2025 - 2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

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

https://www.wisek12.org/page/2025-2026-school-calendar

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

We’re excited to share that several facility upgrades are in progress to enhance comfort, safety, and learning environments for our students and staff:

 - A new HVAC system was installed in August/September 2025 at Eastside High School to improve air quality and energy efficiency.

- New bleachers installation was completed on Friday, October 24th at Central High School and Monday, October 13th at Union High School.

 - Auditorium seating and flooring are near completion at Coeburn Middle School.

 - Awnings are being added at all schools to provide shade and protection from the elements.

- Pre-K programs are receiving sun shades near their gardening units to support safe, outdoor learning.

Wise County Public Schools would like to thank the Wise County School Board for prioritizing these important capital improvement projects that benefits our students and their learning environments!

DISCUSSION

2026 High School Graduation Dates:
Eastside - May 15 @ 7:00pm @ UVA-Wise
Union - May 16 @ 11:00am @ UVA-Wise
Central - May 16 @ 4:00pm @ UVA-Wise

December Early Payroll:
The Wise County School Board approved an early payroll on December 19, 2025

Organizational Meeting:
The Wise County Public School Board will have an organizational meeting at 5:45pm on January 12, 2026

ACTION

Approved - 2026 High School Graduation Dates:
Eastside - May 15 @ 7:00pm @ UVA-Wise
Union - May 16 @ 11:00am @ UVA-Wise
Central - May 16 @ 4:00pm @ UVA-Wise

Approved - December Early Payroll:
The Wise County School Board approved an early payroll on December 19, 2025

Approved - Organizational Meeting:
The Wise County Public School Board will have an organizational meeting at 5:45pm on January 12, 2026

THE PULSE

SEASON 3, EPISODE 3:
AVA ADDISON & PENELOPE STURGILL - UNION MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Goforth interviews two Wise County middle-school students, Penelope and Ava, from Union Middle School for a Thanksgiving episode of The Pulse. In Episode 3, they discuss school life, favorite classes, friendships, electives they’d like added, and what makes their community special—especially school spirit and supportive teachers. The girls share advice for incoming middle-schoolers, talk about their goals (basketball, acting, medical careers), and answer fun questions about snacks, fictional worlds, and who would play them in a movie. The episode ends with encouragement to enjoy school, appreciate family, and have a great Thanksgiving.

On Friday, November 14th, our school division hosted a professional development session for our grades 4–8 reading teachers and collaborative special education educators. This training centered on effective small-group instruction—an essential component of strong, responsive literacy teaching in the middle grades.

Our VLP partners delivered an excellent session, providing practical strategies, model lessons, and tools that teachers can take directly back to their classrooms. We appreciate the collaboration and commitment from all participants as we continue to strengthen reading instruction and support every learner’s success.

This week, November 17th-21st, Wise County Public Schools proudly celebrates American Education Week — a time to shine a light on the students, educators, staff, families, and community members who make our schools strong. Just like a lighthouse, our schools guide every learner toward success, illuminating the path with knowledge, compassion, and opportunity.

Join us in recognizing the dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our community. Together, we’re lighting the way to a brighter future for Wise County! ✨

#AmericanEducationWeek #WiseCountySchools

🍎🚌🧑‍💻 Happy National Education Support Professionals Day! 🍎🚌🧑‍💻

On November 19th, Wise County Public Schools proudly celebrated the incredible individuals who keep our schools shining bright — our Education Support Professionals.

From bus drivers and cafeteria staff to custodians, secretaries, instructional aides, and maintenance teams — you are the steady light that helps guide our schools safely each day. 🌟

Thank you for being an essential part of the Wise County Schools family — your light makes all the difference!  

🍎✨ Happy Substitute Educators Day! ✨🍎

On November 21st, Wise County Public Schools proudly celebrated our incredible substitute educators — the guiding lights who step in with flexibility, care, and commitment whenever they’re needed most. Our substitutes provide stability and guidance, keeping learning moving forward for every student, every day.

Thank you for your dedication, adaptability, and the positive impact you make across all our schools. You truly help light the way for student success in Wise County! 

Wise County Public Schools congratulates the Union High School Bears, who won the Region 2D  Championship on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Congratulations to Eastside High School’s One Act team for winning the VHSL Class 1 One Act State Championship—their twelfth consecutive VHSL state title! Huge congratulations to Mr. Shane Burke, the One-Act team, and the entire Eastside Spartan family!🎭🏆

Central High School Boys Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Patrick Damron
(Former Head Coach: Justin Boggs, 2024 record: 22-4)

The Central Warriors are looking to keep their winning tradition alive under Head Coach Patrick Damron. Last season, under former head coach Justin Boggs, the Warriors posted an impressive 22–4 record, capturing both the Mountain 7 Regular Season and Tournament Titles before falling in overtime to Graham in the regional semifinals.

The Warriors graduated two key contributors:

Ethan Collins – Mountain 7 District Player of the Year, 18.2 PPG (Graduated)
Chance Boggs – 6.2 PPG (Graduated)

This year’s squad features a talented returning core:

Ean Hayes (Sophomore, 6'3") – 18.8 PPG, 3.8 APG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG
Londen Horne (Junior, 6'3") – 12.5 PPG, 1.5 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Isaiah Tompkins (Junior, 6'5") – 5.3 PPG, 6 RPG

Rising players expected to make an immediate impact include:

Sean Collier (5'11")
Jaylen Teasley (Junior, 6'0")
Nolan Goforth (Sophomore, 6'5")
Christian Tompkins (Freshman, 6'1")
Gabe Thompson (Junior, 6'1")

Local businesses and individuals interested in digital game advertising or sponsorships can contact Head Coach Patrick Damron at pdamron@wisek12.org.

Stay connected with the Warriors all season long:
📘 Facebook: Central Warrior Boys Basketball
🐦 X (Twitter): @central24273

Let’s pack the gym and support the Warriors this season! ❤️ #GoWarriors

Central High School Girls Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Robin Dotson

The Lady Warriors are coming off a historic season in which they posted an outstanding 27–3 record. Central captured every major postseason title available, earning the titles of:

Mountain 7 District Champions
Region 2D Champions
VHSL Group 2A State Champions

This dominant run placed the program among the best in the state and set a high standard for the upcoming season.

Central graduated three crucial starters, each of whom played major roles in last year’s championship success:

Emmah McAmis – Graduated (27 ppg)

Abbie Jordan – Graduated (12 ppg)

Gracie Tompkins – Graduated (5 ppg)

Despite significant losses, the Lady Warriors return a core group with valuable experience:

Sr. Hannah Salyer
Jr. Kaelyn Dales – 6 ppg
Soph. Aubrey Moore – 8.5 ppg (Started as a freshman)
Soph. Brylee Mosier (Key freshman contributor last season)

Last year’s roster included five freshmen, and several of them will be counted on heavily this season.

Aubrey Moore returns after an impressive freshman year as a starter.
Brylee Mosier was a key bench contributor and is expected to take a major step forward.

These young players will be looked upon to elevate their roles as Central works to reload and remain competitive.

Community support remains essential for the program’s continued success. This season, Central Girls Basketball encourages supporters to help by:

Participating in team fundraisers, specifically, purchasing a banner ad to be displayed in the gym throughout the season. These contributions directly assist with equipment needs, travel costs, and program development.

Coach Dotson and the Lady Warriors are looking forward to another exciting season! ❤️🤍❤️ #GoWarriors

Eastside High School Boys Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Coach John Robert Kilgore
(Former Head Coach: Patrick Damron, 2024 record: 18-11)

Last season, the Eastside Spartans were Co-District Champions in the regular season and made a strong postseason run, advancing to the regional semifinals.

The team graduated several key contributors, including:

Payton Atkins (Guard) – Graduated
Will Johnson (Guard) – Graduated
Gabe Raymond (Forward) – Graduated

This year, the Spartans return a solid core of experienced players:

Teagan Bush – Senior
Chase Williams – Junior (Leading scorer)
Noah Hamilton – Junior (Leading rebounder)
Philip Clay – Sophomore
Landon Pannell – Sophomore
Jed McCoy – Junior

Rising talents expected to take on larger roles include:

Luke Hamilton – Freshman
Rocky Bond – Sophomore

Coach Kilgore and the Spartans are looking forward to another exciting season. The team invites the community to show their support—come get loud in the stands, and make your voice heard! 💚🤍 #GoSpartans

Eastside High School Girls Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Mark Dockery
(Former Head Coach: Terri Anne Funk, 2024 record: 12-13)

The Eastside Lady Spartans are entering a new era under first-year Head Coach Mark Dockery, looking to build on last season’s success and make a deeper postseason run. The team finished the 2024 campaign with a 12–13 record under former head coach Terri Anne Funk, advancing to the Region 1D Quarterfinals.

The Lady Spartans graduated and lost a couple of key contributors but return an experienced and talented core ready to compete night in and night out.

Key Losses:

Kaylie Rasnick (Graduate) – 11.9 PPG, 2.1 SPG
Drew Damron (Transfer to Central) – 12.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG

Key Returners:

Shelby Stanley (Senior) – 10.3 PPG, 3.1 SPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.0 APG
Brooklynn “BJ” Johnson (Senior) – 8.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG
Dakota Clay (Sophomore) – 4.7 RPG, 2.5 APG

Rising talents expected to take on larger roles include:

Lexi Bond (Senior)
Heidi Craiger (Junior)
Adsila Ndiaye (Junior)
Lydia Leach (Sophomore)

Coach Dockery’s Message:

“Just come out and support our girls. We’ll be doing multiple fundraisers to start the season, and any way you can help support our program through those would be great! We are very grateful for all the community support that we have and hope that it will continue moving forward—our kids benefit from it greatly.”

Let’s fill the gym, show our Spartan pride, and cheer on the Lady Spartans all season long! 💚🤍 #GoSpartans

Union High School Boys Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Kory Bostic

The Union Bears are looking to build on last season’s success as they enter the new year under Head Coach Kory Bostic. The program finished the 2024 campaign with a 17–10 record, advancing to the Region 2D Quarterfinals.

With a strong core returning and no major losses to graduation or transfer, the Bears are poised to make another run at postseason success.

Key Losses: None

Key Returners:

Kam Bostic (Senior) – 20.4 PPG, 78 AST, 78 REB, 51 STL
1st Team M7, 1st Team Region 2D, 2nd Team 2A All-State
Union High School’s All-Time Leading Scorer

Braxton Bunch (Senior) – 11.0 PPG, 157 REB, 61 AST
1st Team M7, 2nd Team Region 2D

Carlos Anderson (Senior) – 7.1 PPG, 182 REB
2nd Team M7

Camden Wharton (Senior) – 4.5 PPG, 143 REB
Honorable Mention M7

Keith Chandler (Senior) – 2.6 PPG

Cam Maddux (Sophomore) – 3.2 PPG

Rayvon Jones (Junior) – 2.6 PPG

Rising Player to Watch:

Cam Maddux (Sophomore) – expected to take on a larger role and provide valuable minutes for the Bears this season.

Coach Bostic’s Message:

“We are very grateful for all the community support that we have and hope that it will continue moving forward. Our kids benefit from it greatly.”

Let’s fill the gym, support our Bears, and make this season one to remember! 🧡💙 #GoBears

Union High School Girls Basketball Preview
🏀 Head Coach: Wes Slagle

The Union Lady Bears are ready to build on last year’s growth as they head into a new season under Coach Wes Slagle. The team finished the 2024 campaign with a 9–14 record, advancing to the first round of the regional tournament, where they fell in overtime.

The Lady Bears lost only one key player, Aliyah Davidson (Guard), who graduated after missing last season due to injury. With a young but experienced roster, Union looks poised to make big strides this year.

Key Returners:

Katelynn Witt (Junior) – 19 PPG
Kynlee Johnson (Junior) – 12 PPG
Tatum Morgan (Sophomore) – 8 PPG
Arianna Jones – 5 PPG
Kaylee Rutherford – 5 PPG
Taylor Hughes – 8 PPG
Jayden Hash – 5 PPG

Rising Player to Watch:

Kailee Rentfrow (Junior) – expected to take on a larger role this season

Coach Slagle emphasizes that community support is vital to the continued success of the Lady Bears. “Any way you can! Financial assistance is always huge for our girls program,” he said.

Let’s pack the stands, cheer loudly, and get behind our Lady Bears this season! 🧡💙 #GoBears

Sherry Stanley | Eastside Community
Bus Driver 

Mr. William Austin,
Principal of Wise County Career & Technical Education Center & CTE Director

Email: waaustin@wisek12.org

Mrs. Jodie Bowen
Assistant Principal of Wise County Career & Technical Education Center

Email: jbowen@wisek12.org

History & Mission of WCCTC:
Began as the Wise County Vocational School in 1941, transitioning to a modern facility in 1978 to house 17 programs under one roof. Rebranded as the Career‑Technical Center, maintaining its longstanding commitment to vocational, technical, and IT training for over six decades. Emphasizes equal educational opportunity, personalized instruction, and preparation for both employment and further educational pursuits. It’s a cornerstone institution in Wise County’s vocational education framework, complementing offerings from Mountain Empire Community College and UVA‑Wise in supporting regional workforce development, emphasizing collaboration with industry and integration of safety and academic skills into vocational curricula to best serve students and community needs.

Programs & Pathways
WCCTC offers a wide variety of programs, spanning numerous career clusters:

• Architecture & Construction: Building Trades, Carpentry, HVACR, Drafting (Mechanical & Architectural)

• Business Management & Administration: Economics & Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship

• Career Connections: Career Strategies
• Education: Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow DE, Careers in Education

• Health Sciences: Certified Nursing Assistant, Health and Medical Science DE, Medical Terminology DE, Patient Care Technician DE

• Hospitality & Tourism: Culinary Arts I & II

• Human Services: Cosmetology I & II

• Information Technology: Cybersecurity Fundamentals DE, Cybersecurity Operations DE, Programming DE (and Advanced Programming DE)

• Law, Public Safety & Security: Criminal Justice I & II

• Manufacturing: Welding I, II & III, Precision Welding

• Transportation, Distribution and Logistics: Automotive Technology I, II & III, Auto-Service I, II & III, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (and Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
• Certifications: NOCTI, ASVAB, MOS, EMT, State Board, HVAC, and more

🚨 Big things are happening in the Culinary Arts Pathway at WCCTC — all thanks to the incredible leadership of Mrs. Chantay Proulex! 👩‍🍳

Her expertise, creativity, and dedication to hands-on learning continue to elevate this Culinary Arts program — empowering students with real-world culinary skills and career-ready confidence. 👏 We are so proud of the work she’s doing and the opportunities she’s creating every single day!

🍽 A Robust School-Based Enterprise in Action - "A Taste of Tech"
Breakfast service offered twice a week through HQ Work-Based Learning gives students experience in:
📋 Menu creation
💲 Pricing
📊 Feasibility planning
🔧 Production pipeline management

🎓 Career & Workforce Development
🔗 Approved youth-based apprenticeship with Ballad Health at Norton Community Hospital
📍 A powerful opportunity in a region with limited culinary career pathways
🧪 ServSafe Manager certification offered

💼 Student Employment & Alumni Success
Students + alumni are working locally at:
🍗 Cluck Truck (2 students)
🔥 Black Bear BBQ
🥖 Doughmakers — A former student answered the call when a local establishment was searching for a ServSafe-credentialed candidate. Because of the training in this program and the industry-recognized credentials offered, that student stepped in immediately — opening the door for future students and creating a growing employee pipeline for local workplace opportunities

 🤝 Internships & Work-Based Learning
👩‍🍳 Two current internships with Ballad Health
🍽 Previous partnership with the Cancer Center in Norton, VA, providing biweekly lunches (~30 meals every other week)

🎉 Catering Expansion
🍰 Dessert bars
🥪 Boxed lunches
🥟 Heavy hors d’oeuvres

📚 Courses & Enrollment
🔪 Culinary Arts I — 26 students (fundamentals & intro skills)
🔥 Culinary Arts II — 6 students (advanced cooking, three days per week)

🏫 School & Community Engagement
Student-prepared meals for:
👩‍🏫 Faculty lunches
🏢 Central office meetings
🤝 Chamber of Commerce luncheons
📋 DSS board meetings
💡 Appalachian Council for Innovation - Cold appetizers & hors d’oeuvres for VCEDA conference in Abingdon, VA
🌐Career & Technical (CTE) Advisory Meetings

💬 Real-world skills, strong relationships, and professionalism at the core
Students not only prepared the meals — they delivered and served many of them. 🙌

Mrs. Chantay Proulex
Culinary Arts I & II Instructor
Contact: cproulex@wisek12.org

🍽 Looking for catering services, dessert bars, or heavy hors d’oeuvres?

The WCCTC Culinary Arts students are ready to serve your next event! Every meal, dessert, and hors d’oeuvre is prepared with skill, care, and professionalism — giving students real-world experience while providing your group with delicious food.

📩 For orders or inquiries, please contact Mrs. Chantay Proulex at cproulex@wisek12.org

Support our students and enjoy amazing food at the same time! 👩‍🍳✨

Quick Employment Facts:

According to a Virginia State Corporation Commission report, the Leisure and Hospitality super-sector (which includes food service / culinary) employed 11,347 people in Southwest Virginia (Q1 data).

In the Southwest Virginia Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA I), one of the top detailed occupations is Fast Food and Counter Workers.

Statewide Virginia data (from Virginia Works) shows that Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations have relatively low median pay: in OEWS 2023 data, these are among the lower-paid major occupation groups. For cooks specifically, BLS data shows a median hourly wage of $17.19 as of May 2024.

The Virginia Job Openings & Labor Turnover report notes that the Leisure & Hospitality industry (which includes food service) has very high turnover, which could benefit students wanting to enter the field.

Locally, Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers a Culinary Arts A.A.S. degree. Graduates satisfy requirements for Certified Culinarian (CC) and Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) through the American Culinary Federation, plus they complete ServSafe certification. This credentialing (ServSafe, ACF certifications) aligns well with employer needs in food service, which often emphasize food safety certifications.

Roan is a current sixth grader at Union Middle School. Born with Cerebral Palsy, doctors once told him and his family that he would likely be wheelchair-bound for life, however, Roan and his mother refused to accept that prognosis. Together, they set a goal — he was going to get stronger and learn to walk. Tragically, his mother passed away, and his grandmother became his guardian. Together, Roan and his grandmother continue to honor his mother’s goal in her absence: for him to walk.

While he primarily uses a walker for support, Roan now walks independently during gym class and at home, steadily building his strength. His latest milestone is an exciting one — he’s transitioning from tall ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) braces that extend nearly to the knee to shorter supramalleolar orthoses (SMO) braces that reach just above the ankles. This change allows for greater freedom of movement. Even better? He designed his new braces himself — complete with flames!

When asked about his favorite part of the school day, his answer came easily — “my friends,” he said, smiling from ear to ear.

Recently, Dr. Cynthia Kays, a physical therapist who has served over five years with Wise County Public Schools (and over 21 in the state of Virginia), took Roan to Onsight Rock Gym in Knoxville, Tennessee. There, he got to climb with Tyler (pictured left), “Mrs. Kays’ son,” scaling more than 25 feet up a 60-foot rock wall. His biggest takeaway? “It was much easier to climb up than to come down!” he laughed.

Then, without any prompting, Roan added, “My thing is never give up.” The words came out strong, confident, and full of heart. He repeated it, again, and smiled.

He and Dr. Kays share a remarkable bond. Her commitment to helping him reach his goals is both steadfast and inspiring. As I stepped out of the classroom that day, I overheard her say with warmth and purpose, “Okay, Roan, let’s get on our stretching mat and get to work.”

For Dr. Kays, this is more than a job — it’s a calling; and for Roan, her dedication has helped transform what once seemed impossible, into reality.

Wise County Public Schools is deeply grateful for professionals like Dr. Kays, who help students reach their goals — one step at a time.

For Roan, the possibilities are endless. With a warm smile, and a committed heart of gold, there’s no doubt he will meet his goal. Dr. Kays, Union Middle School, and Wise County Public Schools will continue to be there cheering him on as he works to make progress in meeting his goals.

“My education career began back when I was just 17 years old,” Gary Lawson recalls. “I drove a full bus route as a junior in high school. I was officially hired in June of 1980 in the maintenance department—so that makes 45 years now.” From that early start, Gary Lawson has dedicated his entire career to keeping our schools running safely and smoothly.

When asked what a typical day looks like, Gary laughs. “It’s all about keeping people satisfied and happy—making sure everything is coordinated, safe, warm, cool… freezers are cooling, those types of things.” 

He explains that the maintenance department oversees far more than most people realize. “We handle safety issues, fire marshal inspections, elevator and sprinkler systems, and even make sure the kitchens meet health department regulations.”

As for how he prioritizes his tasks? “Student and employee safety always comes first,” he says simply. “Then we focus on the most pressing needs.”

At the end of the day, what makes Gary proudest is knowing the schools are safe and comfortable for students and staff inside. “I take pride in creating an environment where students can learn without worrying about their safety, or being too hot, too cold, or unsafe. That’s what matters most to me.”

One project that stands out to him is the recent baseball facility at Eastside. “It was a big undertaking from a community standpoint,” he says. “The school and the community were both really pleased with how it turned out.” 

He also reflects on the challenges of recent years. “Working through the pandemic was definitely memorable,” he shares. “We focused on air quality improvements and projects funded through ESSER grants to make our schools healthier. That time really sticks out to me.” For a lighter memory? He chuckles as he recalls the pandemic days. “Let’s just say, I’ll never forget trying to find sandwich bags for nutritional services at the local supermarket during COVID!”

For Gary Lawson, the school system is much more than a workplace—it’s been a lifelong home. “This job is my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known—it’s 24/7 for me,” he says with a smile. “Over the years, I’ve made a lot of great friends here. From driving a school bus to keeping our buildings running smoothly  — I’ve had the privilege of supporting students, staff, and my community in many different ways. Every role has taught me something valuable about teamwork, responsibility, and the impact of service.  It’s been a blessing to be part of this community for so long."

Alumni Spotlights

Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates!

Please click here to complete a submission form.
***please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received

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Wise County Public Schools
628 Lake Street NE
Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-8017