Jolly, the 6th-grade elf, snuck her way onto the DMS morning news. She accidentally “spilt the tea” even though we have zero tolerance for drama. And she’ll finish out her stay in an igloo to prepare for her return to the cold temperatures at the North Pole. She will definitely be missed at DMS, but we know she will be busy!
Jolly, the 6th-grade elf, was still hanging in there, after being shaken up in the dice container. But she did suffer a broken arm and lost an earring. She won a sleigh riding competition against the Christmas bear. She sat with a teacher (skeleton) waiting for the class to get quiet. She stayed up all night watching the jellyfish & sipping coffee creamer, and she made Domino’s pizza for the kids.
There is a lot going on tomorrow! It's the end of the nine-weeks and the semester! It's a 2-hour early dismissal day! It's Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! And best of all...it's DANCE DAY!
Special Agent Travis Howard from the Virginia State Police High-Tech Crimes Division provided a Lunch & Learn session for Damascus Middle School students on Wednesday, December 18. He talked with them about online safety issues, an important topic for today's students!
The DMS Cavalier Basketball teams play Chilhowie at home tonight! Go Cavs!
Come out to cheer on the DMS Cavalier basketball teams as they play the E.B. Stanley Falcons at home tonight!
On Friday, December 6, DMS welcomed Deputy US Marshal A. Johnson to another exciting Career Café. Mr. Johnson spoke with students about the important role of US Marshals in our justice system. After discussing the unique aspects of working in federal law enforcement, he talked about the Marshals’ varied responsibilities. These include helping to find missing children, protecting federal workers and employees within federal courthouses, and finding fugitives and bringing them to justice. Students were engaged and asked many questions to learn more about vocational opportunities in the future.
Damascus Middle School students, faculty, staff, and special guests were excited to welcome Congressman Morgan Griffith for an informational Q & A session this afternoon!
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.
The DMS Cavalier Wrestlers travel to John Battle High School tonight and to Union High School tomorrow! Go Cavs!
Damascus Middle School is proud to announce our teacher of the year, Ms. Sallie Moss. Although Ms. Moss has been an educator for over 25 years, this is her first year at DMS, and we are extremely blessed to have her! She shares that [she] wants to help shape the lives of [her] students and make a positive impact similar to the experiences [she] had in school. She is definitely succeeding, as her students and colleagues feel her positive energy on a daily basis. Congratulations to Ms. Moss!
Members of the SCA (Student Council Association) loved spending time with nursing home patients and spreading Christmas cheer! This trip is always their favorite one of the year!
Sixth-grade students received a package from the North Pole last week! Since then, Jolly has become part of the daily routine, moving to a new location each night and staying very busy. She has decorated, helped "teach" moon phases, hidden candy canes, and at times, found herself "stuck" in awkward situations. She has definitely added some jolly magic to this time of year!
The DMS Cavalier Basketball teams are taking another road trip-- to Wallace Middle School today! Go Cavs!
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.
Students in Dr. Heaton's Science 8 classes built 3-D models of atoms as a culminating activity for their study of atomic structure. Their colorful models are displayed in their classroom and in the library.
Sixth graders in Mrs. Childress's math class participated in “Hour of Code” in celebration of Computer Science Education Week! They used coding to remix music from popular artists as well as create their own music they could share with friends and family.
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.
4-H members participated in Share the Fun on December 10. The Share the Fun program gives members the opportunity to demonstrate their talents in front of an audience. These 8th-grade 4-H members shared their vocal abilities!
An Important Update from the WCPS Transportation Department: Due to weather conditions, buses will NOT run in the Konnarock, Taylor's Valley, and Green Cove areas of Washington County on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
