2025 - 2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR
(Updated 1/12/2026)

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

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

J. W. Adams Combined School -
Mr. Chris Wilson & Mrs. Amber Salyers

At J.W. Adams, our mission is to make school a place where students truly want to be. This year, we’ve focused on upgrading our facilities, celebrating student achievement, and fostering a culture of "Ultimate Warriors." Here is a look at what we’ve been up to!

🏀 Fresh Look in our Gymnasium

Our gym has received a major facelift! We are thrilled to welcome fans back to a refreshed space featuring:

New Bleachers for a better spectator experience.

New Wall Pads for increased safety.

Fresh Sealer & Paint to keep our home court shining.

📉 Attendance Spotlight: Under 5%!

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Chronic Absenteeism rate for the first semester was under 5%. To keep the momentum going, we’ve launched the “Ultimate Warrior” program. Every week, students with perfect attendance are entered into a drawing to win a free Warriors t-shirt. Attendance matters, and our students are showing up ready to learn!

🤖 Robotics & STEM Excellence

Our Robotics team is back in action after a historic debut season. Last year, our students swept the competition, bringing home:

The Champions Award & The Rookie Award

The Top Score, Autonomous, & Showcase Awards

Students are currently mastering computer programming and technology by navigating complex mazes and engineering robots.

🎺 A Note of Success: The J.W. Adams Band

Music is alive and well in our halls! Under the phenomenal direction of Mr. Wharton, we currently have 80–85 middle school band students (grades 5-8). We are so proud of the dedication these students show in learning their instruments and performing for our community.

🎈 Community & Culture: Making School Fun

Education is about more than just textbooks; it’s about memories.

Boo Bash: Over 500 people joined us for Halloween fun and indoor reading activities!

Stuff Your Stocking: We were honored to provide toys and treats to 176 children before the holiday break.

DISCUSSION

1.) 2025-2026 Accountability Results / School Support Framework:

All of our schools are fully accredited.

7 Wise County Schools were recognized as
distinguished - The most in Region VII:
CPS, SPES, UPS, LFA, CHS, EHS, and UHS.

Union Primary - Top 5 Elementary School in
Region VII.

Central High - Number 1 High School in Region VII

Eastside High - Number 2 High School in Region VII

Union Primary (Distinguished)
Top 5 Growth - Math

Central High (Distinguished)
Top 5 Mastery - Reading, Math, Science
Top 5 4-Year Graduation Rate
Top 5 Readiness - 6-Year Graduation Rate
Top 5 Readiness - 3E Readiness

Eastside High (Distinguished)
Top 5 Mastery - Reading, Math, and Science
Top 5 Readiness - Chronic Absenteeism
Top 3 Enlistment

Union High (Distinguished)
Top 5 4-Year Graduation Rate
Top 5 Readiness - 6-Year Graduation Rate

2.) 2025-2026 Revision of 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

3.) 2026-2027 School Calendar:
Transparency and staff input are vital to our planning process. We recently shared our calendar selection workflow with the School Board to ensure a fair and organized approach for the upcoming academic year.

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

Staff Voting: Both versions will be emailed directly to all staff members.

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

4.) VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Members:
The WCPS School Board members will agree to, abide by, and sign the code of conduct as presented by the VSBA for school board members.

5.) VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Clerks:
The WCPS School Board clerk will agree to, abide by, and sign the code of conduct as presented by the VSBA for school board clerks.

6.) E-Rate - Internet Access and WAN Connectivity Contract:
As our current three-year internet service contract nears its end, we are looking toward a more cost-effective future.

The Recommendation: Rather than a traditional contract renewal, the recommendation has been made to pursue internet access through the federal E-Rate program.

Why E-Rate?

Significant Cost Savings: E-Rate provides substantial discounts (often 20% to 90%) on telecommunications and internet access for eligible schools.

Budget Efficiency: Transitioning to E-Rate will be significantly cheaper than our current contract, allowing us to redirect those savings back into the classroom.

Future-Proofing: This program is designed specifically to help schools maintain the high-speed broadband needed for modern digital learning and our growing Robotics and STEM initiatives.

We are committed to providing our students with the best tools available while remaining responsible stewards of our school division's budget.

ACTION

Employment (Approved 8-0)

2025-2026 Revision of School Calendar (Approved 8-0)

VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Members (Approved 8-0)

VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Clerks (Approved 8-0)

E-Rate - Internet Access and WAN Connectivity Contract (Approved 8-0)

THE PULSE

SEASON 2, EPISODE 4:
HARPER & REID - WISE PRIMARY SCHOOL

This episode of The Pulse (Season 2, Episode 4) features Dr. Goforth, the Superintendent of Wise County Schools, interviewing two fourth-grade students, Harper and Reid, for a special Christmas-themed podcast. The conversation covers school life, holiday traditions, and future aspirations. Below is a summary of the highlights:

School Life & Favorites

Best part of school: Reid loves seeing his friends, while Harper’s favorite part is lunch.

Teachers: Both students spoke highly of their teachers, describing them as "polite" and "fun."

School Identity: When asked about changing their school's name, Reid suggested "Home of the Little Warriors."

Christmas Traditions

Favorite part: Both students emphasized the importance of spending time with family and visiting relatives.

Christmas Eve: Both are allowed to open one small gift on Christmas Eve, saving the big presents for Christmas morning.

Wishlist: Reid is hoping for an Apple Studio Display, and Harper wants a Nintendo Switch.

Santa's Workshop: If they worked for Santa, Harper would choose to make toys, and Reid would want to wrap them.

Dreams and Goals

Proudest Moment: Both students expressed pride in "being smart" and making good grades.

Future Careers: Reid aspires to be a doctor to help people, while Harper wants to be a veterinarian.

Superpowers/Hobbies: Harper would love to be amazing at soccer, and Reid wants to be great at basketball.

Questions for our Superintendent, Dr. Goforth

The students turned the tables and interviewed Dr. Goforth:

Travel: He dreams of taking a long train ride across the United States.

Inspiration: He became a superintendent because of the supportive people in his life and a desire to lead his home county.

Job Satisfaction: He noted that getting to sit and talk with students is the best part of his job. Harper asks, what do you enjoy most about your job? Dr. Goforth responded, "Getting to spend time with students like yourselves."

WCYB Article, by Liam Bridgeman | Thu, December 11, 2025 at 5:53 PM

COEBURN, Va. (WCYB) — On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Eastside High School theatre team in Coeburn, VA won their 12th consecutive one-act [VHSL] state championship.The production this year was called 'The Trench' about the horrors of trench warfare during world war one. The team competed and won the state one-act championship in Charlottesville, VA. Director Shane Burke credits the long-time success of the program to the kids that make it up. “They've put in several hours, as I have, and I think more than being committed to the play they are committed to each other and that helps more than anything,” Burke said.

Link: https://wcyb.com/news/local/eastside-theatre-wins-12th-consecutive-one-act-championship

Photography/Videography Credit: WCYB

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has formally announced the induction of two distinguished representatives from Wise County into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This honor recognizes their unprecedented contributions to interscholastic competition and fine arts.

Honorees and Career Achievements are:

Jan Thompson (Central High School): Recognized for an illustrious 47-year tenure as a Theatre and Speech Director. Under her leadership, her programs secured 11 State Championships, and she successfully mentored 22 students who earned the distinction of All-State Outstanding Actor.

Natasha Belcher-Holt (J.J. Kelly High School): Inducted for her historic dominance in tennis during the 1990s. Mrs. Belcher-Holt was the first athlete in VHSL history to win three Group A singles championships, a record that remains unsurpassed in any classification. Additionally, she anchored a program that captured four consecutive state team titles.

These inductions celebrate a legacy of excellence that has set a benchmark for students and educators across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Photography/Videography Credit: https://www.supertalk929.com/2025/12/29/wise-county-theatre-and-tennis-legends-selected-for-2026-vhsl-hall-of-fame/

(IMAGE: Property of Virginia High School League / Official Facebook)

On Wednesday, January 7th, the entire Wise County Public Schools team kicked off 2026 with an incredible professional development session at Union High School featuring the one and only Gerry Brooks, a veteran educator and social media influencer, from Lexington, Kentucky!

With over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, intervention specialist and principal, Mr. Brooks shared invaluable insights on how administrators can lead with intention, and how teachers and staff members can cultivate a positive classroom climate.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow together as a district. Our teachers, staff members and administrators are headed back to their classrooms and offices feeling encouraged, inspired, and ready to lead with a positive mindset. Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for inspiring Wise County Public Schools to lead with love, respect, and encouragement for ALL students. We’re ready to make the rest of 2026 the most positive year yet!

Robert Phillips | Union High 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 Information Technology Pathway at WCCTC — all thanks to the incredible leadership of Mrs. Ashley Lawson.

Let's brag on Mrs. Lawson! It is an incredible testament to the rigor and quality of her instruction at WCCTC that her students are not just passing courses, but demonstrating a level of mastery that allows them to bypass introductory collegiate requirements at local educational institutions. By blending cybersecurity fundamentals with industrial manufacturing, she is preparing students for a high-demand career path in Cybersecurity for Southwest Virginia. 

Mrs. Ashley Lawson
Cybersecurity & Programming Instructor
Contact: aslawson@wisek12.org

The "Vulnerable" Lab: Using the Virginia Cyber Range and cyber.org, Mrs. Lawson has created a safe "bubble" where students use Kali Linux to ethically attack Windows 7 OS machines, which are the most vulnerable. The ability for the instructor to "reset" the range allows students to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, ethically and safely. The environment can be used for network scans, web application vulnerability exploitation, basic penetration testing, as well as a plethora of built-in exercises.

Safe Competition: Students can launch "Range Attacks" against one another without risking external networks.

Fearless Learning: Students are encouraged to experiment; if a system crashes or is compromised beyond repair, the instructor can instantly reset the machine to its original state.

PLC & Industrial Robotics: Moving beyond just computers, the program explores Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This is where Cybersecurity meets Manufacturing (OT - Operational Technology). Students see how code affects physical objects—like the robotic database model, where a developer's logic determines which object is loaded to a predetermined destination.

Microbit "Cyber Attacks": Students aren't just building robots; they are learning to overtake them. Using Python, students simulate cyber attacks on robots to understand how to defend critical manufacturing infrastructure. This Microbit activity serves as a powerful "proof of concept" for industrial security. By using Python to intercept or override commands, students move beyond theoretical hacking and see the immediate physical consequences of a breach.

Transfer Partners: Since these are weighted DE (Dual-Enrollment) credits toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at MECC, they typically transfer seamlessly to:

UVA-Wise (Software Engineering/Cyber focus)
Radford University (Strong Cybersecurity program)
ETSU (Computing/Digital Media)

Cost/Credits: At MECC, the cost per credit hour for in-state students is roughly $160–$170. Completing 35 credits via DE can save a student over $5,500 before even stepping onto a college campus.

For students, the cost is $38.00, per credit hour ($114 per 3 credit hours)

Cyber Fundamentals
ITN 260 - 3 credits - Network Security
ITN 261 - 3 credits - Network Attacks, Computer Crime and Hacking

Cyber Operations
ITN 101 - 3 credits - Intro to Network Concepts
ITN 170 - 3 credits - Linux
ITE 105 - 2 credits - Careers and Cyber Ethics

Programming
ITE 131 - 1 credit - Survey of Internet Services
ITP 150 - 3 credits - Python Programming

Programming Adv
ITP 100 - 3 credits - Software Design

The curriculum aligns with entry-level roles (cyber analyst, or business analyst) by stacking industry-recognized certifications with programming languages.

Certification: Microsoft Certified Fundamentals - Microsoft SC-900 (Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals).

Lego Robotics provides support for middle schoolers, ensuring the next generation of technicians is ready for WCCTC courses, and post-secondary opportunities at MECC, UVA Wise, Radford, and ETSU. Also, in our school division, St. Paul Elementary teaches an Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals course. 

Eli Hopkins, a current Information Technology Technician is employed with Wise County Public Schools and is a product of Mrs. Lawson’s programming at WCCTC. Students who excel in Mrs. Lawson’s course may qualify for entry-level positions that include cyber analyst, or business analyst. 

By connecting Microsoft Security Fundamentals with the shipping and manufacturing logic used by companies like Amazon, Mrs. Lawson is turning "Cyber Fundamentals" into a high-demand career path for students in Southwest Virginia. 

By navigating to https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html, students and parents are able to explore the interactive heat map to view a snapshot of demand and supply data for cybersecurity jobs at the state and national levels.

The students and families of Wise County Public Schools are very fortunate to have knowledgeable instructors like Mrs. Lawson, who are equipping our students with skills for high demand job opportunities in Southwest Virginia!

(Left) Mrs. Patsy Dotson stands with Mrs. Samantha Thompson (2nd grade teacher) in the early 80’s when she first started teaching Kindergarten.

(Right) Fast forward!!! Mrs. Dotson's granddaughter is in Mrs. Thompson's class currently!

From the days of chalkboards and filmstrips to today’s SMART boards and iPads, Mrs. Patsy Dotson has been a cornerstone of Wise County education for nearly five decades.They say that home is where the heart is, but for Mrs. Dotson, heart is also found in the classroom. For 46 remarkable years, she has been a steady, loving presence for the children of Wise County, especially those at Wise Primary School.

From Clintwood Student to Wise County Mentor
Her journey came full circle right here at home. A proud member of the Clintwood High School Class of 1976 (graduating in the top 10 with honors!), she was inspired by the "wonderful and caring" teachers of her own youth. She took that inspiration to Clinch Valley College and later to the University of Virginia, where she spent two years traveling to Charlottesville on weekends and teaching in summer clinics to earn her Master’s degree from the UVA Curry School of Education—all while teaching full-time!

A Witness to Change 
In four decades, Mrs. Dotson has seen education evolve from the era of chalkboards, filmstrip projectors, and play-based centers to today’s fast-paced world of SMART boards, iPads, and rigorous academic expectations. Through every curriculum trend that has come and gone, her philosophy remains unshakable: “Kindergarteners still need FUN sprinkled in with all the rigor that exists in Kindergarten now. It is of utmost importance to establish routines and good classroom management practices to ensure optimal learning opportunities for ALL children. We become a school family and create an environment of mutual respect! I truly LOVE my job and continue taking classes and participate in educational trainings to continue my own learning journey!

Memories that Last a Lifetime
Whether it was the elaborate Disney performances, the annual "Tale of Peter Rabbit" spring plays, or the "lightbulb moments" when a child first discovers the joy of reading, her impact is immeasurable. And who could forget the "lessons" learned along the way? (Like when a curious student accidentally turned her "winter white" trousers into a green-painted masterpiece!)

A True School Family ❤️
"I hope they remember the fun times and love as a ‘School Family,’" she shares. For her, the classroom isn't just a workspace—it’s her HAPPY PLACE. “I take pride in watching my students learn & grow every day! I always look forward to each new school year and the opportunities & possibilities it will bring!”  

Even after 46 years, she continues to attend trainings and learn new ways to keep her students engaged, proving that a great teacher is always a great student, too. Help us celebrate Mrs. Dotson for her amazing service in our school 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

Connect with us!

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