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. 👏🚔🎉
🎉 Congratulations to our May Teacher of the Month and Employee of the Month! 🎉
🍎 Teacher of the Month: Mr. Jon Boyd, Special Education Teacher at Lebanon High School
🥣 Employee of the Month: Mrs. Lana Wright, Cafeteria Manager at Lebanon Primary School (not pictured)
Their nominations highlighted the dedication, hard work, and positive impact they have on the Russell County School System each day. Thank you both for your commitment to our students, staff, and schools!
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Boyd and Mrs. Wright on this well-deserved recognition! 👏
#RCPSProud #ExcellenceInEducation
At the July 14th Russell County School Board Meeting, we were proud to recognize our 2025–2026 High School Valedictorians for their outstanding academic achievement.
Becoming a valedictorian requires years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to excellence. Even more impressive, each of these students balanced their academic success while remaining actively involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school.
Congratulations to these exceptional graduates on this well-deserved honor. We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead!
#RCPSProud #ExcellenceInEducation #Valedictorians
💻✨ Several Russell County teachers participated in this year's TechSplash at the SW VA Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. TechSplash is a one day technology conference that's loaded with great sessions for teachers to learn about the newest technologies for the classroom. Most teachers who attend can't wait to go back the next year.
👏This year Jerissa Looney represented Russell County as a conference presenter and shared her favorite technology with educators across the area.
🎉 We're excited to see our teachers bring new ideas back to our students!
📢 Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services in Virginia
Complete the survey here:
https://virginiadoe.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2lttr1DqNfixIH4
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your feedback. Your input helps improve special education programs and services for students across Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health's Cumberland Plateau Health District is offering Back-to-School Immunization Clinics throughout July to help families get students ready for the new school year!
📍 Russell County Clinic
🗓️ July 27, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
✔️ Appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome!
If you're unable to attend the Russell County clinic, additional clinics will be offered in:
• July 29 – Dickenson County
• July 29 – Tazewell County
• July 30 – Buchanan County
📋 Please remember to bring:
✅ Your child's insurance card
✅ Your child's vaccine record
Getting required immunizations before school starts helps ensure a healthy and successful school year for everyone. Please share this information with family and friends who may benefit! 💙🏫
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Castlewood Elementary and Castlewood High School will not have Summer School today due to their being no water at the schools. All other schools will have Summer School as normal.
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, please take a moment to review the required immunizations for students entering 7th grade and 12th grade.
