Of 1,250 schools participating in the Food City School Bucks program, Union Middle School ranks #1 in Food City School Bucks! Union Primary ranked #5, and Union High School ranked #16!
UMS--#1 out of all the schools - $12,077
UPS--#5 out of all the schools - $6,999
UHS--#16 out of all the schools - $4,374
Community members can assign their cards to the school of their choice beginning on September 3rd!
Kenzie Oliver (Union High School) wins second place in the high school division of the Regional SWVA Can Code Pitchfest. Her app prototype is named "Helping Hands," designed to assist elderly or disabled populations with the completion of odd jobs.
Kenzie Oliver, a 9th grade high school student at Union High School, won second place in the high school division of the Regional SWVA Can Code Pitchfest on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the regional competition at UVA-Wise.
Top medalists who attended the summer coding camp were invited to attend this regional competition. The high school division had 3 summer camps over the region and only first place students from each of the 3 camps were invited on the Main Stage to present their app design to a panel of judges from UVA-Wise. Kenzie won first place at the summer camp held at Union Middle School during the summer camp week (May 28-June 6), followed by a second place medal at the regional competition at UVA-Wise on Tuesday, August 26th.
Mrs. Varner, an 8th grade teacher at Union Middle School, fostered this opportunity for middle and high school students. Mrs. Varner highlighted Kenzie's app function: "Her app prototype was called “Helpful Hands”. It was designed to help teenagers sign up and do odd jobs for the elderly or disabled. In turn, this would help the younger generation earn money while learning responsibility and helping others in need. It featured a calendar for users to sign up for services like lawn care and pet sitting, and a chat feature for teenagers, with parent permission, to interact with those in need of basic services."
Varner went on to state, "This opportunity served as a great exposure to the college and the idea that a computer science major is an option when they graduate high school."
We are so proud of you, Kenzie! Congratulations!!!
Mrs. Mullins is the heart of Coeburn Primary! Her positive spirit, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for students and staff shine through in everything she does. She sees the best in every situation and helps every child feel capable and celebrated. Her encouragement builds confidence and inspires growth. As a proud mom of five—with two daughters also part of our CPS family—her commitment to education runs deep. We’re so grateful for the kindness, compassion, and strength she brings to our school every day. Thank you, Mrs. Mullins, for making Coeburn Primary a better place!🍎
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form.
***please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.
Link: https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9
We’re excited to continue our Employee Spotlight series, where we recognize team members who go above and beyond, bring positive energy, and make a difference in their roles and to those around them, while spotlighting the difference they make in their school(s)!
Mr. Jason Dean consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. From assisting with transportation, special events, crisis response, and attendance to leading WPS resources, Mr. Dean is always ready to lend a helping hand. His dedication to student growth in physical education is truly commendable. No task is too big or small for him. We also love his passion for pro wrestling—it brings great energy to our team. Thank you, Mr. Dean!
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings. These screenings are open to preschool children ages 2.5 - 5 years of age, who live in Wise County, and are not yet attending kindergarten. For more information, contact Kristen Day at kpday@wisek12.org, or at (276) 328-8017 ext. 12043.
Brag on a Bus Driver - Robin Yates
🚍 Driving since 1989, with 36 years behind the wheel and nearly 30 years in the shop, Robin Yates is the kind of person every school community dreams of. She's more than just a driver — she's a second mom, a mentor, and a daily dose of kindness for the students she serves. What does she love most?
🫶 “My kids, sweet hugs and kisses, I love you’s and I thank you’s.”
Whether it’s buying clothes or jackets for students in need, picking up lunches when someone forgets theirs, helping with homework, or even caring for children until parents arrive — Robin goes above and beyond every single day. She credits her amazing administrative team and beloved coworkers for making her journey meaningful.
Robin, thank you for being a hero on wheels. You are deeply appreciated. 🚌💛
Good luck to each of these teams, student-athletes, and coaches in their fall competition schedules this week!
This week's alumni spotlight is Landry Baker, Class of 2019, from Union High School.
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form.
***please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.
Link: https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9
Come work with us!
25-26 School Year - Speech-Language Pathologist
Job Description:
Effective July 1, 2015, in order to practice speech-language pathology in Virginia public schools, an individual Must hold a valid speech-language pathologist license issued by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP). A valid license issued by the BASLP is required.
Position Type: Full-Time
Apply here: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5337368
The "August 2025 Newsletter" is released!
This month’s newsletter features key updates from the August 11 school board meeting, along with back-to-school news as we welcome students to a new year of learning! Get the latest on our school safety initiatives, capital improvement projects, curriculum and instruction enhancements, and recent academic achievements. We also reaffirm our ongoing commitment to community engagement and spotlight our growing partnership with United Way and Lunchbox276 to support our students and their families.
Start the school year informed and inspired—check out all the updates and stories in this month’s edition by clicking here: https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/august-2025-newsletter-74650
Wise County Public Schools congratulates Katelynn W. from Union High School as the VHSL Class 2 Girls Outdoor Track & Field State Champion in the 100m & 300m Hurdle events. Katelynn is coached by Jay Edwards and James Hamilton. The WCPS Board recognized Katelynn and her incredible accomplishments during the August 11th school board meeting.
Wise County Public Schools also congratulates Jocelyn A. from Eastside High School as the Class 1 Girls Outdoor Track & Field State Champion in Triple Jump. Jocelyn is coached by Joel Davis and Mike Rhodes.
Wise County Public Schools congratulates Shelby S., Hailey M., Hannah M., and Katie W. from Eastside High School as the VHSL Class 1 Girls Outdoor Track & Field State Champions in the 4x800m Relay.
The Lady Spartans are coached by Joel Davis and Mike Rhodes.
This week's alumni spotlight is Chloe Collins, Class of 2018, from Wise Central High School.
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form.
***please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.
Link: https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9
