🌟 Honoring Service, Supporting Students. 🇺🇸
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
📚✨ The joy of learning to read is jump-for-joy exciting — just ask these Mary Ingles Kindergarteners!
During this morning’s “Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face” lesson, students paired up to practice letter sounds while staying active and engaged. All of the students did a wonderful job — there were smiles, cheers, and even a few jumps for joy! 💛
Moments like this remind us how magical those first steps toward reading can be. 💫
During this morning’s “Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face” lesson, students paired up to practice letter sounds while staying active and engaged. All of the students did a wonderful job — there were smiles, cheers, and even a few jumps for joy! 💛
Moments like this remind us how magical those first steps toward reading can be. 💫
🍂 STEM fun meets fall vibes at Cedar Grove Elementary! Kindergarten students spent library class exploring the school’s new outdoor classroom, where hands-on learning got a little messy (and a lot of fun!).
From digging into pumpkins to experimenting with their seeds, these students are learning that curiosity—and a few sticky hands—can lead to some amazing discoveries. 🎃🧠💡
From digging into pumpkins to experimenting with their seeds, these students are learning that curiosity—and a few sticky hands—can lead to some amazing discoveries. 🎃🧠💡
📚✨ Reading adventures aren’t limited to storybooks—they sometimes happen under the table! 3rd graders at Nitro Elementary found the coziest spot to dive into their comprehension questions. When you make learning your own adventure, 💪 great things happen! 🐾💡
🎉🎂 Panther Pride = 400 Birthday Cake Kits! 🐾💙
DuPont Middle students made sure birthdays will be extra sweet this year. Thanks to DuPont's Student Council, Beta Club, and the entire Panther community, they packed up 400 cake kits and hand-delivered them to their eight elementary feeder schools — Belle, Cedar Grove, Chesapeake, Malden, Mary Ingles, Midland Trail, Pratt, and Sharon Dawes. AND they also made a stop at 1 Warrior Way to drop off cake kits to RHS. 🏫🎁
Way to spread joy, Panthers! 🥳👏
DuPont Middle students made sure birthdays will be extra sweet this year. Thanks to DuPont's Student Council, Beta Club, and the entire Panther community, they packed up 400 cake kits and hand-delivered them to their eight elementary feeder schools — Belle, Cedar Grove, Chesapeake, Malden, Mary Ingles, Midland Trail, Pratt, and Sharon Dawes. AND they also made a stop at 1 Warrior Way to drop off cake kits to RHS. 🏫🎁
Way to spread joy, Panthers! 🥳👏
🎉 These Herbert Hoover High students CRUSHED their math challenge in woodworking class! 🧮🪚
👏 Grant Gardner (6th period)
👏 Levi Grayam (3rd period)
👏 Kemp Meyer (1st period)
👏 Aleks Woody (8th period)
They used the formula r = (L² / 8h) + (h / 2) to solve a tricky problem with a winning answer of 30.72”.
Woodworking is more than just cutting boards and swinging hammers—it’s about precision, problem-solving, and bringing math to life in the shop. 🪵📏✨
👏 Grant Gardner (6th period)
👏 Levi Grayam (3rd period)
👏 Kemp Meyer (1st period)
👏 Aleks Woody (8th period)
They used the formula r = (L² / 8h) + (h / 2) to solve a tricky problem with a winning answer of 30.72”.
Woodworking is more than just cutting boards and swinging hammers—it’s about precision, problem-solving, and bringing math to life in the shop. 🪵📏✨
🤖🚔 Nitro High robotics students experienced safety tech in action! The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad rolled in and to show their robot in action! 👀🔥
Robots + public safety = one unforgettable class! 🙌💯
Shout-out to the KCSD team for bringing the 💡 + 💥 and showing how tech helps keep our community safe!
Robots + public safety = one unforgettable class! 🙌💯
Shout-out to the KCSD team for bringing the 💡 + 💥 and showing how tech helps keep our community safe!
The September edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h
Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h
Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
🎓✨ Today, 1,261 KCS juniors and seniors took their next steps toward the future at our annual KCS College Fair, hosted at the University of Charleston!
Students had the chance to connect with representatives from 52 colleges, universities, and post-secondary organizations across five states. From asking about majors and financial aid to exploring career paths, this event was all about discovering possibilities. 💡📚✈️
A huge thank you to our incredible school counselors and staff who prepared students to make the most of this opportunity, and to the organizations who showed up to support our students’ dreams. 👏
Together, we’re helping our students see just how many doors are open to them after graduation! 💙💚❤️
Students had the chance to connect with representatives from 52 colleges, universities, and post-secondary organizations across five states. From asking about majors and financial aid to exploring career paths, this event was all about discovering possibilities. 💡📚✈️
A huge thank you to our incredible school counselors and staff who prepared students to make the most of this opportunity, and to the organizations who showed up to support our students’ dreams. 👏
Together, we’re helping our students see just how many doors are open to them after graduation! 💙💚❤️
📖✨ Back to Back, Face to Face in Action! ✨📖
Our 4th graders at Mary Ingles Elementary put one of this year’s new KCS Teaching Playbook strategies into action—Back to Back, Face to Face! 📝
Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Students stand back-to-back to quietly think about a question.
2️⃣ They turn face-to-face to share their ideas.
3️⃣ Then they return back-to-back to signal the end of the discussion.
The KCS Teaching Playbook is full of engaging strategies designed to get students invested in lessons and ensure that every student has the chance to participate. 🙌
This activity helps students build active listening 👂, collaborative thinking 💡, and confidence in sharing their perspectives 👥. Way to go, Mary Ingles 4th graders—you’re leading the way in learning! 🌟📚
Our 4th graders at Mary Ingles Elementary put one of this year’s new KCS Teaching Playbook strategies into action—Back to Back, Face to Face! 📝
Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Students stand back-to-back to quietly think about a question.
2️⃣ They turn face-to-face to share their ideas.
3️⃣ Then they return back-to-back to signal the end of the discussion.
The KCS Teaching Playbook is full of engaging strategies designed to get students invested in lessons and ensure that every student has the chance to participate. 🙌
This activity helps students build active listening 👂, collaborative thinking 💡, and confidence in sharing their perspectives 👥. Way to go, Mary Ingles 4th graders—you’re leading the way in learning! 🌟📚
💙💛 Exciting visit at GWHS! WVU President Dr. Michael Benson and his team stopped by to meet with students, counselors, and staff to talk future goals and opportunities at WVU. 🌟
This trip is part of Dr. Benson’s mission to visit all 55 counties in WV — and with Kanawha County, he’s just about halfway there! 🙌
Thanks to Dr. Benson and WVU for supporting our students on their path to college and beyond. 👏
This trip is part of Dr. Benson’s mission to visit all 55 counties in WV — and with Kanawha County, he’s just about halfway there! 🙌
Thanks to Dr. Benson and WVU for supporting our students on their path to college and beyond. 👏
🍎🥕 Fresh, Local, and Full of Fall Flavor! 🍂🌽
This morning, Malden students will enjoyed a special School Farmers Market event thanks to our wonderful community partner, WVHarvest! 🙌
Students will get the chance to explore and select WV-grown produce and fruits—discovering the fresh tastes our great state has to offer. 🍏🍇🥒
It’s the perfect way to kick off the first days of fall while celebrating healthy choices, hands-on learning, and the partnerships that support our schools and students — more Farmers Market events like this are on the way in several other schools around the county! 💚
Thank you, WVHarvest, for helping bring the farm to Malden! 🌾👩🌾👨🌾
This morning, Malden students will enjoyed a special School Farmers Market event thanks to our wonderful community partner, WVHarvest! 🙌
Students will get the chance to explore and select WV-grown produce and fruits—discovering the fresh tastes our great state has to offer. 🍏🍇🥒
It’s the perfect way to kick off the first days of fall while celebrating healthy choices, hands-on learning, and the partnerships that support our schools and students — more Farmers Market events like this are on the way in several other schools around the county! 💚
Thank you, WVHarvest, for helping bring the farm to Malden! 🌾👩🌾👨🌾
🇺🇸🎶 A powerful performance for a powerful moment!
The South Charleston High School Vocal Ensemble had the honor of performing at a recent Naturalization Ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse. 🌟 Their voices helped welcome new U.S. citizens in a celebration of unity and community.
We are so proud of these students for sharing their talent at such a meaningful event. Way to represent SCHS and Kanawha County Schools with pride! 👏🎤✨
The South Charleston High School Vocal Ensemble had the honor of performing at a recent Naturalization Ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse. 🌟 Their voices helped welcome new U.S. citizens in a celebration of unity and community.
We are so proud of these students for sharing their talent at such a meaningful event. Way to represent SCHS and Kanawha County Schools with pride! 👏🎤✨
🩺✨ Paging Dr. Patriot! ✨🩺
Mrs. McConihay’s Honors Anatomy I students at GWHS turned the classroom into their very own Grey’s Anatomy Grand Rounds! 👩⚕️👨⚕️
From the 🧠 brain to the ❤️ heart, students took the lead and presented the body systems to their classmates. 🎓👏
Way to go, Patriots—you’ve got the smarts and the bedside manner! 💪😎
Mrs. McConihay’s Honors Anatomy I students at GWHS turned the classroom into their very own Grey’s Anatomy Grand Rounds! 👩⚕️👨⚕️
From the 🧠 brain to the ❤️ heart, students took the lead and presented the body systems to their classmates. 🎓👏
Way to go, Patriots—you’ve got the smarts and the bedside manner! 💪😎
🎃👻 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.
🌟 Path to the Stage: Week 3 Spotlight! 🌟
Alum Creek 3rd graders rocked their WVGSA Test Talks this week! 🎤🙌 Families cheered them on as they solved word problems ➗, tackled reading passages 📖, and showed off their big brain power 🧠✨.
3rd grade is the first year students take the WVGSA — and these students are proving they’re ready to shine bright! 🌟👏
#PathToTheStage
Alum Creek 3rd graders rocked their WVGSA Test Talks this week! 🎤🙌 Families cheered them on as they solved word problems ➗, tackled reading passages 📖, and showed off their big brain power 🧠✨.
3rd grade is the first year students take the WVGSA — and these students are proving they’re ready to shine bright! 🌟👏
#PathToTheStage
🏫 KCS School Board Vacancy 🏫
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Board due to the recent resignation of board member Tracy White.
Per WV Code §18-5-2, the Kanawha County Board shall appoint to fill the vacancy within forty-five days of the vacancy. The individual appointed to the Board will serve the remainder of Mrs. White’s current term, which ends on June 30th, 2026.
Additionally, per WV Code §18-5-1a, eligibility includes: being a citizen of Kanawha County, not being employed by Kanawha County Schools, and having a high school diploma or GED.
Eligible individuals interested in being considered for this vacant position should send an email to Kanawha County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter (ppotter@mail.kana.k12.wv.us) with the following information.
• Full Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Reason for Interest
• Current Employer (to verify there is not a conflict of interest in serving on the Kanawha County Schools Board of Education)
Emails of interested individuals are now being accepted. Emails should be received no later than 12:00 pm on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. Emails from interested parties after this day and time will not be accepted.
🌟 Kindergarten Magic at Bridgeview! 🌟
Bridgeview Elementary Kindergarteners have been busy learning, laughing, and making memories! 💡✨ From shaving cream name practice ✍️🧴 to math games 🔢🎲 and plenty of playground fun 🛝☀️, these hands-on activities keep little minds curious and engaged.
It’s a joy to watch some our youngest students explore, grow friendships 💕, and discover the excitement of learning every single week.
Bridgeview Elementary Kindergarteners have been busy learning, laughing, and making memories! 💡✨ From shaving cream name practice ✍️🧴 to math games 🔢🎲 and plenty of playground fun 🛝☀️, these hands-on activities keep little minds curious and engaged.
It’s a joy to watch some our youngest students explore, grow friendships 💕, and discover the excitement of learning every single week.
🌿🐢 Pratt Elementary 5th Graders went on an outdoor adventure at the Morris Creek Watershed Festival! 🌊✨
Students had an amazing day getting up close with nature — from holding a turtle 🐢, to butterflies landing right on their hands 🦋, to exploring how water moves through valleys, creeks, and rivers. 🌧️➡️🌊
They also learned about the water cycle 💧🔄 and discovered which animals, fish, and insects call our local waterways home. 🐟🐸🐞
What an awesome way to connect classroom learning with the great outdoors! 🌳💙
Students had an amazing day getting up close with nature — from holding a turtle 🐢, to butterflies landing right on their hands 🦋, to exploring how water moves through valleys, creeks, and rivers. 🌧️➡️🌊
They also learned about the water cycle 💧🔄 and discovered which animals, fish, and insects call our local waterways home. 🐟🐸🐞
What an awesome way to connect classroom learning with the great outdoors! 🌳💙
🌟 Day of Caring = Day of Sharing! 🌟
For the 20th year in a row, KCS joined the United Way’s Day of Caring! This time, our attendance workers and social workers spent the day lending a hand at the Switzer Center in Charleston.
Just like they do in schools every day, they were out in the community helping, supporting, and making a difference. 💙
We love seeing our school family give back to the community that always gives so much to our students. 👫💛
📸 Here are some snapshots from the day!
#DayOfCaring #KCSfamily #CommunityStrong
For the 20th year in a row, KCS joined the United Way’s Day of Caring! This time, our attendance workers and social workers spent the day lending a hand at the Switzer Center in Charleston.
Just like they do in schools every day, they were out in the community helping, supporting, and making a difference. 💙
We love seeing our school family give back to the community that always gives so much to our students. 👫💛
📸 Here are some snapshots from the day!
#DayOfCaring #KCSfamily #CommunityStrong
