The mission of Western Branch High School is to prepare students for a dynamic, global world by: 

• creating a responsible and respectful student body of critical thinkers 

• openly communicating with parents and community members 

• promoting excellence in rigor, relevancy, and relationships 

• developing the talents of students through extracurricular activities, the fine arts, and athletics 

At the core of our beliefs is a commitment to the celebration of cultural diversity, the honoring of our rich traditions and legacy of excellence, and the provision of a vibrant and innovative learning environment. 

At the core of our beliefs is a commitment to the celebration of cultural diversity, the honoring of our rich traditions and legacy of excellence, and the provision of a vibrant and innovative learning environment. 

Education in the Western Branch area has had a long and absorbing history.  Heeding Thomas Jefferson’s pleas for public education in Virginia, the 1799 Virginia Assembly established four schools in the state, two of which were in Tidewater.  One of these, the Craney Island School, was the direct ancestor of Western Branch High School.  The local name of “Churchland” was given to a school in 1854.  This Churchland School, consisting of grades one through eleven, moved in 1922 to a threestory brick structure.  By 1950, the area’s truck farms had given way to housing developments, and Churchland High School was built to accommodate the expanding school population.  In 1961, the City of Portsmouth initiated annexation proceedings for the entire area to form the new corporate City of Chesapeake.  This area became the City of Chesapeake by popular vote in 1963.  When the final distribution of the area took place in 1968, Chesapeake received the building which was to become the first Western Branch High School.  Thus Western Branch High School, comprised of 1,200 students in grades six through twelve, began in the new City of Chesapeake on September 3, 1968. 

Further community growth resulted in the need for a larger high school building; the present Western Branch High School building was first occupied in September, 1972.  In 1988, an addition was constructed, creating twelve classrooms in order to accommodate the continuing growth of the community.  In 1997, a second addition and renovation of the original building were completed.  Construction of another addition consisting of 70,000 square feet and renovation of the existing building began in June 2008 and was completed in the spring of 2011.   

Mr. Quentin Hicks, a Chesapeake native, serves as principal of WBHS and is entering his 26th year as an educator with the Chesapeake Public Schools.  After graduating from Great Bridge High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in Political Science Education from Virginia Union University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Regent University. Mr. Hicks resides in Chesapeake and is very active in the Chesapeake community, serving as a member of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress Educational Foundation, the Chesapeake Civic Chorus, and the I. Sherman Greene Chorale.  Mr. Hicks is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, and a past member of the State Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice.  His hobbies include singing, relaxing, motivational speaking, spending time with his family, and watching college football and basketball.

In an effort to provide the most positive and purposeful educational environment for our students, the School Board adopted policy 9-20.1 regarding the use of cell phones and other personal communications devices.  The goal of the policy is to ensure that our students come to school free from distractions and ready to learn.  

During the instructional day, any personal communications devices are expected to be turned off and put away. This means that these devices should not be kept on the person or in the clothing of students during the school day. This expectation applies to all instructional, administrative, medical, or health-related settings including, but not limited to: classrooms, hallways, libraries, auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, administrative offices, or clinics. 

What is considered a personal communication device (PCD)? 

Any device that can connect using Wi-Fi or cellular data including, but not limited to:

• Cell phones 

• Tablets and e-readers 

• Laptops 

• Handheld gaming systems/consoles 

• Smart Watches 

• Bluetooth devices including headphones

Why is this policy being put in place?

Research shows that cell phones and other electronic devices can be detrimental to the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents. In addition, access to these devices during the school day decreases opportunities for our students to be actively engaged in the learning process and to interact with their teachers and classmates. 

What if I need to communicate with my child during the school day?

In case of emergency, please contact your school’s main office. Staff members will be able to put you in touch with your child. 

What are the consequences of violating this policy?

School administrators will review these expectations clearly with students during the first week of school. Consequences for violation may include verbal warnings and confiscation of the PCD including the requirement for a parent or guardian to retrieve the device. Multiple infractions may lead to more severe consequences. School administrators may adapt consequences to suit the nature or number of infractions. The district or school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device either directly or indirectly related to the enforcement of this policy.