🦃🍁 A SEAT AT THE TABLE: THANKSGIVING WITH OUR FAMILIES! 🍁🦃
❤️ Washington County Schools is bringing families together for a special Thanksgiving Meal!
We are excited to invite our parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to join their students for a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday, November 18, 2026!
There's nothing quite like seeing our students share a meal, laughter, and special memories with the people they love! 🧡
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
📝 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
⏰ Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026
💵 Meal Cost: $5 per guest (CASH ONLY)
🎟️ Golden Ticket Required for Entry
🚨 IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
All guests MUST preregister using the RSVP link below or by returning your completed RSVP form by your child. No late registrations or extensions will be accepted.
Registered guests will receive a Golden Ticket through their student before the event.
Guests must arrive 20 minutes before their student's scheduled lunch period to check in and pay.
Guests may attend only during their student's assigned lunch period.
🔗 REGISTER HERE:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiu1bZrQYPcuqlhbKnrmMSdWCNn0ojZ2AGBx3EBKXr2nyxBA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109300600832390529244
Our goal is simple: to bring our school community together, celebrate gratitude, and create memories that our students will cherish! 🍂
Don't wait! Reserve your seat at the table by November 9!
💙🖤🤍 Washington County Schools — Where Families, Schools, and Community Come Together!
Please email Shaunda Riddick at sriddick@wcsnc.org if you have any questions.

We're keeping the throwback vibes going with even more pictures from our Decade Day celebration!
Our WCES students and staff really stepped back in time, and we loved seeing all the creativity and excitement throughout the school! 🎉
While fashion and music may change through the decades, making positive choices will always be in style!
❤️ Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow — We Choose to Be Drug-Free!
📸 Here's one more look at our Decade Day fun!
#RedRibbonWeek #DecadeDay #DrugFreeIsTheWayToBe #WCES #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool


The throwback fun continues at Washington County Elementary School!
Our students and staff brought the past to life with their creative outfits, fun accessories, and plenty of school spirit! We loved seeing everyone participate in Thursday's Red Ribbon Week celebration! ❤️
No matter the decade, one thing will always be cool: Making Healthy Choices and Staying Drug-Free! 🌟
📸 Enjoy even more of our awesome Decade Day looks!
#RedRibbonWeek #DecadeDay #ProudToBeDrugFree #WCES #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool










We took a trip back in time on Thursday as our students and staff celebrated Decade Day for Red Ribbon Week! ❤️
From groovy 70s styles to totally awesome 00s outfits and everything in between, our WCES family showed up and showed out! 🎸🕺
The outfits may be from different decades, but our message remains the same: Being Drug-Free Never Goes Out of Style! 🚫
📸 Check out Part 1 of our Decade Day fun!
#RedRibbonWeek #DecadeDay #DrugFreeNeverGoesOutOfStyle #WCES #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool










Our WCES students and staff got cozy on Wednesday as we celebrated Pajama Day for Red Ribbon Week! 🛏️✨
From comfy pajamas to fun slippers, our students showed their school spirit while spreading an important message: Dream big, make good choices, and stay drug-free! 🚫💊
Red Ribbon Week is all about encouraging our students to make positive decisions and live happy, healthy, drug-free lives!
📸 Check out some of our adorable pajama-day participants! We loved seeing everyone join in on the fun!
❤️ Our dreams are too big for drugs!
#RedRibbonWeek #PajamaDay #DreamBigStayDrugFree #ProudToBeDrugFree #WCES #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool



Let's give a BIG Panther welcome to Mr. Tann, our brand-new Physical Education (Gym) Teacher at Washington County Elementary School! 🎉
Mr. Tann is joining our Panther Family and is ready to get our students moving, learning, and having fun!
🌟 In the Gym with Mr. Tann:
💙 Promoting Healthy Lifestyles – Encouraging students to stay active and develop healthy habits.
🖤 Encouraging Teamwork – Teaching students the importance of cooperation, sportsmanship, and working together.
💙 Building Confidence – Helping every student discover their strengths and believe in themselves.
🖤 Making Movement Fun – Creating opportunities for students to learn, play, and grow through physical activity!
We are excited to welcome Mr. Tann to WCES and look forward to the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to our Panthers!
🐾 Help us give Mr. Tann a warm Panther welcome! Drop a welcome message in the comments!
💙🖤 Go and Grow, Mighty Panthers!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #PhysicalEducation #WelcomeMrTann #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Mrs. Bennett-Francis, one of our wonderful Second Grade Teachers! 🍎📚
Mrs. Bennett-Francis brings a caring heart, a supportive spirit, and a passion for helping students succeed to Washington County Elementary School! With her Jamaican pride and dedication to education, she helps create a positive learning environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow.
🌟 Let's Get to Know Mrs. Bennett-Francis!
💙 Caring & Supportive: She believes in creating a classroom where students feel loved, respected, and confident in their abilities.
🖤 Team Player: She values collaboration and working together to help every student reach their full potential.
💛 Goal-Oriented: She is committed to setting high expectations, encouraging growth, and helping students achieve their goals.
💚 Her Teaching Philosophy:
"I teach with intention, lead with love, and believe in every child." ❤️
Mrs. Bennett-Francis reminds us that teaching is about more than academics. It's about building relationships, inspiring confidence, and believing in the potential of every child!
We are thankful to have Mrs. Bennett-Francis as part of our Panther Family and appreciate the love, dedication, and encouragement she brings to our school!
🐾 Help us show Mrs. Bennett-Francis some Panther love! Leave her a kind word or shout-out in the comments!
💙🖤 Go and Grow, Mighty Panthers!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #SecondGrade #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Our students and staff doubled the fun for Twin Day as we continued celebrating Red Ribbon Week! From matching outfits to matching smiles, everyone showed their school spirit while celebrating the importance of making healthy, drug-free choices! ❤️
📸 We have so many wonderful pictures to share that we'll be posting them in several parts! Be sure to check out all our posts to see our amazing twins!
Part 3 📸
#WCES #RedRibbonWeek #TwinDay #DrugFreeLooksLikeMe #WCESProud










👯♀️❤️ Seeing Double at WCES! ❤️👯♂️
Our students and staff doubled the fun for Twin Day as we continued celebrating Red Ribbon Week! From matching outfits to matching smiles, everyone showed their school spirit while celebrating the importance of making healthy, drug-free choices! ❤️
📸 We have so many wonderful pictures to share that we'll be posting them in several parts! Be sure to check out all our posts to see our amazing twins!
Part 2 📸
#WCES #RedRibbonWeek #TwinDay #DrugFreeLooksLikeMe #WCESProud









Our students and staff doubled the fun for Twin Day as we continued celebrating Red Ribbon Week! From matching outfits to matching smiles, everyone showed their school spirit while celebrating the importance of making healthy, drug-free choices! ❤️
📸 We have so many wonderful pictures to share that we'll be posting them in several parts! Be sure to check out all our posts to see our amazing twins!
Part 1 📸
#WCES #RedRibbonWeek #TwinDay #DrugFreeLooksLikeMe #WCESProud










Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Mrs. Cordero, one of our wonderful First Grade Teachers! 🍎📚
Mrs. Cordero is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive classroom where our young Panthers feel valued, encouraged, and excited to learn!
🌟 Making a Difference in First Grade!
💙 Creating a Welcoming Classroom
🖤 Supporting Young Learners
💙 Fostering Curiosity
🖤 Making a Difference Every Day
First grade is an important year for building strong academic foundations, developing confidence, and discovering a love for learning. Mrs. Cordero helps our Panthers grow by encouraging curiosity, celebrating progress, and creating opportunities for success!
We are thankful to have Mrs. Cordero as part of our Panther Family and appreciate the dedication she brings to our students!
🐾 Help us show Mrs. Cordero some Panther love! Leave her a kind word or shout-out in the comments!
💙🖤 Go and Grow, Mighty Panthers!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #FirstGrade #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

This special award recognizes students who go above and beyond by making positive choices, showing kindness, helping others, and demonstrating outstanding behavior both in the classroom and throughout the school! 🌟
👏 Congratulations on being caught doing great things! We are so proud of you for setting a positive example for your classmates and showing what it means to be a WCES student!
A special thank you to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority for celebrating our students and encouraging them to continue making a positive difference every day! 💙
#WCES #CaughtBeingGood #ZetaZealAward #ZetaPhiBeta #PositiveChoices #StudentSpotlight #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool

Washington County Elementary School is celebrating Red Ribbon Week by encouraging our students to make healthy choices and SAY NO TO DRUGS! 🚫💊
Our students and staff have been showing their school spirit and commitment to living drug-free through Wear Red Day ❤️ and Twin Day 👯! We love seeing everyone come together to spread the message that being drug-free is the way to be!
📸 Check out some of the fun moments from our celebrations so far!
💤 REMINDER: Tomorrow is Pajama Day! 💤
Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas as we continue to DREAM BIG and STAY DRUG-FREE!
❤️ Let's continue working together to encourage our students to make positive choices and live happy, healthy, drug-free lives!
#RedRibbonWeek #ProudToBeDrugFree #SayNoToDrugs #DrugFreeIsTheWayToBe #WCES #WashingtonCountyElementarySchool




Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Ms. Shakavia Taylor, one of our fabulous First Grade Teachers! 🍎📚
Ms. Taylor is in her fourth year of teaching and is a proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University, where she earned both her Bachelor's Degree in Birth Through Kindergarten and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education! 🎓💙
🌟 Let's Get to Know Ms. Taylor!
💗 Favorite Color: Pink
🍂 Favorite Season: Fall
🍫 Favorite Treats: Sweet tea, fried chicken, and chocolate!
👩👦 Fun Fact: Ms. Taylor is a proud mom to one son! When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her son and cooking.
📚 Her Teaching Philosophy:
Ms. Taylor believes every child has the ability to learn, grow, and succeed with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities. She strives to create a positive, welcoming classroom where every student feels loved, valued, and confident in their ability to learn!
💬 Her Favorite Saying:
Every child can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way.
We are thankful to have Ms. Taylor as part of our Panther Family! Her dedication to creating a supportive learning environment helps our youngest Panthers build confidence and develop a love for learning. 💙
🐾 Help us show Ms. Taylor some Panther love! Leave her a kind word or shout-out in the comments!
💙🖤 Go and Grow, Mighty Panthers!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #FirstGrade #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Ms. Gross, one of our wonderful Kindergarten Teachers! 🍎📚
Ms. Gross has dedicated an incredible 26 years to Washington County Schools! Her journey in education is a story of dedication, perseverance, professional growth, and a passion for helping our youngest learners succeed!
🌟 Let's Get to Know Ms. Gross!
💙 From Teacher Assistant to Kindergarten Teacher: Ms. Gross began her journey as a teacher assistant and worked her way into the classroom as a kindergarten teacher! Her journey reflects her determination, hard work, and commitment to education.
🎓 Proud College Graduate: Ms. Gross graduated Magna Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University, an accomplishment that reflects her dedication to academic excellence!
📚 A Lifelong Learner: She isn't stopping there! Ms. Gross is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education to continue strengthening her teaching practices and better support the needs of young learners.
🏫 26 Years of Dedication: For more than two decades, Ms. Gross has served the students, families, and community of Washington County Schools, making a difference along the way!
💙 Ms. Gross reminds us that growth never stops, dreams are worth pursuing, and it's never too late to reach new goals! Her journey from teacher assistant to kindergarten teacher is an inspiration and a wonderful example of lifelong learning.
We are proud to have Ms. Gross as part of our Panther Family and appreciate her many years of dedication to our students!
🐾 Help us celebrate Ms. Gross and her 26 years of service! Leave her a kind word, congratulations, or shout-out in the comments!
💙🖤 Go and Grow, Mighty Panthers!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #Kindergarten #26YearsOfService #LifelongLearning #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Calling all WCES Panthers! 🐾 Get ready for a week of fun as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26–30!
This year's theme is:
🦸 Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!
Each day, students are encouraged to participate in our special dress-up days!
❤️ Monday – Wear Red! Show your support for a drug-free future!
💙 Tuesday – Twin Day! Find a friend and dress alike!
💜 Wednesday – Pajama Day! Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas!
💚 Thursday – Throwback Day! Dress from your favorite decade!
🧡 Friday – Character Day! Wear your Halloween costume (no masks)!
🎃 Friday Bonus: Trick or Treat on Water Street!
Tomorrow, we're kicking things off by wearing RED! ❤️
Let's make this a great week, Panthers! Remember, heroes make healthy choices! 🦸🐾
#WCESPanthers #RedRibbonWeek #BeAHero #StayDrugFree #PantherPride

Our Panther family was pretty in PINK for Pink Out Day! 🐾💕
Students and staff at Washington County Elementary School came together wearing pink to show their support for those who are fighting breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and honor those we have lost.
Friday was more than just wearing pink. It was about spreading awareness, showing kindness, and reminding those affected by breast cancer that they are not alone. 💗
We are so proud of our Panthers for coming together to support such an important cause!
Together, we wear PINK. Together, we stand STRONG! 💪🩷
#WCESPanthers #PinkOutDay #BreastCancerAwareness #PanthersWearPink #WashingtonCountyElementary









Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Mrs. Cox, our Kindergarten–2nd Grade Instructional Coach!
Mrs. Cox works closely with our K–2 teachers to strengthen classroom instruction, support student learning, and provide resources and strategies that help every student succeed. Through collaboration, instructional planning, and the use of student data, she helps build a strong foundation for our youngest Panthers!
Mrs. Cox believes that when teachers work together, share ideas, and continue growing, our students benefit!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #InstructionalCoach #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Mrs. Wilkins, our 3rd–5th Grade Instructional Coach!
Mrs. Wilkins plays an important role in helping our teachers and students succeed at Washington County Elementary School! She works alongside teachers to strengthen instruction, share strategies, analyze student data, and create meaningful learning opportunities for all students.
As an instructional coach, Mrs. Wilkins helps ensure our classrooms are places where teachers feel supported, students are challenged, and learning continues to grow!
We appreciate Mrs. Wilkins and her dedication to helping both our teachers and students reach their full potential!
🐾 Help us show Mrs. Wilkins some Panther love! Leave her a kind word or shout-out in the comments!
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #InstructionalCoach #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

Next up in our Panther Family Spotlight is Mr. Patterson, our Choice Room Coordinator!
Mr. Patterson plays an important role in supporting our students at Washington County Elementary School. Through guidance, encouragement, and accountability, he helps students learn to make positive choices, manage their emotions, and develop the skills they need to be successful both inside and outside the classroom.
His work reminds our students that every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make better choices!
We appreciate Mr. Patterson and the important role he plays in supporting our Panther Family!💙🖤
#MeetOurPantherFamily #WCES #PantherPride #GoAndGrowMightyPanthers

