On Monday, March 23, 2026, JW Adams Robotics had the opportunity to meet Kim Wilkens, one of the founders of the Roversa program, and her assistant, Karin Little. The Roversas are new technology that are designed so that students all over the world can have access to robotics and coding. The robots can be used with or without the internet. JW Adams received their Roversas through a unique opportunity sponsored by UVA Wise last summer. Club sponsors, Marissa Bolling and Karen Mullins, attended a two-day workshop to learn about the Roversa program. Additional club sponsors are Shannah Miller and Ruth Williams. Students have had the opportunity to use the robots to write stories, have a parade, and even solve math problems. This is the first year for the club, which started after several students competed in the Junior Robotics competition last year. JW Robotics is open to students in 3rd-5th grade students!
On March 30, 2026, Heather Askea and two UVA-Wise Streamwise student ambassadors visited JW Adams Robotics to teach students new and fun technology. Students had the opportunity to use the Spherios in a new way- with a number line activity, and were introduced to an exciting new way to code using the Finch robots. Students had fun learning how to code the finches and letting them travel around the library. A fun activity was trying to get the club sponsors, Ms. Karen, Ms. Ruth, Mrs. Bolling, and Mrs. Miller, with the finches. The final activity of the Streamwise visit was a coordinated dance using the finches. At the end of the visit, Mrs. Askea asked students what their favorite activity of the day was, and the overwhelming response was "Playing with the finches!!!"
📚🍎 April 4 is School Librarian Day! 🍎📚 (due to Spring Break, we are celebrating them early!)
Today we celebrate our incredible school librarians—the heart of our library and champions of literacy, learning, and curiosity. From helping students find the perfect book to guiding research and discovery, you make a lasting impact every day.
Thank you for inspiring a love of reading and supporting our school community!
This week, we recognize and celebrate our amazing assistant principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success. From supporting teachers to guiding students, your impact is felt throughout our entire school community.
Thank you for all that you do—you help make our schools stronger every day!
Good afternoon students, families, faculty, and staff:
Please be reminded that Wise County Public Schools will observe Spring Break, beginning Friday, April 3rd through Friday, April 10th. Classes and normal school operations resume Monday, April 13th. Wise County Public Schools wishes all students, families, faculty, and staff a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break.
--Wise County Public Schools
In Wise County, workforce readiness begins early and grows with our students. Through career and technical education programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses and industries, our schools are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.
Whether students choose to enter the workforce, pursue higher education, or serve their communities in other ways, Wise County Public Schools is committed to ensuring they are prepared for what comes next. Our educators, staff, and community partners work together to create meaningful pathways that reflect the needs of our region.
Strong schools build strong communities—and in Wise County, workforce readiness is not just a goal; it’s a promise.
Beginning Wednesday, April 1st , for CPS, JWA, SPES, UPS, WPS.
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is available online beginning April 1, 2026 by going to Wise County Schools website (wisek12.org), clicking on Parents, 26-27 New Student Registration. For any parent who doesn’t have access to a computer or who needs help, please call the school for an appointment. The school contacts are listed below:
Coeburn Primary School (395-6100)—Tori Smith or Jayme Fields
J.W. Adams Combined (796-5419)—Emily Bush or Jodi Woods
St. Paul Elementary (762-5200)—Allison Billings
Union Primary School (523-4900)—Donna Townsend or Cynthia Moore
Wise Primary School (328-8019)—Sarah Flanary or Lindsay Rose
Children applying for Kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 30, 2026.
Parents/Guardians need to bring the following items to the school to complete their child’s Kindergarten registration:
*Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (your child can be pre-registered without a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, but must provide it prior to the beginning of school)
*Immunization record
The child must have a physical examination within one year before entering school. Immunizations against mumps, measles, German measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, Hepatitis B, and chicken pox are required. Each school will have available the “School Entrance Health Form MCH 213 G” for parents to take to their child’s doctor/pediatrician for completion.
Parents are encouraged to complete the registration form and begin the registration process even though they may not have all the above required forms and documentation. However, all documentation will be required before your child may begin school.
Parents/Guardians desiring additional information about Kindergarten registration may contact the school in their area:
Coeburn Primary School (395-6100)—Tori Smith or Jayme Fields
J.W. Adams Combined (796-5419)—Emily Bush or Jodi Woods
St. Paul Elementary (762-5200)—Allison Billings
Union Primary School (523-4900)—Donna Townsend or Cynthia Moore
Wise Primary School (328-8019)—Sarah Flanary or Lindsay Rose
Other questions may be directed to Marcia Shortt, Director of Elementary/Middle Education, at the Wise County School Board Office at 276-328-8017.
Today we celebrate the dedicated paraprofessionals who make a difference in our schools every single day. Your support, patience, and commitment help students succeed and teachers thrive.
Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond—you are truly appreciated!
April is National Autism Awareness Month 💙
This month—and every month—we celebrate neurodiversity, promote understanding, and support inclusion for autistic individuals everywhere.
Let’s move beyond awareness and toward acceptance:
✨ Listen to autistic voices
✨ Respect different ways of thinking and communicating
✨ Create spaces where everyone belongs
Happy Occupational Therapy Month!
This April, we celebrate the incredible impact of occupational therapists who help people live life to the fullest every day. From supporting recovery to promoting independence, their work truly makes a difference.
Thank you to all the amazing OTs for your compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others thrive! 🙌
Join us in celebrating the heart of our school — the library! From inspiring stories to powerful research tools, our library is a place where curiosity grows and learning never stops.
Let’s show some love to our amazing librarians and encourage everyone to:
📖 Pick up a new book
🔍 Explore new ideas
💡 Discover something exciting
Aria Taylor Wolford, from Central High School, is a VHSL Speech State Champion in Humorous Interpretation (Class 2)!
Congratulations to Aria, and to Central High School on this well-deserved accomplishment!
Wise County Career & Technical Education Program Highlight: Cosmetology
🚨 Big things are happening in the Cosmetology pathway at WCCTC, thanks to the outstanding leadership of Ms. Jill Mullins and Ms. Abbi Rutherford. Ms. Mullins brings 20 years of salon experience, alongside her 12-year tenure as an instructor. Ms. Rutherford brings 20 years of salon experience, alongside her two-years of teaching experience. Both instructors bring a wealth of real-world experience into the classroom.
Course Offerings:
The Cosmetology I & II programs are available to juniors and seniors. While there is no formal application process, a waiting list may apply due to high interest. Students are responsible for purchasing their state board kit, which prepares them for their first attempt at the licensing exam. The WCCTC covers the cost of the DPOR state licensure test for each student’s initial attempt.
High-Quality Work-Based Learning Opportunities:
Many cosmetology students have gained valuable real-world experience through shadowing, apprenticeships or employment at local salons, including The Color Palette, Tracy’s, Afterglow Hair and Beauty, Vintage, Healthy 360, Jen’s Nails, Hairvolution, Magnolia Salon, and Hair By Emma.
Celebrating Student Success:
The program has produced outstanding achievements, including star student Mika Shortt, a two-time SkillsUSA competitor in barbering. Mika Shortt, a current Central High School senior and a second-year Cosmetology student at the Wise County Career Technical Center, is continuing his winning streak. On March 11, 2026, Mika won the Virginia State SkillsUSA Barbering competition for the second consecutive year, following a successful regional qualifier on February 11. This recent victory builds on his impressive 2024-2025 season, where he swept both the regional and state levels before advancing to the national stage. In June 2025, Mika proudly represented Skills USA Virginia in Atlanta, Georgia, placing 5th in the nation. Mika will, again, represent SkillsUSA Virginia on the national stage in June 2026.
Student Experiences & Feedback:
Senior, Ashlynn M. (employed at Afterglow Hair and Beauty in Wise, VA): “I enjoy the program because it prepares me to earn my education and licensure and transition directly into a career after graduation.”
Senior, Lexa S.: “The instructors are highly knowledgeable and bring a great deal of real-world experience to their teaching.”
Senior, Greer K. (future employee at The Nail Girl Beauty Salon in Big Stone Gap, VA): “This program allows me to build friendships with students from other schools. The instructors are very knowledgeable, and I truly enjoy learning from them.”
(pictured) A favorite hands-on activity among students is the “Anything But Hair” project, where they use mannequin heads to showcase creativity in unique and artistic ways.
Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes Ms. Mullins and Ms. Rutherford for their outstanding leadership within the Cosmetology I & II programs at Wise County Career and Technical Center (WCCTC). Through their dedication and vision, students in Wise County are offered meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong careers in the field of cosmetology. Their leadership not only equips students with real-world skills, but also helps ensure students can build successful careers, while remaining employed right here in Wise County. Ms. Mullins' and Ms. Rutherford's commitment is making a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire Wise County community.
Season 2, Episode 6 of The Pulse podcast with WCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth features two special guests from Union Primary School, Will and Kai.
Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/MML0VqUQLPQ?si=IkYQdKX88LUooMaS
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here to complete a submission form: https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9.
Central High Senior Hits High Note: Nolan Hylton Ranks 3rd in State
WISE, VA – Nolan Hylton, a senior at Central High School, has achieved a rare and prestigious honor by earning third chair in the All-Virginia Band and Orchestra. This placement officially recognizes Hylton as the third-best high school trumpet player in the entire state of Virginia, a distinction that transcends school size and geographic region. Nolan has been involved in band since the 5th grade, when he first began playing the trumpet. What started as an introduction to music quickly grew into a deep passion and a clear professional aspiration. His dedication and talent earned him a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), a top-25 school for music performance, where he hopes to become a professional orchestral musician.
With the goal of becoming a professional orchestra musician, Nolan has already gained valuable experience, including auditioning for and performing with the Symphony of the Mountains in Kingsport. These opportunities have strengthened both his performance ability and commitment to his craft.
The journey to the All-Virginia ensemble is a rigorous, multi-stage process:
District Level: Hylton first had to secure a spot in the top four of the All-District Band. He surpassed this requirement by earning second chair.
State Auditions: Moving on to James Madison University, Hylton competed against more than 70 of the elite trumpet players from across Virginia.
The Result: His performance earned him the third overall seat, a feat rarely seen in Wise County or the City of Norton.
A Rare Achievement for Southwest Virginia
Local educators note that only two or three students from the Wise County and Norton areas have earned seats in this ensemble over the past fifteen years. Upon looking at archives, Noah believes he is one of few students to have earned a seat in the “Orchestra” category. Noah’s lifelong trumpet instructor, Donald Sorah states:
"I’ve had the privilege of teaching Nolan for the past two years, and his growth has been the result of an incredible work ethic and determination. Earning third chair in the All-Virginia Band means he is one of the very best trumpet players in the entire state of Virginia, regardless of school size or division. That is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it’s especially meaningful to see a student from Wise County achieve this level of success. Nolan has worked tirelessly for this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
His musical journey was inspired by his aunt, Janie Short, who passed down the instrument he still plays today. Her influence, along with her own educational path at UVA Wise, helped shape his early interest in music. Additionally, the support of his grandparents, who provided access to lessons, played a significant role in his development. Through those lessons, he built strong habits of discipline, accountability, and perseverance that continue to guide his success. Hylton’s achievement is a testament to his discipline and the high caliber of musical talent present in Southwest Virginia.
Wise County Public Schools proudly congratulates Nolan Hylton, from Central High, on this prestigious fine arts honor!
