Due to renovations, GQES is closed for all business transactions on Thursday, 7/24/14.
If you need immediate assistance, please call Joanie Hovatter, principal, at 974-5903.
Thank you for your understanding.
 


Apple Icon  WPS HIGHLIGHTS

 
 

Apple Icon  IN THE NEWS

Additional Instructional and Support Staff Leadership Appointments
  • The Winchester Public School Board is pleased to announce several key instructional and support staff leadership appointments effective July 15, 2014. These positions became available as the result of voluntary transfers and promotions in the division. Mr. Matt Roark has been appointed to Assistant Principal of Daniel Morgan Middle School, Mrs. Sharon “DeeDee” Livesay has been appointed to Lead Teacher of John Kerr Elementary School, and Ms. Melissa Maestle has been appointed Lead Teacher of Frederick Douglas Elementary School.
  • Mr. Roark began his teaching career 14 years ago as a special education teacher at Grafton School. In 2004, he joined Winchester Public Schools teaching at Daniel Morgan Middle School, later transferring to John Handley High School. For the past two years, he has served as the Coordinator of Special Education for the division. During his time in this role, he completed the Virginia Department of Education's Aspiring Special Education Leader's Academy. He also holds a Bachelor's degree from Shepherd University and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Shenandoah University
  • Mrs. Sharon “DeeDee” Livesay has been teaching for the past 20 years. She joined WPS in 2010, having spent the prior 16 years teaching in Shenandoah County Public Schools. For the past four years, she has served as a reading specialist for both Garland Quarles and Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary Schools and has provided staff development for division–wide language arts curriculum and provided training on reading and literacy instruction. Mrs. Livesay earned a Bachelor's degree from Bridgewater College, a Master's Degree in Education from Shenandoah University, and a School Administration Endorsement from James Madison University.
  • Ms. Melissa Maestle comes to WPS from Culpeper Public Schools where she has taught Kindergarten, 3rd and 4th grades and has served as grade level team lead. During her time in Culpeper, she provided leadership for a committee to fund, purchase and install a student designed and planned playground which involved working with students, parents, and community stakeholders. Ms. Maestle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Mansfield University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mary Washington.
Appointment of VA Ave Charlotte DeHart Elementary School Principal
  • Winchester Public Schools is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Matt Wygal as Principal for Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School effective July 15, 2014. The position became available as a result of Michele Dempsey's transfer to fill an instructional position within the division.
  • Mr. Matt Wygal is a native of West Virginia and began his career as a special education teacher in his home state. Later he taught social studies at James Wood Middle School. He entered administration as an Assistant Principal in Culpeper County at a highly diverse Title I Elementary School. Mr. Wygal earned a B.A. degree from Shepherd College and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Shenandoah University. He is currently enrolled as a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis through Virginia Tech.
    |  PRESS RELEASE  |
Appointment of Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools
  • The Winchester Public School Board unanimously approved the selection of Dr. Mark Lineburg as the next superintendent of Winchester Public Schools. Dr. Lineburg assumed his position on July 1, 2014. He replaces Dr. Ricky L. Leonard who is retiring after serving as superintendent for the past six years.
  • “My family and I are extremely excited and looking forward to moving to Winchester. Winchester Public Schools have long been a leader in public education in the Commonwealth, and the entire City has a proud tradition of supporting their public schools. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of moving to Winchester is that our children will be attending school in one of the most storied, cutting-edge, and diverse school districts in the entire state of Virginia,” remarked Dr. Lineburg.
    |  PRESS RELEASE  |
  • Click on a link below to access information on our superintendent search.
    |  ENGLISH  |  ESPAÑOL  |
WPS Students in Local Theatre
  • If you are looking for some great entertainment and the opportunity to support our WPS students in local theatre, consider attending the Winchester Little Theater Summer Shows. Several WPS students are performing in the current production, Chaos in Camelot and in the upcoming musical, The Little Mermaid.
  • Chaos in Camelot runs through June 28, with both matinee and evening performances. It is a great show! Many of the students in the musicals at JHHS are in these performances.
  • Click HERE to reserve your tickets!
Appointment of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
  • The Winchester Public School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Miear to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction effective July 1, 2014. Dr. Miear will provide executive leadership to all aspects of the instructional program including the supervision, evaluation, development and implementation of the division's curricular, instructional and assessment programs.
  • Dr. Miear is a native Virginian and began his career in1992 as a special education teaching assistant in Lynchburg City Schools while completing educational requirements for teacher licensure. Thereafter, he taught social studies for eight years before moving into administration. For the next 10 years, he worked as an administrator in Lynchburg City serving as Assistant Principal, Assistant Director of Personnel, Associate Principal and High School Principal. In 2012, he moved to Campbell County for a promotion to the Director of Secondary Education.
  • Dr. Miear earned a B.S. degree in Economics from Liberty University and a Master's Degree in Education from Lynchburg College. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Education from the University of Virginia and completed the Aspiring Superintendent's Institute at Virginia Tech in 2013.
  • “It is quite an honor to be joining the Winchester Public Schools' leadership team,” stated Dr. Miear. “I've heard so much about the commitment of the teachers and staff to provide an excellent education for our students. It is obvious that the Winchester community has a rich heritage of commitment to education and all that it represents in terms of excellence, academic achievement, and providing opportunities for all kids regardless of their abilities or resources. Having worked in high poverty schools in my past, I know firsthand the importance of education to increasing opportunities for all kids. I can't wait to get started.”
  • Dr. Miear's wife, Stephanie, is a special education teacher. He is a proud father to two beautiful girls, ages 7 & 8, who are adopted from Guatemala and will attend Winchester Public Schools. Dr. Miear was selected from a pool of over fifty applicants.
Instructional and Support Staff Leadership Appointments
  • The Winchester Public School Board is pleased to announce several key instructional and support staff leadership appointments effective July 1, 2014. These positions became available as the result of voluntary transfers within the division and retirements. Ms. Paula Rupp has been appointed to Lead Teacher of Daniel Morgan Middle School. In addition, Ms. Michele Dempsey, current Principal at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School has been appointed to division Excel Specialist. Mr. Jimmy Robertson, current technology education teacher at John Handley High School, has been appointed as Coordinator of Operations for the division.
ENERGY: Money Isn't All You're Saving
  • Four years ago, we implemented a partnership with Cenergistic to reduce energy consumption and retain funds critical to the mission of WPS. We are pleased to report that from June 2010 to March 2014, WPS saved $1,176,570 – a solid 22% average savings!
  • A thank you goes out to each of you for supporting this extraordinary effort. Our success is due to the cooperation and active participation of every member of the faculty and staff. We have changed the culture from one of unintentional energy waste to intentional energy conservation. Also, a special thanks to Garland R. Quarles and Daniel Morgan Middle School for their participation in our Energy Conservation Poster Contest.
  • Please continue your energy-saving habits. We have demonstrated that WPS has what it takes to be successful, and our culture of energy conservation needs to continue in order to continue conserving energy and saving money.
  • Again, THANK YOU for your continued support of our program both now and in the years to come.
National Board Certification Field Test
  • The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is revising the process for achieving certification. These revisions are aimed at making the certification process more flexible, affordable and efficient so that many more teachers and students can benefit. With this in mind, the National Board is recruiting teachers to participate in field tests of the revised process. This is a great opportunity to experience a sample of the exercises in which candidates engage. NBPTS invites Certified Teachers as well as those who have not yet achieved certification to apply for the field tests.
  • In addition, the National Board is offering some great incentives for participation. You can receive up to $50 in gift cards for either Amazon.com or Powell's Books and/or up to two Continuing Education Units (CEUs). All participants will receive a letter of commendation from the National Board.
  • If you are not currently Board certified, participating in a field test will provide an inside look into the process – at no cost to you. It will be an excellent practice for those thinking about candidacy. If you are already Board certified, you can gain a first-hand look at how the revisions are being implemented.
  • Click HERE for more information and the link to sign up.
Appointment of Director of Operations
  • Winchester Public Schools announces the appointment of Edward Smith as Director of Operations, effective June 2, 2014. The position became available with the upcoming retirement of Kevin McKew effective June 30, 2014.
  • Mr. Smith began his professional career as an officer in the Navy. Most recently he served as a Logistics Director for Third Fleet in San Diego, CA. Serving both active and reserve, Mr. Smith retired from the Navy as a Commander. His civilian experience includes working for 12 years for New Kent County Public Schools in Virginia. Initially hired as their budget and finance director, Mr. Smith served his last four years there as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations providing leadership for finance, operations, and capital projects.
  • He holds a BS, Business Administration, Finance, from University of South Carolina, and a MBA , from the College of William and Mary. Mr. Smith is originally from Georgia and his wife and two children are very excited to be joining the Winchester community. “I am delighted to be joining the dedicated, professional education team of Winchester Public Schools. I look forward to continuing the high standards of service Mr. McKew has faithfully provided to the district and city,” stated Ed Smith.
  • “Mr. Smith comes to Winchester Public Schools with a wealth of experience in business and operations management. His skills as a proven leader in both the United States military and in the school setting will benefit our division, especially as we embark on a new capital project. We are privileged to welcome Mr. Smith and his family to our community and look forward to many years of strong operations leadership,” commented Dr. Ricky Leonard, Superintendent of Schools.
Employee Health Insurance Presentations
  • WPS announces anticipated changes to our health insurance plans and employee premiums beginning July 1, 2014. Open Enrollment packets for health insurance and other benefits were distributed Monday, April 21. Open enrollment is once a year and allows all benefit-eligible employees to have the opportunity to enroll or change enrollment in certain benefit programs.
  • The open enrollment period for this year is April 21 to May 9, 2014. During this period, an Anthem/TLC enrollment form and a flex spending form must be completed and returned by each benefit-eligible employee, even if there is no change. Note that you should keep your current ID card if you are not making any changes to your plan.
  • Click HERE for the presentation covering changes to Winchester Public Schools' health insurance.
  •  

    •   Winchester Public Schools
    12 N. Washington Street
    Winchester, VA 22601    		   Phone: (540) 667-4253
    Fax: (540) 722-6198
    Contact Webmaster    		   Privacy Statement
    Internet Privacy Policy
    Notice of Non-Discrimination    		   Acceptable Use Policy
    Student Use of Personally
    Owned Electronic Devices    		   You will need the latest version of Adobe Reader to view certain files on this website. Click HERE for a free download.  
    © 2013 Winchester Public Schools. All rights reserved. This is the official website for information about Winchester Public Schools. Other websites are neither official nor authorized. This website, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission from Winchester Public Schools. Winchester Public Schools is not responsible for the contents of any off-site webpages referenced from WPS servers.