Wise County Public Schools

Wise County Public Schools

 

AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

SHINING A LIGHT ON LEARNING, GROWTH & COMMUNITY

 
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WCPS School Board Meeting Updates
August 10, 2026

2026 - 2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR

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

https://www.wisek12.org/article/2699307

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

The Wise County School Board will be hold its regularly scheduled monthly board meeting Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6pm in the Education Center, Room A.

 
 

DISCUSSION

 

1.) 2026-2027 Back-to-School

1.1 As our division prepared for students to return to the classroom, the following in-service training sessions were provided to teachers and staff:

Reading Strategies with Small Groups — Presented by Amie Burkholder
Monday, August 3, 2026

Transportation Professional Development & Training
Monday, August 3, 2026

Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training
Monday, August 3, 2026

Back-to-School Convocation
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Topics included social services, technology, school health, and school law, with a presentation by School Board Attorney, Mr. Scott Mullins.

ELDS Overview, Structure, & Implementation and Wise County Pre-K Procedures and Expectations
Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Special Education Professional Development
Wednesday, August 5, 2026

New Teacher Training
Wednesday, August 5, 2026

SPED Middle/High Training
Thursday, August 6, 2027

SPED Elementary Training
Friday, August 7, 2027

1.2 All vacancies have been filled

1.3 Wise County Public Schools has been awarded a grant to fund School Safety Officer (SSO) positions. Persons hired for these positions will not receive insurance or other benefits. 


2.) Capital Projects and Facility Upgrades

Dr. Goforth reviewed with the Board a list of capital improvement projects and facility upgrades that have been completed, or are currently under construction or being updated.

Principals may submit facility and maintenance “wish lists” to the Director of Facilities and Maintenance, Mr. Gary Lawson. Those requests are prioritized based on safety, need, and available resources.


3.) Instructional Updates

Dr. Goforth reviewed with the Board the new assessment cut scores approved and released by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). He presented several grade levels and content areas, highlighting the differing cut scores applicable to each. Historically, Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment cut scores were set at 400; however, the cut scores have since been revised and will reflect the new standards beginning with School Year 2026–2027.

4.) Deed of Easement

The Wise County Public School Board voted to approve the execution of a Deed of Easement conveying the specified property to the Town of Wise. The property includes the sidewalk and grass area along Lake Street extending to the brick fence.

ACTION

1.) Employment (Passes, 7-0)

2.) Deed of Easement (Passes, 7-0)

 
 

📚✨ Back-to-School Professional Development ✨📚
 
 

Reading Strategies with Small Groups by Amie Burkholder
Monday, August 3, 2026

 
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader.

We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at Wise Primary School, K-4 teachers, alongside special education teachers and paraprofessionals, participated in a professional learning session led by Amie Burkholder, focused on effective reading strategies for small-group instruction. Educators explored research-based practices, shared ideas, and strengthened their instructional toolkit to better support every reader. We are excited to begin the school year with continued learning and collaboration as we work together to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students. Here's to a great year of learning and growing—both for our students and our staff! 
 
 

Transportation Professional Development & Training
Monday, August 3, 2026

 
As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, our transportation team is hard at work ensuring every ride is safe, supportive, and successful. During back-to-school professional development, our school bus drivers participated in autism awareness training and reviewed student Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs), medical plans, and communication needs. These learning opportunities help drivers better understand and support the diverse needs of the students they transport while promoting safe, positive, and inclusive experiences on every route. Thank you to our dedicated bus drivers for their commitment to continuous learning and for the important role they play in helping students begin and end each school day safely. We appreciate all you do for our students and families! 🚌

As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, our transportation team is hard at work ensuring every ride is safe, supportive, and successful.

During back-to-school professional development, our school bus drivers participated in autism awareness training and reviewed student Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs), medical plans, and communication needs. These learning opportunities help drivers better understand and support the diverse needs of the students they transport while promoting safe, positive, and inclusive experiences on every route.

Thank you to our dedicated bus drivers for their commitment to continuous learning and for the important role they play in helping students begin and end each school day safely. We appreciate all you do for our students and families! 🚌

As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, our transportation team is hard at work ensuring every ride is safe, supportive, and successful. During back-to-school professional development, our school bus drivers participated in autism awareness training and reviewed student Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs), medical plans, and communication needs. These learning opportunities help drivers better understand and support the diverse needs of the students they transport while promoting safe, positive, and inclusive experiences on every route. Thank you to our dedicated bus drivers for their commitment to continuous learning and for the important role they play in helping students begin and end each school day safely. We appreciate all you do for our students and families! 🚌
As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, our transportation team is hard at work ensuring every ride is safe, supportive, and successful. During back-to-school professional development, our school bus drivers participated in autism awareness training and reviewed student Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs), medical plans, and communication needs. These learning opportunities help drivers better understand and support the diverse needs of the students they transport while promoting safe, positive, and inclusive experiences on every route. Thank you to our dedicated bus drivers for their commitment to continuous learning and for the important role they play in helping students begin and end each school day safely. We appreciate all you do for our students and families! 🚌
 
 

Pre-K STREAMin3 Curriculum Training
Monday, August 3, 2026

 
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎

Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning.

Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development.

We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success.

Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎

Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
Our teachers kicked off the new school year by participating in Pre-K STREAMin³ Curriculum Training, investing in professional development that strengthens teaching practices and supports high-quality early learning. Through this training, our educators explored engaging, research-based strategies that foster children's growth across science, technology, reading, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and social-emotional development. We are proud of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to continuous learning and excellence in early childhood education. Their passion for growing professionally helps create meaningful, engaging experiences that prepare every child for success. Here's to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and learning! 🍎
 
 

Back-to-School Convocation
Tuesday, August 4, 2026

 
Community agencies, specialists, and educational leaders came together on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for Wise County Public School's annual Back-to-School Convocation at Wise Central High School! Educators from across Wise County Public Schools gathered to connect, collaborate, and participate in professional development as they prepare to welcome students back to the classroom on Thursday, August 6. We're grateful for the strong partnerships that help support our schools, students, and families. Here's to an amazing 2026-2027 school year! 🍎

Community agencies, specialists, and educational leaders came together on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for Wise County Public School's annual Back-to-School Convocation at Wise Central High School!

Educators from across Wise County Public Schools gathered to connect, collaborate, and participate in professional development as they prepare to welcome students back to the classroom on Thursday, August 6.

We're grateful for the strong partnerships that help support our schools, students, and families. Here's to an amazing 2026-2027 school year! 🍎

 
 

ELDS Overview, Structure, & Implementation & Wise County Pre-K Procedures and Expectations
Wednesday, August 5, 2026

 
ELDS Overview, Structure, & Implementation & Wise County Pre-K Procedures and Expectations Wednesday, August 5, 2026
ELDS Overview, Structure, & Implementation & Wise County Pre-K Procedures and Expectations Wednesday, August 5, 2026
 
 

Special Education Professional Development
New Teacher Training
Wednesday, August 5, 2026

 
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, our special education stakeholders and specialists welcomed new special education teachers for a day of professional development. The training introduced educators to the expectations, resources, and best practices that support student success across the division. We are excited to welcome these dedicated professionals and look forward to the good work they will do, as our school division remains focused on student success.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, our special education stakeholders and specialists welcomed new special education teachers for a day of professional development. The training introduced educators to the expectations, resources, and best practices that support student success across the division. We are excited to welcome these dedicated professionals and look forward to the good work they will do, as our school division remains focused on student success.

 
 

Reading Specialists Professional Development
Tuesday, August 11, 2026

 

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, our amazing reading specialists came together for meaningful professional development! We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow together as we strengthen our instructional practices. By continuing to learn and support one another, we’re better equipped to help every student become a confident, capable, and enthusiastic reader!

 
 
 

Wise Primary School Buries Time Capsule at Back-to-School Bash!

Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳ This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday.. When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!

Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳

This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday..

When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community.

A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!

Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳ This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday.. When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!
Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳ This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday.. When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!
Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳ This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday.. When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!
Wise Primary School celebrated a special moment by burying a 2026 time capsule at their Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 4th! 🎉📚⏳ This time capsule captures a snapshot of life at Wise Primary School in 2026 and will remain sealed until 2051. Inside are photos, favorite books, songs, school memories, and a glimpse of today's world—including a commemorative flag honoring America's 250th Birthday.. When it's opened 25 years from now, the hope is that it will bring smiles, spark cherished memories, and reflect the joy, pride, and spirit of our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to Food City for their generous sponsorship of this special project. Your support has helped us preserve a piece of Wise Primary School history for future generations!
 
 

"Stuff The Bus" Donations
United Way of Southwest Virginia and Communities in Schools (CIS)

Wise County Public Schools extends a heartfelt thank you to United Way of Southwest Virginia for its incredible generosity through the Stuff the Bus campaign!

Communities in Schools (CIS) partnered with United Way, assisting with the school supply delivery. The donation included backpacks for students, along with pencils, pens, folders, dividers, scissors, crayons, markers, colored pencils, 5-subject notebooks, filler paper, erasers, and so much more. Superintendent of Wise County Public Schools, Dr. Mike Goforth, states, "The Stuff the Bus program is a tremendous blessing to the students, families, and educators of Wise County Public Schools. By providing essential school supplies, United Way of Southwest Virginia helps remove barriers that can prevent students from starting the school year with confidence. The generosity of this program not only eases the financial burden on families but also allows our teachers to focus on what matters most—teaching and supporting students. We are grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it has on our school communities each year."

These generous donations will help ensure our students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn and succeed. We are grateful to United Way of Southwest Virginia, Communities in Schools, and everyone who contributed to the Stuff the Bus campaign for making a difference in the lives of Wise County students.

Thank you for investing in the future of our children! 🍎

 
 

Alumni Spotlight

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

Please click here to complete a submission form.

 

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

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