Due to inclement weather, the Wise County Public School Board meeting originally scheduled for Monday, November 10th was postponed. A new date and time will be determined and announced at a later date. 

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

SEASON 2, EPISODE 2:
ADDI HARVEY - COEBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL

🌟 Meet Addi! 🌟

This amazing 2nd grader is full of big dreams, big heart, and even bigger imagination! 🧠💫 She loves math, wants to be a teacher when she grows up, and is shining bright in pageants she’s super proud of! 👑💖

✨ Addi Facts:
📚 Aspiring teacher who loves multiplication
👩‍🏫 Looks up to her awesome teacher
🎉 Has tons of friends—because shared interests make the best friendships
🎬 Favorite movie: Zombies 4
🎵 Favorite song: “I Got That Sunshine in My Pocket”
😋 Favorite snacks: Doritos + Oreos
🍽 Pancakes for dinner > pizza for breakfast
🌮 Tacos > pizza
🐶 Dogs > cats
☀️ Summer > winter
🍦 Dream ice cream? Chocolate + vanilla swirl with strawberry sprinkles
🧟 Halloween costume: Zombie cheerleader 
🌕 Dream home: The MOON
🏫 School on the moon > school underwater
🧮 Math > reading
🏃 Recess > lunch
🌳 Outside > inside
💪 Superpower of choice? Super strength > super speed
🕊️ Fly > be invisible
🐒 Funniest animal if it could talk? A dog or a monkey
🦀 Hop or crawl? Crawl 

Addi is unstoppable, unforgettable, and totally out of this world. 🌈🌙✨

Students at Eastside High School created their Tiny Desk Concert on Friday, October 10th prior to hosting Rye Cove High School in football! 

Big thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvement for giving Wise Primary School a beautiful makeover on Wednesday, October 15th! 🎨✨

They painted curbs yellow & blue (handicap spaces), refreshed all the handrails with black paint, mulched the landscape beds with rubber mulch and added colorful flowers 🌸, and even touched up signs with bright red paint for extra pop! 🚧🌼

Our school grounds have never looked better — and it’s all thanks to this amazing community effort!

Principal Hood states, "Lowe's really went above and beyond in transforming the outside of Wise Primary School today. The pressure washing, painting, and landscaping improvements will significantly enhance the school's appearance and create a welcoming environment for both students and staff. It's great to see businesses like Lowe's giving back to their community. We are so appreciative of all the materials and labor that Lowe's has provided for this needed project at Wise Primary School. Thanks again Lowe's of Wise County!! You guys and gals rocked it out!!"

Hamilton carried the ball for 33 yards, and the Spartans won the game 40-0 against Bland County.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Wise Primary students are committing to making school a kinder, safer place for all!!

Wise Primary students participated in classroom guidance lessons focused on being a good friend and recognizing bullying behavior!

During their resource time, Mrs. Flanary and Mrs. Lindsay met with each grade level to lead thoughtful discussions and activities around kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying.

As part of the lesson, every student signed a pledge to be drug-free and to not be a bully. They also brainstormed meaningful ways to show kindness to others — emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect.

Together, we can make a difference by promoting kindness and respect in every classroom and hallway. Let’s continue working together as a community to create safe and supportive environments for all students!

Coeburn Primary School Kicked Off Bullying Prevention Week on October 20th!

Our students started the week strong by learning what it means to be an upstander — someone who stands up for kindness and helps make a difference! 

Throughout the week, students will be completing Kindness Bingo, spreading positivity and compassion around our school. Anyone who blacks out their card by Friday will be entered to win a special prize! 

Our students also pledged to stand against bullying and to make CPS a safe, welcoming place for everyone. 

#CPSKindness #BullyingPreventionWeek #WeChooseKindness

As an extension of National Bullying Prevention Month (October), this morning on Thursday, October 23rd, Angel Mefford, Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator with Family Crisis Support Services, presented an informative session on anti-bullying to J.W. Adams 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. During the presentation, Angel Mefford defined bullying and explained the different types—verbal, social, and physical. She encouraged students to become self-advocates, discussed the roles involved in bullying situations (the victim, the bully, and the bystander, or witness), and shared information on how and where students can seek help or assistance. Her engaging presentation helped empower students to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying in positive and proactive ways.

Students in grades lower than 5th-8th have been discussing kindness, empathy, & being a good friend. The book titled, "How Full Is Your Bucket (for kids)" has been a perfect introduction to the topics of kindness, empathy and being a good friend!

J.W. Adams joins all of Wise County Public Schools in our effort to raise awareness and promote bullying prevention strategies during National Bullying Prevention Month this October. 💪💬🧡

Together, we stand for kindness and respect — because every student deserves to feel safe and supported. 🌟

The Union High School Bear Band and Cheer teams were up bright and early this morning for WJHL’s Friday Morning Kickoff! During the 6:00 a.m. news show, the Union High School Band performed selections from their fall show, while the cheer squad brought the energy with spirited cheers. Sophomore drum major, Blake Green and junior drum major Hannah Hampton were also featured in interviews throughout the morning broadcast.

With the Union Bear football team at 8-0, these talented band and cheer members play a huge role in keeping the team and fans fired up every game night! 🧡💙 #FridayMorningKickoff

🚌National School Bus Safety Week 2025 🚌: October 20–24, 2025

This year’s message is also a reminder: safety doesn’t begin or end with the bus ride. It’s about Safety at Every Stop 🛑—from the moment a child leaves their front door to the time they return home.

Stay alert. Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
Stop for the bus. Obey the stop-arm law every time—no exceptions.
Support accountability. Technology and enforcement work hand in tandem to change driver behavior.
Raise awareness. Share facts, resources, and personal stories that open eyes and change hearts.

Wise County Public Schools would like to express our sincere appreciation for our dedicated bus drivers and transportation team.

Each day, these individuals go above and beyond to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of our students. Their commitment, patience, and care play a vital role in our students’ success — both on the road and in the classroom.

Thank you for all you do to keep our children safe!

This week, we celebrated our incredible school psychologists who support the academic success, mental health, and overall well-being of our students every day.

Their work helps create safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments where every student can thrive. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students! 🙌

The Union High School DECA Club members competed Friday, November 7 at MECC! Members are (L-R): Arabella Clendenon, Sophie Hamm, Roman Wagner, Skye Reece and Katie Witt! Congratulations also to Arabella (1st Place), Roman (2nd Place), Skye (1st Place) and Katie (3rd Place) for placing in their individual competitions today!

Arabella and Skye both qualified for the state DECA competition!

Congratulations to Coach Trey Stidham and the entire One Act team on finishing as the Mountain 7 District Runner-Up during today’s theater festival! The group advances to the regional festival to be held on November 22nd at Central High School!

Congratulations to Central High School's One Act Team, claiming the Mountain 7 Championship on Saturday, November 8th. The group advances to the regional festival to be held on November 22nd at Central High School!

Wise County Public Schools congratulates the Eastside High School Lady Spartans, who won the Region 1D Cross Country Championship on October 29, 2025.

Wise County Public Schools congratulates the Wise Central High School Lady Warriors, who won the Region 2D Cross Country Championship on October 28, 2025.

Superintendent, Dr. Mike Goforth congratulated the Lady Eastside Spartan Cross Country team on Saturday, November 8th, stating:

"HUGE congratulations to the Eastside Lady Spartans on bringing home the Class 1 VHSL State Championship in cross-country! Your grit, teamwork, and relentless drive have led you to this incredible achievement — you’ve made history and made us so proud. Teamwork. Dedication. Victory.  Here’s to celebrating every hard-earned stride, to the coaches who pushed you, to the families and friends who cheered you on, and to the trail that led you here.
#StateChamps #LadySpartans #GoSpartans"

Mr. Brian Dotson | Central High School
Bus Driver & Environmental Science Instructor

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 Health Sciences Pathway at WCCTC — all thanks to the incredible leadership of Mrs. Becca Slone and Mrs. Kara Fleming! 🩺❤️Their kindness, care, and compassion as healthcare professionals and educators continue to drive this program forward — inspiring the next generation of medical heroes.👏 We are so proud of the work they're doing and the lives they’re changing every day!

🎓 Industry-focused instruction from REAL field professionals
💬 Strong student relationships, real-world skills, & EMPATHY at the core

Certified Nursing Assistant students pose for a picture.

The Claude Moore Scholars Program has provided:
✅ $500K for expansion, curriculum upgrades, renovations
✅ New Middle School Healthcare Career Exploration position @ Union Middle
✅ All Wise County Schools now have exploratory healthcare programs!

Thanks to the Rapha Grant, students receive:
👟 Scrubs, shoes, stethoscopes
📄 CNA certification support

Enrollment & Student Development
Attendance & Enrollment Processes established for tracking student progress
Emphasis on building strong student relationships
Goal: Prepare students not just with skills, but empathy and professionalism

📚 Certifications & Dual Enrollment Courses Offered:
• CNA, EKG Tech, CPR & First Aid
• 13 college credits available through DE Health Programs
• Save 💸 over $2,000 vs taking these courses after high school!
• 🤝 Job placement partnerships with Ballad Health, and nursing homes including Heritage Hall, & The Laurels, earning over $20.00/hour💸

I.) DUAL ENROLLMENT HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCE: This course is 3 college level courses offered in 1, and you obtain 7 college credit hours towards your degree! 

Course Breakdown:

HLT 100 – 31 First Aid/CPR - 3 credit hours
HLT 130 – 31 Nutrition and Diet Therapy - 2 credit hours 
HLT 145 – 31 Ethics for Healthcare Professionals - 2 credit hours

Course cost is approximately $280, but if you wait and take these courses after high school, it costs about $2500! This is a huge cost savings to you and helps you to be able to graduate college faster.

II.) CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA): If you plan to go into nursing or the medical field, this class option is great to get basic medical terminology under your belt, and obtain the patient care skills you will need to know for your college level courses.

120 classroom hours, 20 skills lab hours, and 40 clinical hours set by the Virginia Board of Nursing that must be obtained in order to be qualified to test for your CNA certification. Once those hours are completed, you then take your CNA written and skills exam. Once you pass both of those, you are officially CNA certified! Our CNA programs have had 100% pass rates both for the year long program and fast track program since Mrs. Slone and Mrs. Fleming came on board. 

III.) DE Patient Care Technician (PCT) & DE Medical Terminology: In order to be eligible for these 2 courses, you must have taken and completed CNA (either the fast track or the year long program). These courses offer you another 6 college credits in your field of healthcare study.

Course Breakdown:

HLT 235 – Patient Care Technician/Diagnostic Cardiography - 3 college credits
HIM 111 - Medical Terminology - 3 college credits

(left) Mrs. Becca Slone, BSN
Nurse Aide/Dual Enrollment H&M Science, Med Term and PCT Instructor
Contact: rslone@wisek12.org

(right) Mrs. Kara Fleming, RN
CNA Instructor
Contact: kmfleming@wisek12.org

Quick Employment Facts:

Average CNA Salaries in Virginia:

In Virginia, entry‑level Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's) typically earn about $15 per hour, which translates to roughly $30,000 to $33,000 per year for full‑time work. 

Education:

High School: Enroll in a high school vocational or technical school that offers welding programs.

High School: Most nursing positions require at least a high school diploma or GED.

Technical Training:
Enroll in a vocational or technical school that offers nursing/health science programming. These programs usually last from a few months to 2 years (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).

Clinicals:
Clinicals combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

120 classroom hours, 20 skills lab hours, and 40 clinical hours set by the Virginia Board of Nursing that must be obtained in order to be qualified to test for your CNA certification.

Post-Secondary Education:
Career pathways extend to four-year colleges and universities. Students who desire to seek nursing/health science careers beyond a CNA level can pursue education locally, at MECC, or UVA-Wise.

Certifications: 
• CNA, EKG Tech, CPR & First Aid
• 13 college credits available through DE Health Programs
• Save 💸 over $2,000 vs taking these courses after high school!

🎤Student Voices from the Program 🗣️

🎙️What is the most important thing you’ve learned in this program?
  “Empathy. Patients always come first.”

🎙️What do you love about working with your instructors?
   “They care deeply. They're nurturing. They’re like moms — they bring heart into the profession.”

🎙️What would you say to a student considering pursuing this program?
   “Do it. It will change your life. You’ll learn things about yourself you never thought you would.”

Pam Roberts: 46 Years of Helping Students Find Purpose Beyond the Classroom

For the past 18 years, Pam Roberts has been a dedicated staff member at Duds and Dough, a unique postsecondary educational program in Wise County Public Schools that supports students aged 18 to 22 as they transition from school to work. Pam’s commitment to her students and community continues to grow stronger each year.

Her 46-year journey in education began at Appalachia High, and during school consolidation, she moved into the Alternative Education program. Since then, Pam has found her calling working with students who need practical, real-world experience — and a champion in their corner.

Real-World Work-Based Learning…That Matters

At Duds and Dough, students gain essential life and job skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. They learn everything from cooking and laundry to professional workplace behaviors like clocking in, calling in for absences, and interacting with the public.

Pam works directly with students to identify career interests and even goes out on job visits with them. One student, for example, is set to start working at Goodwill in Wise, VA, after Christmas — just one of many local placements the program helps coordinate.

Incentives, Impact, and Community Connection

Funded by $2,500 in one-year start-up grants 18 years ago, and now supplemented through self-funding efforts, Duds and Dough also offers students incentive pay for stocking shelves and maintaining the shop. The store mimics a thrift store, or re-sell shop, and is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Duds & Dough is a community-focused resale store that offers a wide variety of donated/consigned goods — including clothing, furniture, antiques, children’s toys, home décor, and more — all thoughtfully priced for resale. Community members are encouraged to donate items at any time. Community members may also consign goods by appointment.

Pam takes pride in the program’s growing reputation and its contributions to local schools.

“Last year alone, we gave back $5,000 to schools,” she notes. One of the shop’s signature initiatives allows patrons to "Shop for the Students," where proceeds from specific days go directly to a chosen teacher, coach, or classroom.

A Program That "Works" — Thanks to People Like Pam

Duds and Dough isn’t just about clothes and donations — it’s about dignity, preparation, and purpose. And with leaders like Pam Roberts, students don’t just leave with skills — they leave knowing someone believed in them.

Though, after 46 years, Pam doesn’t intend on retiring–at least any time soon. "I love it. These kids are great," Pam says with a smile. Her passion is obvious in everything she does, especially when she spots former students working in the community. "That’s the ultimate purpose — to see them succeed after they leave here."

Donation Contact Information:

Name: Pam Roberts

Email: proberts@wisek12.org

Shopping Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Donations are accepted during open hours (consignment by appointment only).

Location: Duds & Dough is located behind the Education Center where monthly school board meetings are held, marked by an orange “Duds & Dough” awning

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