Glade Spring Middle School

In what has been a tricky morning, we have decided to call a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday December 3, 2024. Main roads are clear, as are some back roads and side streets. However, “road checkers”, encountered multiple slick secondary roads. At our December School Board Meeting, we will present a Snow Route plan that would potentially allow us to have in person learning on days like today. Be safe, stay warm, and we’ll see everyone online

Good afternoon, WCPS Families & Staff -- We are providing an additional update following the initial water testing for lead in all Washington County Public Schools’ buildings. That information was released on November 7. If you recall, on October 26, 2024, new regulations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required water that is used in schools be tested for lead by 2028. To be ahead of that timeline, the Washington County Service Authority tested five fixtures at every school (at least two fixtures in the kitchens and two or more water fountains in various locations throughout the school). There are three possible results from testing: *Non-detect: Practice good water habits *Less than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Consider risk mitigation such as flushing before use *Greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Stop using the water source and take remediation steps The initial results released in November found that four of our schools had at least one fixture that tested less than 10 ppb (Meadowview Elementary – two fixtures, Watauga Elementary – one fixture, Glade Spring Middle School – one fixture, and Holston High School – two fixtures). One school had two fixtures that tested above 10 ppb (Greendale Elementary). As a result, we took additional precautions at those five schools immediately. Only fixtures that tested non-detect are available for cooking purposes at these schools. This is above and beyond the protocols recommended by the EPA. We immediately discontinued the use of consumable water fixtures at the five schools (e.g. drinking fountains) the moment we received the initial testing results. As a result, we have been providing bottled water for students and staff. We also took additional steps and installed a new water cooler at all schools in our division. Those water coolers are equipped with five different filters that are designed to remove lead and other impurities. As a further safeguard, we began the process of testing every fixture at Glade Spring Middle School and Holston High School. That testing is now complete with test results showing 36 fixtures tested non-detect at Glade Spring Middle School, 10 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 13 fixtures tested above 10 ppb. A further breakdown shows that two drinking fountains – Room 302 drinking fountain and the drinking fountain at the main entrance in the gymnasium saw elevated readings. At Holston High School, 59 fixtures tested non-detect, 14 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 16 fixtures tested above 10 ppb. A further breakdown shows one drinking fountain – the girls locker room drinking fountain, saw an elevated test result. Other next steps are to determine and troubleshoot whether the elevated testing numbers are due to the fixture itself, or if it is a result of the plumbing in the walls. Those fixtures will remain off until further notice. It is possible that sinks that are no longer used or needed will be removed from future service. We have been given clearance to use all points of contact that have returned “non-detect” results. We continue to await test results at Watauga Elementary School and Meadowview Elementary School, which also saw elevated results. Additional testing has now been completed at Greendale Elementary School, Glade Spring Middle School, and Holston High School. Once testing is finished at Watauga and Meadowview, we will conduct more tests at the remaining 11 schools in our division. We will continue to work with the Washington County Service Authority and the Office of Drinking Water to ensure we are taking all needed steps to keep our students and staff safe. At the same time, we are also staying in contact with the local Health Department. The new testing results for Glade Spring Middle School, Holston High School, and Greendale Elementary School, as well as additional information, which includes an FAQ, and a helpful flyer, can be found at this link on our website: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/washington-county-service-authority-information/722977 If you have any questions or concerns, we will continue to work with the agencies referenced above to share the latest information and provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff. Thank you, Keith Perrigan, Ed.D. Superintendent Washington County Public Schools 812 Thompson Dr. Abingdon, VA 24210 276-739-3000 @WashCoSuper

Due to current snowfall in some parts of Washington County, temperatures in the teens overnight, and predicted snowfall in the morning hours, WCPS will operate on a 2 hour delayed schedule on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Childcare will be provided for working parents at elementary schools. Should conditions worsen to warrant a Remote Learning Day, childcare will not be available. A decision to change from a 2 hour delayed schedule to Remote Learning will be made by 7:30 a.m.

On Monday, December 2, 2024, Glade Spring Middle School hosted author Rob Buyea. GSMS students and faculty read Mr. Buyea's novel Because of Mr. Terupt. Mr. Buyea held a presentation for the entire school and then worked with two individual groups for a writing workshop. Thank you Mr. Buyea for coming to visit Glade Spring Middle School. GSMS extends a huge thank you to Glade Pharmacy and Meadowview Veterinary Urgent Care for their donations.

12 days of giving.

The Middle School wrestling team competed in the Battle Cat tournament this weekend at JSB High School. We had three medalists!!! 2nd Hunter Sweat 3rd Garrett Willcox 3rd Ryan Widener

Climate Survey

Due to winter weather, Washington County Public Schools will implement a Remote Learning Day for Friday, November 22, 2024. NO childcare will be provided. Classroom teachers will communicate with students to facilitate classes. Stay safe and warm!

Stay in the Know: With the potential for winter weather this evening through tomorrow morning, we wanted to alert you of the two options for Friday, November 22, if Washington County Public Schools is NOT on a regular schedule. *Remote Learning Day -- NO childcare will be provided *Two-Hour Delay -- Childcare will be provided at elementary schools from 8:00 a.m. until the start of the school day. As a reminder: A Remote Learning Day will be announced if instruction is going to be provided during an unscheduled closure of a school or schools. Classroom teachers will communicate with students about the processes they will use to facilitate their classes. A Remote Learning Day is NOT a traditional snow day. School Closed will be announced if instruction is NOT going to be provided during an unscheduled closure of a school or schools. As we are now entering the winter months and know weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to stay connected with Washington County Public Schools. We have various ways for you to stay in the loop. Websites: *The district and individual school websites will be the hub of communication for all WCPS. *All information that affects the school or district will be communicated through district and/or school web pages. The district website is https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/ *School web pages are “school initials + .wcs.k12.va.us” (example: Abingdon High School = ahs.wcs.k12.va.us) *The websites can be translated to multiple languages by clicking the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner. Receive Text Messages, Phone Calls & Emails: *The contact information for students and/or parents comes from the Contact 1-5 Data in PowerSchool for each student. *Check with your student’s school to make sure your contact information is up to date. Receive Push Notifications: *Download the Washington County VA Schools Mobile App for your smartphone. *The app is available for FREE download in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. *The app will provide instant access to district and school announcements and calendars. *Scroll down to settings; toggle the school(s) you would like to receive push notifications for and view. Social Media: *The district maintains and operates Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram accounts as well as a district YouTube account. *Families are encouraged to follow the district accounts @washcovaschools for updates, news, and information. *Individual schools maintain a Facebook and Twitter account. 

Promise Program: Our friends with the Promise Program have been visiting middle schools, sharing the amazing news about the Washington County Promise Program! Our students are beginning to think about their futures, and we're excited to show them how this commitment can help make their college dreams a reality -- with free tuition. These visits were all about getting our middle schoolers thinking ahead and understanding that opportunities are within reach. By preparing now, they can set themselves up for a successful future with the help of this incredible program. We loved seeing the excitement and curiosity from our middle schoolers as they learned how the Washington County Promise Program can help them succeed. Visit https://promiseprogram.org/ to see if your student is eligible to take advantage of this amazing commitment by Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and Virginia Highlands Community College. #WashingtonCountySchools #VHCCPromise #MiddleSchoolFuture #BuildingBrightFutures #FreeTuition #StudentOpportunities

Congratulations to Gavin V. He was the grand prize winner in today’s Promise Program give away. A big thank you to Wellspring Foundation and VHCC for their contribution to our students’ futures!

Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be? #WashingtonWayAward Categories: *Above and Beyond Custodian Award -- Vote for a custodian that makes a difference! *Silver Spoon Award -- Vote for the best food service worker out there! *Helping Hand Award -- Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you! *Master Technician Award -- Vote for the one who has helped you fix things! *Wheels on the Bus Award -- Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home! *Customer Service Award -- Vote for the person who is always there to help! Scan the QR Code by Friday, November 22 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

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On Friday, November 8, the Glade Spring Middle School SCA hosted a Veterans Day Program to honor our local veterans. There were performances by the GSMS band, Rebel Voices choir, and students Caleb S., Tristan C., Lillian B., and Noelle J. Bookkeeper Manisha Carver also wowed the crowd with her rendition of "God Bless America". Glade Spring Middle School is appreciative of our veterans and was honored to host this event.

Washington Way Award Nominations: Nominate a special support staff person for the #WashingtonWayAward! Do you know someone whose work and commitment makes WCPS a better place to be? #WashingtonWayAward Categories: *Above and Beyond Custodian Award -- Vote for a custodian that makes a difference! *Silver Spoon Award -- Vote for the best food service worker out there! *Helping Hand Award -- Vote for a nurse or an aide that has helped you! *Master Technician Award -- Vote for the one who has helped you fix things! *Wheels on the Bus Award -- Vote for the driver or mechanic who helps get you home! *Customer Service Award -- Vote for the person who is always there to help! Scan the QR Code by Friday, December 6 to nominate a support staff person. To learn more about the #WashingtonWayAwards, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7Y0BdMbF4

You are invited you our Veterans Day celebration!

The Scholastic Book Fair is here this week! Book fair hours: Monday - Thursday 7:45 AM - 3:30 PM Friday 7:45 AM - 1:00 PM Students may make purchases using cash, credit cards, or eWallet. The eWallet is a convenient way for your students to shop without having to carry cash or credit card. Follow the directions below if you want to set up the electronic wallet (eWallet) for your child. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/gladespringmidsch

Glade Spring Middle will be used for a Med Flight landing unrelated to GSMS.

Promise Program: Today was a proud moment for Washington County Public Schools! We witnessed something truly special as our community gathered at Virginia Highlands Community College to celebrate the launch of the Washington County Promise Program. This commitment by Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and VHCC marks a major step forward in providing a brighter future for our students. Thanks to this incredible program, students who live in Washington County, VA, can now pursue higher education with free tuition, breaking down financial barriers and opening doors to countless opportunities. We’re beyond excited to see the impact this will have on our students, their families, and our community as a whole. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us today - from students and faculty to community leaders and partners. Your support means everything as we work together to enrich the lives of our young people. Head over to https://promiseprogram.org/ and discover how this opportunity can benefit your student! #WashingtonCountySchools #VHCCPromise #StudentOpportunities #OurFuture #CommunityStrong #EducationMatters (Photo Courtesy: Virginia Highlands Community College)

GSMS basketball tryouts