Good evening,
Westwood Hills Elementary School will be closed tomorrow, Friday, September 4, 2026, and Tuesday, September 8, 2026. In the coming days, we will share additional information with Westwood Hills families regarding the reopening of school on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support as we prepare the school to welcome students back, care for and support our staff, and listen to the needs of our school community.
We know this is an incredibly difficult time for our students, families, staff, and community. Several community organizations are available to provide support and resources to students and families. A list of those organizations and resources is available here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H4s3yfRSs2IrYA5OD22l-vCU1joCUpZu/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115118456599463587778&rtpof=true&sd=true
As a show of unity and support for the students, staff, and families of Westwood Hills, we encourage staff and students across Waynesboro Public Schools to wear red or black (Westwood Hills’ school colors) or other school or Waynesboro gear tomorrow.
All other Waynesboro Public Schools will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow and Tuesday. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at all Waynesboro Public Schools locations.
As a reminder, all Waynesboro Public Schools will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Thank you for continuing to care for and support one another and the entire Westwood Hills community. Have a good evening.
suspicious individual on the grounds of Westwood Hills Elementary School, located at 548 Rosser
Avenue in the City of Waynesboro.
The individual, Anthony I. Ignatiadis-Isabelle, 19, of Waynesboro (Augusta County), Va., forced entry
into the school. Law enforcement responded within minutes and immediately entered the school.
There they located, in the library, the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There were no students in the library at the time.
The time between the initial call and the location of the suspect was approximately three minutes.
One adult staff member did suffer a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The staff member has
been treated and since released.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. As investigators continue their work, additional
information will be released when it is appropriate and confirmed.
Westwood Hills Elementary School will be closed Thursday. Waynesboro Public Schools will
communicate directly with families regarding available resources and any additional information
concerning school operations.
We recognize how frightening an incident like this is for students, parents, staff, and the entire
Waynesboro community. We are extremely grateful for the immediate response of school staff and
the coordinated response of the Waynesboro Police Department, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office,
Virginia State Police, and our other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
We also want to sincerely thank the parents, guardians, and families of Westwood Hills Elementary
School for their patience, cooperation, and understanding throughout today’s reunification process.
We know how difficult it is to wait for information when your child is involved in an emergency
situation. Your willingness to follow the established reunification procedures allowed school officials
and law enforcement to account for students and reunite them with their families in a safe and
orderly manner. We are extremely grateful for your cooperation during what was an understandably
stressful and emotional time.
We also want to thank the Westminster Presbyterian Church, which served as our reunification site for
our families. Their help was immense in bringing our families back together in this trying situation.
There are still aspects of this incident that are under investigation, so there will be questions we simply
cannot answer today. We will provide as much verified information as we can while protecting the
integrity of that investigation.
Quote from Dr. Jeffrey Cassel, Superintendent of Waynesboro Public Schools:
“Today is the day every school system hopes they never have to deal with. I need to praise the
response of our staff and the Waynesboro Police Department, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office,
Virginia State Police, and our other local, state, and federal partners. Our safety and security protocols
and procedures worked. Staff notified law enforcement immediately, and our school executed our
lockdown procedures. Every student and staff member is safe and returned home to their families.
”
Also, there will be no late buses this afternoon. All students should arrive on regular schedule.
The lockdown at all Waynesboro Schools has been lifted. Parents wishing to pickup students can now access the school. The reunification process of the Westwood students and families has been our priority. We appreciate your cooperation, understanding and patience through this process. All students from Westwood have been released to their parents and guardians at this time or transportation is in route.
Currently, law enforcement is at all locations out of an abundance of caution. Parents are encouraged to follow the directions of school staff and law enforcement.
Again, all students, staff, and teachers are safe. All other Waynesboro school locations will dismiss at regular time today.
All Westwood students, teachers, and staff are accounted for and are safe. The school division is currently conducting reunifications of students and families at Westminister Presbyterian Church at 1904 Mount Vernon Street in Waynesboro. Families are staging in the lower fellowship hall.
As a precautionary measure, all other Waynesboro Public Schools have been placed on lockdown. More information will be released when it becomes available. All schools are secure and safe at this time. Parents and guardians, please do not call 911 for additional information. We will relay it as soon as possible.
Thank you to our students, families, staff and community partners for helping every student feel welcomed, supported and ready to learn. Your presence matters today and all year long.
View the presentation here: https://aptg.co/X306F8
This change is the result of the recently enacted Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which expands the milk options that schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs are permitted to serve.
The new law gives school districts greater flexibility to offer students and families additional nutritious choices while continuing to meet federal school meal standards. Students who prefer low-fat milk will still have that option, and fat-free chocolate milk will continue to be available with lunch.
At Waynesboro Public Schools, we're committed to serving nutritious, appealing meals that help students learn, grow, and succeed. We look forward to offering this new choice and continuing to provide healthy options that support every student's day.
🥛 Milk Choices Available:
• Whole White Milk (NEW!)
• 1% White Milk
• Fat-Free Chocolate Milk (Lunch Only)
*** Fluid milk substitutes are available for students with a qualifying medical need when supported by a written medical statement from a state-licensed healthcare professional authorized to provide medical documentation in accordance with federal and state requirements.***
#WaynesboroPublicSchools #SchoolNutrition #HealthyKids #SchoolMeals #FuelingStudentSuccess #WholeMilkForHealthyKids
The application window for the WPS superintendent search is now open through September 27.
The qualifications established by the School Board guide recruitment and candidate review through the Virginia School Boards Association. Candidate identities remain confidential as the search proceeds.
Visit: https://vsba.myrevelus.com/client/search/27 for the application
The next scheduled VSBA meeting is October 15. Follow each milestone: https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
All inquiries should be directed to Gina Patterson, Executive Director, Virginia School Boards Association, 200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911, 434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Only in Waynesboro: The Waynesboro Education Farm is a community-facing learning lab connecting students and families with agriculture, sustainability and food education.
It shows how learning can extend beyond classroom walls - and how a small city division can create distinctive opportunities rooted in place, partnership and community.
This is part of the division our next superintendent will be asked to understand, protect and build upon. Follow the search: https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
The Board will consider community survey responses, public hearing comments and other information gathered during the listening phase. The approved qualifications will be provided to the Virginia School Boards Association August 28.
This is where listening becomes the leadership profile. Follow the search: https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
Esta noche a las 6:00 p. m. en Waynesboro High School, la Junta Escolar establecerá las cualificaciones que guiarán la búsqueda de la próxima persona que dirija WPS.
La Junta considerará las respuestas a la encuesta comunitaria, los comentarios de la audiencia pública y otra información recopilada durante la fase de escucha. Las cualificaciones aprobadas se entregarán a la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Virginia el 28 de agosto.
Aqui es donde la escucha se convierte en el perfil de liderazgo. Siga la búsqueda: https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
Waynesboro Public Schools reports that student attendance is up 6.5%. That progress matters - and so does the work behind it.
WPS approaches attendance as more than a compliance issue. Missing school can signal barriers that require family communication, practical support and opportunities to recover missed learning.
We are encouraged by the movement, and we are not finished. WPS understands the challenge, is acting on it and will continue watching the evidence.
https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
Dear Families,
Thank you for helping us start the 2026–2027 school year on such a strong note. We truly appreciate your support and the joy your children bring to our schools each day. I also want to thank our dedicated staff, whose commitment and care make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
I have two important reminders to share this afternoon:
1. Emergency Drills
Virginia public schools are required to conduct a variety of emergency drills throughout the school year, including fire, lockdown, tornado, earthquake, and bus evacuation drills. These drills are required by the Code of Virginia and are designed to help students and staff know how to respond safely and appropriately in the event of an emergency.
You may notice that drills occur more frequently during the first 20 days of school as we work to meet state requirements and ensure that students and staff are familiar with our safety procedures. If you have questions about emergency drills at your child’s school, please contact your child’s principal.
2. Waynesboro High School Athletic Event Reminders
As we begin the fall athletic season, please keep the following expectations in mind:
Children who attend schools other than Waynesboro High School must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all Waynesboro High School athletic events.
The accompanying adult must remain at the event with the child for the duration of the event. Our staff cannot provide supervision for children attending athletic events.
Waynesboro High School students may attend without an adult.
Unaccompanied children who are not Waynesboro High School students will not be permitted to enter.
Thank you for helping us ensure that our athletic events remain safe and enjoyable for our students, families, and community.
3. Weapons Detection Systems at Waynesboro High School Athletic Events
As part of our continued commitment to safety, all spectators entering Waynesboro High School athletic events will pass through our weapons detection system.
To help keep the entry process moving smoothly, please have the following items out and ready as you approach the entrance:
☂️ Umbrellas
👓 Glasses cases
💻 Computers
Thank you for your continued support of Waynesboro Public Schools. We appreciate your partnership in creating safe, welcoming schools and events where our students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Have a wonderful evening.
Sincerely,
Ryan Barber
Assistant Superintendent
Waynesboro Public Schools
It means students from racial and ethnic groups historically categorized as minorities collectively make up more than half of WPS enrollment. Reported enrollment figures show the three largest groups at approximately 46% White, 23% Hispanic and 18% Black.
It does not mean that one minority group is the majority, or that students within any category share the same experiences. It means our next superintendent must know how to lead a diverse community so every student is seen, supported and challenged.
https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
Virginia school divisions are required to make information about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes available to the parent or guardian of each enrolled student at the beginning of the school year.
Please review the Diabetes Information for Parents resource developed by the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Department of Health. It includes common signs and symptoms of diabetes, along with additional resources for families.
Families are encouraged to maintain regular well-child visits and contact their child’s healthcare provider with any health concerns.
School readiness is about more than schedules and supplies. At the Back-to-School Bash, community partners offered haircuts that helped students begin the year feeling confident, cared for and ready to learn.
By bringing practical support together in one welcoming place, WPS helps remove barriers before the first bell. This is what support looks like.
Learn more about the division our next superintendent will serve: https://www.waynesboro.k12.va.us/page/superintendent-search
