🌟 Celebrating Exceptional Dedication on National Education Support Professionals Day! 🌟
Today, on National Education Support Professionals Day, we are especially proud to honor the outstanding commitment and collaborative spirit of three extraordinary members of our team at Wise Primary School:
✨ Whitney Jenkins, Special Education Teacher
✨ Sandra Wingler, Special Education Paraprofessional & Registered Behavior Technician
✨ Sara Johnson, Special Education Paraprofessional
For the past four years, this incredible team has worked side-by-side—combining Mrs. Jenkins' five years of teaching experience, Mrs. Wingler's more than twenty years of expertise, and Mrs. Johnson's four years of dedicated service. Together, they embody the very best of what today’s celebration represents.
Every day, these professionals demonstrate unwavering support for our students with special needs. Their patience, empathy, and deep understanding shine through in everything they do. They recognize that success looks different for every child and consistently go above and beyond to adapt strategies, create supportive learning environments, and meet complex individual needs.
Their collaboration is a powerful force for student growth. By working seamlessly and using individualized techniques, they help students bridge the gap between academic challenges and behavioral goals. Thanks to their efforts, our students feel successful, valued, and truly seen.
On this day dedicated to honoring education support professionals, we are profoundly grateful for the tireless effort, extraordinary compassion, and daily dedication Whitney, Sandra, and Sara bring to our school community at Wise Primary School.
Today, Wise County Public Schools proudly celebrates the incredible individuals who keep our schools shining bright — our Education Support Professionals.
From bus drivers and cafeteria staff to custodians, secretaries, instructional aides, and maintenance teams — you are the steady light that helps guide our schools safely each day. 🌟
Thank you for being an essential part of the Wise County Schools family — your light makes all the difference!
Thanksgiving Break Closure Notice:
Please be advised that all schools will be closed Monday, November 24 through Friday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving Break. Regular classes and school operations will resume on Monday, December 1.
We wish our students, their families, and our faculty and staff a safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.
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.
This week, November 17th-21st, Wise County Public Schools proudly celebrates American Education Week — a time to shine a light on the students, educators, staff, families, and community members who make our schools strong. Just like a lighthouse, our schools guide every learner toward success, illuminating the path with knowledge, compassion, and opportunity.
Join us in recognizing the dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our community. Together, we’re lighting the way to a brighter future for Wise County! ✨
#AmericanEducationWeek #WiseCountyPublicSchools
Our VLP partners delivered an excellent session, providing practical strategies, model lessons, and tools that teachers can take directly back to their classrooms. We appreciate the collaboration and commitment from all participants as we continue to strengthen reading instruction and support every learner’s success.
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.
The WCPS November 2025 Newsletter is now available for viewing. You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link: https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/november-2025-newsletter
🍎 Honoring Our Lifetime Educators | Wise County Public Schools 🍎
Staff Spotlight: Gary Lawson, Director of School Maintenance and Facilities | 45 years and counting!
“My education career began back when I was just 17 years old,” Gary Lawson recalls. “I drove a full bus route as a junior in high school. I was officially hired in June of 1980 in the maintenance department—so that makes 45 years now.” From that early start, Gary Lawson has dedicated his entire career to keeping our schools running safely and smoothly.
When asked what a typical day looks like, Gary laughs. “It’s all about keeping people satisfied and happy—making sure everything is coordinated, safe, warm, cool… freezers are cooling, those types of things.”
He explains that the maintenance department oversees far more than most people realize. “We handle safety issues, fire marshal inspections, elevator and sprinkler systems, and even make sure the kitchens meet health department regulations.”
As for how he prioritizes his tasks? “Student and employee safety and well-being always come first,” he says simply. “Then we focus on the most pressing needs.”
At the end of the day, what makes Gary proudest is knowing the schools are safe and comfortable for students and staff inside. “I take pride in creating an environment where students can learn without worrying about their safety, or being too hot, too cold, or unsafe. That’s what matters most to me.”
One project that stands out to him is the recent baseball facility at Eastside. “It was a big undertaking from a community standpoint,” he says. “The school and the community were both really pleased with how it turned out.”
He also reflects on the challenges of recent years. “Working through the pandemic was definitely memorable,” he shares. “We focused on air quality improvements and projects funded through ESSER grants to make our schools healthier. That time really sticks out to me.” For a lighter memory? He chuckles as he recalls the pandemic days. “Let’s just say, I’ll never forget trying to find sandwich bags for nutritional services at the local supermarket during COVID!”
For Gary Lawson, the school system is much more than a workplace—it’s been a lifelong home. “This job is my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known—it’s 24/7 for me,” he says with a smile. “Over the years, I’ve made a lot of great friends here. From driving a school bus to keeping our buildings running smoothly — I’ve had the privilege of supporting students, staff, and my community in many different ways. Every role has taught me something valuable about teamwork, responsibility, and the impact of service. It’s been a blessing to be part of this community for so long."
Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes and celebrates the incredible dedication of our lifetime educators — those who have devoted a lifetime to shaping young minds, building strong communities, and nurturing future generations.
This week's alumni spotlight is Alyveiah Lomax, Class of 2021, from Union 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.
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.
