This week, we recognize and celebrate our amazing assistant principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success. From supporting teachers to guiding students, your impact is felt throughout our entire school community.
Thank you for all that you do—you help make our schools stronger every day!
📚🍎 April 4 is School Librarian Day! 🍎📚 (due to Spring Break, we are celebrating them early!)
Today we celebrate our incredible school librarians—the heart of our library and champions of literacy, learning, and curiosity. From helping students find the perfect book to guiding research and discovery, you make a lasting impact every day.
Thank you for inspiring a love of reading and supporting our school community!
Good afternoon students, families, faculty, and staff:
Please be reminded that Wise County Public Schools will observe Spring Break, beginning Friday, April 3rd through Friday, April 10th. Classes and normal school operations resume Monday, April 13th. Wise County Public Schools wishes all students, families, faculty, and staff a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break.
--Wise County Public Schools
In Wise County, workforce readiness begins early and grows with our students. Through career and technical education programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses and industries, our schools are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.
Whether students choose to enter the workforce, pursue higher education, or serve their communities in other ways, Wise County Public Schools is committed to ensuring they are prepared for what comes next. Our educators, staff, and community partners work together to create meaningful pathways that reflect the needs of our region.
Strong schools build strong communities—and in Wise County, workforce readiness is not just a goal; it’s a promise.
April is National Autism Awareness Month 💙
This month—and every month—we celebrate neurodiversity, promote understanding, and support inclusion for autistic individuals everywhere.
Let’s move beyond awareness and toward acceptance:
✨ Listen to autistic voices
✨ Respect different ways of thinking and communicating
✨ Create spaces where everyone belongs
Today we celebrate the dedicated paraprofessionals who make a difference in our schools every single day. Your support, patience, and commitment help students succeed and teachers thrive.
Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond—you are truly appreciated!
Happy Occupational Therapy Month!
This April, we celebrate the incredible impact of occupational therapists who help people live life to the fullest every day. From supporting recovery to promoting independence, their work truly makes a difference.
Thank you to all the amazing OTs for your compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others thrive! 🙌
Join us in celebrating the heart of our school — the library! From inspiring stories to powerful research tools, our library is a place where curiosity grows and learning never stops.
Let’s show some love to our amazing librarians and encourage everyone to:
📖 Pick up a new book
🔍 Explore new ideas
💡 Discover something exciting
Wise County Career & Technical Education Program Highlight: Cosmetology
🚨 Big things are happening in the Cosmetology pathway at WCCTC, thanks to the outstanding leadership of Ms. Jill Mullins and Ms. Abbi Rutherford. Ms. Mullins brings 20 years of salon experience, alongside her 12-year tenure as an instructor. Ms. Rutherford brings 20 years of salon experience, alongside her two-years of teaching experience. Both instructors bring a wealth of real-world experience into the classroom.
Course Offerings:
The Cosmetology I & II programs are available to juniors and seniors. While there is no formal application process, a waiting list may apply due to high interest. Students are responsible for purchasing their state board kit, which prepares them for their first attempt at the licensing exam. The WCCTC covers the cost of the DPOR state licensure test for each student’s initial attempt.
High-Quality Work-Based Learning Opportunities:
Many cosmetology students have gained valuable real-world experience through shadowing, apprenticeships or employment at local salons, including The Color Palette, Tracy’s, Afterglow Hair and Beauty, Vintage, Healthy 360, Jen’s Nails, Hairvolution, Magnolia Salon, and Hair By Emma.
Celebrating Student Success:
The program has produced outstanding achievements, including star student Mika Shortt, a two-time SkillsUSA competitor in barbering. Mika Shortt, a current Central High School senior and a second-year Cosmetology student at the Wise County Career Technical Center, is continuing his winning streak. On March 11, 2026, Mika won the Virginia State SkillsUSA Barbering competition for the second consecutive year, following a successful regional qualifier on February 11. This recent victory builds on his impressive 2024-2025 season, where he swept both the regional and state levels before advancing to the national stage. In June 2025, Mika proudly represented Skills USA Virginia in Atlanta, Georgia, placing 5th in the nation. Mika will, again, represent SkillsUSA Virginia on the national stage in June 2026.
Student Experiences & Feedback:
Senior, Ashlynn M. (employed at Afterglow Hair and Beauty in Wise, VA): “I enjoy the program because it prepares me to earn my education and licensure and transition directly into a career after graduation.”
Senior, Lexa S.: “The instructors are highly knowledgeable and bring a great deal of real-world experience to their teaching.”
Senior, Greer K. (future employee at The Nail Girl Beauty Salon in Big Stone Gap, VA): “This program allows me to build friendships with students from other schools. The instructors are very knowledgeable, and I truly enjoy learning from them.”
(pictured) A favorite hands-on activity among students is the “Anything But Hair” project, where they use mannequin heads to showcase creativity in unique and artistic ways.
Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes Ms. Mullins and Ms. Rutherford for their outstanding leadership within the Cosmetology I & II programs at Wise County Career and Technical Center (WCCTC). Through their dedication and vision, students in Wise County are offered meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong careers in the field of cosmetology. Their leadership not only equips students with real-world skills, but also helps ensure students can build successful careers, while remaining employed right here in Wise County. Ms. Mullins' and Ms. Rutherford's commitment is making a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire Wise County community.
You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/march-2026-newsletter
⏰ Reminder: Daylight Saving Time
Students, parents/guardians, faculty, staff, and community members:
Please note that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Clocks will move forward one hour (clocks move from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.).
Enjoy the beautiful weekend!
Today, Friday, March 6, is National School Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! 🛠️🏫
Our school maintenance team works behind the scenes every single day to keep our buildings clean, safe, and running smoothly for students, staff, and families. From fixing leaks and clearing sidewalks to setting up classrooms and responding to emergencies, their dedication helps make our schools great places to learn and grow.
Please join us in saying THANK YOU to the incredible maintenance professionals who take such great care of our schools and community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything you do!
Wise County Public Schools is extremely grateful for Mr. Gary Lawson, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, and the department he leads!
