2025 - 2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

To view upcoming dismissals, closures, and holidays that Wise County Public Schools will observe, please click here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zkdCVcKzl2t_GIa-O5QLPtGHSg3fLV0-/view?usp=sharing

GRADUATION DATES & LOCATION

2026 High School Graduation Dates:

Eastside - Fri., May 15 @ 7:00pm @ UVA-Wise
Union - Sat., May 16 @ 11:00am @ UVA-Wise
Central - Sat., May 16 @ 4:00pm @ UVA-Wise

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Eastside High School Principal, Mr. Matthew Hamilton, addressed the school board, school board directors, and community members to share an inspiring update on Eastside High School. He spoke passionately about fostering a strong school culture centered around his vision: “We Are Eastside.” This vision emphasizes collective commitment and encourages full buy-in from all stakeholders, including students, staff, and the broader community.

A key component of Mr. Hamilton’s vision is promoting student stakeholdership, ensuring that every student feels connected, valued, and involved. He highlighted the wide range of athletic programs, clubs, and organizations available to ensure all students have opportunities to participate and engage. To further support student involvement, Eastside High School has implemented a schedule adjustment—merging into one lunch period twice per week—allowing dedicated time for club participation and increased engagement.

Mr. Hamilton also proudly recognized several outstanding student groups for their recent achievements:

Cross Country Team:
Members and coaches of the Eastside High School Cross Country team were recognized at the Wise County Public Schools Board meeting on Monday, April 13th. The Lady Spartans captured the VHSL Class 1 Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, November 8th. Their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance continue to bring pride to their school and community.

Theatre (One-Act) Team:
Members and sponsors of the Eastside Theatre team were also recognized. The team achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the VHSL Class 1 One-Act State Championship on Friday, December 5, 2025—marking their twelfth consecutive state title. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the talent and commitment of the entire Eastside Spartan family.

Speech Team:
The Eastside Speech team earned recognition for capturing the Class 1 VHSL State Championship on Saturday, March 28th, with a total of 23 team points. Individual state champions included:

Dramatic Interpretation: Samantha Mullins – 1st place

Prose: Aubrey Johnson – 1st place

Poetry: Caroline Sexton – 1st place

These achievements highlight the exceptional talent, dedication, and spirit of Eastside High School students. Together, they exemplify what it truly means to say, “We Are Eastside.”

Members and coaches of the Eastside High School Cross Country team were recognized at the Wise County Public School Board meeting on Monday, April 13th.

Wise County Public Schools proudly congratulates the Eastside High School Lady Spartans on their outstanding achievement of capturing the VHSL Class 1 Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, November 8th. Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork continue to make your school and community proud!

Members and sponsors of the Eastside Speech team were recognized at the Wise County Public School Board meeting on Monday, April 13th.  

Wise County Public Schools congratulates Eastside High School's Spartan Speech for capturing a Class 1 VHSL State Championship on Saturday, March 28th, scoring 23 total team points!!! Also, congratulations to the following students, whose performances secured individual state championships in the following categories: 

Dramatic Interpretation: Samantha Mullins - 1st place

Prose: Aubrey Johnson - 1st place

Poetry: Caroline Sexton - 1st place

Congratulations to, both, individual champions, and the team on their outstanding performances!

Members and sponsors of the Eastside Theatre (One-Act) team were recognized at the Wise County Public School Board meeting on Monday, April 13th.

Congratulations to Eastside High School’s Theatre team for capturing the VHSL Class 1 One Act State Championship on Friday, December 5, 2025—their twelfth consecutive VHSL state title! Huge congratulations to the One-Act team, and the entire Eastside Spartan family!🎭🏆#WeAreEastside

DISCUSSION

Special Education Annual Plan Discussion:
This plan outlines the district’s strategies, services, and compliance measures to support students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The proposed plan includes:

Identification and evaluation procedures for students with disabilities

Delivery of special education and related services

Goals for improving student outcomes and access to the general curriculum

Budget allocations and use of federal/state funding

Assurance of compliance with applicable laws and regulations



Local Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Perkins Funds Discussion:

The Local Plan is a multi-year roadmap (typically 4 years) that explains how an eligible school division will:

Use Perkins funding

Improve CTE programs

Ensure students gain skills aligned with workforce needs

It must be approved by the VDOE



Fiscal 2027 Budget Discussion:
Director of Finance, Mr. Ron Vicars highlighted the 2027 Fiscal Budget. The state of Virginia expects to finalize the state budget in late April 2026. 

Notice: Public Hearing - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget:

The Wise County School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 School Board Budget on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The hearing will take place in Room A of the Education Center.

This public hearing will be held prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Wise County School Board at 6:00 PM on the same date.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend.



VSBA Proclamations:

The month of April is VSBA Workforce Readiness Month!

🎉 April 16 is Workforce Readiness Day in Virginia! 🎉

Today we celebrate the skills, knowledge, and experiences that prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. From hands-on learning to real-world partnerships, our schools are building the future workforce every day.

💼 Career & Technical Education
🤝 Community partnerships
🚀 Student success pathways

Join us in recognizing the importance of preparing every student for what comes next!

#WorkforceReadiness #CTE #FutureReady #VSBA #VirginiaSchools

ACTION

1.) Special Education Annual Plan, Approved 7-0

2.) Local Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Perkins Funds, Approved 7-0

3.) Employment (following Closed Session), Approved 7-0

***Note: Notice: Public Hearing - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget:

The Wise County School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 School Board Budget on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The hearing will take place in Room A of the Education Center.

This public hearing will be held prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Wise County School Board at 6:00 PM on the same date.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend.

On Monday, March 23, 2026, JW Adams Robotics had the opportunity to meet Kim Wilkens, one of the founders of the Roversa program, and her assistant, Karin Little. The Roversas are new technology that are designed so that students all over the world can have access to robotics and coding. The robots can be used with or without the internet. JW Adams received their Roversas through a unique opportunity sponsored by UVA Wise last summer. Club sponsors, Marissa Bolling and Karen Mullins, attended a two-day workshop to learn about the Roversa program. Additional club sponsors are Shannah Miller and Ruth Williams. Students have had the opportunity to use the robots to write stories, have a parade, and even solve math problems. This is the first year for the club, which started after several students competed in the Junior Robotics competition last year. JW Robotics is open to students in 3rd-5th grade students!

On March 30, 2026, Heather Askea and two UVA-Wise Streamwise student ambassadors visited JW Adams Robotics to teach students new and fun technology. Students had the opportunity to use the Spherios in a new way- with a number line activity, and were introduced to an exciting new way to code using the Finch robots. Students had fun learning how to code the finches and letting them travel around the library. A fun activity was trying to get the club sponsors, Ms. Karen, Ms. Ruth, Mrs. Bolling, and Mrs. Miller, with the finches. The final activity of the Streamwise visit was a coordinated dance using the finches. At the end of the visit, Mrs. Askea asked students what their favorite activity of the day was, and the overwhelming response was "Playing with the finches!!!"

By Andrew Watson
Wed, March 11, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Updated Wed, March 11, 2026 at 9:16 AM

BIG STONE GAP, Va (WCYB) — Union girls basketball clinched its spot in the VHSL Class 2 state championship last week with a win over Ridgeview.

Now the Bears are preparing to do battle one more time to bring a state championship back to Southwest Virginia.

"We deserve this," senior guard Kaylee Rutherford said. "We have worked really, really hard for all of this. I'm super proud of this team."

Union survived arguably the toughest conference in VHSL Class 2, the Mountain 7, to advance to the state championship game.

The conference has won 10 of the last 12 Class 2 state championships and has appeared in every title game since 2012.

"You know you don't really enjoy it while you're going through it," Head Coach Wes Slagle said. "It's a heavyweight fight every night."

The team has shown that the depth of the Mountain 7 has prepared them for this moment.

Union will take on Clarke County on Friday at 12:30 p.m. from VCU's Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia.

Source: WCYB
Article Link: https://wcyb.com/sports/high-school-sports/union-girls-basketball-prepares-for-state-championship-battle

Wise County Public Schools congratulates Eastside High School's Spartan Speech for capturing a Class 1 VHSL State Championship, scoring 23 total team points!!! Also, congratulations to the following students, whose performances secured individual state championships in the following categories:

Dramatic Interpretation: Samantha Mullins - 1st place
Prose: Aubrey Johnson - 1st place
Poetry: Caroline Sexton - 1st place

Congratulations to Eastside High School on an incredible day!!!

Aria Taylor Wolford, from Central High School, is a VHSL Speech State Champion in Humorous Interpretation (Class 2)!

Congratulations to Aria, and to Central High School on this well-deserved accomplishment!

Addison Mullins, from Union High School, is a VHSL Speech State Champion in Storytelling (Class 2)!

Congratulations to Addison, and to Union High School, on this well-deserved accomplishment! 

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.

WISE, VA – Nolan Hylton, a senior at Central High School, has achieved a rare and prestigious honor by earning third chair in the All-Virginia Band and Orchestra. This placement officially recognizes Hylton as the third-best high school trumpet player in the entire state of Virginia, a distinction that transcends school size and geographic region.

Nolan has been involved in band since the 5th grade, when he first began playing the trumpet. What started as an introduction to music quickly grew into a deep passion and a clear professional aspiration. His dedication and talent earned him a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), a top-25 school for music performance, where he hopes to become a professional orchestral musician.

With the goal of becoming a professional orchestra musician, Nolan has already gained valuable experience, including auditioning for and performing with the Symphony of the Mountains in Kingsport. These opportunities have strengthened both his performance ability and commitment to his craft.

The journey to the All-Virginia ensemble is a rigorous, multi-stage process:

District Level: Hylton first had to secure a spot in the top four of the All-District Band. He surpassed this requirement by earning second chair.

State Auditions: Moving on to James Madison University, Hylton competed against more than 70 of the elite trumpet players from across Virginia.

The Result: His performance earned him the third overall seat, a feat rarely seen in Wise County or the City of Norton.

A Rare Achievement for Southwest Virginia

Local educators note that only two or three students from the Wise County and Norton areas have earned seats in this ensemble over the past fifteen years. Upon looking at archives, Noah believes he is the only student to have earned a seat in the “Orchestra” category. Noah’s lifelong trumpet instructor, Donald Sorah states:
"I’ve had the privilege of teaching Nolan for the past two years, and his growth has been the result of an incredible work ethic and determination. Earning third chair in the All-Virginia Band means he is one of the very best trumpet players in the entire state of Virginia, regardless of school size or division. That is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it’s especially meaningful to see a student from Wise County achieve this level of success. Nolan has worked tirelessly for this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.

His musical journey was inspired by his aunt, Janie Short, who passed down the instrument he still plays today. Her influence, along with her own educational path at UVA Wise, helped shape his early interest in music. Additionally, the support of his grandparents, who provided access to lessons, played a significant role in his development. Through those lessons, he built strong habits of discipline, accountability, and perseverance that continue to guide his success. Hylton’s achievement is a testament to his discipline and the high caliber of musical talent present in Southwest Virginia. 

Wise County Public Schools proudly congratulates Nolan Hylton, from Central High, on this prestigious fine arts honor!

National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day is observed each year on the third Friday in March. It’s a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the patience, creativity, and impact preschool teachers have on young children during some of their most important developmental years. These educators help build early foundations in learning, social skills, and emotional growth—often going above and beyond in ways that aren’t always visible.

On Friday, March 20th, Wise County Public Schools celebrated the amazing educators who inspire, nurture, and guide our little ones every day. Your patience, creativity, and dedication lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and growth.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children and for shaping the future—one story, one song, and one lesson at a time!

The month of April marks Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Workforce Readiness Month, a time to recognize how preparing students for the future is truly Rooted in Public Education. Across the Commonwealth, school divisions are building strong foundations that connect classroom learning to real-world success—and Wise County Public Schools is proud to be part of that mission.

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

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! 🙌

📚✨ April is School Library Month! ✨📚

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

🍎✨ April 1 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! ✨🍎

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!

📚🍎 April 4 is School Librarian Day! 🍎📚

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!

🍎✨ April 6–10 is National Assistant Principals Week! ✨🍎

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!

Mike Kennedy | Eastside Community (St. Paul)
Bus Driver 

🚍 Meet Mike Kennedy, one of our dedicated WCPS bus drivers proudly serving the St. Paul/Coeburn communities!

With 8 years of experience—and additional time spent as a substitute driver—Mike brings commitment, care, and consistency to his route every day.

What does he enjoy most? Taking care of students and making sure they get where they need to go, safely. It’s the little moments that mean the most—“The kids hug you—that makes a day!”

Mike’s passion for helping others shines through in everything he does. He simply enjoys being there for his students and supporting them however he can.

Thank you, Mike, for keeping our children safe and making a difference each day! 💛

🚨 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.

Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes Ms. Mullins and Ms. Rutherford for their outstanding leadership within the Cosmetology 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Students pose for a picture with instructor Jill Mullins, following their SkillsUSA state championship in "Total Fantasy."

Students have also earned a SkillsUSA state championships in the "Nails" category.

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, Greear 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.”

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.

With 42 years of dedicated service to Wise County Public Schools, beginning in 1983, Mrs. Nora Slemp has been fortunate to spend her career doing what she truly loves. “I started at Coeburn High School and, through consolidation, continued my journey at Eastside High School—where I remain today. Eastside is more than just a workplace; it is my family. My husband, James Slemp, serves as Head Custodian at EHS, making it even more special to be part of this community together.”

Over the years, Mrs. Slemp has had the opportunity to grow and adapt, transitioning into her current role as a school receptionist. “One of the greatest joys of my job has always been the students. I have also been blessed to work alongside an incredible faculty and staff, past and present, who have made each day meaningful. Many of the student-assistants have returned to serve at Coeburn High School/Eastside High School and several have become really good friends of mine.”

When asked about what she loves about her job, Mrs. Slemp said without hesitation, “I believe in always being kind and approachable because you never truly know what a student may be facing outside of school. Taking the time to get to know them, to listen, and to offer guidance and encouragement can make a lasting difference. Mentoring and supporting students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”

Now at 42 years and counting, “I have no plans to retire anytime soon. This work continues to bring me purpose, and I am grateful every day to be a part of the Eastside family.” Eastside High School Principal, Matthew Hamilton states, "Nora has been the glue holding this school together for many years. Her knowledge of the students and the families is truly unmatched. She wears many hats in the this office everyday. Nora's value to both me and this school is to the infinite degree for sure!!" Eastside's Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, J.W. Salyers, echoes Hamilton's remarks, stating, "Mrs. Nora is the glue that holds EHS together. She always has a welcoming smile and is dedicated to her job."

Wise County Public Schools is grateful for Mrs. Slemp and her lifelong service to the families of Coeburn, St. Paul, and the entire Eastside school community.