Wise County Public Schools

EARLY DISMISSAL NOTIFICATION - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14:
In observance of the mid-point of the second nine-weeks grading period, schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14. Teachers are reminded that they are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30pm.

Wise County Public Schools releases 2025-2026 Altered Schedule Codes:

Wise County Public Schools will utilize the following codes when altered schedules are required. While traditional snow days will remain an option, the following codes may be announced.

School Closed - Traditional Snow Day - 12 Month Employees Report at 10:00 am and stay until 4:30 unless otherwise notified (No Virtual Learning)

Code 0 - Schools are closed and no employees report to work (No Virtual Learning)

Code 1 - Virtual Learning Day. Students will not report to school but all contracted employees report at 10:00 am. Virtual Learning will begin at 10:00 am for students. Virtual Learning Day Schedules will be shared by your child(ren)’s teachers. Teachers will be required to work from school.

Code 2 - 2 Hour Delay. All school activities begin 2 hours later than our regular schedule.

Code 3 - Virtual Learning Day. Students, teachers, and counselors will work from home. Instruction will begin at 10:00 am and will follow the Virtual Learning Day Schedule. Twelve month employees, 180 day contracted employees, 185 day contracted employees, and 200 day contracted employees will report to work at 10:00 am and stay until 4:30 unless otherwise notified.

*All altered schedule announcements will be made by 6:00 am.
*If a 2 Hour Delay is called, any change to that schedule will be announced by 8:00 am.

🌟 National School Psychology Week | November 3–7 🌟

This week, we celebrate our incredible school psychologists who support the academic success, mental health, and overall well-being of our students every day.

Their work helps create safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments where every student can thrive. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students! 🙌

🎶🐻 Friday Morning Kickoff with the Union Bears! 🐻🎶

The Union High School Bear Band and Cheer teams were up bright and early this morning for WJHL’s Friday Morning Kickoff! During the 6:00 a.m. news show, the Union High School Band performed selections from their fall show, while the cheer squad brought the energy with spirited cheers. Sophomore drum major, Blake Green and junior drum major Hannah Hampton were also featured in interviews throughout the morning broadcast.

With the Union Bear football team at 8-0, these talented band and cheer members play a huge role in keeping the team and fans fired up every game night! 🧡💙 #FridayMorningKickoff

***Due to copyright restrictions, WJHL is unable to post this morning’s musical performances on their website.

Announcement: School Closure Notice - Election Day:

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,

Please be advised that Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, November 3rd, and Tuesday, November 4th, in observance of Election Day. Please also remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2nd as Daylight Saving Time ends. School will resume as normal on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Honoring Our Lifetime Educators 🍎 Pam Roberts | Duds & Dough | 46 years and counting!

For the past 18 years, Pam Roberts, who has more than 46 years in education, has been a dedicated instructor at Duds & Dough, a unique postsecondary educational program in Wise County Public Schools that supports students aged 18 to 22 as they transition from school to work. Pam’s commitment to her students and community continues to grow stronger each year.

Her 46-year journey in education began at Appalachia High, and during school consolidation, she moved into the Alternative Education program. Since then, Pam has found her calling working with students who need practical, real-world experience — and a champion in their corner.

At Duds and Dough, students gain essential life and job skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. They learn everything from cooking and laundry to professional workplace behaviors like clocking in, calling in for absences, and interacting with the public.

Pam works directly with students to identify career interests and even goes out on job visits with them. One student, for example, is set to start working at Goodwill in Wise, VA, after Christmas — just one of many local placements the program helps coordinate.

Funded by $2,500 in one-year start-up grants 18 years ago, and now supplemented through self-funding efforts, Duds & Dough also offers students incentive pay for stocking shelves and maintaining the shop. The store mimics a thrift store, or re-sell shop, and is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Duds & Dough is a community-focused resale store that offers a wide variety of donated/consigned goods — including clothing, furniture, antiques, children’s toys, home décor, and more — all thoughtfully priced for resale. Community members are encouraged to donate items at any time. Community members may also consign goods by appointment.

Pam takes pride in the program’s growing reputation and its contributions to local schools.

“Last year alone, we gave back $5,000 to schools,” she notes. One of the shop’s signature initiatives allows patrons to "Shop for the Students," where proceeds from specific days go directly to a chosen teacher, coach, or classroom.

Duds & Dough isn’t just about clothes and donations — it’s about dignity, preparation, and purpose. And with leaders like Pam Roberts, students don’t just leave with skills — they leave knowing someone believed in them.

Though, after 46 years, Pam doesn’t intend on retiring–at least any time soon. "I love it. These kids are great," Pam says with a smile. Her passion is obvious in everything she does, especially when she spots former students working in the community. "That’s the ultimate purpose — to see them succeed after they leave here."

The Duds & Dough class has been working tirelessly putting out their Christmas goods in preparation for the upcoming holiday season! If you have gently used goods or items you’re ready to give away, consider donating them to Duds & Dough — your contributions go toward a great cause and help support those students in this class!

Donation Contact Information:

Name: Pam Roberts
Email: proberts@wisek12.org
Shopping Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Donations are accepted during open hours (consignment by appointment only).
Location: Duds & Dough is located behind the Education Center where monthly school board meetings are held, marked by an orange “Duds & Dough” awning

📢 We’re Hiring – Come Work With Us!

✨ Open Position: Wise County Career & Technical Center - Admin Assistant/Secretary Position
📍 Location: Wise County Career & Technical Center
🕒 Hours/Type: Full-Time

👉 Apply today and become part of something great!
📩https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5418331

Contact Information:
Jodie Bowen, Assistant Principal
Wise County Career & Technical Center
Phone: (276) 328-6113
Email: jbowen@wisek12.org

As an extension of National Bullying Prevention Month (October), this morning on Thursday, October 23rd, Angel Mefford, Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator with Family Crisis Support Services, presented an informative session on anti-bullying to J.W. Adams 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. During the presentation, Angel Mefford defined bullying and explained the different types—verbal, social, and physical. She encouraged students to become self-advocates, discussed the roles involved in bullying situations (the victim, the bully, and the bystander, or witness), and shared information on how and where students can seek help or assistance. Her engaging presentation helped empower students to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying in positive and proactive ways.

Students in grades lower than 5th-8th have been discussing kindness, empathy, & being a good friend. The book titled, "How Full Is Your Bucket (for kids)" has been a perfect introduction to the topics of kindness, empathy and being a good friend!

J.W. Adams joins all of Wise County Public Schools in our effort to raise awareness and promote bullying prevention strategies during National Bullying Prevention Month this October. 💪💬🧡

Together, we stand for kindness and respect — because every student deserves to feel safe and supported. 🌟

🚍By day, Mr. Brian Dotson teaches Environmental Science at Central High School. By early morning and late afternoon, he’s behind the wheel of a school bus—something he’s done full-time for over 21 years, after 7 years of subbing.

For Mr. Dotson, the role of a bus driver goes far beyond transportation. “When I’m on the bus, I get a chance to check in, talk 1:1 with students.

One of his favorite memories? A late-night Cincinnati field trip where the students began softly singing together. “I turned off the radio and just listened for almost an hour before they drifted off to sleep. It was one of those simple, but powerful moments.”

Driving isn’t without its challenges, especially from increased traffic flow--Mr. Dotson stays vigilant. “You’ve got to be aware at all times,” he says. His message to the community is clear: “Please understand we’re hauling the most precious cargo. Give us more time, more space. Understand the responsibility we carry every day.”

When asked how it feels to be recognized, Mr. Dotson reflects: “It’s always great to know we matter. Being appreciated is gratifying and rewarding.”

Here’s to Mr. Brian Dotson—a committed educator, a trusted driver, and someone who reminds us that real impact often happens in the quiet, in-between moments!

🚌 #HeroBehindTheWheel