The Greendale Pride
Events, Updates, and More

August 2025
Our New School Song!
Once Upon a Leo
Meet our Teachers
Our Greendale teachers have worked hard to prepare for this school year. They are eager and excited to welcome our returning students back and get to know our new students.
Pre-K
Fifth Grade
Reading Intervention and Special Education
Activity
Safety Patrol
Safety Patrol is a group of 4th and 5th grade students who work before and after school during arrival and dismissal to make sure students are safe as they arrive to school, move throughout the building, and depart in the afternoon. Safety Patrol members assist new students in walking to their designated locations, help teachers run errands and with set-up/break-down, assist other students in the cafeteria, escort students to and from buses and parent drop-off, and monitor the sidewalks during bus dismissal to make sure students stay in safe locations. Safety patrol will rotate each nine weeks with new safety patrol members serving.
GES Welcomes New Faculty Members
This year we are excited to announce that we have the following individuals joining our team! Rebekah Stawarz will serve as Dean of Students. Emily Schweitzer is our new Reading Specialist, and Veronica Widener will be an additional reading interventionist.
Rebekah Stawarz
I’m so excited to be included in this wonderful school community. I’ve spent the last 18 years in education, serving in various roles including Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, special education, and most recently as a reading specialist. My background in diverse classroom settings has shaped my commitment to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. I hold master’s degrees in Special Education and Literacy, and I am currently completing my third master’s in Educational Leadership. My undergraduate degree is in Biology, and prior to becoming an educator, I worked in pharmaceutical sales, as a research assistant, and even as a mail carrier—experiences that have all shaped my work ethic and perspective. Outside of school, I enjoy running, hiking, and reading. I’m also an animal lover and share my home with two dogs, five cats, a python, and two lizards. I’m married to a cardiology nurse practitioner, and we have an 18-year-old son currently pursuing a degree in nursing. As the new Dean of Students, I am committed to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff at Greendale Elementary. I look forward to an amazing year here at Greendale!!
Emily Schweitzer
I’m a proud mom to a 19-year-old daughter who’s pursuing her passion for teaching as an Early Childhood Education major at ETSU. Life at home is lively thanks to my two energetic bernedoodles, who never turn down a game of fetch and keep me on my toes. In my free time, I love being out on the lake soaking up the fresh air and sunshine, getting lost in a good book, exploring shops for hidden treasures, and spending quality time with friends and family—whether it’s a casual hangout or a fun outing.
Veronica Widener
This year marks my 25th year teaching in Washington County! I’ve had the joy of teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Third Grade. Outside of school, I’m a proud mom to two grown sons—Brian (29) and Johnny (22)—and a corgi furbaby named Gracie who rules the house. I’m so excited to be part of the Greendale Elementary family and can’t wait for all the fun and learning ahead!
Run Club
This year, Greendale is sponsoring run club in the fall. Students in run club meet after school on Mondays and Wednesday to condition and run together. On Saturday October 18, these students will participate in the WCPS Boo Dash 5K & Monster Mile. The Boo Dash is a community wide event. Parents and community members are invited to participate, as well. For registration, click here:
https://www.athlinks.com/event/397082/results/Event/1119071/Results
September is Attendance Awareness Month
Upcoming Events
September 4 - PTO Open House / Taco Dinner 6:00 pm
September 9 - Grandparents Breakfast
September 12 - 3 hour early Dismissal / Washington County Schools Day at the Fair
September 18 - 2 hour early dismissal / Parent-Teacher Conferences
September 26 - Attendance Celebration
September 29-October 3 - Book Fair
October 9 - 2-hour early dismissal / End of 1st Nine Weeks
October 13-14 - Schools Closed / Fall Break
October 15-17 - Spirit Week
October 17 - Faculty/Student Flag Football Game
October 18 - Washington County Boodash 1 mile and 5K - Run Club Event
October 24 - Attendance Celebration
October 24 - Fall Festival
Greendale Elementary School
13092 McGuffie Road
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-739-3500