Schedule Change: Based on multiple forecasts (including the highly reliable FirstWARN Tri-Cities) and a Winter Weather Advisory for Washington County, WCPS will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to the timing of anticipated snowfall and the likelihood of poor road conditions. This will be a traditional snow day, and we encourage our students to enjoy some outdoor fun in the snow!
Please note, if weather conditions do not improve and roads remain unsafe later this week, Thursday and Friday may transition to Remote Learning Days.
WCPS has 10 Remote Learning Days available to use throughout the course of the school year. We’ve already used six of those days, and we would like to keep some in reserve for potential use later. As we get closer to scheduled state testing and assessments, having some days in reserve would provide a safety net. Adding additional school days to the end of the school year will be discussed at the School Board meeting in March.
Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we will keep you updated on any further schedule changes.
Good evening Valley Families,
Reminder, February 19th there will be NO afternoon tutoring. Please make sure to let the office know if you need to change your student's afternoon transportation plans. We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your assistance. Thank you!
📚✨ Honoring Student Achievement: The George Washington Research Paper Celebration ✨📚
The George Washington Research Paper Contest and Celebration is one of the most exciting events of the year for WCPS fourth graders! Each year, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their writing talents by crafting essays about the life and legacy of George Washington.
The top three essays from every elementary school were selected, and those students, along with their families, were treated to a tasty brunch at the Martha Washington Inn to celebrate their hard work and creativity. Each participant was presented with a certificate and a special book written by George Washington.
The top three division winners had a chance to read their essay aloud at the event -- a memory they'll cherish!
The overall division winner was awarded an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Vernon this summer, to explore the home of our nation's first president.
🌟 Congratulations to Andrew S., of Valley Institute Elementary, named the overall division winner 🌟
A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible and to our hardworking fourth graders! Let's keep fostering a passion for history and writing in our students!
George Washington Awards by school:
Abingdon Elementary School:
*Third Place: Parker S.
*Second Place: Callan D.
*First Place: Ayla S.
Greendale Elementary School:
*Third Place: Lily Krieger
*Second Place: Hunter A.
*First Place: Will C.
High Point Elementary School:
*Third Place: Londyn L.
*Second Place: John W.
*First Place: Avery B.
Meadowview Elementary School:
*Third Place: Bentley H.
*Second Place: Adelyn C.
*First Place: Coy R.
Rhea Valley Elementary School:
*Third Place: Rees D.
*Second Place: Frankie H.
*First Place: Knox M.
Valley Institute Elementary School:
*Third Place: Leah H.
*Second Place: Patrick P.
*First Place: Andrew S.
Watauga Elementary School:
*Third Place: Campbell C.
*Second Place: Charles H.
*First Place: Randall W.
Top Three Division Winners:
*Third Place -- Will C. -- Greendale Elementary School
*Second Place -- Avery B. -- High Point Elementary School
*First Place -- Andrew S. -- Valley Institute Elementary School
Schedule Change: Due to the number of roads still closed across Washington County and the number of employees who are unable to leave their homes, WCPS will provide virtual instruction tomorrow, Monday, February 17, 2025.
Last week we celebrated out amazing Guidance Counselor Mr. Mason, and this week we are celebrating our awesome SRO Deputy Ethan Owens. Deputy Owens will have been at VIES for two years in May, and we are so thankful he is apart of our team. Deputy Owens is not only our School Resource Officer, he is a United States Army Veteran and an active National Guard Member.
Owens worked for the Sherriff's Office for two years as a Patrolman before applying for the School Resource Officer Program. He said the reason he applied for this position was that he "wanted something challenging and [to] make an impact on kids."
He explained how his goal from the beginning of his career has been to teach kids that Law Enforcement Officers are a safe place for them whenever they are in need. He says the way he exemplifies being a safe place is by being patient and a place not only for students to turn to in the times of need, but also for happy and important moments.
"What makes my job special is I get to deal with kids not just on patrol when there are bad things happening. It's every day and they come to me and share good news and things that make them happy," said Deputy Owens.
In talking with Deputy Owens he explained that there is more to his position than just being a police officer in a school. He explained that he is also a mentor, an educator through the D.A.R.E. Program, and he works everyday to support our students and foster a sense of community within Valley by protecting the students, faculty, and staff.
Sergeant Mike Danser, Deputy Owens' superior said, "[Owens] makes our division better, and he is a great addition to your community at Valley. He cares about his job, the staff, and the kids."
Deputy Owens has already left an impression on our students and families. This was shown in the excitement students presented him with last week at an SRO appreciation luncheon hosted by Wallace Middle School. There a VIES student was a key speaker. This student is a graduate of Deputy Owens' D.A.R.E. course that he teaches at Valley. One the goals that Owens' strives to teach the children is public speaking. Owens says that his life goal is for students to carry his teaching with them through their lives and that maybe someday "they will build their confidence and be a law enforcement officer. If nothing else I want them to know they can turn to us for help."
We are so thankful to have Deputy Owens be apart of the Valley family, and we ask that if you see him you give him a big thanks for all he does.
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/vt40j
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY VALLEY FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!
We are having an absolutely fantastic day here in the Valley thanks to all of you and some very special people.
A HUGE thank you from Valley's Faculty and Staff to our Amazing PTO! You have made our Valentine's Day so special and SWEET! VIES teachers got to enjoy games and a beautiful spread of desserts for Valentine's Day.
Thank you to our families for sending in goodies and Valentines for students to share. Our Bulldogs are so loved!
Schedule Update: Our road checkers have been busy this afternoon checking the conditions of roads across the county. They have determined there are still several roads that remain slick due to the snow and sleet we have received today. However, we are hopeful as temperatures are predicted to warm overnight, conditions will improve. However, warmer temperatures and rains could also cause flooding issues. Either way, a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 will allow us time to determine the safest course of action. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working families. Please be on the lookout for additional information from your child’s principal.
In the event conditions deteriorate and we need to make a shift to a Remote Learning Day, a decision will be made by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, if not earlier.
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/1xzqeg
Schedule Change: Due to water, limbs, and other debris on several roads, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule, today, Friday, February 7, 2025. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools for working parents.
We hope to see everyone this evening (Tuesday, February 4th) at 5:30 PM for our PTO meeting and 2nd grade performance (writing creations) at VIES.
HELP US CELEBRATE THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST BULLDOGS ON THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL IN YOUR BRIGHTEST CLOTHES!
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/3dw4k
Make sure you are in attendance for the year's shortest month! We have two new attendance incentives for our Valley Bulldog Students that you aren't going to want to miss!
Hello Families,
This is a reminder that tomorrow all students will be taking their Class Group Photos. Please make sure your student(s) wear their best. All payments must be made by January 31st and an 8x10 full color print is $10. Thank you!
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.
