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WELCOME TO WINCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS! Winchester's public schools are vitally important to the success of the city. The Winchester Public Schools system upholds a heritage of commitment to education dating back over 250 years. Our progressive educational program is comprehensive and based on a continuing commitment to low student-teacher ratios that meet or exceed state requirements and hiring and retaining an outstanding staff of educators. <<<  FAST FACTS ABOUT WPS  >>>

  Stewart Bell “Excellence in Teaching” Award Nominations Now Being Sought

Nominations are now being sought for the annual Stewart Bell “Excellence in Teaching” Award. The award includes a cash honorarium given to an educator in the Winchester Public Schools. This year's award recipient will be selected from Quarles Elementary School (QES).

The award was established by former Winchester Mayor Stewart Bell, Jr. in 1985 with a $20,000 endowment intended to reward exceptional performance in classroom teaching. In 1997, enough interest had accrued to grant the first award, which has since been given annually based on a rotation of the city schools.

Nominations for the Stewart Bell “Excellence in Teaching” Award are open to the public. Click here for a nomination form: | English | Español | Forms may also be secured at the Winchester School Board Office or at the Quarles Elementary School office. The deadline for receipt of nominations is June 17, 2013. The recipient will be announced at the WPS Convocation on August 16, 2013 at the start of the 2013-2014 school year.

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  Excellence in Service Award Nominations Now Being Sought

Nominations are now being sought for Winchester Public Schools' Excellence in Service Award. This award is given to a full-time employee who is in a position other than teacher, librarian, guidance counselor, administrator or other position requiring Virginia certification. The honoree is a person whose selfless service inspires associates to devote their time, attention, and talents so others may succeed. The award will be presented at convocation in August. Click HERE for a nomination form. Nominations are due to the Superintendent’s office by Monday, June 3rd.

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Comprehensive School Climate Inventory

Exciting things are happening in the world of School Climate for Winchester Public Schools, in general, and specifically at DMMS and JHHS. For the first time ever, WPS will be utilizing a tool to evaluate the school climate to get WPS-specific data. We are utilizing the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) which is a nationally-recognized survey the “provides an in-depth profile of your school community’s particular strengths and needs. With the “CSCI, you can quickly and accurately assess student perceptions, and get the detailed information to make informed decisions for lasting improvements.” The anonymous survey will be administered during the next 3 weeks and results will be available in August. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Judy McKiernan at 667-4253.

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Health Insurance Presentation

A Health Insurance Overview was presented to employees On March 28, 2013 and April 8, 2013 to highlight the changes that will go into effect for the plan year beginning July 1, 2013. To view a narrated copy of the PowerPoint presentation please click HERE. Please contact Dian O’Rourke at x14126 with any questions.

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FIND YOUR PATH: Health and Medical Science Careers

If you are a student and haven't decided on a career path, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the health care profession. There is a great demand across the country for careers in health care. In addition to doctors, the health and medical science field includes ER Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, Nurses, Occupational and Physical Therapists, Dieticians, Speech Therapists, Lab Technicians, Social Workers, Surgical Technicians, Medical Radiographers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and numerous other occupations. Many offer flexible schedules and a variety of career opportunities. If this career path sounds interesting to you, watch this video to learn more about becoming part of a team of health care professionals.

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Elementary Family Life Education

Virginia has developed K-4 sequential standards for Family Life Education. The standards address multiple age-appropriate topics for instruction. During the weeks of December 17-21 and January 2-8, your child’s class will be covering components of Family Life Education (FLE). You are encouraged to contact your son or daughter’s classroom teacher if there are any questions or concerns. If so desired, you may opt your child out from any FLE topic by completing the attached form on the letter sent home and returning it to your child’s teacher.
More information on topics covered:  | English | Español |

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Virtual School Programs

Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright has approved 18 virtual school programs to provide instruction to students in multiple school divisions as part of Governor Bob McDonnell’s effort to expand access to online learning while ensuring quality and alignment with state academic standards.

The virtual schools will offer instruction aligned with the Commonwealth’s Standards of Learning (SOL) and will be delivered by teachers fully licensed by the Virginia Board of Education. The approved “multi-division online providers” include full-time virtual schools, programs offering supplemental instruction, and blended instruction programs in which students have a trained, on-site mentor in addition to an online teacher.

Students may take virtual courses throughout the school year as part of their program of studies at no charge to the student based on seat availability (VHS). Students may also recover credits during the school year by online courses at no charge to the student (APEX). Encore (repeat) courses taken online during the summer academy is provided at no charge to the student. Credits will be awarded according to Virginia and Winchester Public Schools policies.

For more information on virtual school programs, please contact the Instruction Department at 540/667-4253.

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2012-13 Policy for Providing Free or Reduced Price Meals

Winchester Public Schools announces its 2012-13 policy for providing free or reduced price meals for children served under the National School Lunch, and/or School Breakfast Programs. Each school and/or central school nutrition office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Click HERE for more information.

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Opportunities for Parents from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) announces opportunities for parents of young children with developmental disabilities and self-advocates. Click HERE for more information.

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AlertNow Parent Access Portal

Parents and staff wishing to customize how they are contacted may do so through the AlertNow Parent Access Portal. The portal allows users to create an account then log on and configure their profiles. Parents must have a current email address on file with the school where their child attends in order to be able to access this portal. WPS employees may access the portal using their WPS email address.

Please note that this system should not be used to change contact information. Any changes in parent or guardian contact information should be reported directly to your child's school. Employees should contact the personnel department to report any changes in their contact information.

For more information and directions on setting up an account, click on the AlertNow button at left.