Senator Community,
When I became Superintendent, one of the goals I set was for our students to understand the importance of our community. One way of giving back is through a community service project.
Community service develops students' social-emotional skills and connects classroom learning to real-world situations. It also fosters personal growth by building leadership and problem-solving skills. In addition, it provides opportunities for networking and can enhance college applications.
For the 2025 Christmas season, I have asked the staff and students of all three buildings to participate in a community service project. This week, each building will be decorating a Christmas tree to be raffled off. We have selected three local organizations to receive the proceeds: PWHS will support SOMC Hospice, PWMS will support The Salvation Army, and PWES will support the Scioto County Animal Welfare League.
Tickets for the raffle will be $1.00 each or six for $5.00. The drawing will be on Friday, December 5th, at 10:00 a.m. Later today, pictures of each tree will be posted on our school Facebook pages, along with information about purchasing tickets.
We plan to make this a yearly tradition, supporting a different organization each year. I would like to emphasize that this is not a contest to see which school raises the most money. Instead, we want our students to learn that we are three schools working together as one family to achieve great things.
In this time of giving, I ask that you please join us in supporting these local organizations. Let me be the first to wish you a “very early” Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
When I became Superintendent, one of the goals I set was for our students to understand the importance of our community. One way of giving back is through a community service project.
Community service develops students' social-emotional skills and connects classroom learning to real-world situations. It also fosters personal growth by building leadership and problem-solving skills. In addition, it provides opportunities for networking and can enhance college applications.
For the 2025 Christmas season, I have asked the staff and students of all three buildings to participate in a community service project. This week, each building will be decorating a Christmas tree to be raffled off. We have selected three local organizations to receive the proceeds: PWHS will support SOMC Hospice, PWMS will support The Salvation Army, and PWES will support the Scioto County Animal Welfare League.
Tickets for the raffle will be $1.00 each or six for $5.00. The drawing will be on Friday, December 5th, at 10:00 a.m. Later today, pictures of each tree will be posted on our school Facebook pages, along with information about purchasing tickets.
We plan to make this a yearly tradition, supporting a different organization each year. I would like to emphasize that this is not a contest to see which school raises the most money. Instead, we want our students to learn that we are three schools working together as one family to achieve great things.
In this time of giving, I ask that you please join us in supporting these local organizations. Let me be the first to wish you a “very early” Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Washington-Nile Staff and Students,
I would like to take this time to thank all of our administration, staff, and students for the hard work and preparation they put in to make our Veterans Day ceremonies at each building a success. Each building prepared a ceremony that was special in its own right. What made it even more special was witnessing our students at all three buildings going up to our veterans, thanking them for their service, looking them in the eyes, and shaking their hands. You are a part of what makes this district great, and I am proud of you.
Lastly, to all of our veterans in our community and throughout our country - you are the true heroes who make our country special. Thank you for your service to our nation.
Chris Rapp
I would like to take this time to thank all of our administration, staff, and students for the hard work and preparation they put in to make our Veterans Day ceremonies at each building a success. Each building prepared a ceremony that was special in its own right. What made it even more special was witnessing our students at all three buildings going up to our veterans, thanking them for their service, looking them in the eyes, and shaking their hands. You are a part of what makes this district great, and I am proud of you.
Lastly, to all of our veterans in our community and throughout our country - you are the true heroes who make our country special. Thank you for your service to our nation.
Chris Rapp
Due to the winter road conditions on our back roads and bus turnarounds, Washington-Nile Local School District and our CTC students will be operating on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, November 11th.
Senator Community,
To continue our efforts of transparency within our community, our Middle School administration was made aware of a threat towards staff members at the end of the school day on November 6th, 2025. Local law enforcement was notified and an investigation is being conducted by the Scioto County Sheriff’s office. We take all threats seriously and remain committed to maintaining a secure learning environment for every member of our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your building principals.
Thank you,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Students, parents, and staff:
Washington-Nile Schools will have a waiver day Tuesday, Nov. 25. There will be no school for students on 11/25/25. Classes will resume on Dec. 2.
Washington-Nile Schools will have a waiver day Tuesday, Nov. 25. There will be no school for students on 11/25/25. Classes will resume on Dec. 2.
Earlier today, a panic button at the high school was accidently activated. In an abundance of caution, the high school was temporarily placed in lockdown. The matter was quickly resolved and normal school operations were resumed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's building principal. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Senator Community,
On Friday, November 7th, the Portsmouth West Senators football team, cheerleaders, band, and color guard will travel to Tri-Village High School for the second round of OHSAA playoffs.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00pm. In order for everyone to travel safely and not be in a rush, Washington-Nile Schools will dismiss early.
The high school, middle school, and CTC will dismiss at 12:30, and the elementary school will dismiss at 1:30.
I encourage all who are able to travel to the game and show your West Side pride and support for our students and coaches. Ticket information is posted on our school website.
Thank you, and have a good evening.
Go Senators!
Senator Community,
On Friday, October 31st, the Portsmouth West Senators football team, cheerleaders, band, and color guard will travel to Cincinnati Summit Country Day School for the first round of OHSAA playoffs.
Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00pm. In order for everyone to travel safely and not be in a rush, Washington-Nile Schools will dismiss early.
The high school and middle school will dismiss at 12:30, and the elementary school will dismiss at 1:30.
I encourage all who are able to travel to the game and show your West Side pride and support for our students and coaches. Ticket information will be posted soon.
Go Senators!
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
The Scioto County Health Department will give FLU VACCINE at West Portsmouth High School Cafeteria, 15332 U.S. 52, West Portsmouth on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME!
Flu shots will be available for all ages. We have the High-Dose flu shot for people 65 or older, and the standard shot for 6 mo-64 years. Please bring photo ID and insurance cards, Medicaid or Medicare cards (if you have insurance). If you have no insurance, we may still be able to provide you with a standard flu vaccine, while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by parent / legal guardian or have signed note giving them permission to receive the flu shot.
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME!
Flu shots will be available for all ages. We have the High-Dose flu shot for people 65 or older, and the standard shot for 6 mo-64 years. Please bring photo ID and insurance cards, Medicaid or Medicare cards (if you have insurance). If you have no insurance, we may still be able to provide you with a standard flu vaccine, while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by parent / legal guardian or have signed note giving them permission to receive the flu shot.
Parents, we addressed a school safety issue that occurred on one of our busses today. You should have received a more complete message via FinalForms. While the information that started the investigation ultimately proved untrue we appreciate the vigilance of those who reported the concern. We continue to encourage open communication between students, staff, and families.
Thanks,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Thanks,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Senator Community,
I'm happy to report to you that the highway project in front of the campus is now complete. Everyone can go back to the original way of dropping off and picking up your children. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience. We all came together and made the best out of a situation that was beyond our control. This was a great lesson that our students will learn from.
Have a great weekend,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
I'm happy to report to you that the highway project in front of the campus is now complete. Everyone can go back to the original way of dropping off and picking up your children. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience. We all came together and made the best out of a situation that was beyond our control. This was a great lesson that our students will learn from.
Have a great weekend,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
To the community of Washington-Nile Local Schools,
On July 24th, I posted to the community about the US 52 project and our plan for drop offs and pick ups each day once school began. We provided you with an aerial map detailing our plan. With your patience and understanding, our plan has worked well, and I applaud everyone for their effort. When I addressed this issue, I stated that I would keep you informed of any changes or updates.
This morning I received an update from ODOT in reference to the highway project. The update from ODOT was in reference to the concern of when US 52 will be open for two lane traffic.
ODOT responded: If everything goes as planned and weather does not hinder, then we are looking at having one lane in each direction open on Wednesday, September 10. The contractor will then do the drilled shafts while sitting parallel to US 52. Once the drilled shafts are completed the paving contractor will come back in and place the surface asphalt, and then permanent striping and RPMs will be placed with all other remaining items completed. Some of this work will have to be done under flagging operations.
This is great news for our district and the community. Remember, ODOT stated this is if everything goes well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this will happen. Until then, let's all have the patience and understanding we have had from the beginning of the school year. I will continue to update you if there are any changes.
Have a good day,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Go Senators!
On July 24th, I posted to the community about the US 52 project and our plan for drop offs and pick ups each day once school began. We provided you with an aerial map detailing our plan. With your patience and understanding, our plan has worked well, and I applaud everyone for their effort. When I addressed this issue, I stated that I would keep you informed of any changes or updates.
This morning I received an update from ODOT in reference to the highway project. The update from ODOT was in reference to the concern of when US 52 will be open for two lane traffic.
ODOT responded: If everything goes as planned and weather does not hinder, then we are looking at having one lane in each direction open on Wednesday, September 10. The contractor will then do the drilled shafts while sitting parallel to US 52. Once the drilled shafts are completed the paving contractor will come back in and place the surface asphalt, and then permanent striping and RPMs will be placed with all other remaining items completed. Some of this work will have to be done under flagging operations.
This is great news for our district and the community. Remember, ODOT stated this is if everything goes well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this will happen. Until then, let's all have the patience and understanding we have had from the beginning of the school year. I will continue to update you if there are any changes.
Have a good day,
Chris Rapp
Superintendent
Washington-Nile Local Schools
Go Senators!
Washington-Nile Local Schools would like to welcome the Class of 1975 to Alumni Night, August 29, 2025. Before the game vs. Portsmouth, a brief reception with refreshments will be held in the high school library. The class will be announced on the track and a special area will be arranged for seating.
Focus 3 Community Event!
March 4, 2025
Dear Reader:
As we plan for next school year, we have exciting news. Our current fourth grade classes will remain at the elementary school.
Our fifth-grade students are currently attending classes in Portsmouth West Middle School, however, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, we are able to accommodate our fifth grade students at Portsmouth West Elementary School.
Rationale for the change:
The majority of middle schools nationwide (some estimates indicate greater than 75%) serve only students in grades six through eight.
The elementary school is more age appropriate. We have found the maturity level of fifth grade students better fits the elementary school.
By moving our fifth graders to the elementary school, we can provide an educational environment tailored more specifically to their developmental needs, fostering a smoother transition into middle school.
Shifting the fifth grade will allow for a better utilization of space in both the Middle School and the Elementary School.
What this means for parents and students:
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, fifth grade students will be attending classes at Portsmouth West Elementary School.
A group of teachers from Portsmouth West Middle School will be transitioned from the Middle School to the Elementary School to serve these students.
Fifth grade will operate on the elementary time schedule, and will continue to function as part of the elementary.
Fifth grade students will be riding the bus with elementary students.
We are committed to making this transition smooth and beneficial for your child. For more information or to share your thoughts please contact Andrew Ralstin at Portsmouth West Middle School or Andrea Kegley at Portsmouth West Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Anthony Bazler, Superintendent
Recently the Washington-Nile Local School District issued a Code Yellow. A Code Yellow is a cautionary heightened awareness. It was in response to an external concern. The concern was quickly resolved. All schools are back on regular schedule with no issue.
Congratulations to Sheree Crandall, our Middle School librarian! She is the recipient of the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month Award for November 2024. For more information see the OELMA press release here: https://5il.co/32487
Our Senator Community has been asked to help with donations for the people affected by the recent hurricane that devastated the Applachian Mountains region of North Carolina.
See here for details on how you can help: https://www.westsenators.org/article/1806420
Shawnee State University will be hosting an Active Aggressor Exercise on Thursday and Friday, October 3rd and 4th. There will be a large presence of law enforcement and response teams from 8 different counties in the area as part of the exercise. THIS IS ONLY AN EXCERCISE. The public is asked to avoid the area directly around Shawnee State University on October 3rd and 4th. For more information: https://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/2024/10/01/law-enforcement-to-have-full-scale-exercise-at-ssu/
Due to power outages and poor road conditions, all Washington-Nile Local Schools will be operating on a TWO-HOUR DELAY for Monday, September 30, 2024.