Washington County High School

Spotlight of Excellence: Samantha Bearden Samantha Bearden was recently recognized as Washington County's Exceptional Children's (EC) Educator of Excellence at the 73rd North Carolina Conference on Exceptional Children (NC CEC) in Greensboro. Mrs. Beardden, an EC teacher for the 4th-8th Grade Adaptive Classroom at Washington County Elementary School, has made significant contributions since joining the district in January 2023. Starting as a 6th-8th grade Resource Teacher, Mrs. Bearden quickly became an integral part of Washington County Middle School. She has played a key role in transitioning 8th-grade students to high school, helping families understand the different educational pathways available. This year, she transitioned into an Adaptive Classroom teacher, supporting students with extended content standards, and continues to assist fellow educators in navigating ECATS. Msr Bearden's dedication to her students and her ongoing pursuit of professional growth make her a tremendous asset to our district. We are proud to have her on our team and thank her for her unwavering commitment to expanding learning opportunities for all students. Congratulations, Mrs. Samantha Bearden!

Embracing the Journey Within Pages! WCS is deeply grateful to Domtar for their continued support of the Washington County Schools Media Program. Earlier this year, Domtar awarded us a grant, and recognizing there was still a significant need, they have generously provided an additional $25,000 reward. This additional funding will enable us to purchase even more new books for our Media Program, further enriching the learning experiences of our students. Domtar's unwavering commitment to literacy in Washington County Schools plays a vital role in fostering a love of reading among our children. With this remarkable donation, we are able to expand access to high-quality reading materials, allowing more students to experience the joy of reading and to explore their imaginations. WCS sincerely thank Domtar for their invaluable contribution to our school and for being a steadfast partner in promoting literacy and education. Their support continues to have a profound impact on our students and our community. Together, we are shaping the future, one book at a time!

🌟 Meet Our Panther Hallway Hero: Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch! 🌟 We are delighted to introduce Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch, a dedicated educator with 20 years of service, as part of our Panther Hallway Heroes series. Her journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of education. 📖 Education & Credentials: Western Governors University: Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Barton College: Academically and Intellectually Gifted Certification University of Technology: Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Health Church Teachers' College: Diploma in Teaching - Home Economics 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Sharnalee is most proud of earning her Master’s Degree and AIG Certification, milestones that reflect her commitment to professional growth and her students’ success. ✨ Educational Successes: Currently, Sharnalee is pursuing her National Board Certification, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in teaching. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Teaching is more than a profession for Sharnalee—it’s her passion and joy. She is inspired by her students' growth, success, and journey to becoming compassionate, capable members of society. For her, education is not just about imparting knowledge but also igniting curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Sharnalee: For Sharnalee, being part of the Panther community is about modeling positive behavior, building strong relationships, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. She takes pride in contributing to a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and shared success. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The Panther spirit is rooted in strength, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence. It’s about building supportive relationships and fostering growth among all members. Together, we inspire one another to reach our fullest potential and create an environment where everyone can thrive.” Join us in celebrating Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch, a shining example of what it means to embody Panther pride! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #EducatorSpotlight

📢 Exciting Opportunity for Future Nurses! 🩺 On Tuesday, December 10th, WCHS had the honor of hosting Cameron Bass from the ECU RIBN Program! 🎓 Cameron shared valuable insights with students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The ECU RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) Program allows students to take classes at both Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) and East Carolina University (ECU) to earn a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This innovative program offers a seamless path to success in the healthcare field! A special shout out to our college liaison Amber Searcy for scheduling this event. Learn more about the ECU RIBN Program here: https://nursing.ecu.edu/bsn/ribn/ #FutureNurses #RIBNProgram #WCHS #ECU #BCCC #CTE

🎉 Open House at our New School! 🎉 We’re thrilled to invite the community to an open house at our new school! The event will feature guided tours of the new campus, offering a chance for everyone to explore our exciting new space. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our new home — we can’t wait to share it with you! Join us!

🎉 Celebrating Panther Hallway Hero: Mr. Derick Villanueva! 🎉 We’re proud to feature Mr. Derick Villanueva as part of our Panther Hallway Heroes series! With 7 years of dedication to education, Derick is an inspiring force within our Panther community. 📖 Education & Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Education (Major in Physical Science) Master of Arts in Teaching (General Science - 18 Units) 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Mr. Villanueva is most proud of his journey to teach in the United States and join the staff of Washington County High School, a milestone that reflects his dedication to making a global impact in education. ✨ Educational Successes: He was recognized at his previous school for having the greatest positive impact on student learning, a testament to his passion and effectiveness as an educator. 💡 His "Why" for Education: Derick chose education because of the incredible influence teachers have on young minds. For him, teaching is about instilling a love for learning and making a lasting difference in students' lives—both inside and outside the classroom. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Mr. Villanueva: For Mr. Villanueva, being part of the Panther community is about embracing challenges, fostering resilience, and supporting young scholars with immense potential. It’s a role that pushes him to grow and adapt, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The spirit of being a Panther is about courage in the face of challenges, leading with integrity, and sharing wisdom. Together, we inspire and empower one another to grow stronger and reach new heights.” Let’s celebrate Mr. Villanueva and his unwavering commitment to shaping the future, one student at a time! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #DedicatedEducators

Today, our Superintendent presented some SGA members with the book Get Back to the Counted, encouraging them to read it and be prepared to share insights that can drive positive change within our school.

🎉 Panther Hallway Heroes Spotlight 🎉 At Washington County High School, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible educators who make our Panther community shine! 🐾 Today we celebrate our Panther Hallway Heroes who know how to go above and beyond according to their EVAAS data. Meet Ms. Trenesha Brown! ✨ About Ms. Brown ✨ Colleges Attended & Credentials: UNC-Greensboro: B.S. in Finance and B.A. in Economics Appalachian State University: Master’s in Middle-Level Curriculum and Instruction Years in Education: 4 💼 Career Accomplishments: Named Washington County Beginning Teacher of the Year (2021-2022) Students have consistently met expected growth, with the 2023-2024 class exceeding growth expectations! 💡 Why Education? Ms. Brown is driven by a passion for creating a lasting impact on students’ lives. She’s dedicated to nurturing potential, building confidence, and providing a safe, encouraging space where students feel valued and supported. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Ms. Brown: “Being a Panther is about belonging, pride, and a shared commitment to excellence. It’s about supporting one another, striving for success, and embracing integrity, resilience, and collaboration.” 📢 Her Message to Fellow Panthers: “The Panther spirit is about pride, perseverance, and unity. It’s about showing up with determination, embracing challenges, and supporting one another. To my colleagues, let’s celebrate our strengths and work together toward our shared goals. To my students, dream big, work hard, and always treat others with kindness and respect.” Join us in celebrating the outstanding dedication and achievements of Ms. Trenesha Brown! 💙🐾 #PantherPride #HallwayHeroes #exceededgrowth #WCHeroes

🌟 Introducing Our First Panther Hallway Hero: Sandra Hines Arnold! 🌟 We’re kicking off our Panther Hallway Heroes series by celebrating the remarkable Sandra Hines Arnold, the district Teacher of the Year and a dedicated educator with an incredible 33 years of service! 📖 Education & Credentials: Sandra is a proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a BS in Social Science. Her extensive list of certifications includes: Master of Theology (Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association of Christian Education) Leadership Award (Woman's Baptist Home & Foreign Missionary) Certificate of Theological Studies (Shaw University) Certificate of Business Principles (BCC) Leadership Certificate (NERESA & AIM) Literacy Leader Certificate (Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute) Teacher Leadership Certificate (NE Cohort) 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Sandra is most proud of being honored as District Teacher of the Year twice in her career. ✨ Educational Successes: Her success is reflected in the countless stories of former students who return to share their achievements and gratitude. She’s also recognized as a Master Teacher, respected for her integrity and commitment to education. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Sandra is inspired daily by her scholars, who motivate her to unlock their untapped potential and help them thrive. She describes her role as a teacher as “just being able to TEACH,” a success in itself. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Sandra: For Sandra, the Panther community is a vibrant network of neighbors, faith-based organizations, businesses, parents, and—most importantly—scholars. It’s where she thrives and feels inspired to push forward. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The spirit of being a Panther gives you zeal for moving forward, a positive attitude, a sense of camaraderie, and, of course, a sense of humor. GO PANTHERS!” Let’s celebrate Sandra Hines Arnold for her dedication, passion, and the lasting impact she’s made on our community! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #EducatorSpotlight #DistrictTeacheroftheYear

🎄🎅 Holiday Parade! 🎅🎄 The Washington County High Panthers Cadets spread holiday cheer today by participating in not one but TWO Christmas parades! 🎉 Special shoutout to the Lady Panthers for joining in on the fun as part of a team bonding experience! 💙💛 Way to represent, Panthers! 🐾💪 #PantherPride #HolidaySpirit #TeamBonding #WCHSPanthers

Holiday Spirit Week (December 9th- December 18th) Monday (12/9/24): Candy Cane Day! Wear red and white. Tuesday (12/10/24): Flannel/Plaid Day! Wednesday (12/11/24): Holiday Socks! Wear your festive holiday socks. Thursday (12/12/24): Holiday Character/Gear! Dress up as a character or wear holiday gear. Friday (12/13/24): Holiday Head Accessory Day! Wear holiday hats, headbands, antlers, etc. Monday (12/16/24): Polar Express Day! Holiday scarves, gloves, etc. Tuesday (12/17/24): ): Ugly Sweater Day! (Staff Holiday Gathering) Wednesday (12/18/24): Winter Wonderland Day! Wear white, ice-blue, clothing with snowflakes, etc.

🎉 Congratulations to Terrinay Bowers🎉 We are beyond proud of Terrinay, who doubled the required score on her ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test! This incredible achievement is a testament to her hard work, determination, and bright future ahead. The ASVAB is not just a test for military enlistment—it’s also a tool that helps students identify their strengths, explore career options, and plan for their futures. The test measures abilities in areas such as math, science, and verbal skills, and includes a Career Exploration Program that helps students align their talents with potential career paths. Her exceptional performance has opened doors to countless opportunities, and we can’t wait to see all she achieves in the future! Let’s celebrate her success and the hard work she put in to reach this milestone! 🎯💪 #ASVABSuccess #StudentSpotlight #BrightFuture #HardWorkPaysOff

Click the link to read the letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OxhmuNlTRVrbPfnKh0HSOJ2IJgFABSmEYeybsZJ0tY4/edit?usp=sharing

Our 6th-8th grade players delivered impressive performances. The girls secured a well-deserved win, while the boys came up just short.

HIGH SCHOOL CLOSING EARLY Due to significant heating issues at the High School, we have decided to release students at 10:30 a.m. We are sorry for this inconvenience, but the safety of our students and staff are our priority. Students should complete all assignments in Google classroom. We will update you on the building status later on today.

🎨 Another Creative Day in the Books! 🎨 Our students had the incredible opportunity to participate in yet another inspiring art experience with the talented Ms. Wilkins & Mr. Sutton. 🌟 Art allows students to explore their creativity, express themselves, and discover new passions. They are developing not just their artistic skills but also their confidence and imagination. We’re so grateful for the chance to bring such enriching opportunities to our students! #ArtInEducation #CreativeLearning #InspiringStudents #CommunitySupport

Our welding students are dedicated to mastering their craft, showcasing precision and determination in every project. Why Welding Matters in a Rural Community: Welding plays a vital role in supporting local industries like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. It provides students with hands-on skills that lead to high-demand, well-paying careers, ensuring our community continues to grow and thrive. Programs like this not only empower students but also strengthen the backbone of rural economies.

In recognition of National Career Development Month, Governor Roy Cooper has officially proclaimed November as Career Development Month, with November 13th designated as National Career Development Coordinator Day. Washington County Schools is proud to honor the dedication and hard work of Mrs. Denise Harris, our exceptional Career Development Coordinator (CDC). CDCs counsel students through the process of exploring career opportunities and understanding the diverse paths available to them after high school. Through Career and Technical Education (CTE), students acquire vital skills such as problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and employability—skills that are crucial for success in today’s workforce and that contribute to the growth and prosperity of our state and nation. Mrs. Harris works tirelessly to empower our students. Helping them make informed decisions about their futures, whether they plan to enter the workforce, pursue higher education, or serve in the military. Today, we celebrate Mrs. Harris’s unwavering commitment to supporting students as they pursue their career aspirations and create bright futures. Thank you Mrs. Harris!

Dr. Golden delivered an insightful session on Trauma-Informed Strategies, equipping our staff with tools to better understand and support our students. 🧠 Why it Matters: Trauma impacts learning, behavior, and emotional well-being. By recognizing the signs and fostering a safe, supportive environment, we can: ✔️ Build stronger relationships ✔️ Enhance student resilience ✔️ Promote equity in education WCHS mission is to provides innovative instruction that ensures academic excellence and nurtures partnerships with our community to create limitless opportunities for our students, empowering them to develop the intellect, leadership skills, and confidence needed to thrive in a global society. We are equipping staff to create a school community where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed. #TraumaInformedCare #EducatorsSupportingStudents #ProfessionalDevelopment

📊✨ AVID: GPA Goals in Action! ✨📊 Check out my amazing AVID students hard at work calculating their GPAs! They’re learning just how important it is to understand their grade point averages and how it impacts their academic journey. #MyAVID #GPAGoals #StudentSuccess #FutureLeaders