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

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

i.) Wise County 4-H Presentation (LeAnn Hill and Sarah Gardner, 4-H Extension Agents):
-1 high school club
-62 classrooms visited
-9 schools served
-1,300 students served

Curriculum:
STEM Education; Career Readiness; Character Counts; Nutrition; Public Speaking; Health Rocks

Summer Outreach:
Fair Kids Day; Appalachian Heritage Day Camp; Poultry Project; Garden Project; Bird Watching Project

Ag Field Day:
400+ Youth (Agriculture Education)
12 Teen Volunteers (4-H Promotion)
30+ Volunteers (Natural Resource Education)

4-H Wise County Camp:
-185 campers
-28 teen leaders
-11 adult volunteers

4-H State Congress:
-9 Youth Attended
-8 Youth Competed
-3 All-Star Inductees
-Leadership Workshops

4-H Leadership:
-4-H State Cabinet
-Teen Leadership Council
-Souther Regional Teen Leadership Council
-4-H day at the Capitol

Cole Morgan presented on his 4-H trip to Dominican Republic

ii.) Principal's Presentation--Coeburn Middle School - Deventae Mooney:
Mr. Mooney would like to thank the Wise County Public School Board for the following school upgrades:
-Gym floor (sanded and painted)
-New locker room renovation
-New tile in the band classroom
-Funding for a sensory room
-Auditorium seating
-Funding for a new school sign

Mr. Mooney thanked the Rapha Foundatin for the purchase of the Lu Interactive Playground andl library supplies.

Coeburn Middle School Enhances Learning with $500 Grant:
Coeburn Middle School recently received a $500.00 grant, which was used to purchase digital cameras and clay for a creative student project. Using these materials, students created stop-motion animation videos, showcasing both their artistic and technical skills. The completed videos were proudly presented to the school board, highlighting the innovative ways students are engaging with digital media and storytelling.

DISCUSSION

i.) School Performance and Support Framework:

Dr. Goforth informed the Board that he is awaiting school performance data from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which has not yet been received. He noted that the initial target window for receiving this information was early October, but acknowledged that no school performance data has been provided to date from the VDOE.

ii.) Standards of Learning (SOL) Cut Scores Update

Virginia’s Board of Education recently approved, on a first vote, higher cut (passing) scores for the SOL (Standards of Learning) tests in reading and math;

Reasoning: The SOL “cut scores” (i.e. the minimum score to be considered “proficient” or “advanced”) are being increased to reflect the more rigorous academic standards adopted in recent years;

Why are cut scores changing?

SOL assessments are aligned to state standards, which define what students are expected to learn. Cut scores help us know
if students are meeting learning expectations.

The current scores are based on old standards from 2016 (mathematics) and 2017 (English). Since new content standards were approved in 2023 and 2024, and new SOL assessments fully aligned to the new more rigorous standards
were implemented in Spring 2025, cut scores need to be updated to reflect current expectations for proficiency and beyond.

SEASON 2, EPISODE 1:
CANAAN SPEARS - UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Canaan Spears, a student from Union High School, visits with Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth to talk about wrestling, state championships, injury recovery, and more. As part of his ongoing effort to get to know students personally, Dr. Goforth enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Canaan's journey and experiences.

Courtesy of Natalea Hillen, WCYB |Wed., September 10th 2025 at 7:00 PM
Updated Wed, September 10th 2025 at 7:20 PM

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A Wise County senior is leading by example, both inside and outside the classroom.

This week’s 5 Star Student is Darren Williams.

Darren Williams, 17, is an honors student at Eastside High School in Coeburn.

He’s student body president, a member of the golf team, and competes in a bowling league, all while working two jobs.

News Five's Natalea Hillen spoke with Darren about his leadership and what it means to him.

Darren's mentor and History Teacher, Gequetta Bright said, He is a wonderful young man an excellent student and a great student leader. It’s very inquisitive and an excellent role model for his classmates.

Darren grew up in Wise County and said school pride has always been important to him.

I love this school. Sophomore year, I ran for secretary and I put posters around the school with all the movies I like that and I got it and then junior year, I ran for vice president I got it and then this year I ran for president and I’m president of the school, said Eastside High School senior, Darren Williams.

He also competes on Eastside’s golf team.

I got started with golf because of my dad, he started golfing when he was very young. I’ve done it for four years, I enjoy it, said Darren.

And he makes the trip to Bristol to bowl competing for several years.

We started that when COVID hit and I’ve done it ever since. I’m 5th in the state right now. You go in every day and the lanes are different. You know a different challenge every day you are there, said Darren.

On top of it all, Darren juggles two jobs.

I work at Hardee’s in Saint Paul and the pharmacy at Food City in Coeburn. I do my work and I get it done as soon as I can. I don’t wait and then I’ll leave from here when I work at 2 o’clock and I go to work till 7, Darren said.

Darren said he loves leading and helping other students and hopes to set a good example for those who look up to him.

I wanted to be able to help out in anyway I can we help ,with homecoming, we do a food drive, we donate to animal shelters, we do a lot and we help this year with Justin‘s walk. We do a lot and I like helping people out. I love seeing people happy, said Darren.

After graduation, Darren plans to attend the University of Pikeville, majoring in biology, with hopes to continue his bowling career.

WCYB News 5 Player of the Week

by Samantha Allen |Wed., September 10th 2025 at 6:36 PM
Updated Wed, September 10th 2025 at 7:34 PM

COEBURN, VA — Sophomore Rocky Bond is making waves at Eastside High School, earning the title of Player of the Week for his outstanding performance on the football field. Bond, who plays both wide receiver and defensive end, showcased his versatility during Friday night's game by scoring three touchdowns, including two rushing and a kickoff return, while also making significant defensive plays.

"Well, on offense, I’m a wide receiver, and I got good linemen up front be able to do what I do and be able to catch the ball, to do with things I can’t do anything without my team. I need my team. Obviously, it’s football, it’s a team sport. And on defense, I’m on D-line, and I just to try to contain and keep my squat," Bond said.

One of the highlights of the game was when Bond found an opening and capitalized on it. "I saw a hole, and I took off and I got in," he said.

Despite being just a sophomore, Bond attributes his success to the extra effort he puts in behind the scenes. "I’ve been putting in my footwork, I’ve been lifting. I just been putting a whole lot of extra work that people don’t see, that I’ve been doing," he said.

Coach Mike Rhodes praised Bond's adaptability, noting his ability to play multiple positions. "You know, Rocky is one of those guys, and he’s a utility guy. He can play running back and play receiver. He can play the plays defensive end for us. He can play linebacker. He can play defensive back. He’s one of the fastest kids in southwest Virginia, and him being so versatile really opens it up for a lot of things that we can do with him and move him around and to where teams can’t keep on him as easy," Rhodes said.

For Bond, football is about more than just the game; it's about his teammates. "I’m really proud of all the stuff that we have accomplished, and we do got a really young team, and we’ve just been putting in the work. And I’m just really proud of everything," he said.

Eastside High School is hitting the road to face Rural Retreat at 7:00PM on Friday.

by Kenzie Hagood | Fri., September 26, 2025at 11:22 PM
Updated Friday, September 25th, 2025 at 11:25 PM

COEBURN, Va. (WJHL) — Eastside High School’s Keldan Hamilton is the Gatorlyte Quick Play winner of week 6.

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

Union Middle School Health and Medical students had an exciting opportunity to meet with the AirVac team stationed in Harlan, KY. The crew, which included the pilot and two flight nurses, shared insights into their daily job duties, how the helicopter operates, and how emergency calls are managed.

Students were able to sit in both the pilot’s and nurses’ seats inside the helicopter, giving them a first-hand look at the work environment. The team also explained the schooling and training required to become a flight nurse or pilot.

To give students a realistic demonstration, the crew used a student volunteer as a patient to show how a stretcher is used to safely load someone into the helicopter. This hands-on experience gave students a deeper understanding of emergency medical transport and the teamwork required to save lives.

America's Best Schools Spotlight: https://ncust.com/abs-spotlight-st-paul-elementary-school/

Out of hundreds of schools across the nation, St. Paul Elementary is one of only 200 schools selected—and the ONLY school in the entire state of Virginia to receive this prestigious honor! Dr. Gregory Ottinger, Executive Director of the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST), presented a certificate of commendation to Dr. Karen Dickenson on behalf of St. Paul Elementary. The school was deemed a silver award medalist, receiving $2,500.00. Students, Isabella Burke and Annebelle Riner, were selected as student representatives and were asked to read speeches on their educational experiences at St. Paul Elementary and the impact the school has had in their lives! Both, Isabella and Annebelle received $100.00 for their award-winning essays!

Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. Your success is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support education. 🌟

#AmericasBestSchools #NCUST

How to Support Lunchbox276

Community members and organizations wishing to support Lunchbox276 can contribute through the following platforms:

PayPal: @Lunchbox276
Venmo: @Lunchbox276
Cash App: $LBX276

For more information about the program or how to get involved, please visithttps://www.lunchbox276.com/, or your local school division.

Lunchbox276 Contact:
Mary Beth Masters
Lunchbox276 Program Director
mmasters@wisek12.org

Click here to watch a video message from Governor, Glenn Youngkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q43vmR0bFP8

Wise, VA – September 19, 2025 —The communities of Wise, Dickenson and Norton City gathered today in Wise, Virginia to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lunchbox276, one of the region’s most impactful food assistance initiatives. With the support of local leaders and special appearances by Governor Glenn Youngkin and Maggie Beal, Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the event highlighted the program’s expanding mission to combat food insecurity for school children in Wise and Dickenson Counties, and the City of Norton.

Lunchbox276 is now the second-largest backpack meal program west of Roanoke, and is projected to provide more than 50,000 meals over the coming school year. The program currently distributes 1,000 weekend food bags every week to students in need, each one filled with child-friendly, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meals. Bags are discreetly delivered by teachers each Friday, or before long school breaks.

Funded entirely by donations, grants, and volunteer support, the program operates with a monthly cost of $15,000, underscoring the ongoing need for community engagement and contributions.

Wise County Public Schools extends their gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that make Lunchbox276 possible, including:

-Wise, Dickenson, and Norton City School division staff and volunteers
-Local governmental leadership in Wise County, and Mr. Mike Hatfield, Wise County Administrator
-LENOWISCO Planning District Commission
-The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
-Lunchbox276 Program Director Mary Beth Masters, whose tireless dedication has brought the program to life.

Local community, regional and state leaders unite to cut the ribbon for a food distribution center for Lunchbox276 backpack program.

Lunchbox 276 Program Director, Mary Beth Masters, discusses the impact of the organization's weekend backpack program with Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth of Wise County Public Schools talks with Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Maggie Beal,Director of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to local leaders and community members.

Redena Barton poses with her grandchildren on their first days of school!

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

Email: waaustin@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, Drafting, Electricity, HVAC

• Business & Management: Economics & Personal Finance, Teachers for Tomorrow, Office Admin, Keyboarding, Word Processing

• Law, Public Safety & Security: Criminal Justice, Military Science

• Manufacturing & STEM: Drafting, HVAC design, Web Technologies, Auto Tech, Auto Body, Precision Welding/Fabrication, Welding, and Multimedia

• Hospitality & Tourism: Culinary Arts

• Human Services: Cosmetology, Nail Tech

• Information Technology: Computer Systems Tech, A+, Multimedia, Web-Tech, Office Admin

• Health Sciences: Nurse Aide (CNA), Medical Systems Administration, Introduction to Health & Medical Science, EMT

• Certifications: NOCTI, ASVAB, MOS, EMT, State Board, HVAC, and more

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

• These students are now making signs for several schools in the division.

• The LOVE sign in downtown Wise, VA was constructed by students in this class!

Companies are increasingly seeking multi-skilled professionals such as welder-electricians and welder-mechanics. Our program is designed to meet this demand by combining precision machining and welding fabrication—the new art of the trade—enhanced with cutting-edge computer-generated applications.

Program Highlights:

• Precision Machining & Welding Fabrication: Our students learn to design, make, and weld parts using advanced tools and technology.

• Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing: We incorporate software like Inkscape for design and operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) tables, plasma cutters, and other computer-controlled machines.

• Entrepreneurship Training: Students can launch their own metal fabrication businesses, like those on ETSY, with startup costs around $20,000, leveraging our industry-grade machinery and training.

• Powder Coating to Professional Standards: Our program includes finishing processes to ensure industry-level quality.

Equipment and Technology:

• Two CNC tables (wood and metal cutting) assembled by students from kits.

• Plasma cutter with computer operation.

• Planned acquisition of a new lathe capable of 3D cuts and designs, expanding beyond current 2D capabilities.

Education and Career Pathway:

Our pipeline starts with hands-on training here and extends through partnerships with community colleges like MECC, where students gain valuable apprenticeship experience. These apprenticeships open doors to employment with larger local manufacturing companies such as Tate Manufacturing (St. Paul, VA), NorrisBuilt Fabrication (Norton, VA), and regional employers like Eastman Chemical.

(left) Mr. Derick Robinson
Welding Instructor
Contact: drobinson@wisek12.org

(right) Mr. Darren Mullins
Precision Machining & Welding Fabrication Instructor
Contact: djmullins@wisek12.org

Quick Facts:

Entry Salary for entry-level welders in Virginia: $17.75 and 24.61 per hour, depending on experience and certification.

Average Salaries in Virginia:

• Entry-Level Welder I: Approximately $45,380 annually

• Certified Welder: Around $25.29 per hour

• General Welder: Between $17.75 and $34.11 per hour

Education:

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

• High School: Most welding jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.

• Technical Training or Welding School: Enroll in a vocational or technical school that offers welding programs.

  • These programs usually last from a few months to 2 years (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).

• Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

  • This usually lasts 3-4 years and helps you build practical skills and understand workplace safety.

• Certifications: Certifications are often required or highly recommended.

• The American Welding Society (AWS) offers widely recognized certifications, such as:

  • Certified Welder (CW)

  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

• Certifications demonstrate your skills to employers and can increase your earning potential.

WCCTC Job Placement Percentage: 70%

This program creates revenue by completing fabrication projects for local residents at a much lower cost. This revenue is then utilized to purchase machinery, such as the metal and wood CNC tables.

Students are designing in Inkscape

Students are creating an exoskeleton for a rusted frame of a vehicle.

This grill was completely manufactured by students including the frame. This grill will be auctioned off in the school division.

This Eastside Spartan lgoo was made in the metal CNC machine using Inkscape software. Custom school logos can be added to the grill by the winning bidder.

Wooden CNC machine (with lathe, this machine will be able to cut 3-dimensional designs such as portraits, pictures of families.

Metal CNC machine

This program created hole markers for a local golf country club. This revenue feeds back into the program for tools, machinery, etc.

Individually-crafted designs can be special ordered.

This program fabricates metal decorations, such as yard decorations or wreath hangers with customized name options to the public during the holidays.

Custom-designed metal art can be special ordered.

Students at Wise Primary School stepped back in time for an "Old Fashion Day"! It was a fun-filled, hands-on experience where students explored traditions, trades, and games from the past!

Activities included:
🍎 Apple Butter Exhibit & Apple Cider Tasting
🐝 Bee Keeping Display
⛏️ Coal Mining Exhibit & Gristmill Demonstration
🐐 Mini Goats Petting Area
🐄 Milk-a-Cow Station
🦌 Wildlife Education Exhibit
🚜 Tractor Photo Booth
🎶 Live Music & Clogging Demonstrations
🎯 Classic games like Jenga, Connect Four, Tic Tac Toe, Hopscotch, and Cornhole
🪣 Washtub Washing Experience
🧵 Quilting Demonstration
🍿 Kettle Corn Snacks
🌳 Outdoor Classroom & Nature Walk

The day was full of learning, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys and hard work of the past. Thank you to all the volunteers, teachers, and community members who made this memorable event possible!

Students enjoyed tons of fun activities like the three-legged race, a HUGE inflatable bouncy house, egg on a spoon race, football toss, ring toss, pumpkin bowling, boat racing, fishing, sack race, face painting & tattoos, putt putt, bingo, and more! 🎯🎨🎃

Plus, students enjoyed treats that include popcorn, drinks, and a cakewalk! 🧁⛳🍿

We would like to thank the WCCTC students, teachers, and our amazing Family Engagement Coordinators for pulling together our 1st annual Pre-K Fall Festival and making it a huge success! Your support brought joy and smiles to so many little faces! 🧡

Students enjoyed corn hole, pumpkin carving contests, seed spitting contests, pie eating contests, a cupcake walk, bingo, football toss, ring toss, putt putt, and more! Huge thanks to our administration, sponsors and teachers for grilling up delicious hamburgers for the students! 🍔🎃Fall fun, friendly competition, and great food—what a perfect way to celebrate the fall season! 🍁👏

Pumpkin Carving Contest - Mr. Austin

A student enjoys a football toss game

Pumpkin carving contest - Cosmetology

A student enjoys playing pumpkin bowling

A student enjoys playing putt putt

A student enjoys a jug toss game

Students enjoy playing BINGO

Students enjoy playing corn hole

Students enjoy playing ring toss

WCYB Scholar Athlete:

Shelby Stanley | Eastside High School

Alumni Spotlights

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

Pleaseclick 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