Abingdon Elementary

📢 Washington County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. Ashley Frye as Assistant Principal at Abingdon Elementary School and Mr. Matt Bonham as Assistant Principal at Wallace Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Ms. Frye brings a strong background in elementary education and a passion for supporting student success. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Radford University and will begin her eighth year in education this fall.

Throughout her career, Ms. Frye has taught first and third grade students in Pulaski County, Smyth County, and Washington County. During her time with Washington County Public Schools, she also served as Interim Assistant Principal at High Point Elementary School, gaining valuable leadership experience while continuing her commitment to students, staff, and families.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Frye to our AES school community,” said Abingdon Elementary School Principal Allyson Willis. “I look forward to working with her, as I know that she will be an asset to our building and our work with students and families.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Abingdon community in this role,” said Ms. Frye. “I look forward to serving staff, students, and families and seeing the incredible accomplishments of Abingdon Elementary School.”

Mr. Bonham has served Washington County Public Schools for more than 15 years and brings extensive experience in special education, instructional leadership, and student support to his new role. He earned bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Virginia Intermont College and began his career with the division in 2009.

Throughout his time with Washington County Public Schools, Mr. Bonham has served as a special education teacher at Abingdon Elementary School, Valley Institute Elementary School, Abingdon High School, and John S. Battle High School. Most recently, he has taught special education courses within the English and History departments at John S. Battle High School while also serving as an Administrative Assistant.

Mr. Bonham is passionate about building positive relationships with students, families, and staff. He believes that strong partnerships between schools and families are the foundation of student success and is committed to creating learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.

“I’m beyond excited to begin this next chapter alongside Mr. Bonham as we step into our new roles serving the incredible students, staff, and families of Wallace Middle School,” said Principal Stephanie Odum. “Together, we are fully committed to supporting every student, uplifting every staff member, and partnering with every family – because there is truly no limit to what we can achieve when we grow as one Trojan family.”

“After spending my career teaching and learning alongside students in this community, I am incredibly grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Principal of Wallace Middle School,” said Mr. Bonham. “I look forward to continuing to support students, families, and staff in a community that I care deeply about.”

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Frye and Mr. Bonham on their new leadership roles. We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make for the students, staff, and families of Washington County Public Schools.

🎉📚 Outstanding Academic Performance Recognition

Congratulations to Cayden Clisso, a rising 5th grade student at Abingdon Elementary School, who was recognized by the School Board this afternoon for outstanding academic achievement!

Cayden earned a perfect score of 600 on all three of his 4th grade Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments – an incredible accomplishment that reflects his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the classroom.

🍎🥗 Happy School Lunch Hero Day

Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.

Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!

🤖✨ Robot STEAM Skills at the Library!

Calling all young learners! Join us at the Abingdon Library for a fun, hands-on STEAM experience.

📅 Friday, April 17
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
👧🧒 Ages 6–10

Students will explore early STEAM skills using robots, led by Sonia Vanhook and Megan Counts from the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Educational Outreach Department.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and explore! 🚀

📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Many roads across the county have developed ice patches overnight. As a result, today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day. No childcare will be provided. Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.

📢 SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to winter weather conditions, WCPS will operate on a 2-Hour Delayed Schedule on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child’s elementary school. If additional changes need to be made, we will shift to a remote learning day by 7:30 a.m. Childcare will not be provided if the division transitions to remote learning.

🔬✨ STEM Fun This Spring

Our friends at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center are inviting young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and math during the 2026 Spring K–5 STEM Academy!

This hands-on program gives elementary students the chance to experiment, build, and discover while learning alongside other curious minds.

📅 Tuesdays, April 7 – May 5
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (Kindergarten dismisses at 7:15 p.m.)
📍 Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center – One Partnership Circle, Abingdon
💲 Cost: $35

Spots fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register soon!

🔗 Learn more and register here:
https://www.swcenter.edu/k5stemacademy

Washington County's Instructional Technology Team preparing to present at #NCTIES26. Showing off innovative ways to use technology in classrooms!

🐾❤️ PAWS-itively Making a Difference

The 19th Annual PAWS Campaign (Providing Animals With Support) is back! From March 1–March 31, 2026, Washington County Public Schools is proud to support the Washington County Animal Shelter through this annual community drive.

We’re collecting much-needed items to help care for animals in our community, including:
🐶🐱 Cat & dog food
🧹 Cleaning supplies (bleach & dish detergent)
🐾 Kitty litter

Donations can be dropped off at ANY Washington County school.

📢SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. No childcare will be provided. Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.

🚀✨ Explore. Create. Discover

The Washington County Career & Technical Education Center (WCCTEC) is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Exploring Pathways Summer Camp!

This hands-on camp is open to current 4th-, 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade students and gives campers the chance to explore exciting career pathways, build new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.

⏰ Spots are limited and fill quickly!
🗓 Application deadline: May 1, 2026

👉 Apply today by visiting:
🔗 https://wcctec.wcs.k12.va.us/o/wcctec

Don’t miss this opportunity to spark curiosity and explore future possibilities this summer!

📢 SCHEDULE UPDATE: Washington County Public Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23, 2026. Several roads across the county remain snow-covered and slick, and additional bursts of snow are expected. Childcare will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary-aged students only) for working families who need it, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please watch for additional information from your child’s school.

📢For Your Information: We are watching forecasts closely. Current data for Washington County shows that we should be able to go to school tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026, on a regular schedule. If a change is needed, we will make a decision by 5:30 a.m. For everyone’s planning purposes, if conditions deteriorate overnight, Remote Learning will not be considered as an option tomorrow.

👶📚Looking for preschool or child care for the 2026–2027 school year?

Join us for the Washington County Preschool & Child Care Enrollment Fair -- a one-stop event to connect families with high-quality early childhood programs available in Washington County!

📅 Monday, March 2
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 EO Building | Abingdon, VA

Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options, this event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find the right fit for your child.

Save the date and share with families who may be interested!

📢SCHEDULE INFORMATION: Washington County Public Schools will operate on a Regular Schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only in the morning and afternoon.

The list of impacted roads by attendance zone are below.

Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Horizon Drive
*Sparrow Road
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road

Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive

Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road

📣Transportation Update – Impacted Roads – Monday, February 9, 2026

As a follow-up to our earlier schedule change announcement, below is the list of roads where bus service will be impacted tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only during the morning and afternoon routes.

Abingdon High School Attendance Zone
*Chip Ridge Road
*Hillandale Road
*Montgomery Road
*Horizon Drive
*Azure Lane
*Rattle Creek (Past Condor)
*Caney Valley Road
*Little Creek Road

John S. Battle High School Attendance Zone
*Swinging Bridge Road
*Anderson Road
*Slaughter Road

Patrick Henry High School Attendance Zone
*Buchanan Road
*Morning Glory Lane
*Moore Creek Road
*Logan Creek Road
*Yellow Springs Road
*McCulloch Drive

Holston High School Attendance Zone
*Rush Creek Road
*Greertown Road

📢SCHEDULE CHANGE: Washington County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026. Buses will run on clear roads only in the morning and afternoon. We will provide a list of impacted roads this evening. Childcare for elementary students will be provided at elementary schools (for elementary aged students only) for working families who need it. Please watch for additional information from your child’s elementary school.

📢SCHEDULE CHANGE: Based on current road conditions and another round of winter weather predicted to start at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Friday, February 6, 2026. No childcare will be provided. Forecasts look much better next week and we look forward to seeing our students when we return to school in-person.

Teachers and schools will communicate additional information and instructions related to remote learning for the day.

Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.

📢SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to overnight snow and low temperatures, Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Thursday, February 5, 2026. No childcare will be provided. Teachers and schools will communicate additional information and instructions related to remote learning for the day. Because of the Remote Learning Day, the WCPS Nutrition Department will offer breakfast and lunch meals for students at four locations. Meals will be available from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon High School, John S. Battle High School, Patrick Henry High School, and Holston High School. Any child 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive meals and may choose one of the four listed locations for meal pick-up. Students do not need to be present for families to pick up meals.