2025 - 2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

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

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

The following revisions have been made to the 2025-2026 school calendar:

February 20, 2026 - Mid 9 weeks (3rd Nine Week Grading Period) ***Regular dismissal

March 6, 2026 - Will now be a FULL day of school

March 20, 2026 - End of 3rd Nine Week Grading Period ***Regular dismissal

April 24, 2026 - Mid 9 weeks (4th Nine Week Grading Period) ***Regular dismissal

GRADUATION DATES & SITE

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

Dr. Karen Dickenson - St. Paul Elementary School (SPES)

Dr. Karen Dickenson, principal of SPES was joined by Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hannah Perrigan. Together, they presented on the wonderful happenings at SPES. 

In Fall of 2025, SPES was named "America's Best Schools" award recipient from NCUST. SPES is ranked 4th of 1,110 elementary schools based on SOL scores. Moreover, SPES received the designation of "Distinguished" for their SOL achivement. 

SPES spoke to Healthy Communities Action Teams, sponsored by Ms. Elizabeth Dotson-Shupe and Ms. Cody Sanders. This is a 3-year grant, with an objective to prevent childhood obesity through golf, archery, basketball, pickleball and aerobics.

SPES is revamping physical education offering: golf, archery, weight lifting, pickleball, aerobics and dance. These instructional changes have helped with attendance, behavior, and achievement.

SPES is especially grateful for new bleachers in their gymnasium. 

Dr. Dickenson and Mrs. Perrigan have worked tirelessly to invest in family events that include: no carve pumpkin contests, 'Boo Bash', grandparents night, grade level performances, and family lunches. 

Mr. William Austin - Wise County Career & Technical Education (WCCTC)

There’s no better measure of a school’s success than the people its students become. Principal Austin and AP/Guidance Counselor Bowen shared the "wonderful happenings" making WCCTC shine, but the real stars were our returning alumni.

Hearing our former students reflect on their journeys—from their first days in the WCCTC hallways to their current successes—reminded us all why we do what we do.

DISCUSSION

1. 2026-2027 Calendar

Transparency and staff input are vital to our planning process. We recently shared our calendar selection workflow (two versions) with all Wise County School Board stakeholders to ensure a fair and organized approach for the upcoming academic year.

Drafting: Two versions of the school calendar were developed, taking into account instructional hours, holiday breaks, and professional development days.

Staff Voting: Both versions were emailed directly to all division employees.

Collaborative Choice: Employees had the opportunity to vote on their preferred version, ensuring that everyone a voice in our scheduling/programming.

2. Budget Outlook:

ACTION

1. 2026-2027 Calendar 

The 2026-2027 school calendar was approved (8-0) at the regularly scheduled board meeting on 2-9-26.

PDF Link to SY2026-2027 Calendar: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19fNwzHmIb1nYTCcdCw7wIMDWjAj99Xr1/view?usp=sharing

Wise County Public Schools

The Union Bears' Katelyn Witt returned to the court last Friday, marking her first game since breaking Sydney McKinney's 2016 record of 42 points with 43.

Despite a slow start, Witt's team rallied in the second half. "We definitely had a rough start, but all our teammates are always going to give a hundred percent," Witt said.

The Trojans' aggressive defense couldn't deter Witt, who credited her composure to hours of preparation. "We’ve all been in the gym preseason always shooting, always lifting, just trying to be the best team we can be," she said.

Head Coach Wes Slagle praised Witt's work ethic, calling her "one of the most self-motivated players" he's coached.

"She’s just the hardest worker. I don’t have to motivate her she does it on her own. Any success she gets, she’s earned," Slagle said.

Witt's passion is evident in her play, with Slagle noting, "She lives and dies by every possession, and that’s a good thing. That passion makes us better."

Over three seasons, Witt has grown as a leader, becoming more coachable and vocal. "We’re never going to have a bad practice with her on the floor. Her attitude and effort set the standard," he said. Looking ahead, Witt is focused on the present but hopes to play college basketball.

"I’d like to play in college, but whatever God has in store for me is what’s best," she said.

Link/Credit: WCYB | by Samantha Allen
Wed., January 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Updated Wed., January 14, 2026 at 9:02 PM

The month of February is deemed School Board Appreciation Month by the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA). The theme – From Strong Roots, Come Endless Possibilities – highlights the vital role school board members play in planting the seeds for student success—ensuring every student has the resources needed to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

The Wise County Public School division would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the following school board members who are serving on the current Wise County Public School Board:
Top (Left to Right): Larry Greear, Vicki Williams, Sandra Adkins, and Justin Bevins
Bottom (Left to Right): Mary Dora Smith, Angela Owens, Martha Jett, and Stephanie Kern

Tonight, Monday, January 9th, Wise County Public Schools recognized these incredible board members for their service to the students and families of Wise County. In anticipation of School Board Clerk Week 2026, WCPS is preparing to honor and recognize Mrs. Heather Fultz. for School Board Clerk Week (Feb 16–20, 2026). Wise County Public Schools would like to thank each of these individuals for their service and commitment to our school division!

The month of February is #CTEMonth, and we are celebrating Wise County Career and Technical Education Center students who aren’t just reading about the future—they’re building it, under the direction and leadership of Mr. William Austin and Mrs. Jodie Bowen!

Did you know that CTE students are more likely to graduate and more likely to enter the workforce with industry-recognized certifications?

From our “Teachers for Tomorrow” program to welding and metal fabrication, our students are gaining the real-world skills that lead to high-demand, high-wage careers. At WCCTC, we’re turning passions into professions. Whether it’s healthcare, coding, or construction, our students are getting a head start on their careers before they even walk across the graduation stage!

(Pictured) The WCCTC sign was designed, fabricated, and assembled by welding, precision welding, engineering, and construction classes at WCCTC.

National School Counseling Week (NSCW) is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the unique contributions of school counselors within U.S. school systems. It highlights the impact they have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for their futures. NWCW is held the first full week of February--February 2-6, 2026.

This week, Wise County Public Schools joins school districts across the nation to celebrate National School Counseling Week. Our school counselors are the heartbeat of our student support systems, working tirelessly to ensure that every student is seen, heard, and empowered.

This year’s theme, ‘School Counselors Amplify Student Success,’ perfectly captures the essential role these professionals play. Beyond academic scheduling, our counselors are trained mental health leaders who bridge the gap between home and school, helping students navigate social-emotional challenges and chart their paths toward future careers. We invite our entire community to take a moment this week to thank a counselor for the profound impact they have on our students’ lives today and their successes tomorrow.

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 Construction Pathway at WCCTC — all thanks to the incredible leadership of Mr. Hassel Phillips. Led by veteran instructor Mr. Hassel Phillips, the Building Trades & Carpentry program at WCCTC, serves as a hands-on pipeline for students across our school division.

Mr. Hassel Phillips
Building Trades & Carpentry Instructor
Contact Information: hphillips@wisek12.org

Target Grade Levels: Sophomores through Seniors

Safety Regulation: Students must be 16 years or older to operate power tools, ensuring a mature and safety-first environment.

Students don’t just leave with skills; they leave with industry-recognized certifications that jumpstart their careers:

OSHA 10: A foundational safety course essential for any construction site.
NCCER (8 Modules): An entry-level certification that provides a standardized, national credential in construction.

This isn't "simulated" work. The program focuses on high-stakes, functional projects that benefit the local community and school division:

-Major Installations: Students built offices in the WCPS Education Center and HVAC installations.
-Community Projects: Constructed the Union High School baseball concession stand. Students recently have built a two-story cabin and labeled parts for assembly.
-Annual Production: The class typically builds two storage sheds every year, providing students with the full cycle of a build from foundation to finish.

Students maintain they’ve “learned a lot. This class is useful, even if it’s not something you’re going into."

It’s clear the program is teaching self-reliance and financial literacy alongside technical skills. This program is a massive win for Wise County because it transforms students from tax consumers into skilled producers before they even graduate. By having Mr. Phillips' students build local infrastructure, the community sees a direct return on its investment. Even for students who don’t become professional contractors, the program creates competent homeowners. A community of people who can fix their own HVAC, repair their own porches, and understand building codes is a more resilient and financially stable community.

Wise County Public Schools is thankful for talented instructors like Mr. Phillips, who has dedicated over 19 years to his students and community.

🛠️ Staff Spotlight: Mr. William 'Billy' Sanders
Role: Maintenance Specialist, Wise County Public Schools
Years of Service: 44 Years (With WCPS since 1981)

1. A Lifelong Commitment to Excellence
Q: Tell us about your journey with Wise County Public Schools. "I’ve been in the maintenance field for 44 years in total. I joined the central office team at Wise County Public Schools back in 1981."

2. Behind the Scenes: Keeping the Lights On
Q: What does a typical day look like for you? "My job is to keep the 'heart' of the building beating. That means managing the electrical services, maintaining the heating and cooling systems, and overseeing all fire alarm panels and safety systems. Essentially, I do whatever it takes to keep our buildings fully operational so that the focus can remain on education."

3. The Impact: Safety and Comfort
Q: What gives you the most pride in your work? "The greatest reward is knowing that the systems are running smoothly. When the students are comfortable and—most importantly—safe, I know I’ve done my job well. Providing a stable environment for learning is why I show up every day."

4. A Partnership Built on Decades
Q: Any closing thoughts on your time here? "I’ve had a great experience working with Wise County Public Schools; the district has truly been good to me. I also want to express my deep appreciation for my supervisor, Mr. Gary Lawson. We actually started together in 1981, and his mentorship over the years has meant a lot to me. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team."

Wise County Public Schools thanks Mr. Sanders for his continued service to our students and division!

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