fun at the Washington County Fair!
Good luck to the DMS volleyball team as they travel to Glade Spring Middle School to play in front of the students, faculty, and staff of GSMS! Go Cavs! The game will be available on NFHS and also at this UPDATED link: https://www.youtube.com/live/01Cusr2O2JI?si=WMS9Bab4MnqqykCC
Tuesday was a beautiful day for sixth-grade students to visit Highland Dairy Farm!
Sixth graders played UNIT RATES JENGA, a classic game of Jenga, with questions about unit rates and ratios. The group with the tallest Jenga tower and most questions answered correctly won!
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
Ms. Childress's sixth-grade math students participated in an Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers Scavenger Hunt around the school building.
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.
