FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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.
2 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
A blue night sky with mountains. The words "Excellence Across Our Schools" are on the top.
Document dated October 7, 2016, showing a circular logo and text. The text reads: "Wise County Schools Earn Full Accreditation and Distinguished Performance Ratings."
🏆 Happy National Coaches Day! 🏆

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!
3 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
A white page with text about National Coaches Day on October 6. Below it, a whistle and a backpack.
Join us in welcoming Brigid Martin to the team at Wise County Public Schools!
4 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
A spotlight introduction to Brigid Martin, a school security officer, featuring her smiling photo, title, and a short bio.

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.

7 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
Poster advertising developmental and speech screenings by Wise County Public Schools. It is open to preschool children ages 2.5 to 5 years.
Happy National Custodian Day!

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!
7 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
Various groups of adults stand together, some smiling. One group poses in front of a wall with a basketball logo.
Poster with "National Custodian Day, October 2" text. Woman with blue hair and glasses smiling. Background of mountains and water.
Four photos showing different groups of people, all wearing casual clothes. One photo has a man wearing a teal shirt and badge.
A collage featuring four people. Top left: a woman with blonde hair. Top right: three people posing with a logo. Bottom left: a woman with glasses. Bottom right: two women.

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

8 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
White background with "National Bullying Prevention Month, October" text and an orange handprint with "STOP BULLYING" below.

Hands-On Learning. Real-World Skills. Endless Opportunities.

There’s always something happening at the Wise County Career and Technical Education Center (WCCTC)!

The Teachers for Tomorrow class welcomed elementary visitors for a fun and engaging experience. Elementary students interacted with the class, even jumping along to a video and enjoying an exciting glimpse into career and technical education.

Throughout WCCTC, students were putting their skills to work—constructing an outdoor building, welding a trash container, and applying their knowledge through hands-on projects.

This is what career and technical education is all about: learning, creating, building, and preparing students for their futures.

We’re thankful for the leadership of Principal Mr. Austin and Assistant Principal Jodie Bowen, whose hard work and dedication continue to help WCCTC grow, expand, and remain on the cutting edge of career and technical education.

11 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
Two people in a workshop with a large green container. One person is wearing gloves and appears to be handling something.
Two people, one with a tool, are on ladders near a wall, working on a structure.
Two people in a salon. One person is standing, holding a mannequin head, and the other is seated in a chair.
A man and a woman in protective gear are standing by a metal object in a workshop.
A person assists a woman walking in a parking lot with multiple vehicles parked, including a police SUV.
A young woman stands in a salon, adjusting a mannequin's hair while other trainees work in the background.
Two men in a workshop are working on a project. One man is hammering on a wooden table.
Two people in a commercial kitchen. One prepares food at a stove. Another washes dishes at a sink.
A group of people in a kitchen, wearing hairnets and aprons, prepare food with trays and containers.
Children dance in a room with purple lighting, a projector screen, and colorful decorations.

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

11 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
Logo with "The Pulse" text and an EKG line, surrounded by red. Lighthouse icon at the top.

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

17 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
An ad for flu clinics at schools in Wise County & Norton. Clinics on October 13 and 14. Pre-registration required. Scan the QR code for details.
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.
21 days ago, Wise County Public Schools
An announcement for free developmental and speech screenings for preschool children aged 2.5 to 5. Contact (276) 328-8017 for appointments.
Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

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!
about 1 month ago, Wise County Public Schools
Flag in background. "LABOR DAY" text. Lighthouse logo. "WISE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7."

📢 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!

about 1 month ago, Wise County Public Schools
A blue background shows text: "SCHOOLS CLOSED LABOR DAY 9/7". A lighthouse with red and white stripes is visible.

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.

about 1 month ago, Wise County Public Schools
An ad features children holding hands, white text on a blue background. It details free developmental and speech screenings for preschool children.

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.

about 1 month ago, Wise County Public Schools
Blue background with lighthouse and text. Text reads "EARLY DISMISSAL". Lighthouse in red and white stripes.

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.

about 1 month ago, Wise County Public Schools
Logo for Wise County Public Schools. Features lighthouse with "Wise County Public Schools" text, and a blue and white background.
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings Friday, August 28th. 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.
about 2 months ago, Wise County Public Schools
An advertisement for developmental and speech screenings for preschool children, featuring a blue background with children holding hands.

🍎 As we welcome students back for a new school year, our schools will dismiss early during the first two days of classes to help everyone transition into new routines and schedules.

Tomorrow, Friday, August 7, 2026, all schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Early dismissal gives students and staff additional time to adjust to the new school year, helping ensure a smooth and successful start for everyone.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and success.

Welcome back, students and staff!

2 months ago, Wise County Public Schools
A blackboard displays "Early Dismissal" in blue letters with a clock showing 1:50 and an apple.

We are excited to welcome our students back for the 2026–2027 school year tomorrow, Thursday, August 6! Our teachers and staff members have been hard at work preparing engaging classrooms, our transportation team has serviced, cleaned, and sanitized every bus, and our division leadership has implemented new curriculum and strengthened systems to support safe, successful learning. Students, parents/guardians, and staff members are reminded that school will dismiss early at 12:30pm on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August 7, 2026. We can't wait to welcome our students back, and look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year.

We'll see you tomorrow!

2 months ago, Wise County Public Schools
Four images of a group of people sitting and standing in large rooms with tables, chairs, and a stage.
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings Friday, August 28th. 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.
2 months ago, Wise County Public Schools
Blue background with white text. Children in various outfits holding hands. A flyer reads "Developmental & Speech Screenings" with details about the event.

The WCPS June 2026 Newsletter is now available for viewing.

You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/newsletters/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/june-2026-newsletter

4 months ago, Wise County Public Schools
WCPS Logo