Central High School

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.

Good luck to each of these teams, student-athletes, and coaches in their competition schedules this week!

🚍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

🚌National School Bus Safety Week 2025 🚌
October 20–24, 2025

This year’s message is also a reminder: safety doesn’t begin or end with the bus ride. It’s about Safety at Every Stop 🛑—from the moment a child leaves their front door to the time they return home.

Stay alert. Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
Stop for the bus. Obey the stop-arm law every time—no exceptions.
Support accountability. Technology and enforcement work hand in tandem to change driver behavior.
Raise awareness. Share facts, resources, and personal stories that open eyes and change hearts.

Wise County Public Schools would like to express our sincere appreciation for our dedicated bus drivers and transportation team.
Each day, these individuals go above and beyond to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of our students. Their commitment, patience, and care play a vital role in our students’ success — both on the road and in the classroom.

Thank you for all you do to keep our children safe!

Stay informed and inspired—check out all the updates and stories in this month’s edition of the WCPS October 2025 Newsletter by clicking here: https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/wcps-october-2025-newsletter

✅ Board meeting visits from our awesome 4-H partners & Coeburn Middle School admin team
🎥 Canaan Spears | Union High featured on The Pulse S2E1 for the 2025-2026 school year
🌟 Darren Williams | Eastside High – WCYB Five Star Student
🏈 Rocky Bond | Eastside High – WCYB Player of the Week
⚡ Keldan Hamilton | Eastside High – Gatorlyte Quick Play Winner (Week 6)
🎓 Shelby Stanley | Eastside High – WCYB Scholar Athlete of the Week
🚁 AirVac landed at Union Middle for a special learning experience
💻💪 Celebrated IT Professionals Day, Coaches Day & Custodian Day
🏆 St. Paul Elementary recognized as one of America’s Best Schools by NCUST!
🎉 Lunchbox276 held a ribbon-cutting for their new food distribution warehouse
🔩 WCCTC Spotlight: Precision Welding & Fabrication – shaping future careers!
🎊 The WCCTC Annual Fall Festival was a huge hit with students!
🍁 Our 1st Annual Pre-K Fall Festival at WCCTC brought smiles and fun for our youngest learners
👒 Wise Primary School’s "Old Fashion Day" brought history to life in the most charming way!
👩‍🏫 Celebrated 47 years of dedication with the incredible Ms. Judy Abbott at Eastside High 💚

We’re proud of our students, staff, and community for making Wise County Public Schools a place of excellence, tradition, and growth! 📘🍎

This week's alumni spotlight is Angela Duncan, Class of 2001 (J.J. Kelly 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 Release Reminder!

This is a reminder that all schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 10, in observance of the end of the first nine weeks grading period.

Teachers are reminded that they are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities following dismissal, lasting until 3:30 p.m.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

📢 Reminder: Fall Break Closure 🍂

Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 13th for Fall Break.

We hope all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and relaxing long weekend! 🧡🍁