Off to a great start!

Thank you to each of you for helping us have such a smooth start to the school year! August has flown by, and our students have settled back into the routines and rhythms of school.

I especially appreciate our students’ flexibility as construction is now in full swing and we have made a few minor adjustments to pathways around the building. Their patience and adaptability have helped everything continue to run smoothly.

As you are aware, areas of behavioral focus this year include appropriate student dress, timeliness and attendance, and school safety related to electric transportation. I am happy to say that we are thrilled with the response from our student body and the positive efforts students have made in each of these areas to begin the year. Through their actions and choices, our students are helping to create a positive, safe, and productive space for learning each day.

As in life, getting off to a strong start can make a tremendous difference in having a successful school year. We want every student and family to feel supported along the way. If you, parent or student, would ever like to touch base about how the year is going, please know that our doors are always open.

We are excited about the year ahead and all that our Little Giants will accomplish!

Bryan Stamm
Principal, Waynesboro High School

Hello! My name is Officer Morales, and I’m excited to serve as the School Resource Officer for our school community. I’m looking forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff while building positive relationships throughout the school year.

My approach is “prevention through education.” I believe we can help make our schools safe and welcoming places where every student, staff member, and family feels comfortable asking for help, talking with me, or simply saying hello.

I’ve been fortunate to support this approach through mentorship programs, Hispanic outreach, and many other opportunities to connect with and serve our community.

I'm looking forward to a great year together!

My name is Stephanie Hamilton and I am an English teacher here at Waynesboro High School. Beyond the classroom, I also lead our international travel program in partnership with EF Educational Tours. Each year, we choose an exciting new destination, and EF handles the full planning and logistics.

In the Summer of 2028, we are heading on an educational tour through Japan! We explore several regions across the country, including Tokyo, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Kansai, taking in Japan's vibrant culture, rich history and stunning landscapes.

We will host an interest meeting on Wednesday, September 9th from 6:00-7:00 pm in the media center here at WHS. At the meeting you will:

• Learn how to save $250 with early enrollment,
• Get first access to limited spots
• Learn about what we'll see and do, trip cost, and more.
  

If you're interested in learning more, please use the following link to sign up.

EF Tours Japan Interest Meeting

I look forward to meeting you and hopefully sharing this incredible adventure with your students!

As adults, when we miss a day of work, we know the additional burden it adds to our performance when we return. When we regularly miss work, our job performance suffers and we can not be the best version of ourselves. Our work suffers, our team suffers, and the organization struggles.

For students, missing school creates gaps in learning that lead to similar performance issues, which in turn will affect class grades, work quality, and ultimately difficulty passing state required SOL testing for graduation. It also creates an additional burden on instructional staff as their workload increases as they seek ways to teach missed material to those missing school, while trying to continue the learning of those with regular attendance at the same time.

Attending school 91% of the time or more greatly diminishes these difficulties and increases their performance in class and on state assessments, as well as helping students develop life skills that will benefit them in the workplace.

Based on observations of students over the past year, families can assist by monitoring, being aware of, and/or discussing the following with their student:

• Personal Electronic Devices include phones, tablets, headphones/airpods, smart watches (must be on airplane mode), personal computers, etc.
• We have seen a large number of students carrying multiple phones in the event one is confiscated.
• Sharing phones. Some students will "loan" their phone to a friend who has lost theirs. This is also a violation of the WHS code of conduct.
• Headphones need to be stored during the day and are not considered a part of student dress.
• Clarifying phone storage: Students may not keep their phones in their pockets, hoodie, etc. See storage options in the infographic above.

Homecoming is fast approaching! Below are a few dates to put on your calendar in preparation. Keep an eye out for communication from SGA sponsors Mr. Taylor and Miss Henon.

September 14th: Dance permission forms available for students

September 21st-25th: Tickets for sale during lunches (this week only)

*Important Note* Outside guest forms are due prior to tickets being purchased and must be submitted by September 23rd.

Homecoming Spirit Week: September 28th - October 2nd

Homecoming Game: Friday, October 2nd

Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 3rd

Students must be in good standing to purchase tickets. Good standing is defined as having 91% or higher daily attendance, 2 or less office referrals (and no suspensions), and currently passing 3 of 4 semester classes.

The image to the right depicts (shaded areas) minimum student dress expectations. Of note, undergarments, inappropriate messaging, drug or alcohol messaging, or bare skin should not be visible within the shaded areas.

Mrs. Hall and Mr. Huguley are excited to make up the new career center team! They both cannot wait to meet with students and families to help with college and career planning. Keep an eye out for events and information from them throughout the year.

September Events:

9/9 University of Virginia (UVA) Rep Visit

9/10 James Madison University (JMU) Rep Visit

9/15 Randolph Rep Visit

9/18 Catch the Career Center at the football game!

9/22 Longwood University (LU) Rep Visit 9:30-10:00

9/23 Mary Baldwin Rep Visit

9/24 Richard Bland College (RBC) and Christopher Newport University (CNU) Rep Visit

9/25 West Virginia University (WVU) Rep Visit

**All college representative visits will be held in the career center and will happen during lunch unless otherwise noted. Sign ups will come out via email.

WHS is proud to share our newest online platform celebrating all things Little Giants! Throughout the year, content will be added to the platform showcasing the academic, athletic, extra curricular, and history of WHS.

The platform has dedicated display panels in WHS, and can be viewed on any internet connected device.

Keep an eye on the site, and our social media, as we will ask for our students and alumni base to submit information to the platform. Currently, we are seeking input from Little Giants who have, or are currently, serving in the armed forces or have participated in college athletics.

Current Sections include: Little Giants who have served in the military, Little Giants who played a sport in college, 2025-26 Honor Roll, Athletic Hall of Fame, digital trophy case, championship banners.

Take a tour by clicking the button below!

WHS boasts 37 different club opportunities for students throughout the year. Along with these club opportunities, the school has 18 Virginia High School League (VHSL) activities.