Dear Students, Families, and Staff:

Happy New Year and welcome to the start of the second semester at WHS! I hope this message finds you rested, recharged, and ready for the opportunities ahead. 

Our students and staff have accomplished many wonderful things in the first semester. From academic achievements and athletic successes to performances, service projects, and everyday acts of kindness, I continue to be impressed by the dedication and resilience of our school community.

Second semester is a time for renewed focus, goal setting, and growth. Students are encouraged to reflect on their first-semester progress and set realistic academic and personal goals. Whether that means improving grades, getting involved in a new activity, or strengthening positive habits, this is a fresh opportunity to move forward.

Key priorities for this semester include:
- Maintaining high academic expectations and strong attendance
- Supporting student well-being and mental health
- Encouraging respectful behavior and positive school culture
- Preparing our upperclassmen for postsecondary plans, including college, career, and military pathways

Important Reminders
- Please continue to monitor grades and assignments through Canvas.
- Encourage students to attend tutoring, extra help sessions, or meet with counselors as needed.
- Stay informed by checking school emails, Canvas, and our website regularly.

A Special Note to Our Seniors
To the Class of 2026, this semester will go by quickly. Please stay focused, meet deadlines, and reach out for support as you finalize your plans after graduation. We are proud of you and excited to see what lies ahead.

Wishing everyone a productive and positive start to the term.

Warm regards,
Donald E. Showen, Jr.
Principal, Washington High School

Monday, January 12-Shepherd University Dual Credit Classes begin

Monday. January 19-MLK Jr. Day (no school)

Tuesday, January 27-Rising 9th Grade Parent Night, 6-7 pm in the auditorium

 Daily from 3 pm to 4 pm

 • Attendance incentives will be provided to students who miss 2 or fewer days with 2 or fewer unexcused tardies between January 20 and February 20, and then between February 23 and March 27.  Students should listen to the morning announcements for details!

• Yearbook sales are happening in person every Tuesday and Thursday during all three lunches until the end of February! You can pay with cash, check, or card. All yearbooks without add-ons are $91. 

• Seniors can order their caps and gowns directly from the Jostens website. Anyone who needs help purchasing a cap and gown can fill out this GOOGLE FORM

• Please welcome our new staff! Brian Bard (Multi-Category Teacher), Brian Thomas (Athletic Director), Hailey Hawthorne (Multi-Category Teacher), and Jay Earl (Vo-Ag Teacher).

December was full of holiday cheer as students and staff teamed up for the Deck the Halls contest. The winning spot, Downstairs A Hall, stole the show with its creative Charlie Brown themed decorations.

The fun continued on Friday, December 19th, with the 2nd Annual Jolly Jamboree Day! The day featured dance, choir, and band performances, plus cookies, hot cocoa, holiday movies, and games bringing all the festive vibes and ending the semester on a high note.

Congratulations to the following 9 WHS students who made it into the American Choral Director’s All-State Choir.  This is a Chamber Choir made up of 64 singers (4 per voice part). The participating Washington students will make up 1/6 of the total choir. These students will travel to Morgantown in early February to rehearse with a guest conductor and perform in a concert. Pictured left to right: Amara Caison (Alto 1), Alexis Stuntz (Soprano 2, highest score in the state), Lillian Hosking (Soprano 2), Dominic Day (Tenor 2, second highest score in the state), Amelia Addison (Alto 2, second highest score in the state), Jace Chu (Bass 1), Ava Chicchirichi (Alto 1, second highest score in the state), Eamon Day (Tenor 2), and Mason Bennett (Bass 2, second highest score in the state).

Parasitology Project in Companion Animal Care

Students enrolled in Mrs. Grantham's 5th Period Companion Animal Care class learned about internal parasites of animals by creating museum exhibits related to the parasites they were assigned. Students worked with a partner or in small groups to create their "exhibit" which consisted of a poster, a half-page informational flyer and a preserved specimen that could be viewed with a microscope or from a jar.

Just before Winter Break, the Washington High School chapter of the National Honor Society held our yearly Induction on December 14th. During the ceremony, 46 new members were added to the ranks of membership — the largest number of inductees in our school's history! Congratulations to all of our new members!

Students are strongly encouraged to complete applications for FAFSA and the HOPE Scholarship. Additional details about an upcoming FAFSA Information Night will be shared soon.

This week, the counselors will begin the scheduling process for the 2026/2027 school year.  They will be presenting to students in their English classes (11th grade in January; 10th grade in February; and 9th grade in March). 

"STRIVE FOR LESS THAN 5" IN THE NEW YEAR!

As we begin the second semester, every school day counts. Keep striving for less than five absences this semester to help your student stay engaged in learning and finish the year strong.

That said, with cold and flu season upon us, we know winter illnesses can happen. If your student isn’t feeling well, our How Sick is Too Sick page offers guidance on when to stay home and when it’s best to return to school. Healthy habits like handwashing, enough sleep, homework routines, and limited screen time can make a big difference during the winter months. School nurses are also available to help answer questions as they come up. Submit an Absence