October 7, 2026
Wise County Schools Earn Full Accreditation and Distinguished Performance Ratings
WISE, Va. — Wise County Public Schools is celebrating another achievement: all 11 schools included in the Virginia Department of Education’s 2026–2027 division report are Fully Accredited and earned a Distinguished rating, the highest performance category under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF).
The schools recognized are:
Union Primary School
St. Paul Elementary School
Coeburn Primary School
J.W. Adams Combined School
Wise Primary School
L.F. Addington Middle School
Coeburn Middle School
Union Middle School
Eastside High School
Central High School
Union High School
The SPSF ratings reflect data from the 2025–2026 school year and measure student mastery, academic growth, readiness, and graduation, as applicable to each school. Full Accreditation is a separate designation confirming that schools meet Virginia’s required operating standards.
This recognition builds on Wise County Public Schools’ third-place ranking in Standards of Learning performance among Virginia’s 131 school divisions. Together, these achievements demonstrate strong performance across the division’s primary, elementary, middle, combined, and high schools.
Wise County Public Schools congratulates its students, teachers, support staff, and school leaders and thanks its families and community members for their continued support. These results reflect a shared commitment to helping the children of Wise County learn, grow, and succeed.
Today, we celebrate the coaches who do so much more than teach the game. They inspire, encourage, challenge, mentor, and believe in their athletes—helping shape not only better players, but better people. ❤️
Whether they coach at the varsity, junior varsity, middle school, or rec league level, their impact can last a lifetime.
🥇 Share this post and tag a coach who has made a positive impact in your life! Let’s give them the recognition they deserve and remind them just how much their dedication means.
Thank you to all the coaches who give their time, energy, and heart to our athletes and our communities!
Early Dismissal & Fall Break Notice:
All Wise County Public Schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, in observance of the end of the first nine weeks grading period. Following dismissal, teachers are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30 p.m.
Wise County Public Schools will then be closed on Monday, October 12, for Fall Break.
We wish all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved long weekend!
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings on Friday, October 30th. These screenings are open to preschool children ages 2.5 - 5 years of age, who live in Wise County, and are not yet attending kindergarten. For more information, contact Kristen Day at kpday@wisek12.org, or at (276) 328-8017 ext. 12043.
Today, Wise County Public Schools recognizes and celebrates our incredible custodians who work behind the scenes each day to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming.
From early mornings to late afternoons, our custodians do so much more than maintain our buildings—they help create positive environments where students and staff can learn, work, and thrive.
Thank you to each of these individuals for their hard work, dedication, and the pride they take in caring for our schools. We appreciate you today and every day!
Amazing Students, Amazing Accomplishments | Student Spotlight: Orion | 1st Grade (JWAC)
At just six years old, Orion Branham is already leaving a big impression on the halls of James Woodrow Adams Combined (JWAC) School in Pound, Virginia. A first grader with a towering intellect and an infectious curiosity, Orion represents the bright future of a family deeply rooted in education—his mother, Mrs. Khirsten Branham, teaches 8th grade English at JWAC, while his father, Mike, is completing his teaching degree at UVA-Wise with plans to teach history.
A Mind Built for Discovery
Orion’s exceptional abilities surfaced early. By the age of three, he was already reading and comprehending text. During his Pre-K years, his remarkable aptitude for mathematics prompted educators and his physician to recommend IQ testing, revealing a score of 136. Orion’s mother, Khirsten, states, “Orion’s pre-K teacher [Mrs. Samantha Bevins] first suggested that he be evaluated through a child study. The testing revealed that he presented with many of the traits of an autistic child, but also that he had an IQ of 136. The diagnosis was later confirmed by his pediatrician. Receiving his diagnosis helped us better understand the way Orion experiences the world and gave us greater insight into both his strengths and the areas where he may need additional support. Autism is an important part of who Orion is. He thrives on routine and predictability and feels most comfortable when he knows what to expect. He also has a remarkably strong sense of justice and morality. Fairness is very important to him, and he has deeply held ideas about rules, right and wrong, and how people should treat one another. These qualities are a meaningful part of his personality and help make Orion the thoughtful, caring, and wonderfully unique child that he is. We wouldn't have him any other way!”
Now in first grade, Orion is able to compute algebraic expressions and now reads complex chapter books at a 5th-to-6th-grade reading level with total ease. His passion for numbers continues to soar.
Beyond math, Orion is fascinated by history, world geography, national flags, and the complex relationships between countries and historic empires. When asked about his future, Orion doesn't hesitate: he wants to become an archaeologist. Inspired by a visit to a fossil museum, he dreams of unearthing ancient bones, studying intricate fossil formations, and exploring prehistoric coral structures.
Classroom Connections & Family
Orion’s favorite part of the school day revolves around learning with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Butler. When asked about her, his eyes light up instantly—a testament to the impact she has made on him. His reason for holding her in such high regard is simple and direct: "She talks about math." Leadership and academic talent seem to run in the family. Orion’s two-year-old younger brother, affectionately nicknamed "Jack Jack," is already showing early signs of the same bright aptitude and will eventually follow in his big brother’s footsteps at JWAC.
Life Beyond the Classroom
When he isn't diving into advanced reading or studying world maps, Orion is a quintessential kid with a deep love for Pokémon. He earns an allowance and carefully saves his money to expand his growing Pokémon card collection. He also enjoys heading to the lanes for a game of bowling. When it comes to comfort food, nothing tops a plate of his Nan’s homemade spaghetti—a detail Orion insisted had to be part of his story.
High Praise from JWAC Educators
"I truly think Orion is smarter than me! He is amazingly brilliant! I love talking and interacting with him."— Mrs. Emily Bush, Guidance Counselor
"He has a brilliant mind and a heart full of curiosity. He loves learning new things. I learn new and interesting facts from him daily!"— Mrs. Butler, 1st Grade Teacher
“Orion is an exceptionally bright student who demonstrates intelligence and understanding well beyond his years. His curiosity, quick thinking, and eagerness to learn set him apart and show tremendous potential for future success. He is a fun guy to have around the school.” — Mr. Chris Wilson, Principal
“I have had the pleasure of watching Orion grow from a toddler baby to the bright boy he is. His love of math has amazed me. I can't wait to see how far his intelligence takes him.” — Mrs. Salyers, Assistant Principal
While in pre-K, Orion was awarded a "Most Likely To Ask What 49+52 Is" certificate from Mrs. Samantha Bevins!
Wise County Public Schools and J.W. Adams Combined School extend their warm congratulations to Orion on his achievements, and look forward to supporting him each step of the way. Orion, we are so proud of all you have accomplished!
Click the links to watch a video of Orion (4 years old) in Pre-K working on multiplication:
Google Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wwPFzoUVKcSXDDai-6VuMLrU4v0P6Or0/view?usp=sharing
YouTube Link:https://youtube.com/shorts/E0J1EtcvCZ4
October is Bullying Prevention Month!
At Wise County Public Schools, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected, valued, and included. Throughout the month of October, we will share activities that our schools and students are participating in to spread kindness.
This month, let’s all remember to:
• Celebrate our differences.
• Include those who may feel left out.
• Know that our actions matter.
• Respect one another.
• Listen with patience.
• And most importantly, be kind to one another.
Small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. Together, we can help create school communities where everyone feels like they belong.
Watch the Virginia School Boards Association’s Bullying Prevention Month video here:
https://youtu.be/edl64xcmvb8?si=osVBO_U8hCLRCwtr
#BullyingPreventionMonth #BeKind #ChooseKindness #WiseCountyPublicSchools
