This week our team came together for grade-level planning, SPED collaboration meetings, and professional development to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.
By sharing ideas, reviewing student progress, and learning new strategies, we continue to strengthen instruction and build a supportive learning environment for all learners.
Today, Friday, March 6, is National School Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! 🛠️🏫
Our school maintenance team works behind the scenes every single day to keep our buildings clean, safe, and running smoothly for students, staff, and families. From fixing leaks and clearing sidewalks to setting up classrooms and responding to emergencies, their dedication helps make our schools great places to learn and grow.
Please join us in saying THANK YOU to the incredible maintenance professionals who take such great care of our schools and community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything you do!
Wise County Public Schools is extremely grateful for Mr. Gary Lawson, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, and the department he leads!
School Calendar Reminder:
Friday, March 6 was originally scheduled as an early dismissal day, however, due to school calendar revisions, Friday, March 6 will now be observed as a full school day. Please take note of the following dates corresponding to the grading periods for the 3rd and 4th nine-week terms:
March 20, 2026 - End of 3rd Nine Week Grading Period ***Regular dismissal
April 24, 2026 - Mid 9 weeks (4th Nine Week Grading Period) ***Regular dismissal
May 29, 2026 - End of 4th Nine Week Grading Period ***12:30pm Early dismissal
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Honoring Our Distinguished Educators | Mrs. Debra Laney, 46 years and counting!
Mrs. Debra Laney began teaching in Wise County in 1980 after moving from Connecticut. She spent 25 wonderful years at Coeburn Middle School, including teaching experiences at St. Paul, and now Eastside High School. Throughout the years, she worked alongside tremendous teachers and administrators, and made a lasting impact on countless students.
One of the greatest rewards of her career has been watching students grow—seeing those who struggled persevere, graduate, earn their diplomas, and go on to college, the trades, or the workforce–”When students attend college, or enter trades, those are my success stories.” Mrs. Laney hopes that she encouraged students to be accountable, self-sufficient, and productive. As she reflects, she “hopes she has helped students realize they have all the skills, talents and abilities to pursue their hopes and dreams.”
In the classroom, Mrs. Laney especially loves watching students discover a passion for reading and the excitement that comes with learning something new. “Mrs. Clay and I recently introduced a book to our class, and they instantly became hooked. It is so rewarding to see them excited to read–they’re glued to reading!”
Outside of the classroom, when asked about her reach and overall impact, she smiled–”When students see you, they smile and connect. That’s the true value of impact.”
In her personal time, Mrs. Laney enjoys spending time with her daughter, working on home improvement projects, reading, traveling, and volunteering at the St. Paul Food Bank on Thursdays.
Mrs. Laney has dedicated 46 years of dedication, encouragement, and impact on generations of students in the Wise County Public School division. We are so deeply grateful for Mrs. Laney, and her commitment to the students and families of Wise County.
Across the division, schools recently transformed into hubs of imagination to celebrate Read Across America Week, a nationwide initiative dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of literacy in students of all ages.
At J. W. Adams Combined School, Mrs. Blevins’ class brought a Dr. Seuss classic to life, bravely tasting green eggs and ham after reading the beloved book. It turns out, Sam-I-Am was onto something! 🍳🟢
Students at Wise Primary School were also honored by a visit from Izzy Horn, Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2026. She inspired our students by reading her original book, The Power of You, sharing a powerful message of self-confidence and community.
Students at Union Primary School dressed up for "Favorite Color Day," while students at Coeburn Primary School enjoyed reading, "Oh, The Places We'll Go!" Students at St. Paul Elementary School celebrated "Hats Off To Reading Family Literacy Night," enjoying games, crafts, and lots of fun!
Students at all schools were able to attend book fairs, participate in creative dress-up days, and enjoy local guest speakers who shared their favorite stories! A huge thank you to our staff and guests for making reading an adventure!
The Special Education Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Google Meet. This meeting is open to the public, and all staff and parents of private school or home-schooled students are invited to participate.
Please contact Cari Braddock at (276) 328-8017 for more information about how to join the meeting.
WCPS celebrates National School Social Work Week March 1-7! This week, WCPS recognizes the incredible impact of school social workers who support students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and social development every single day. Mrs. Jennifer Fox and Mrs. Lora Smith help students overcome challenges, build resilience, strengthen family connections, and create safe, supportive learning environments. Their compassion, advocacy, and dedication make a lasting difference in our schools and communities.
Thank you to these amazing school social workers for being champions of hope, equity, and opportunity for every student!!!
Our alumni spotlight features Hailey Polly Bryant, Class of 2019, from Wise Central High.
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form. Please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.
Our alumni spotlight features Dr. Ariel Cornett, Class of 2009, from Powell Valley High School.
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form. Please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.
The Pro-Art Association has requested that we share important information that pertains to WiseJAMS after-school music program for 3rd-12th grade students who are enrolled in Wise County Public Schools.
Applications are open for the Spring 2026 semester of the WiseJAMS after-school music program. WiseJAMS provides traditional mountain music instruction and cultural enrichment opportunities for students in 3rd grade and up. Students can learn to play guitar, fiddle, or banjo. Program cost is $15 per lesson, or $150 for the semester if paid in advance. Full and partial scholarships may be available for those in need. The program also provides instruments for semester-long loan at no cost. To request an instrument, please submit the instrument loan agreement at proartva.org/wisejams.
The WiseJAMS-Wise program will offer lessons on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. beginning February 24th at L.F. Addington Middle School. Arrival times for students will start at 3:15 p.m. To register a student for the WiseJAMS-Wise program, please submit the registration form at proartva.org/wisejams by February 26th.
The WiseJAMS-Big Stone Gap program will offer lessons on Thursdays from 3:45-5:45 p.m. beginning February 26th at the Southwest Virginia Museum and Historical State Park. To register a student for the WiseJAMS-Big Stone Gap program, please call (276) 523-1322 by February 20th.
For more information, please contact:
Diana Burden
Marketing & Communications Director
Pro-Art Association
dburden@uvawise.edu | 276-376-4520
proartva.org
