Union Middle School

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

Student Spotlight: The Musical Mind and Resilience of Eli

At just twelve years old, Eli’s musical talents and academic enthusiasm make him a standout student at Union Middle School. Long before he was taking the stage in 7th grade, Eli showed an early gift for retention and listening. At four years old, he had already memorized the complete order of U.S. Presidents. But it was the following year that his life changed course musically.

When Eli was five, his grandmother bought him a keyboard for Christmas. Shortly after, he discovered he possessed perfect pitch—an extraordinary ability estimated to affect only 1 in 10,000 people, typically developed during a brief window in early childhood. Eli quickly learned to play by ear, identifying any individual note given to him on demand.

Eli’s dedication is especially poignant given the hardship he has overcome. In 2021, at age seven, Eli lost his father, a beloved Special Education teacher at Union Primary School. Navigating such a profound loss at a young age required Eli to process grief in his own unique way. The following year, he transitioned from homeschooling to public school at Union Middle for the very first time, adapting seamlessly with the steadfast support of his family. Eli’s educators echo his positive spirit. "Eli has been a delight to have in class," says Trevor Meade, Eli’s 7th-grade reading teacher. "It is always so refreshing to have a student who is positive and energetic. Eli is a wonderfully talented kid who is going to go far!" Union Middle School Principal, Paul Clendenon echoes Mr. Meade’s sentiments–”Eli is such a great kid! He brings a very positive energy to our school and we are glad he is a student here!” In his student spotlight interview, Eli emphatically answered, “I love my teachers, and my school!”

For Eli, music is far more than a skill; it is a vital emotional outlet. Playing the piano brings him a deep sense of peace, whether he is providing music before and after service at his church or working through challenging emotions at home. "When I am frustrated, or upset, a good way to express it is to play piano pieces that are aggressive," Eli explains. He advocates for a broader view of the art form, noting, "Most people think of classical music as very slow and traditional; however, aggressive music can be considered classical in its own form, and it's a genre more people really should look into."

Eli’s talents have drawn the attention of prominent figures in the music world. Through his former instructor, Carol Stone, Eli connected with Alexander Peskanov, a renowned Ukrainian-American concert pianist, Juilliard graduate, and author of The Russian Technical Regimen for the Piano. Eli has since benefited from virtual mentorship sessions with the New York-based composer.

Beyond the piano keys, Eli is an active member of the UMS music program. He plays trumpet in the Union Middle Marching Band, handles Percussion 4 for the Competition Band, and is currently preparing to audition on French horn for the Middle School All-District band. He also excels in chorus and finds strong support among his classmates. "They often congratulate me, and I’m so grateful for that," Eli says.

Looking ahead toward his five-year goal of performing professionally, Eli remains deeply grounded and proud of his roots and is eager to represent his local community well. Eli loves Union Middle School, and loves the marching band. His passion for music grows each day. Union High Band Director, Mrs. Kimberly Sturgill is impressed with his artistic abilities— “Eli is one of our most outstanding up-and-coming Union Band members. He has such heart, spirit, and a natural aptitude for music well beyond his years. The sky is the limit for this fabulous young man, and we are honored to be on this journey with him! “

Today, Eli lives with his mother Ariel—whom he considers his biggest fan—his step-dad, Wes, and his 7-year-old step-sister. "I am so glad they are my family," Eli shares with a smile. Wise County Public Schools and Union Middle School extend their warm congratulations to Eli on his achievements, and look forward to supporting him each step of the way. Eli, your COMMUNITY is behind you. We are so proud of all you have accomplished!

If you are an experienced, skilled piano instructor or professional musician interested in offering guidance or mentorship to Eli, please contact shelton@wisek12.org to be connected with Eli's guardian.

To view Eli playing piano, click the links to view:

Google link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GgOLqK-ZNdcZh4NzMA16wuOeviKHqSgP/view?usp=sharing

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/jnOpV-uDOho

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!

📢 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.

🏆 UHS& UMS Student Spotlight: SWVA CanCode Pitchfest Winners! 💻

We are incredibly proud to celebrate two outstanding student innovators who represented our division at the Regional SWVA CanCode Pitchfest on Monday at UVA Wise!

🥇 Aeris Odom (UHS) earned 1st Place in the High School Division, showcasing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.

🥉 Tucker Mullins (UMS) earned 3rd Place in the Middle School Division, demonstrating impressive problem-solving skills and the confidence to pitch his ideas to a regional audience.

Congratulations, Aeris and Tucker! Your hard work, creativity, and willingness to think outside the box are inspiring examples of student leadership and achievement. We are proud of the way you represent your schools, families, and community!

Our tradition of excellence continues!

✨ When Teachers Find Their Voices, Students Do Too! ✨

We are incredibly proud to see the work of our teachers and students at Union Middle School recognized on a national stage!

Through a powerful partnership with the Appalachian Writing Project and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Union Middle School educators have embraced professional learning that puts teachers at the center of their own growth—and the results are making a difference for students.

The impact goes far beyond writing assignments. Teachers have reported stronger classroom relationships, increased student engagement, and greater confidence among students as they discover the power of their own voices and experiences. The work has also contributed to favorable gains in literacy and achievement scores.

As Learning Forward recently highlighted, teachers at Union Middle School found that writing and learning together created a stronger classroom culture, encouraged students to share their stories, and helped students become more confident and invested in improving their work.

This is what meaningful professional learning looks like:

Teachers growing.
Students finding their voices.
Classrooms becoming communities.
Achievement rising.

We are grateful to the Appalachian Writing Project, UVA Wise, and—most importantly—our dedicated Union Middle School educators for their commitment to helping every student find their voice and reach their potential.

This is excellence in action!

Read the Learning Forward feature, “When Teachers Find Their Voices, Students Do Too,” to learn more about the incredible work happening at Union Middle School:

https://learningforward.org/journal/teacher-voice/when-teachers-find-their-voices-students-do-too/

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.

Don't forget the organizational meeting for UMS swim tonight for grades 7 and 8.

Also, MS and JV football have been moved to Appalachia tonight.

Hello UMS, we will need to reschedule the dance tomorrow for another date and cancel for tomorrow. We just have too many events tomorrow and not enough students coming. We will look for another date that will work in the future.

If you had paid, I will refund it back to your account.

I am very sorry, and I have never done this before, but all of the events being rescheduled made it hard for families to do both.