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!
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
The Pulse – Season 3, Episode 1 features two outstanding students from L.F. Addington Middle School! Tune in to hear their voices, perspectives, and experiences as they share their stories.
https://youtu.be/yNUAz2s_yVE?si=H5vMpdofDBItxl2T
The Lenowisko Health Department has shared dates and times for upcoming school-based flu clinics for students.
Parents/guardians may register online by using the REDCap link provided on the flyer or by clicking the link below:
https://redcap.link/lenoschoolflu26
The Lenowisko Health Department is requesting that consent forms be completed by October 4, 2026. Health Department staff will begin collecting completed forms after this date. Please note that additional consent forms received after October 4 will still be accepted.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to review the attached flyer for clinic dates, times, and additional information.
10/13/2026 - JW Adams Combined - 9:00am
10/13/2026 - Wise Primary School - 10:30am
10/13/2026 - LF Addington Middle - 1:00pm
10/14/2026 - Wise Alt Ed/ School Board - 9:00am
10/14/2026 - Central High School - 10:30am
10/14/2026 - St Paul Elementary - 1:00pm
10/15/2026 - Coeburn Primary School - 9:00am
10/15/2026 - Coeburn Middle School - 10:30am
10/15/2026 - Eastside High School - 1:00pm
10/19/2026 - Union Primary School - 9:00am
10/19/2026 - Union Middle School - 10:30am
10/19/2026 - Union High School - 1:00pm
Student Vaccination Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s2cBgYctQBgbet7hge4ilUV7VhpRjP5n/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118171730297788648515&rtpof=true&sd=true
Employee/Staff Vaccination Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eNmbxu1wG5KMFi0prJsuIqLCfhZwYlsP/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118171730297788648515&rtpof=true&sd=true
🎭 National Arts in Education Week - 9/13-9/19🎨
Throughout this week, Wise County Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact the arts have on our students, our schools, and our community.
From theatre and music to visual arts and creative expression, the arts provide students with opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, collaborate with others, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
We are especially proud of the accomplishments happening across our schools:
🎭 Eastside High School One-Act Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Shane Burke, has demonstrated excellence on the state stage, earning One-Act State Championship honors.
🎶 Wise Central High School’s 9 O’Clock Club, sponsored by VHSL Hall of Fame member Mrs. Jan Thompson, provides students with opportunities to develop their musical talents and experience the joy of performing.
🎺With over 120 band members, Union High School Band, under the direction of Mrs. Kimberly Sturgill, continues to achieve success while inspiring students through music, dedication, and teamwork.
We are thankful for our art instructors at the elementary, middle and secondary levels who encourage creativity, nurture talent, and provide a creative outlet for our students. Their dedication helps students discover their voices, explore their passions, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
During National Arts in Education Week, we celebrate the creativity, passion, and talent of our students and the educators who make the arts an essential part of the educational experience.
The arts inspire. The arts empower. The arts help our students shine.
Wise County Public Schools is proud to share an exciting opportunity for Wise County students and residents to participate in the Semiquincentennial Essay Contest, celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of America!
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL ESSAY CONTEST INFORMATION
To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the Wise Business Association and Wise County Historical Society are sponsoring an Essay Contest for Wise County residents—both youth and adults!
📖 Theme: “Remember the Past, Imagine the Future”
Let your imagination be your guide! Choose any event from our nation’s long history that interests you and explore something you would like to learn more about.
✍️ Two Categories:
Youth: 18 years of age and younger
Adult: 19 years of age and older
🏆 Prizes in Each Category:
🥇 1st Place — $150
🥈 2nd Place — $100
📅 Deadline: September 26, 2026
📝 Entries must be typed and limited to 500 words.
📄 Cover Sheet Requirements:
Please include:
Adult or Youth
School (if Youth)
Name
Address
Email
Phone Number
📬 Mail Entries To:
Bonnie Aker
Box 595
Wise, VA 24293
ATT: ESSAY
📍 Entries may also be dropped off during business hours at:
The Clapboard House
207 West Main Street
Wise, VA
🎉 Award Ceremony
📅 Friday, October 9, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 The Inn at Wise
Light refreshments and music will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
We encourage our Wise County students, families, and community members to participate in this special opportunity to celebrate our nation’s history while imagining its future!
Thank you for participating in this historical event!
We hope our students, families, faculty, staff, and community members enjoy a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable long weekend.
Thank you to the hardworking individuals who help make our schools and our community strong each and every day. We appreciate all you do!
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, September 8.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, Wise County!
📢 Upcoming Schedule Changes
Wise County Public Schools would like to remind families and staff of the following schedule changes:
🕧 Early Dismissal – Friday, September 4, 2026
Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, in observance of the midpoint of the first nine-week grading period.
📚 Teacher Reminder: Teachers are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30 p.m.
🏫 Schools Closed – Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026
Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Students and staff will return to school on Tuesday, September 8.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings Friday, September 25th. 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.
Early Dismissal Notice - Friday, September 4, 2026:
Wise County Public Schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, in observance of the mid-point of the first nine-week grading period. Teachers are reminded that they are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30pm.
WISE COUNTY SCHOOLS DOES IT AGAIN!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Wise County Public Schools has once again finished 3rd in the Commonwealth of Virginia in Standards of Learning performance among all 131 school divisions!
This marks our FOURTH consecutive year finishing 3rd in Virginia and our 11TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR as a Top 10 school division in the Commonwealth.
Eleven consecutive years.
Students have entered kindergarten and graduated from high school during that span. Standards have changed. Assessments have changed. Expectations have increased.
And through it all, Wise County Schools has remained among the very best school divisions in Virginia.
That doesn't happen by accident.
It happens because of outstanding students, dedicated teachers, strong school leadership, committed employees, supportive families, and a community that believes in its schools.
Being in the Top 10 once is an accomplishment.
Staying there for 11 consecutive years says something about who we are.
Finishing 3rd in Virginia for four consecutive years says something about the standard our students and employees have established.
We are proud of this accomplishment. We are proud of our people. And we are especially proud of our students.
Our Tradition of Excellence continues.
