🤝 Real-World Lessons from Industry Leaders 🔧💡
Herbert Hoover High School students in The Shop had the opportunity to learn from someone who’s built success in the skilled trades from the ground up.
Local contractor and businessman Jerry Hinzman spent the day with students, touring the shop, watching production in action, and sharing valuable insights — from work ethic and professionalism to what it really takes to thrive in today’s workforce.
Mr. Hinzman was joined by a 2024 Nitro High School graduate, now employed with his company, who offered an inspiring peer perspective on entering the job market and meeting employer expectations.
We also appreciated Delegate Dean Jeffries for stopping by and supporting this conversation about the future of West Virginia’s skilled workforce. 👏
Herbert Hoover High School students in The Shop had the opportunity to learn from someone who’s built success in the skilled trades from the ground up.
Local contractor and businessman Jerry Hinzman spent the day with students, touring the shop, watching production in action, and sharing valuable insights — from work ethic and professionalism to what it really takes to thrive in today’s workforce.
Mr. Hinzman was joined by a 2024 Nitro High School graduate, now employed with his company, who offered an inspiring peer perspective on entering the job market and meeting employer expectations.
We also appreciated Delegate Dean Jeffries for stopping by and supporting this conversation about the future of West Virginia’s skilled workforce. 👏
Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the quietest acts of kindness. 💙
This story from Ruffner Elementary reminds us that when educators, families, and students work together with compassion and care, amazing things can happen. 🔗 Link to story ⬇️
➡️: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2512704
This story from Ruffner Elementary reminds us that when educators, families, and students work together with compassion and care, amazing things can happen. 🔗 Link to story ⬇️
➡️: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2512704
🌹 This week on the “The Mathematician”... the MOST dramatic season we've ever seen begins 🌹
George Washington High School geometry students were speed dating — with conditional statements! 💘 They raced to find their perfect matches among converses, inverses, and contrapositives, then decided if each one was truly “the one” (true or false)!
George Washington High School geometry students were speed dating — with conditional statements! 💘 They raced to find their perfect matches among converses, inverses, and contrapositives, then decided if each one was truly “the one” (true or false)!
🌟 Celebrating College Access & Success Champions! 🎓
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙
🚲💙Community partnerships make all the difference!
Elk Center Elementary is making amazing gains 💪 this year on their attendance rate! The school partnered with ANR Construction, Affiliated Financial Group, and Affiliated Insurance Solutions to bring the heat 🔥 with epic attendance prizes — brand new bikes! These incentives are helping students stay motivated and excited about showing up each day. 🚲
👏Thanks to their generosity, attendance is on the rise — and so is 🧠 learning and school pride! When local businesses and schools team up 🤝 for a common goal, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Elk Center Elementary is making amazing gains 💪 this year on their attendance rate! The school partnered with ANR Construction, Affiliated Financial Group, and Affiliated Insurance Solutions to bring the heat 🔥 with epic attendance prizes — brand new bikes! These incentives are helping students stay motivated and excited about showing up each day. 🚲
👏Thanks to their generosity, attendance is on the rise — and so is 🧠 learning and school pride! When local businesses and schools team up 🤝 for a common goal, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
🚀 Nitro High School Leads the Way in Online Safety!
🌄 West Virginia is the first state in the nation to partner with Skyll, a new interactive curriculum designed to teach students how to safely and confidently navigate life online. 🌐
Nitro High School 🐾 students are the first in West Virginia to dive into the new Skyll lessons — which use game-based storytelling to help students recognize and respond to real-world digital challenges like scams, bullying, sextortion, and misinformation.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I’m invested in the story. I NEED to know what happens.”
It’s learning that’s engaging, relevant, and empowering — preparing students not just for the internet, but for life. 💻✨
🌄 West Virginia is the first state in the nation to partner with Skyll, a new interactive curriculum designed to teach students how to safely and confidently navigate life online. 🌐
Nitro High School 🐾 students are the first in West Virginia to dive into the new Skyll lessons — which use game-based storytelling to help students recognize and respond to real-world digital challenges like scams, bullying, sextortion, and misinformation.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I’m invested in the story. I NEED to know what happens.”
It’s learning that’s engaging, relevant, and empowering — preparing students not just for the internet, but for life. 💻✨
📣 We’re looking for the real MVPs of flexibility — Substitute Teachers! 🏫✨
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs
Reminder: No school for students tomorrow — it's a Professional Learning Day for staff! See you Thursday, students!
🎨 Edgewood students are painting their mark on Charleston! 💛💙
Something colorful is coming to the bottom of Edgewood Hill! The City of Charleston is creating a brand-new art piece that will spell out EDGEWOOD — and every single letter will feature artwork created by Edgewood Elementary students! 🌈
Each grade level painted their own vibrant sheet today, using different colors and styles. Those student-painted sheets will be used by Charleston’s Art Director, Jeff Pierson, to design each letter — making this project a true collaboration between Charleston and KCS students!
Even Mayor Amy Goodwin joined in on the fun and added her own brushstrokes! 🖌️😊
We can’t wait to see the finished piece — it’s going to be a bright, bold celebration of Edgewood’s creativity and community spirit! 💫
Something colorful is coming to the bottom of Edgewood Hill! The City of Charleston is creating a brand-new art piece that will spell out EDGEWOOD — and every single letter will feature artwork created by Edgewood Elementary students! 🌈
Each grade level painted their own vibrant sheet today, using different colors and styles. Those student-painted sheets will be used by Charleston’s Art Director, Jeff Pierson, to design each letter — making this project a true collaboration between Charleston and KCS students!
Even Mayor Amy Goodwin joined in on the fun and added her own brushstrokes! 🖌️😊
We can’t wait to see the finished piece — it’s going to be a bright, bold celebration of Edgewood’s creativity and community spirit! 💫
👏 Teamwork, pride, and a little friendly competition! 🎉
Dunbar Middle kicked off its new House Point System last Friday — a fun, schoolwide competition inspired by the Ron Clark Academy!
👩🎓 Students were sorted into one of four houses 🏡 — Protos, Amistad, Isibindi, or Altruismo — and will earn points for kindness, leadership, school spirit, and academic effort. The winning house each nine weeks earns a special reward — this time, a trip to Winterplace for tubing! ❄️
Friday's kickoff celebration set the tone with cheers, house pride, and a giant inflatable slide! 🏠
WATCH: 🔗 Checkout the Friday's event on WSAZ ➡️ https://www.wsaz.com/2025/10/17/new-school-incentive-encourages-good-behavior-teamwork/
More: ➡️ Read the article on our website to find out more about this new program at DMS
📚🏈 SCHS includes elementary schools in Homecoming Week event! 📚
As South Charleston High School wraps up Homecoming Week festivities, the Black Eagles squeezed in one last event this morning. SCHS football players kicked off their day by visiting several elementary schools in the feeder area to read with students. ❤️
These young readers loved seeing their hometown heroes in the classroom — and the Black Eagles showed that leadership goes far beyond the football field.
As South Charleston High School wraps up Homecoming Week festivities, the Black Eagles squeezed in one last event this morning. SCHS football players kicked off their day by visiting several elementary schools in the feeder area to read with students. ❤️
These young readers loved seeing their hometown heroes in the classroom — and the Black Eagles showed that leadership goes far beyond the football field.
🌟 KCS Student Spotlight! 🌟
We’re so proud to share the incredible achievements of two Kanawha County Schools students currently attending the Mountaineer Challenge Academy!
💪 Cadet Kaliee Peters, a St. Albans High School student, earned the Academic Most Improved Award — a testament to her hard work and commitment to growth.
🎖️ Cadet Ka’Lea Burkes, a Capital High School student, was selected as Assistant Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon — a role that reflects her leadership and drive to succeed.
Both students embody the determination and resilience that define our KCS family. Congratulations, Cadets Peters and Burkes — we’re proud of you! 👏❤️💛
We’re so proud to share the incredible achievements of two Kanawha County Schools students currently attending the Mountaineer Challenge Academy!
💪 Cadet Kaliee Peters, a St. Albans High School student, earned the Academic Most Improved Award — a testament to her hard work and commitment to growth.
🎖️ Cadet Ka’Lea Burkes, a Capital High School student, was selected as Assistant Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon — a role that reflects her leadership and drive to succeed.
Both students embody the determination and resilience that define our KCS family. Congratulations, Cadets Peters and Burkes — we’re proud of you! 👏❤️💛
Kanawha County Schools Board of Education, Regular Session — October 16th, 2025
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education will host its monthly regular session meeting at 5 p.m. today. The meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at the link here 👇
https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-live-stream
The agenda is available on the KCS website 👇
https://5il.co/3qze8
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education will host its monthly regular session meeting at 5 p.m. today. The meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at the link here 👇
https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-live-stream
The agenda is available on the KCS website 👇
https://5il.co/3qze8
💙✨ Student leaders making a difference! ✨💙
West Side Middle School Student Council members showed what leadership looks like during homecoming week! 🙌 They created posters, stayed after school to decorate the halls, and worked hard to make homecoming extra special for their classmates.
When students take pride in their school, everyone feels the spirit! 🎉💪
West Side Middle School Student Council members showed what leadership looks like during homecoming week! 🙌 They created posters, stayed after school to decorate the halls, and worked hard to make homecoming extra special for their classmates.
When students take pride in their school, everyone feels the spirit! 🎉💪
🎨🌸 Learning comes full circle in KCS!
Riverside senior art students Jaiden, Josie, and Pearl joined their teacher, Mr. Stanley, at Midland Trail Elementary to lead a hands-on STEAM art project with third graders! Together, they learned about pollinators 🐝, protecting our planet 🌎, and made colorful 3D butterflies to take home.
Projects like this are what KCS is all about—older students building confidence and strengthening their knowledge by teaching, and younger students seeing what’s possible when they dream big! 💚✨
Riverside senior art students Jaiden, Josie, and Pearl joined their teacher, Mr. Stanley, at Midland Trail Elementary to lead a hands-on STEAM art project with third graders! Together, they learned about pollinators 🐝, protecting our planet 🌎, and made colorful 3D butterflies to take home.
Projects like this are what KCS is all about—older students building confidence and strengthening their knowledge by teaching, and younger students seeing what’s possible when they dream big! 💚✨
🧠✨ Learning that sticks—literally!
As part of their unit on Ancient Egypt, students are diving hands-on into history with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) twist—mummifying a chicken! Don’t worry—no live animals were harmed! The chicken was store-bought.
This creative project brings ancient traditions to life, helping students explore Egyptian culture, science, and art through an unforgettable, interactive experience that deepens understanding and curiosity.
As part of their unit on Ancient Egypt, students are diving hands-on into history with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) twist—mummifying a chicken! Don’t worry—no live animals were harmed! The chicken was store-bought.
This creative project brings ancient traditions to life, helping students explore Egyptian culture, science, and art through an unforgettable, interactive experience that deepens understanding and curiosity.
🎃👻 THURSDAY — Trunk or Treat with KCS! 👻🎃
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
🎉🏆 Triple Crown ! 👑
We’re celebrating not one, not two, but THREE incredible KCS educators who were recently recognized for their outstanding work! 🎉
At Overbrook Elementary, Brooke Bias was named Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE WV! Mrs. Bias is known for her energy, kindness, and the way she inspires students to stay active and confident—both in and out of the gym. 🏃♀️💪
And over at Alum Creek Elementary, Mr. Chet Lowther was named the West Virginia Art Education Association’s Elementary Art Educator of the Year! His creativity and passion for art help students see the world through color, curiosity, and imagination. 🎨✨
🖌️ And at the middle school level, Elkview's, Mrs. Casey Aldrich has been named the WVAEA Middle School Art Educator of the Year! She’s devoted to creating dynamic spaces where young artists grow in confidence and imagination every single day.
Congratulations to both! Their dedication reminds us just how many extraordinary people we have teaching and mentoring students across Kanawha County Schools every single day. 💙❤️💚
📣 Reminder for KCS Families
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
🔍🧬 CSI — Cross Lanes
5th graders at Cross Lanes Elementary are turning into junior detectives thanks to KCS Security Officer Bob Houck and their teacher Tiffany Pace! For the past five weeks, students have been diving in to real forensic science, preparing for their sixth and final lesson! Today, students collected evidence at the "crime scene" — they suited up and tested fingerprints, analyzed DNA samples, and collected evidence to solve a mystery crime. 👣🔬
What started as a spark of curiosity has grown into a hands-on learning adventure that gets students thinking, problem-solving, and dreaming about future careers in science. 💡
Lessons like this are possible thanks to our KCS Excess Levy, which helps fund our 12 dedicated security officers. These officers do so much more than keep our schools safe—they’re part of our classrooms and our communities, helping learning come to life in amazing ways. 💚
5th graders at Cross Lanes Elementary are turning into junior detectives thanks to KCS Security Officer Bob Houck and their teacher Tiffany Pace! For the past five weeks, students have been diving in to real forensic science, preparing for their sixth and final lesson! Today, students collected evidence at the "crime scene" — they suited up and tested fingerprints, analyzed DNA samples, and collected evidence to solve a mystery crime. 👣🔬
What started as a spark of curiosity has grown into a hands-on learning adventure that gets students thinking, problem-solving, and dreaming about future careers in science. 💡
Lessons like this are possible thanks to our KCS Excess Levy, which helps fund our 12 dedicated security officers. These officers do so much more than keep our schools safe—they’re part of our classrooms and our communities, helping learning come to life in amazing ways. 💚
