Washington County High School

LOVE THE BUS week is February 12th - February 16th!! Thank a Student Transporter when you see them and let then know how much you appreciate them. We LOVE our Bus Drivers!! We could not do it without you! Make sure to show your appreciation to our heroes this week and every day! February is Love the Bus Month, a time for us to celebrate and show appreciation to those who ensure the safety of our students every day, to and from school and on Field Experiences beyond school. A few key points from the NC State Board of Education Department of Public Instruction (DPI) during School Bus Driver Appreciation Week (February 12-16).The school bus is the safest way to get to and from school. The community benefits by saving money using school bus transportation and with improvements to traffic around the school. Take time to show your appreciation to the people who are a major part of a child's education, ensuring their safe arrival and departure from school, and oftentimes making an impact on the lives of kids every day. On behalf of Washington County Schools Board of Education and Interim Superintendent Dr. David O. White, Thank You WCS Bus Drivers, Monitors, and Transportation Staff for all that you do for our scholars and families. https://www.ncbussafety.org/

Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Molt Buchanan's Journey from Washington County Schools to Legal Operations Manager Full Name: Melissa Molt Buchanan Year of Graduation: 1998 Post-Graduation Path: Enrolled in college Current Occupation: Legal Operations Manager for Brightly Software, a Siemens subsidiary CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Overview: Melissa Molt Buchanan, a distinguished alumna of Washington County Schools, showcases the power of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. Graduating in 1998, Melissa's journey from college to her current role as a Legal Operations Manager is a testament to embracing change and exploring new horizons. Educational Journey: After graduating from Washington County Schools, Melissa pursued higher education, laying the foundation for her future career. Despite uncertainties, she remained open to diverse experiences, a quality that would profoundly shape her professional trajectory. Current Endeavors: Today, Melissa thrives as a Legal Operations Manager for Brightly Software, a cutting-edge subsidiary of Siemens. Her role underscores the significance of adapting to evolving industries, as her field and the company she works for were unimaginable during her high school years. Words of Wisdom: Melissa encourages current Washington County Schools students to embrace unforeseen opportunities. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the value of being receptive to new experiences and uncharted territories. By daring to venture into the unknown and tackling challenges others may avoid, Melissa has crafted a fulfilling career path. Interest in Engagement: Melissa eagerly offers her insights and experiences to students through guest speaking engagements or panel participation, particularly in virtual settings. Her willingness to share her journey and guide individuals pursuing similar career paths demonstrates her commitment to supporting the next generation. Melissa Molt Buchanan's story exemplifies the transformative power of adaptability and openness to change. Her journey from Washington County Schools to a prominent role in legal operations is an inspiring example for students navigating their paths. By embracing uncertainty and seizing unexpected opportunities, Melissa has forged a fulfilling career founded on passion and resilience.

🌟 Washington County Schools Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Tyesha Simpson Year of Graduation: 2009 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: 📚 Dedicated the last 5-6 years to special education as a Behavior Specialist 🎓 Enrolled in a master's program in Human Services Counseling, focusing on crisis and trauma response Current Roles: 👩‍🏫 Full-time Behavior Liaison Specialist in the NC Public School System 🌐 Part-time Qualified Professional providing intensive in-home support CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that mistakes are stepping stones to success. Your journey is unique, so trust the process, be kind to yourself, and never underestimate the power of resilience and continuous learning." Message to Current Students: Trust your unique journey, embrace challenges, and believe in the power of resilience. Interest in Involvement: 🎤 Yes, as a virtual guest speaker Tyesha Simpson, a 2009 graduate, has devoted herself to special education, demonstrating the impact of resilience and continuous learning. #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniSuccess

Join us in celebrating Black excellence within the Washington County Schools history, shining a spotlight on the remarkable duo, Mr. Robert Moore and Mrs. Emma Davenport Moore, as part of the Washington County School Black Retired Educator’s Spotlight. Mr. Moore, a proud 1974 alumnus of Smithfield - Selma High School, continued his academic journey at Winston Salem State University, graduating in 1978. His passion for education led him to East Carolina, where he earned a Master's degree in Administration. With a career spanning over three decades across North Carolina, Mr. Moore has profoundly impacted students' lives as a teacher at Plymouth High, an assistant football and JV baseball coach, and Dean of Students. He climbed the ranks to assistant principal at Pines Elementary before taking the helm as Principal of Creswell Elementary, leaving a legacy of leadership and dedication. Mrs. Moore's journey began as a 1972 graduate of Plymouth High School, moving on to North Carolina Central University, where she graduated in 1976. With a career as an English teacher at Plymouth High School that spanned over 30 years, Mrs. Moore has been a cornerstone of the community, shaping countless minds with her wisdom and dedication to the English language. She retired in 2011, marking the end of an era of exceptional teaching and influence. Together, the Moores embody the spirit of dedication, leadership, and commitment to education. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor Mr. and Mrs. Moore's significant contributions to the Washington County Schools and the lasting impact they've made on generations of students. Their journey is not just a testament to their individual excellence but also to their shared commitment to education and community upliftment. #BlackExcellence #EducatorSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationLeaders #CommunityImpact #TeachingLegacy #MooreLegacy #CelebrateEducation

📢 Calling all parents of Washington County students in grades 9-12! 🎓 Your input is crucial in shaping the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in our schools! 🌟 We want to ensure that every classroom provides the best programs and resources for our CTE students every single day. Please take a moment to provide your valuable feedback by participating in our CTE department's survey. Your insights will help us tailor our offerings to better serve the needs and aspirations of our students. https://forms.gle/9mKwRfKB4s9yNFjR7

Get ready to show your Panther pride because HoopComing 2024 Spirit Week is just around the corner! From February 12th to February 16th, we'll be celebrating Love and Basketball with a lineup of spirited activities and events. See the flyer for all you need to know.

Celebrating the Legacy: WCS Black History Shining the spotlight on Washington County School's retired educator for Black History Month, we honor none other than the esteemed voice of the district, affectionately known as the district mother. Throughout her 27 years of dedicated service as the Administrative Assistant at the district office, she greeted visitors with a soft voice, warm smile, and boundless compassion. Her presence left an indelible mark on the community, embodying the spirit of excellence and care in education. 🌟📚🎉

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Ashley Basnight Year of Graduation: 2007 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: 🎓 Graduated from Elizabeth City State University Current Occupation: 🏢 Working for the Department of Social Services in Virginia CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "Never let your situation determine your success. No matter how long it takes to reach your goals, remain focused." Message to Current Students: Stay determined, stay focused. Your circumstances don't define your success; your perseverance does. Interest in Involvement: 🎤 Yes, as a virtual guest speaker Ashley Basnight, your journey from Washington County High School to contributing to the Department of Social Services is commendable. Your dedication and advice will undoubtedly inspire current Washington County Schools students as they navigate their paths. #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniSuccess

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Aaron Cooper Year of Graduation: 2012 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: 👨‍🏫 Mathematics Teacher Current Occupation: 🏫 Teacher at Potomac High School in Woodbridge, VA, teaching Math CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "No matter what obstacles you face, keep pushing. If they knock you down, get back up and keep pushing. It’s the courage to continue that count." Message to Current Students: Persistence and courage are your greatest assets. Keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Aaron Cooper, your journey from Washington County High School to becoming a dedicated Mathematics teacher is truly inspiring. Your resilience and commitment to pushing through challenges will undoubtedly resonate with current Washington County Schools students. #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniSuccess #formerWCSeducator

🌟 Washington County Schools Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Vernon Collins Year of Graduation: 1996 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: Enrolled in college Current Endeavors: 🔹 Pastoring a local church in Washington, NC 🔹 Special Education Teacher in Vanceboro, NC CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "It’s not how fast you run the race. Just continue to run and have a strong finish when you do." Message to Current Students: Embrace the journey, focus on your goals, and remember that success is not always about speed but the strength of your finish. Interest in Involvement: 🎤 Yes, as a guest speaker 💻 Yes, virtually 🤝 Yes, face to face Vernon Collins, your commitment to community leadership and education is truly inspiring. Your journey from Plymouth High School to your current roles demonstrates the diverse opportunities that education can open. We appreciate your willingness to share your experiences and insights with current Washington County Schools students. Your words of wisdom will undoubtedly resonate with those navigating their paths. #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniAchievements

🌟 Washington County Schools Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Chris Harris Year of Graduation: 2009 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: 🎖️ Military Current Role: 👨‍✈️ Senior Supply Sergeant in the US Army CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "Success is arbitrary; confidence is everything. Believe in yourself; you can achieve anything through hard work and dedication." Message to Current Students: Confidence is the key to unlocking your potential. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Interest in Involvement: 🎤 Yes, as a virtual guest speaker Chris Harris, a 2009 graduate, is currently a Senior Supply Sergeant in the US Army. His powerful advice on confidence and self-belief speaks volumes. #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniSuccess

Alumni Spotlight: Kenita Speller - Inspiring Educator and Lifelong Learner Full Name: Kenita Speller Year of Graduation: 2015 School: PHS Post-Graduation Path: Enrolled in college Current Occupation: Pre-K Teacher at Pines Elementary School CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Overview: Kenita Speller, a proud graduate of Washington County Schools, embodies resilience and dedication in her pursuit of academic and professional excellence. Graduating in 2015, Kenita's commitment to education and lifelong learning has propelled her to success as an inspiring educator. Educational Journey: After graduating, Kenita enrolled in college to pursue her passion for education. Currently working towards her Master’s in Elementary Education (K-5), with an expected graduation date of May 4th, 2024, she demonstrates her dedication to continuous personal and professional development. Current Endeavors: Kenita currently serves as a Pre-K teacher at Pines Elementary School, fostering a nurturing learning environment for young minds to thrive. Her role as an educator underscores her commitment to shaping the future generation and making a positive impact in her community. Words of Wisdom: From her experiences, Kenita offers timeless advice: "Never give up no matter what comes your way." She encourages current Washington County Schools students to persevere in facing challenges, reminding them that resilience is critical to achieving their goals and dreams. Kenita Speller's journey from Washington County Schools to a career in education is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and lifelong learning. Her commitment to empowering young minds and fostering a culture of resilience inspires students and educators alike within the Washington County Schools community.

Greetings Parents, Guardians, Staff and Community Stakeholders,  I am Ms. Terri Gallop, Public Information Officer with WCS with an announcement. Throughout the week we have been monitoring absences of students and staff and have noticed an increase in reported illnesses at WCHS. As a precaution WCHS will be closed for Thursday, February 8th for a deep cleaning. We will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision regarding the school’s instructional status for Friday, February 9th. Please follow us on our WCS Website, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) for more updates and announcements.  On behalf of WCS Board of Education and Interim Superintendent, Dr. David O. White, enjoy the remainder of your evening and be safe.

The date for the JROTC Family Military Ball has been rescheduled to March 2, 2024, at the gym from 6 PM to 9 PM.

🎉🌟 **Celebrating Kisha Norman, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, CCC, CSCDA, NCC, CYMHS, CWDP!** 🌟🎉 In honor of National Counselors Week, we shine a spotlight on the incredible Kisha Norman, who serves as the dedicated high school counselor at Washington County High School. With a wealth of expertise and a heart full of compassion, Kisha goes above and beyond to support the students, staff, and community. Her impressive array of qualifications showcases her commitment to excellence and continuous learning, ensuring she provides the highest level of care and guidance to those she serves. From mental health counseling to substance abuse support, career development, and beyond, Kisha's multifaceted skills enrich the lives of all who encounter her. Let's take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to Kisha Norman for her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Thank you, Kisha, for being an invaluable asset to Washington County High School and beyond! 🌟👏 #NationalCounselorsWeek #Gratitude #MakingADifference

Alumni Spotlight: Danisha Rouson Inspires with Academic Success and Dedication Full Name: Danisha Rouson Year of Graduation: 2017 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: Enrolled in college and graduated from The Illustrious Winston Salem State University Current Occupation: Teaching high school mathematics, coaching volleyball, pursuing master's in education at UNC Charlotte CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Overview: Danisha Rouson, a distinguished alumna of Washington County Schools, exemplifies academic excellence and dedication. Graduating in 2017, she embarked on an impressive educational journey and is now making significant contributions to the field of education and her community. Educational Journey: After graduation, Danisha pursued higher education at The Illustrious Winston-Salem State University. She earned her degree there while actively participating in extracurricular activities and CTE pathways. Current Endeavors: Danisha's passion for education led her to become a mathematics teacher and volleyball coach. Concurrently, she is furthering her academic pursuits by pursuing a master's in education at UNC Charlotte. Her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth sets an inspiring example for current students. Words of Wisdom: Danisha encourages current Washington County Schools students not to let their small-town upbringing limit their aspirations. Her message resonates with the belief that determination and perseverance can lead to achieving even the loftiest dreams. Interest in Engagement: Danisha is eager to give back to her alma mater by serving as a guest speaker or participating in panels related to her career pathway. She welcomes virtual and face-to-face opportunities to connect with students and share her experiences and insights. Danisha Rouson's journey from Washington County Schools to academic success and community impact serves as a beacon of inspiration for students and alumni alike. Her dedication to education and unwavering commitment to personal growth embody the spirit of excellence the Washington County Schools community fosters.

📚 Black History Monday Spotlight 🌟 Today, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of the late Dr. May Hope Wilkins, a true inspiration in Washington County Schools. The Dr. May Hope Wilkins Legacy Scholarship, Inc. is a tribute to her enduring dedication to education. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Hampton University, and East Carolina University, Dr. Wilkins, with over 38 years in education, focused on shaping young minds. Her journey began as an English Teacher at Plymouth High School in Plymouth, NC, where she passionately ignited the flame of learning. Dr. Wilkins's profound contributions to education have resonated for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of students. Today, we honor her legacy and her lasting impact on Washington County Schools. 🎓🌐 #BlackHistoryMonday #EducationalLegacy #DrMayHopeWilkins #WashingtonCountySchools #LegacyScholarshipInc

🌟 Washington County Schools Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Name: Michael Bell Year of Graduation: 2008 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: 🎓 College Current Endeavors: 💼 SaaS Sales Manager and Entrepreneur CTE Pathway Completion: ✔️ Yes Words of Wisdom: "The drive for continued learning will make you successful." Message to Current Students: Success lies in the pursuit of ongoing learning. Interest in Involvement: 🎤 Yes, as a virtual guest speaker 🤝 Yes, face to face Michael Bell, a 2008 Washington County School graduate, is making waves as a SaaS Sales Manager and Entrepreneur. His advice on the importance of continuous learning echoes loudly. If you'd like to connect with Michael or have him as a guest speaker, whether virtually or face-to-face, don't hesitate to reach out! #WCSAlumniSpotlight #WashingtonCountySchools #AlumniSuccess

Today, Washington County High School and Washington County Early College High School joined forces to attend the SHL Career Pathway Conference, focusing on Hospitality, at East Carolina University.

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.