As we begin the new school year, I would like to share the Waynesboro Public School Guidelines for Keeping Ill Children Home from School.
Guidelines for Keeping Ill Children Home from School
Early in the morning, it is often difficult to decide whether or not your sick child can attend school. Often, the way a child looks and acts can make the decision for you. Two major considerations are whether the child is comfortable enough to be able to participate fully in the school day and whether the child might spread a contagious condition to other children and staff. Please consider these guidelines:
Fever Any child with a temperature of 100 degrees or more should remain home until they have been without a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Diarrhea/Vomiting Students should remain home until 24 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Cough/Cold/Runny nose Colds are usually self-limiting and children may attend school if they have a normal temperature and are feeling well enough to attend and participate. The child should not have ear pain, severe sore throat or difficulty breathing. Coughing or runny nose associated with seasonal allergies or mild colds are not reasons to miss school.
Conjunctivitis A child with conjunctivitis or “pink eye” should not return to school until the drainage and redness have resolved or they have started treatment with antibiotic eye drops.
Rashes The source of a rash is often difficult to determine. Many common infectious diseases are most contagious in the early stages. A child with a serious rash should be evaluated by the primary health provider before returning to school. Mild rashes associated with contact allergies, eczema, or other chronic skin conditions should not prevent the child from attending school. Rashes that are blistered or draining should be evaluated by the child’s primary physician.
Lice If the child has active lice, he/she may return to school once they have been treated (proof of treatment should be sent with the child) and evaluated in the school clinic and found to be free of live lice. The presence of nits does not prohibit the child from attending school, but should be addressed by combing with a comb specifically designed to remove nits.
Strep The child may return to school when they feel able to participate, are free of fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
Here are some tips to keep you and your child healthy and to manage those occasional illnesses that occur:
Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before eating and after sneezing or coughing
Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or cough into your elbow or sleeve.
Develop good health habits in regard to hygiene, diet and sleep.
Dress the child appropriately for the weather.
Make sure that the school has parent contact information during the school day.
If a child is going to need medication during the day, make sure the medication forms and medication in the original containers are taken to the clinic on the day the child returns to school.
If you have any doubt about a child’s illness, you should always contact your child’s physician.
Guidelines for Keeping Ill Children Home from School
Early in the morning, it is often difficult to decide whether or not your sick child can attend school. Often, the way a child looks and acts can make the decision for you. Two major considerations are whether the child is comfortable enough to be able to participate fully in the school day and whether the child might spread a contagious condition to other children and staff. Please consider these guidelines:
Fever Any child with a temperature of 100 degrees or more should remain home until they have been without a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Diarrhea/Vomiting Students should remain home until 24 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Cough/Cold/Runny nose Colds are usually self-limiting and children may attend school if they have a normal temperature and are feeling well enough to attend and participate. The child should not have ear pain, severe sore throat or difficulty breathing. Coughing or runny nose associated with seasonal allergies or mild colds are not reasons to miss school.
Conjunctivitis A child with conjunctivitis or “pink eye” should not return to school until the drainage and redness have resolved or they have started treatment with antibiotic eye drops.
Rashes The source of a rash is often difficult to determine. Many common infectious diseases are most contagious in the early stages. A child with a serious rash should be evaluated by the primary health provider before returning to school. Mild rashes associated with contact allergies, eczema, or other chronic skin conditions should not prevent the child from attending school. Rashes that are blistered or draining should be evaluated by the child’s primary physician.
Lice If the child has active lice, he/she may return to school once they have been treated (proof of treatment should be sent with the child) and evaluated in the school clinic and found to be free of live lice. The presence of nits does not prohibit the child from attending school, but should be addressed by combing with a comb specifically designed to remove nits.
Strep The child may return to school when they feel able to participate, are free of fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
Here are some tips to keep you and your child healthy and to manage those occasional illnesses that occur:
Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before eating and after sneezing or coughing
Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or cough into your elbow or sleeve.
Develop good health habits in regard to hygiene, diet and sleep.
Dress the child appropriately for the weather.
Make sure that the school has parent contact information during the school day.
If a child is going to need medication during the day, make sure the medication forms and medication in the original containers are taken to the clinic on the day the child returns to school.
If you have any doubt about a child’s illness, you should always contact your child’s physician.
Every student brings something special to the classroom—and school is better when they are here. This year, WPS is joining the 2026 Attendance Awareness Campaign with a simple message: Your Presence Matters! Regular attendance helps students build strong relationships, keep up with learning and feel connected to their school community. Let’s show up, learn and grow—together.
Dear WPS Families,
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.
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.
William Perry Elementary School
Specials Welcome Information
Fall 2026
Welcome to Music!
I am Brandy Wingfield, the William Perry Music Director. This year all students will have
Music once a week. We will be learning singing and instrumental skills, music theory, history,
choreography and more. Each grade level will perform at some point during the year for family
and friends. All communication regarding concert dates, times and attire will be shared on
Rooms and in the Tuesday folders. I look forward to working with you and your children
throughout the year. If you have questions or concerns please contact me by email
bwingfield@waynesboro.k12.va.us or on Rooms.
Brandy Wingfield, Music Director
My main focus is to help students discover the love of reading and to supply them with books
they are excited about. I will see students once every four days except for when they visit Mrs.
Campbell for SEL (about once a month). Remember to bring library books with you each time
even if you are not finished with it. Students are able to renew books if they aren’t done but
they sometimes get special reading time around the library and need their book to do this. If
you put your books in your backpack daily you are always prepared!
*PLEASE KEEP BOOKS SAFE AND DRY BY NOT PUTTING WATERBOTTLES OR LOOSE FOOD DIRECTLY
INTO BACKPACKS.*
Please be sure you have signed up for the WPS app/Rooms and have notifications on. It
is the way that I share all important information with families: what’s going on in the library,
missing book notices, Book Fair info, and other fun opportunities. Once you are connected, you
will be able to message me easily whenever you have questions.
I know we will have a FABULOUS year in the Library this year!
(new married name - same librarian) Mrs. Perry mhperry@waynesboro.k12.va.us
School Counselors
Welcome back! Your school counseling team is Chelsey Campbell and Brandon Poole. This is
our 6th year at William Perry. We are excited to get to know the school and your wonderful
students. We meet with students individually, in small counseling groups at lunchtime, and we
teach classroom lessons, known as SEL lessons. If you have a concern, please don’t hesitate
to call the school or email us directly at ccampbell@waynesboro.k12.va.us or
bpoole@waynesboro.k12.va.us. Thank you for supporting our students and we look forward to
working with you and your family!
Welcome to Art with Mrs. Morris
My Philosophy: All Students are ARTISTS!
I am Margaret V. H. Morris, your student’s Art Instructor. This is my 26th year here at Perry, making it my 30th
year of teaching ART. I am blessed to have lived and worked with our family in this community for the last 25
years! The daily expectations for ALL students are based on Respect, Honesty, Cooperation, and Responsibility
with Self-Control within those areas.
Upcoming:
Annual “Dot Day” is Tuesday, September 15, 2026 wear your DOTS---make a DOT outfit or T-
shirt. This is an International Literacy based Art Celebration Day. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
The Original Works Art Fundraiser will come home with an order form in the Spring Semester. Your child’s
original art will be printed on your order. You may purchase objects from the company for your child’s Art to be printed on.
March is Youth Art Month (YAM) I look forward to working with your child(ren) and you!
Mrs. Morris, mhmorris@waynesboro.k12.va.us , and Rooms.
Welcome to Physical Education (PE)!
I am Kasey Branch, the Physical Education teacher. Students will have P.E. once a
week, so please make sure they are prepared to succeed in my class. I have a fun and exciting
year planned. Please encourage your child to talk about what they are learning and engage in
exercise activities with them. My program is about being active, learning how to be healthy and
developing great sportsmanship and teamwork. We will cover a wide variety of skills and
activities in my class.
My Expectations in the Gym
Wear appropriate clothing (SNEAKERS, Athletic/Loose fitting clothing), BE RESPECTFUL
to self, others, equipment and my space, HAVE FUN and TRY YOUR BEST.
Grading:
I will keep track of their participation, behaviors, and quiz them on the information they learn in
PE.
Important Dates
*Walk To School Day is Thursday, October 6th, Field Day Friday May 19th*
I look forward to working with and getting to know your child and you. If you have any questions
please feel free to contact me through email kbranch@waynesboro.k12.va.us
Coach Branch, Physical Education Teacher
Specials Welcome Information
Fall 2026
Welcome to Music!
I am Brandy Wingfield, the William Perry Music Director. This year all students will have
Music once a week. We will be learning singing and instrumental skills, music theory, history,
choreography and more. Each grade level will perform at some point during the year for family
and friends. All communication regarding concert dates, times and attire will be shared on
Rooms and in the Tuesday folders. I look forward to working with you and your children
throughout the year. If you have questions or concerns please contact me by email
bwingfield@waynesboro.k12.va.us or on Rooms.
Brandy Wingfield, Music Director
My main focus is to help students discover the love of reading and to supply them with books
they are excited about. I will see students once every four days except for when they visit Mrs.
Campbell for SEL (about once a month). Remember to bring library books with you each time
even if you are not finished with it. Students are able to renew books if they aren’t done but
they sometimes get special reading time around the library and need their book to do this. If
you put your books in your backpack daily you are always prepared!
*PLEASE KEEP BOOKS SAFE AND DRY BY NOT PUTTING WATERBOTTLES OR LOOSE FOOD DIRECTLY
INTO BACKPACKS.*
Please be sure you have signed up for the WPS app/Rooms and have notifications on. It
is the way that I share all important information with families: what’s going on in the library,
missing book notices, Book Fair info, and other fun opportunities. Once you are connected, you
will be able to message me easily whenever you have questions.
I know we will have a FABULOUS year in the Library this year!
(new married name - same librarian) Mrs. Perry mhperry@waynesboro.k12.va.us
School Counselors
Welcome back! Your school counseling team is Chelsey Campbell and Brandon Poole. This is
our 6th year at William Perry. We are excited to get to know the school and your wonderful
students. We meet with students individually, in small counseling groups at lunchtime, and we
teach classroom lessons, known as SEL lessons. If you have a concern, please don’t hesitate
to call the school or email us directly at ccampbell@waynesboro.k12.va.us or
bpoole@waynesboro.k12.va.us. Thank you for supporting our students and we look forward to
working with you and your family!
Welcome to Art with Mrs. Morris
My Philosophy: All Students are ARTISTS!
I am Margaret V. H. Morris, your student’s Art Instructor. This is my 26th year here at Perry, making it my 30th
year of teaching ART. I am blessed to have lived and worked with our family in this community for the last 25
years! The daily expectations for ALL students are based on Respect, Honesty, Cooperation, and Responsibility
with Self-Control within those areas.
Upcoming:
Annual “Dot Day” is Tuesday, September 15, 2026 wear your DOTS---make a DOT outfit or T-
shirt. This is an International Literacy based Art Celebration Day. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
The Original Works Art Fundraiser will come home with an order form in the Spring Semester. Your child’s
original art will be printed on your order. You may purchase objects from the company for your child’s Art to be printed on.
March is Youth Art Month (YAM) I look forward to working with your child(ren) and you!
Mrs. Morris, mhmorris@waynesboro.k12.va.us , and Rooms.
Welcome to Physical Education (PE)!
I am Kasey Branch, the Physical Education teacher. Students will have P.E. once a
week, so please make sure they are prepared to succeed in my class. I have a fun and exciting
year planned. Please encourage your child to talk about what they are learning and engage in
exercise activities with them. My program is about being active, learning how to be healthy and
developing great sportsmanship and teamwork. We will cover a wide variety of skills and
activities in my class.
My Expectations in the Gym
Wear appropriate clothing (SNEAKERS, Athletic/Loose fitting clothing), BE RESPECTFUL
to self, others, equipment and my space, HAVE FUN and TRY YOUR BEST.
Grading:
I will keep track of their participation, behaviors, and quiz them on the information they learn in
PE.
Important Dates
*Walk To School Day is Thursday, October 6th, Field Day Friday May 19th*
I look forward to working with and getting to know your child and you. If you have any questions
please feel free to contact me through email kbranch@waynesboro.k12.va.us
Coach Branch, Physical Education Teacher
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
Today is the final day to help shape the candidate qualifications for Waynesboro's next superintendent. Complete the community survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026WaynesboroCitySearch
Good morning!
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 696, which serves William Perry, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late this afternoon, Friday, August 21, 2026, Bus 621 will be pick up elementary students on this route and Bus 698 will cover the secondary run.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 696, which serves William Perry, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late this afternoon, Friday, August 21, 2026, Bus 621 will be pick up elementary students on this route and Bus 698 will cover the secondary run.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
What's for lunch this week at WPS? 🥗🍎
Fresh. Colorful. Delicious. Our students are loving the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables we're offering right here at Waynesboro Public Schools.
From vibrant strawberries to Homemade Black Bean & Corn Salad, we're committed to serving meals that nourish our students and fuel their day. Because healthy eating starts in the cafeteria.
Fresh. Colorful. Delicious. Our students are loving the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables we're offering right here at Waynesboro Public Schools.
From vibrant strawberries to Homemade Black Bean & Corn Salad, we're committed to serving meals that nourish our students and fuel their day. Because healthy eating starts in the cafeteria.
⏰ The deadline is approaching!
Waynesboro Public Schools staff, families and community members are invited to share the qualities and qualifications they believe are important in our next superintendent.
Complete the superintendent search survey by Friday, August 21, 2026:
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026WaynesboroCitySearch
Paper copies are also available at the School Board Office and each WPS school. Your voice matters!
Waynesboro Public Schools staff, families and community members are invited to share the qualities and qualifications they believe are important in our next superintendent.
Complete the superintendent search survey by Friday, August 21, 2026:
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026WaynesboroCitySearch
Paper copies are also available at the School Board Office and each WPS school. Your voice matters!
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We are pleased to partner with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank again this school year to offer the Family Backpack Program. The purpose of this program is to provide nutritious food to families who may need additional support with their household food needs. Bags of food will be distributed to participating students on the last day they attend school each week.
The food bags are designed to supplement family meals and help support household food budgets. Bags may contain items such as oatmeal, pasta, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, beans and rice, and other nutritious foods that can be used as part of family meals. All participating families will receive the same amount of food.
All children in our elementary schools are eligible to participate in the program, and there is no cost to you or your child. Participation in the Family Backpack Program does not prevent your family from receiving assistance from local food pantries or other community resources. To locate a food pantry in your community, please visit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's pantry locator at https://www.brafb.org/find-help/pantry-locator.
If you would like your child to participate in the Family Backpack Program, please complete the form below and return it to the school by August 28, 2026. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the school office.
Please complete the form found at this link: https://forms.gle/4g5Qt43N8r6zRf5U8
Sincerely,
Ryan Barber, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
📸 Fall/Yearbook Picture Day Information!
Fall/Yearbook Pictures will be taken on September 4th!
📩 Prepay envelopes will be sent home on August 25th. Please note that pictures are prepay only, and proofs will not be sent home prior to ordering.
📸 Make-Up/Retake Day: October 27th
This day is for anyone who missed Picture Day or purchased pictures and would like a retake.
📅 Please mark your calendars with these important dates. Thank you!
Fall/Yearbook Pictures will be taken on September 4th!
📩 Prepay envelopes will be sent home on August 25th. Please note that pictures are prepay only, and proofs will not be sent home prior to ordering.
📸 Make-Up/Retake Day: October 27th
This day is for anyone who missed Picture Day or purchased pictures and would like a retake.
📅 Please mark your calendars with these important dates. Thank you!
Good morning!
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 696, which serves William Perry, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late this morning, Friday, August 14, 2026, for KCMS and WHS students only. Bus 617 will be picking up students on this route.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 696, which serves William Perry, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late this morning, Friday, August 14, 2026, for KCMS and WHS students only. Bus 617 will be picking up students on this route.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
We hope everyone has had a great start to the year! 😊A quick reminder for our car riders: Please remain in your vehicle while in the car loop during both drop-off and pick-up. If you need to get out of your vehicle to help buckle your student, please pull into a parking spot. This helps keep our car loop safe and running smoothly for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep all of our students safe!
Good afternoon!
We’ve had a great first day! Thank you for all of your support, patience, and help in making the start of the school year a success.
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 676, which serves Westwood, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late during:
Afternoon routes today, Wednesday, August 12
Morning routes tomorrow, Thursday, August 13
As you might expect on the first day of school, transportation may be a little slower than usual this afternoon as everyone settles into new routines. Our top priority is the safety of our students, and our transportation team will work hard to get each child home safely and as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. We appreciate you!
We’ve had a great first day! Thank you for all of your support, patience, and help in making the start of the school year a success.
We want to make families aware of a transportation delay affecting Bus 676, which serves Westwood, KCMS, and WHS. The bus is expected to run approximately 25 minutes late during:
Afternoon routes today, Wednesday, August 12
Morning routes tomorrow, Thursday, August 13
As you might expect on the first day of school, transportation may be a little slower than usual this afternoon as everyone settles into new routines. Our top priority is the safety of our students, and our transportation team will work hard to get each child home safely and as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. We appreciate you!
📣 Great News, WPS Families!
Waynesboro Public Schools will offer FREE breakfast and lunch to ALL students for the 2026-2027 school year! 🎉
✅ No applications required
✅ Healthy meals every day at no cost
💳 Need to add money for extras? Visit linqconnect.com
📞 Questions? Contact our School Nutrition team:
📧 kshomo@waynesboro.k12.va.us | lcash@waynesboro.k12.va.us
#WPSStrong #FreeMeals #HealthyKids
Waynesboro Public Schools will offer FREE breakfast and lunch to ALL students for the 2026-2027 school year! 🎉
✅ No applications required
✅ Healthy meals every day at no cost
💳 Need to add money for extras? Visit linqconnect.com
📞 Questions? Contact our School Nutrition team:
📧 kshomo@waynesboro.k12.va.us | lcash@waynesboro.k12.va.us
#WPSStrong #FreeMeals #HealthyKids
Stuff the Bus begins today! Stop by the Waynesboro or Staunton Walmart Supercenter between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to donate school supplies and help support students across Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.
Today is the SAW Clothing Closet Back-to-School Clothing Event! Families can shop for free clothing for school-aged children from 12:00–6:00 PM at Wilson Middle School.
Stuff the Bus begins tomorrow! Donations of school supplies will be collected August 7–9 from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM at the Waynesboro and Staunton Walmart Supercenters.
Volunteers are still needed: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AA4A92EA0FFC52-64191534-2026
Volunteers are still needed: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AA4A92EA0FFC52-64191534-2026
Reminder: The SAW Clothing Closet Back-to-School Clothing Event is tomorrow, August 7, from 12:00–6:00 PM at Wilson Middle School. Families residing in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro are invited to shop for free clothing for school-aged children.
A big thank-you to First Bank & Trust for their generous donation and school supplies! Your continued support helps our students and staff begin the school year prepared and ready to succeed. We are grateful for your partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools! 💙💛📚✏️
