💉 School Flu Vaccine Clinics Are Almost Here!
Russell County Public Schools is pleased to share that our School Flu Vaccine Clinics will be coming soon!
This service is provided by the Virginia Department of Health and the Russell County Health Department to help make flu vaccination convenient and accessible for our students and families.
📅 School Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule
October 19
• School Board Office
• Vocational School
• Lebanon Primary School
October 20
• Belfast Elementary School
• Honaker High School
• Honaker Elementary School
October 21
• Lebanon High School
• Lebanon Elementary School
• Lebanon Middle School
October 23
• Castlewood High School
• Castlewood Elementary School
• Alternative School
📄 Parent Information & Flu Vaccination Form
Parents/guardians can access important information about the flu vaccine, as well as the vaccination consent form for students, at the link below:
🔗 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aiviAXGm3_N4VZr1_DYEgB4000wn61uZ?usp=drive_link
To complete the form digitally, click this link: Digital Flu Form
Families who would like their child to receive the flu vaccine should review the information and complete the required vaccination form.
💙❤️🧡 We appreciate our partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and Russell County Health Department in supporting the health and well-being of our students!
🎉 Congratulations to Lebanon High School’s FBLA State Competition Winners! 🎉
At the latest Russell County School Board meeting, the Board proudly recognized three Lebanon High School students who earned 2nd place honors at the 2026 State FBLA Competition!
🏆 Brock K. — Impromptu Speaking
🏆 Alexis H. — Career Portfolio
🏆 Colt R. — Public Speaking
These outstanding accomplishments reflect the students’ hard work, preparation, confidence, and dedication. Competing at the state level is an impressive achievement, and earning a second-place finish makes it even more special.
Please join us in congratulating Brock, Alexis, and Colt on representing Lebanon High School and Russell County Public Schools so well! ❤️
At last night’s Russell County School Board meeting, the Board was proud to recognize Sgt. Diane White, School Resource Officer with Russell County Public Schools, for being named the YOVASO School Resource Officer of the Year.
We previously celebrated Sgt. White when she received this outstanding honor at the YOVASO Awards Banquet, and we were pleased to recognize her achievement closer to home in front of our School Board and community.
This award reflects Sgt. White’s dedication to the safety and success of our students. Through the Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) program, she has helped empower students to become leaders in promoting safe driving habits, making smart decisions, and reducing teen crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Sgt. White’s work is also a wonderful example of the positive impact that strong partnerships between our schools, law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations can have on students.
Please join the Russell County School Board and RCPS in congratulating Sgt. Diane White once again on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for all she does for our students and schools! 🧡❤️💙
At last night’s Russell County School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two outstanding members of the RCPS team:
⭐ Employee of the Month: Jennifer Gualdin, Cafeteria Manager at Lebanon Elementary School
🍎 Teacher of the Month: Mike Wilson, Instructor at the Russell County Career & Technology Center
Thank you both for your dedication, hard work, and the positive impact you make each day for our students and schools!
Do you know an RCPS employee or teacher who deserves to be recognized? Visit the Student/Parent Forms section of our website to complete a nomination form.
📅 Nominations are due by the 15th of each month to be considered for that month’s recognition.
Help us celebrate the outstanding people who make Russell County Public Schools a great place to learn and work! 🧡❤️💙
Russell County Public Schools is proud to recognize the important work of Southwest Regional Adult Education and RACE 1 Regional Adult & Career Education in helping adults build skills, reach educational goals, and prepare for new career opportunities.
Adult Education services include:
✅ GED Preparation
✅ Adult Basic Education
✅ Digital Literacy Skills
✅ Workplace Readiness
✅ Occupational Skills Training
✅ Career Pathway Guidance
Whether someone is looking to complete their education, strengthen foundational skills, prepare for the workforce, or take the next step toward a new career, Adult Education can help open the door to new opportunities.
💚 Adult Education. One Stronger Workforce.
Together, we are building foundational skills and supporting a stronger community.
🌐 Learn more at www.vcwsouthwest.com
📞 Questions? Call (276) 883-4034
Russell County Public Schools wants to make families aware of resources that may be available to help with grocery expenses.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to eligible households to help supplement their food budget and purchase healthy food.
SNAP benefits may be used:
• At participating grocery stores
• For eligible online grocery purchases
• At farmers markets that accept EBT
Applying is easy:
💻 Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
📞 Call: 1-833-552-5582
📍 Visit your Local Department of Social Services
Households may qualify based on income and household size. The attached flyer includes current income guidelines and additional information.
Please share this information with families who may benefit. 💙❤️🧡
Russell County Public Schools is proud to recognize two outstanding members of the Honaker Elementary School family!
🍎 Mrs. Wanda Gent – RCPS Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Gent is a first grade teacher at Honaker Elementary School whose dedication, care, and commitment to her students make a lasting difference each day. We are proud to celebrate her as the Russell County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!
⭐ Mr. Dustin Presley – RCPS Employee of the Year
Mr. Presley serves as the Head Custodian at Honaker Elementary School. His hard work, dependability, and dedication help create a welcoming and well-maintained environment where students and staff can be successful.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Wanda Gent and Mr. Dustin Presley on these well-deserved honors! We are grateful for the many ways they serve their students, school, and the entire RCPS community.
🧡❤️💙 Congratulations, Mrs. Gent and Mr. Presley! We are proud to have you as part of Russell County Public Schools!
Just a reminder about two upcoming schedule changes:
Monday, September 7 – Labor Day
There will be no school for students or staff in observance of Labor Day.
Friday, September 11 – Russell County Fair Day
There will be no school for students. RCPS staff will participate in a professional development workday.
We encourage our students and families to enjoy the Russell County Fair that day! Be sure to stop by and take part in the fun and exciting games hosted by Russell County Public Schools. We would love to see our students and families there!
Enjoy the holiday, have fun at the fair, and thank you for being part of RCPS! 🧡❤️💙
All Southwest Regional Adult Education classrooms are back up and running following summer break, and they are excited to welcome both new and returning learners for the 2026–2027 year!
Adult Education offers opportunities to help individuals build skills, reach personal goals, and prepare for their next step, including:
🎓 GED Preparation
💼 Workforce Preparation
💻 Computer Literacy
💵 Financial Literacy
Classes are available at locations throughout Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties, with both daytime and evening options. Please see the attached schedule for locations, days, and times.
📞 Interested in getting started? Call 276-889-5424 for more information and a free assessment.
Southwest Regional Adult Education is excited to begin working with learners again and helping them achieve their educational and career goals!
📢 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TIME CHANGE
Please note that the Russell County School Board’s monthly meeting time for the public has changed from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This change begins tonight, September 1, 2026, and will remain in effect for all future regular monthly School Board meetings.
🗓️ Tonight: September 1, 2026
⏰ New Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this update with others who may plan to attend.
Russell County Public Schools would like to make families aware of a change regarding student admission to VHSL athletic events and activities for the 2026–2027 school year.
Last year, RCPS was pleased to provide free admission for our students to home VHSL events. Due to budget constraints, the school division has had to make cuts in several areas this year, and unfortunately, we are unable to continue providing free student admission.
However, we want to continue making attendance at school events as affordable as possible for our students. While regular admission to many VHSL events is typically $7–$8, RCPS will offer a reduced $5 admission for our students.
Students will also have the option to purchase a $50 season pass for their school, providing an additional way for students who regularly attend events to save on admission costs.
Please note: The $5 student admission price and $50 school season pass apply to regular-season home events only. These prices and passes cannot be honored during benefit games or postseason play, as prices are established by the VHSL and/or the sponsoring district or region.
Our students bring tremendous energy and school spirit to these events, and we want them in the stands supporting their classmates. We hope our families and communities will continue to come out and support our student-athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and all students who represent RCPS through VHSL activities.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support of Russell County Public Schools.
📣 You’re Invited!
Russell County Public Schools’ Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will meet on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
📍 Attend in person:
Russell County School Board Office
💻 Join virtually:
Google Meet — https://meet.google.com/pqd-dcao-tuv?hs=224
All interested parents, guardians, educators, and community members are warmly invited to attend and participate!
Why attend?
• Stay informed about special education programs, resources, and local initiatives.
• Share your ideas and suggestions to support exceptional learners.
• Connect with school leadership, special education staff, and other families.
Your voice matters, and we hope you will join us!
Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students will receive healthy school breakfasts and lunches at no cost this school year.
✅ Breakfast and lunch served daily
✅ No applications or income forms required
✅ All students are automatically enrolled
There is nothing families need to do—students can simply go through the cafeteria line as usual.
Questions? Contact the Central Office at 276-889-6500 or visit www.russell.k12.va.us.
Please help us spread the word! 📣
With parent or guardian permission and signed consent forms, our school nurses can connect students with a Ballad Health Medical Associates urgent care provider through a live virtual visit - all without the student leaving the nurse’s office. Parents and guardians may participate in person or virtually.
Providers can evaluate concerns such as:
🩺 Fever and cold or flu symptoms
🩺 Sore throat or strep
🩺 Ear pain and pink eye
🩺 Allergy symptoms
🩺 Nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
🩺 Rashes, wounds, or skin irritation
🩺 Sprains, strains, and contusions
Insurance will be billed, or families may pay a flat fee of $55 per visit. Additional fees apply for flu, COVID, and strep testing.
Complete the online consent form at:
🔗 https://schooltelemed.balladhealth.org
We are pleased to continue providing this convenient healthcare option for our students and families!
Friday, August 7, marks the first day of a brand-new school year, and we can’t wait to see our students back in classrooms—ready to learn, grow, and shine!
As school buses return to our roads, please slow down, stay alert, and stop when a bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Be especially mindful of students waiting at bus stops and allow extra time during your morning and afternoon commutes.
Together, we can make the first day—and every day—a safe and successful one. Here’s to an amazing new school year! 💙💚💛
At the Russell County School Board meeting on Tuesday, August 4, the Lebanon High School Pioneers baseball team was recognized for winning the 2026 Class 2A State Championship!
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes, coaches, and everyone who supported them throughout this remarkable season. Their hard work, dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship brought great pride to Lebanon High School and all of Russell County Public Schools.
Congratulations, Pioneers, and thank you for representing our school division so well! ❤️🖤
📚✏️ Save on Back-to-School Shopping During Sales Tax Holidays! 🛍️
Back-to-school shopping is here, and families have two great opportunities to save!
📍 Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday
🗓️ Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2
📍 Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
🗓️ Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9
During these tax-free weekends, you can save on qualifying purchases such as:
✅ Clothing and footwear
✅ School supplies
✅ Backpacks
✅ Computers and certain computer accessories
It's the perfect time to check those school supply lists and get everything your student needs for a successful school year while saving a little money!
🎒 Don't forget! The first day of school is Friday, August 7. We can't wait to welcome our students back for an exciting year of learning, growth, and new adventures!
We look forward to seeing everyone soon. Have a safe and happy weekend, and happy back-to-school shopping! 🍎📓
We are proud to congratulate Sgt. Diane White, School Resource Officer with Russell County Public Schools, on being recognized as the YOVASO School Resource Officer of the Year!
This outstanding honor reflects Sgt. White's commitment to keeping our students safe both in and out of the classroom. Through the Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) program, she has helped empower students to become leaders in promoting safe driving habits, making smart decisions, and reducing teen crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
This recognition is more than an award—it's a celebration of the positive impact that strong partnerships can have on our community. Building on this momentum, we look forward to expanding the YOVASO program by continuing to collaborate with the Virginia State Police, first responders, Driving Education classes, the National Guard, Communities In Schools, and our valued YOVASO partners.
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Diane White on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for her dedication to the safety and success of our students. 👏🚔🎉
