Valley Institute Elementary

WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Because the WCPS Transportation Department has determined there are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice, buses will only travel on clear routes. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711

We have two open positions at Valley Institute! Come join the best team: Evening Custodian: https://washingtonco.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2261 Instructional Aide: https://washingtonco.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2153

Our website provider is having issues this morning, that's why our district website is returning an error right now. You can get to your school apps and email by going directly to our SSO Portal at https://portal.wcs.k12.va.us.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Due to snowfall overnight resulting in slick roadways across the county, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day today, Monday, January 27, 2025. If your student has any issues accessing virtual instruction during their scheduled time, please contact your child’s teacher or principal directly. We will work with them on instruction, assignments, and attendance.

WCPS will operate on a REGULAR schedule tomorrow, Monday, January 27, 2025. Because our Transportation Department has determined there are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice, buses will only travel on clear routes. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711 We are also closely monitoring the potential for winter weather this evening into tomorrow morning -- We will update should additional schedule changes be needed.

If you would like to see all the fun we are having here in the Valley take a look at this week's edition of the Bulldog Beat! Have an a great weekend! Click the Link to get the Beat: https://secure.smore.com/n/vj8dp

We are closely monitoring the potential for winter weather to impact the area this afternoon, especially near our Russell County border. If you have concerns about your teen driver who would be driving home in these potential conditions, please contact your student's principal and they would be happy to work with you to coordinate an early dismissal. The same goes for bus riders in areas where roads are still snow covered or may become covered if the weather materializes. We will closely monitor conditions for the remainder of the afternoon, but we do not currently anticipate a division wide schedule change.

WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2025. Because there are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice, buses will only travel on clear routes. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711 Additionally, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child's principal, and we will work to help meet those needs.

WCPS will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE tomorrow, Thursday, January 23, 2025. However, buses will only travel on clear routes. There are still a few roads in the county impacted by snow and ice. The roads that will not be used tomorrow can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711 As a reminder, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child's principal, and we will work to help meet those needs.

Special Recognition: During the meeting this evening, School Board Members Recognized the WCPS 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year. These individuals were chosen by their colleagues because they exemplify the best of being a teacher for Washington County Public Schools and the service they provide to the community, school, and most importantly, students. Elementary Schools: *Abingdon ~ Gwen Campbell *Greendale ~ Abby Rasnake *High Point ~ Heather Hensley *Meadowview ~ Kimberly Cox *Rhea Valley ~ Beth Delp *Valley Institute ~ Joy Hull *Watauga ~ Sherry Thomason Middle Schools: *Damascus ~ Sallie Moss *Glade Spring ~ Sherry Cannon *E.B. Stanley ~ Maggie Branton *Wallace ~ Kaitlyn Maples Secondary Schools *Abingdon High ~ Chase Nunley *John S. Battle High ~ Emily Tallman *Patrick Henry High ~ Alyssa Fields *Holston High ~ Buffy Milhorne *WC CTE Center ~ William (Billy) Buchanan The Board also congratulated the following grade level Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. Each of the building’s Teacher of the Year were chosen as models of what it means to be a teacher. *WC Elementary School Teacher of the Year ~ Abby Rasnake *WC Middle School Teacher of the Year ~ Kaitlyn Maples *WC High School Teacher of the Year ~ Chase Nunley Washington County School 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year ~ Chase Nunley Congratulations to all as we celebrate these exemplary teachers of Washington County Schools!

We had hoped that we would be able to provide in person learning opportunities tomorrow. However, our afternoon update from our meteorologist provided a declining forecast. Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for the morning, which are now predicted to have wind chills hovering in the sub-0 range for much of the morning, and TVA asking customers to participate in a voluntary power conservation effort, WCPS will implement a Remote Learning Day for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. If your student has any issues accessing virtual instruction during their scheduled time, please contact your child’s teacher or principal directly. We will work with them on instruction, assignments, and attendance. Additionally, if you know of a child in need of winter weather gear (hat, gloves, etc.) please contact your child’s principal, and we will work to help meet those needs. We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your patience as we continue to work through these weather-related schedule challenges.

Hello Valley Families, Due to the delay, VIES will be hosting childcare today (1/21/25) from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM. Please call (276)642-5500 or email the school secretary (rhockman@wcs.k12.va.us) to RSVP. Thank you.

This winter has brought several challenges, including missed school days due to snow, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate these weather conditions together. Looking ahead to the next couple of days, the forecast is calling for extremely cold temperatures, and as a result, Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents who need that service. We know that there are still a few roads in the county that have been impacted by the snow and ice -- Later this evening, we will provide a list of the roads that will not be used for bus routes tomorrow. We are also asking families to prepare for the division to implement a 2-hour delayed schedule on Wednesday, if necessary. We recognize this decision might raise questions so please review the following information. Why a 2-Hour Delay? *Safety: Although the forecast predicts extreme cold, a 2-hour delay gives temperatures a chance to rise slightly during the daylight hours. Local meteorologists say the coldest temperature, or morning low, will be early in the morning. Temperatures have the potential to increase as the morning continues. *Road Conditions: Snow and ice continue to impact roads across the county, and the delay gives the WCPS transportation department additional time to ensure that bus routes are safe for travel. Driving in the daylight will allow drivers to see slick spots on the roads. *Bus Preparations: When temperatures drop to extreme lows, starting school buses can become a challenge. Cold diesel engines can cause buses to be slow to start, and they may require extra time for pre-start warm-ups to ensure vehicles are operating properly. *Comfortable Learning Environment: A 2-hour delay gives our maintenance team extra time to check that all heating systems in school buildings are operational before students and staff arrive. This helps ensure classrooms are at a safe and comfortable temperature when the school day begins. The extra time also allows our maintenance staff to check pipes in the school building to make sure they are not frozen. * In-Person Learning: While remote learning is beneficial and utilized when needed, in-person learning provides a richer educational experience, with direct access to instruction, hands-on activities, and social interactions which can be difficult to replicate virtually. A 2-hour delay helps maintain the in-person school routine. Cold Weather Tips: *Layering is Key: Layering your clothing helps trap warmth and allows you to adjust your outfit based on your activity level and the weather. *Protect Your Extremities: Hands, feet, ears, and face are especially vulnerable to the cold and should be well-protected. We know that delays and snow days can be challenging for families, and we sincerely thank you for your continued flexibility. Our goal is to balance instruction with the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We will continue to monitor weather conditions closely to make the best decisions for everyone. As mentioned earlier, childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents who need it. Be on the lookout for specific details from your child’s school.

Due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions, WCPS will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 20, 2025. Childcare will not be available. Be safe and stay warm!

If you would like to see all the fun we are having here in the Valley take a look at this week's edition of the Bulldog Beat! Have an a great weekend! Click the Link to get the Beat: https://secure.smore.com/n/rjw8k

While we hope you had an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine today, we are looking ahead to this weekend and early next week, where we could experience more weather-related challenges. Significant snowfall is in the forecast for Sunday evening, with an arctic blast of cold temperatures to follow. Given these predictions, we will be closely monitoring the forecast to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We are asking you to plan for the possibility of a schedule change on Monday, January 20, 2025. We have sent remote learning materials home with students this weekend just in case we have another prolonged closure. However, the earliest we would begin to consider a Remote Learning Day would be Wednesday, January 22, in the event road conditions do not improve by mid-week. We will continue to monitor conditions and communicate further updates as needed. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this next round of winter weather.

Washington County Public Schools will operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE on Friday, January 17, 2025. However, buses will only travel on clear routes. There are a few roads in the county still impacted by snow and ice. The roads that will not be used tomorrow, can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711. Principals will be happy to work with students impacted by the use of clear routes only to make further arrangements. While we are excited to be on a regular schedule tomorrow, the forecast is calling for the possibility of snow in some areas this evening. Please be mindful this could result in schedule changes/alternations, if necessary.

Hello Valley Families, Due to the delay, VIES will be hosting childcare today (1/16/25) from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM. Please call (276)642-5500 or email the school secretary (rhockman@wcs.k12.va.us) to RSVP. Thank you, Mrs. Scott

Washington County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delayed schedule on Thursday, January 16, 2025. However, buses will only travel on clear roads. Students who live on roads that are snow and/or ice covered will have multiple options: 1. Parents can choose to keep their child at home and the building principal will work with that family to make up assignments and missed instruction. Students who live on these roads and do not attend school will be given a weather-related approved absence and it will not adversely affect their school record. 2. Parents who can safely navigate these roads may take their child directly to school. 3. Parents may also drop their child off at the school closest to their home in the morning. A bus will then transport their child to their school of attendance. Use the car rider line at the school by 9:30 a.m. A staff member will take your child to a designated transfer area. Afternoon pickup will be at the child’s home school. Again, parents who choose not to send their child to school because of road conditions in their area, will have the support of their principal and the School Division. If you are a parent of a teen driver, we completely understand and support you if you decide not to allow your child to drive to school. The roads that will not be used tomorrow, can be found here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/transportation%2Fbus-routes/743711 Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents who need it. Be on the lookout for specific details from your child's school.

Hello Valley Families, Due to the delay, VIES will be hosting childcare today (1/15/25) from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM. Please call (276)642-5500 or email the school secretary (rhockman@wcs.k12.va.us) to RSVP. Thank you, Mrs. Scott