For Dr. Leah Deel, learning never stops—and this school year marks 15 years in the classroom as an English teacher at Union High School.
A 2005 graduate of UVA Wise with a B.S. in Education, Dr. Deel took a different path for a few years, working in banking before returning to education. Once she found her way back to the classroom, she continued to pursue opportunities to grow as an educator and as a lifelong learner.
She earned her master’s degree in English from Moorhead State University in 2017. Then, driven by curiosity and a desire to become an even better teacher, she continued her education, most recently completing both her Ed.S. and Ed.D. from the University of the Cumberlands. She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in August 2026, as she prepares for her cohort’s commencement in December 2026.
For Dr. Deel, earning these degrees was never simply about adding credentials.
“Starting with my master’s in English, I really wanted to offer students the best teacher that I could be. Furthering my education was the best way to do that.”
Her master’s degree opened the door to new opportunities, including teaching English 111 and 112 as an in-house adjunct. Beginning in Spring 2027, she will also have the opportunity to teach Literature 243.
But while additional opportunities are certainly rewarding, Dr. Deel says the most important reason for continuing her education is her students.
“Once I saw what doors having the master’s degree opened, the curiosity drove me to attain my Ed.S. and Ed.D. These degrees may open doors for eventual opportunities, but most importantly, they allow me to be the best teacher for my students.”
And her students recognize that commitment.
They describe Dr. Deel as someone who genuinely cares about her students, works hard, and has earned their respect. One student even called her the “Larry Bird”—the G.O.A.T.
Her students appreciate that while she can be strict, she also knows how to connect with them, make them laugh, explain challenging concepts, and meet them where they are. And, of course, her students know she can bring a little personality into the classroom—just ask them about the Tupac vs. Shakespeare quiz!
As Dr. Deel celebrates 15 years of teaching, her journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning. She continues to challenge herself to learn more, grow more, and bring that knowledge back to the students she serves.
Union High Assistant Principal, Mr. Tyler McFarland, credits Dr. Deel’s value to Union High School, “Dr. Deel is a great asset to our school community. She has balanced the demands of teaching dual-enrollment classes, advising our yearbook committee, and completing a doctoral degree, which is an incredible accomplishment. Her dedication to our students and our school, while continuing to grow professionally, is a true reflection of the passion and commitment she brings to education every day.”
Union High School Principal, Mr. Jerred Chandler echoes the above sentiments, “Dr. Deel demonstrates a commitment to student success and academic excellence on a daily basis. She is a valued member of the staff her at Union High School and we are proud of her for earning her doctorate degree.”
Congratulations, Dr. Deel, on 15 years of teaching and on demonstrating what it truly means to embrace lifelong learning! Wise County Public Schools is proud of your recent degree attainment and confident that your continued pursuit of knowledge will provide lasting value to our students and strengthen the educational experiences you provide in the classroom.
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!
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.
Since 1979, Betty Robinette has been a familiar and caring presence in the Union community. With the exception of a five-year break, Betty has dedicated 42 years to serving Wise County Public Schools as a school bus driver, safely transporting generations of students throughout the Union community.
Serving students at Union Primary, Union Middle, and Union High School, Betty embodies the spirit of community and school pride that makes Union special. Her commitment extends far beyond driving a bus. She has purchased Christmas gifts for students, returned backpacks and hoodies, and always looked for ways to support students and their well-being.
That spirit of school pride was on full display when the buses rolled into Union High School playing music to pump up students and staff. It was a celebration of the energy, pride, and sense of community that bus drivers in the Union community have helped foster throughout their years of service.
Her impact is evident when a current student walks up to Betty and simply says, “Good morning.” It is a small moment that reflects the meaningful relationships she has built with students throughout her years of service.
Thank you, Betty, for 42 years of service, compassion, community, and school spirit. Wise County is appreciative of your 42 years of dedication and committment to student success.
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.
