+215 for the Thundering Herd 💚
🦬 Through the KCS–Marshall University direct admission partnership, 215 KCS seniors in the Class of 2026 were directly admitted to Marshall University...with no application and no fees.
This is one more way KCS is working to connect students with options that support their goals after graduation. We’re grateful to Marshall University for this partnership that removes college admission barriers for students and families.
We are excited to continue the direct admit program with Marshall and are working to add additional universities around the state.
🎓 Congratulations to these students and every student who earned their KCS diploma this year. We can't wait to see where your path takes you next!
🦬 Through the KCS–Marshall University direct admission partnership, 215 KCS seniors in the Class of 2026 were directly admitted to Marshall University...with no application and no fees.
This is one more way KCS is working to connect students with options that support their goals after graduation. We’re grateful to Marshall University for this partnership that removes college admission barriers for students and families.
We are excited to continue the direct admit program with Marshall and are working to add additional universities around the state.
🎓 Congratulations to these students and every student who earned their KCS diploma this year. We can't wait to see where your path takes you next!
Families of students who receive special education services may soon receive the Indicator 8 Parent Survey from the West Virginia Department of Education.
If your family is selected to participate, we encourage you to please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share honest feedback about your experience.
This survey gives families an important opportunity to provide input on communication, collaboration, and support. Your feedback helps schools and districts better understand what is working well and where improvements can be made.
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and help support continued growth for students and families across Kanawha County Schools.
If your family is selected to participate, we encourage you to please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share honest feedback about your experience.
This survey gives families an important opportunity to provide input on communication, collaboration, and support. Your feedback helps schools and districts better understand what is working well and where improvements can be made.
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and help support continued growth for students and families across Kanawha County Schools.
🌿 Trails, bridges, pollinator gardens, wildlife habitats, and student creativity...this is STEAM learning in action!
Students in the Riverside feeder area recently wrapped up an incredible year-long environmental education project made possible through a STEAM Grant from WV Tourism and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
Students helped design two hiking trails, built a bridge and ponds, created pollinator gardens, installed bird, squirrel, bee and bat houses and feeders, developed a wildlife market and created award-winning environmental art.
A huge thank you to the many people and organizations who helped make this project possible, including WVDEP, WV DNR, WVSU 4-H, WV State Police, Morris Creek Watershed, Riverside High School student groups, DuPont Middle School, Marshall University, WVU, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, school staff, families and so many others who gave their time, talents and support.
Congratulations to our Eco Warriors! You showed what can happen when students, schools and the community come together to take care of the place we call home. 🌎💚
Students in the Riverside feeder area recently wrapped up an incredible year-long environmental education project made possible through a STEAM Grant from WV Tourism and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
Students helped design two hiking trails, built a bridge and ponds, created pollinator gardens, installed bird, squirrel, bee and bat houses and feeders, developed a wildlife market and created award-winning environmental art.
A huge thank you to the many people and organizations who helped make this project possible, including WVDEP, WV DNR, WVSU 4-H, WV State Police, Morris Creek Watershed, Riverside High School student groups, DuPont Middle School, Marshall University, WVU, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, school staff, families and so many others who gave their time, talents and support.
Congratulations to our Eco Warriors! You showed what can happen when students, schools and the community come together to take care of the place we call home. 🌎💚
🎓 It’s graduation season!
The Class of 2026 is ready to walk across the stage, and we can’t wait to celebrate our high school graduates.
Check out the time and dates for every graduation ceremony in the picture below.
💻 🔗 Check out the time and dates for every graduation ceremony in the picture below.
WV Video Productions will be livestreaming every ceremony, so family and friends who can’t be there in person can still watch the big moment.
The livestream link is in the comments.
Class of 2026...You have put in the work, and we’re so proud of you! 🎓
The Class of 2026 is ready to walk across the stage, and we can’t wait to celebrate our high school graduates.
Check out the time and dates for every graduation ceremony in the picture below.
💻 🔗 Check out the time and dates for every graduation ceremony in the picture below.
WV Video Productions will be livestreaming every ceremony, so family and friends who can’t be there in person can still watch the big moment.
The livestream link is in the comments.
Class of 2026...You have put in the work, and we’re so proud of you! 🎓
☀️🍔 KCS Summer Meals available for children ages 2–18 through the WVDE and USDA Summer Food Service Program for Children.
This summer, in partnership with the WVDE and USDA Summer Food Program for Children, 10 sites across Kanawha County will offer breakfast and/or lunch during specific dates and times. Families do not need to register for those open meal sites...children can come during the posted meal time.
🔵 Meals are for children ages 2-18
KCS will also offer a separate meal box pickup program at two USDA-approved locations. Registration is required for meal box pickup, and the meal box form is now live. The registration link will be in the comments of this post, and is available on our website.
Full schedules, locations, meal times, and meal box registration details are available on the KCS website.
This summer, in partnership with the WVDE and USDA Summer Food Program for Children, 10 sites across Kanawha County will offer breakfast and/or lunch during specific dates and times. Families do not need to register for those open meal sites...children can come during the posted meal time.
🔵 Meals are for children ages 2-18
KCS will also offer a separate meal box pickup program at two USDA-approved locations. Registration is required for meal box pickup, and the meal box form is now live. The registration link will be in the comments of this post, and is available on our website.
Full schedules, locations, meal times, and meal box registration details are available on the KCS website.
🚀 AI, coding, cybersecurity, and....Minecraft?
The West Virginia Department of Education, in partnership with Prodigy Learning and Microsoft, is offering the AI Ready Skills Credential Program to middle and high schools across West Virginia at no cost.
The program gives students a chance to build foundational skills in artificial intelligence, coding, and cybersecurity while working through Minecraft Education worlds and earning credentials that show what they know.
This opportunity also includes free access to Coding in Minecraft and Cyber in Minecraft, along with professional development options for teachers.
KCS is sharing this information to help make sure our families, students, and educators are aware of this statewide opportunity.
🔗 To learn more or sign up, click on the link in the comments.
👏💫 A board meeting full of good moments and well-deserved recognition.
Last night, we had the chance to celebrate some incredible people across Kanawha County Schools, including our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Service Person of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Principal of the Year and Educator of the Year.
We also recognized our elementary Teachers of the Third Nine Weeks and 12 outstanding eighth grade students who earned the 2026 Golden Horseshoe.
From classrooms and counseling offices to school leadership, service roles and student achievement, these moments are a great reminder of the people who make KCS special. ❤️💙💚
🤗 Congratulations to all who were honored. We are proud to celebrate you!
Last night, we had the chance to celebrate some incredible people across Kanawha County Schools, including our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Service Person of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Principal of the Year and Educator of the Year.
We also recognized our elementary Teachers of the Third Nine Weeks and 12 outstanding eighth grade students who earned the 2026 Golden Horseshoe.
From classrooms and counseling offices to school leadership, service roles and student achievement, these moments are a great reminder of the people who make KCS special. ❤️💙💚
🤗 Congratulations to all who were honored. We are proud to celebrate you!
Congratulations to Jon Duffy, KCS Executive Director of Counseling & Testing, on receiving Mission West Virginia’s Power of One: Pathway Award!
Jon works hard every day to connect students with the resources they need to feel encouraged, cared for, and ready for success in school and in life.
We are grateful for Jon’s heart for students and proud to see his work recognized. 👏
➡️ Learn more about Jon and the Pathway Award in the story on our website. The link is in the comments.
Jon works hard every day to connect students with the resources they need to feel encouraged, cared for, and ready for success in school and in life.
We are grateful for Jon’s heart for students and proud to see his work recognized. 👏
➡️ Learn more about Jon and the Pathway Award in the story on our website. The link is in the comments.
Cedar Grove Elementary students added color and creativity to this year’s Teddy Bear Fair! 🧸🎨
As part of the annual community event at Vandalia Health CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital, schools were invited to take part in a coloring display contest...and Cedar Grove Elementary won!
Their artwork was displayed during the event, and the Teddy Bear Fair committee celebrated the students’ creativity and effort with a pizza party for the entire school.
👏 Way to go, Cedar Grove Elementary!
As part of the annual community event at Vandalia Health CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital, schools were invited to take part in a coloring display contest...and Cedar Grove Elementary won!
Their artwork was displayed during the event, and the Teddy Bear Fair committee celebrated the students’ creativity and effort with a pizza party for the entire school.
👏 Way to go, Cedar Grove Elementary!
Big kids. Little kids. One Black Eagle family. 🧡🖤
South Charleston High School’s Legacy Day brought SCHS seniors and kindergarten students from the feeder area together on the football field for a morning full of high fives, fist bumps, hugs, games, and a whole lot of smiles.
The seniors started on one end. The kindergarteners started on the other. They met in the middle for a sweet reminder of where the journey begins and where it can lead.
The kindergarteners left with new shirts, new memories, and a glimpse of what they’re working toward.
The seniors left with a chance to encourage the next generation, and remember when they were the little ones dreaming big.
A pretty great day to be a Black Eagle.
South Charleston High School’s Legacy Day brought SCHS seniors and kindergarten students from the feeder area together on the football field for a morning full of high fives, fist bumps, hugs, games, and a whole lot of smiles.
The seniors started on one end. The kindergarteners started on the other. They met in the middle for a sweet reminder of where the journey begins and where it can lead.
The kindergarteners left with new shirts, new memories, and a glimpse of what they’re working toward.
The seniors left with a chance to encourage the next generation, and remember when they were the little ones dreaming big.
A pretty great day to be a Black Eagle.
🐾 Cougars ➡️ 🦬 Herd
Capital High School seniors signed academic letters of intent to continue their education at Marshall University next year.
CHS and Marshall University held a special signing event at the school, giving students the chance to celebrate this milestone with Marshall representatives, family, friends, and classmates by their side.
It was such a cool moment...not just because of where these students are headed, but because of everything it represents: hard work, support, opportunity, and the start of their next journey.
Congratulations to these Capital Cougars! 💙💚
Capital High School seniors signed academic letters of intent to continue their education at Marshall University next year.
CHS and Marshall University held a special signing event at the school, giving students the chance to celebrate this milestone with Marshall representatives, family, friends, and classmates by their side.
It was such a cool moment...not just because of where these students are headed, but because of everything it represents: hard work, support, opportunity, and the start of their next journey.
Congratulations to these Capital Cougars! 💙💚
🔔 LOCATION CHANGE: KCS Public Hearing – FY27 Budget
Kanawha County Schools is committed to being open and transparent about how public dollars are used to support our students, schools, and staff.
Each year, KCS holds a public budget hearing to review the proposed budget, explain key funding pieces, and give families, staff, and community members an opportunity to learn more about the process.
Please note: The location for this meeting has changed.
📍 NEW LOCATION:
KCS Central Office
200 Elizabeth Street, Charleston
📅 KCS Public Hearing, FY27 Budget
🗓 Monday, May 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
This meeting is open to the public, and you are invited to attend.
Kanawha County Schools is committed to being open and transparent about how public dollars are used to support our students, schools, and staff.
Each year, KCS holds a public budget hearing to review the proposed budget, explain key funding pieces, and give families, staff, and community members an opportunity to learn more about the process.
Please note: The location for this meeting has changed.
📍 NEW LOCATION:
KCS Central Office
200 Elizabeth Street, Charleston
📅 KCS Public Hearing, FY27 Budget
🗓 Monday, May 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
This meeting is open to the public, and you are invited to attend.
KCS students understood the assignment. 🎨
The Kanawha County Schools Art Show is packed with incredible artwork from students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and these pieces are impressive.
Paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, mixed media
So much creativity, talent, and personality in one place.
👏To every student artist with work on display: we are amazed by what you created.
The show is open at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center until 6 p.m. tonight and opens again Thursday at 9 a.m.
Awards begin Thursday at 6 p.m. with primary schools, followed by secondary students.
The Kanawha County Schools Art Show is packed with incredible artwork from students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and these pieces are impressive.
Paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, mixed media
So much creativity, talent, and personality in one place.
👏To every student artist with work on display: we are amazed by what you created.
The show is open at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center until 6 p.m. tonight and opens again Thursday at 9 a.m.
Awards begin Thursday at 6 p.m. with primary schools, followed by secondary students.
Teamwork ✅
Confidence ✅
Leadership that keeps getting stronger ✅
That’s what South Charleston High School students have been building this year through the Dow Leadership Institute.
Throughout the program, students worked with Dow mentors, took on creative challenges, practiced communication and problem-solving, explored career skills, and pushed themselves in new ways.
Watching students build confidence and grow into young leaders has been incredible.
Thank you to Dow for partnering with KCS and investing in our students.
Great work, SCHS! 👏
Confidence ✅
Leadership that keeps getting stronger ✅
That’s what South Charleston High School students have been building this year through the Dow Leadership Institute.
Throughout the program, students worked with Dow mentors, took on creative challenges, practiced communication and problem-solving, explored career skills, and pushed themselves in new ways.
Watching students build confidence and grow into young leaders has been incredible.
Thank you to Dow for partnering with KCS and investing in our students.
Great work, SCHS! 👏
💈 A fresh haircut can do more than change how you look. It can help you walk into a room feeling a little more ready.
Carver Beauty Academy students were proud to be part of Kanawha County American Job Center's 4th Annual Prepped & Polished event. Students offered haircuts and styles Monday for community members preparing for the On-the-Spot Hiring Event...which is taking place today.
💇♀️ For our students, it was also a meaningful chance to put their skills to work outside the classroom while being part of something focused on helping others take their next step.
Carver Beauty Academy students were proud to be part of Kanawha County American Job Center's 4th Annual Prepped & Polished event. Students offered haircuts and styles Monday for community members preparing for the On-the-Spot Hiring Event...which is taking place today.
💇♀️ For our students, it was also a meaningful chance to put their skills to work outside the classroom while being part of something focused on helping others take their next step.
A little paint. A little vision. A whole lot of creative energy. 👟
Andrew Jackson Middle School 6th grader, Parker, took his custom shoe business, ReCraft Kicks, to the SparkWV stage and earned 2nd place in the Small Business track.
Parker transforms gently used shoes into one-of-a-kind designs using art, airbrushing, and hand-painting.
With a heart for helping students have shoes that feel fresh, personal, and affordable.
From more than 70 business ideas across West Virginia to the finals stage in Morgantown, Parker showed what can happen when creativity gets moving.
Way to go, Parker!
Andrew Jackson Middle School 6th grader, Parker, took his custom shoe business, ReCraft Kicks, to the SparkWV stage and earned 2nd place in the Small Business track.
Parker transforms gently used shoes into one-of-a-kind designs using art, airbrushing, and hand-painting.
With a heart for helping students have shoes that feel fresh, personal, and affordable.
From more than 70 business ideas across West Virginia to the finals stage in Morgantown, Parker showed what can happen when creativity gets moving.
Way to go, Parker!
Kanawha County Schools is committed to being open and transparent about how public dollars are used to support our students, schools, and staff.
Each year, KCS holds a public budget hearing to review the proposed budget, explain key funding pieces, and give families, staff, and community members an opportunity to ask questions, share comments, and learn more about the process.
School funding includes many different sources, and some dollars come with specific rules for how they can be used. That’s why the public hearing is an important opportunity to hear the details directly and better understand the budget.
Meeting Details:
📅 KCS Public Hearing, FY27 Budget
🗓 Monday, May 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
📍 157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston (Edison Staff Development Center)
💻 Livestream: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-live-stream
This meeting is open to the public. We welcome you to attend, listen, ask questions, and learn more.
Each year, KCS holds a public budget hearing to review the proposed budget, explain key funding pieces, and give families, staff, and community members an opportunity to ask questions, share comments, and learn more about the process.
School funding includes many different sources, and some dollars come with specific rules for how they can be used. That’s why the public hearing is an important opportunity to hear the details directly and better understand the budget.
Meeting Details:
📅 KCS Public Hearing, FY27 Budget
🗓 Monday, May 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
📍 157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston (Edison Staff Development Center)
💻 Livestream: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-live-stream
This meeting is open to the public. We welcome you to attend, listen, ask questions, and learn more.
Spring learning, KCS Virtual style. 🌸
Students in the KCS Virtual Program recently got together for a hands-on lesson with pinto beans, wheatgrass and pencil-top flowers.
A fun reminder that virtual school doesn’t have to mean doing school completely on your own.
🛜 KCS Virtual students learn in a flexible online setting, but they also have optional chances throughout the year to meet up for lessons, field trips and other activities with classmates and teachers.
For some students, a different learning style or schedule makes all the difference. KCS Virtual gives families that option while keeping students connected to Kanawha County Schools. 🌱
Students in the KCS Virtual Program recently got together for a hands-on lesson with pinto beans, wheatgrass and pencil-top flowers.
A fun reminder that virtual school doesn’t have to mean doing school completely on your own.
🛜 KCS Virtual students learn in a flexible online setting, but they also have optional chances throughout the year to meet up for lessons, field trips and other activities with classmates and teachers.
For some students, a different learning style or schedule makes all the difference. KCS Virtual gives families that option while keeping students connected to Kanawha County Schools. 🌱
🎶 Can your friends do this?
🧞♂️ Do your friends do that?
5th graders from Piedmont Elementary School took their school to a whole new world.
Students took the stage at WVSU's Davis Fine Arts Theater today for "Aladdin for Kids" and they made some magic! ✨
Lines memorized. Songs on point. Costumes that fit the part.
This performance was a diamond in the rough...students told the story in a way their classmates could feel, and the reaction at the end said it all.
Phenomenal cosmic power… itty bitty living space. 💫
🧞♂️ Do your friends do that?
5th graders from Piedmont Elementary School took their school to a whole new world.
Students took the stage at WVSU's Davis Fine Arts Theater today for "Aladdin for Kids" and they made some magic! ✨
Lines memorized. Songs on point. Costumes that fit the part.
This performance was a diamond in the rough...students told the story in a way their classmates could feel, and the reaction at the end said it all.
Phenomenal cosmic power… itty bitty living space. 💫
Four surprises. Four rooms full of applause. Four people who make a difference every single day. ❤️
We had the chance to celebrate our 2025–2026 Employees of the Year in the best way possible, by catching them completely off guard at school-wide assemblies.
Congratulations to:
🔵 Emily Patterson, Counselor of the Year — Overbrook Elementary
🔴 Kenneth Lacy, Service Personnel of the Year — St. Albans High School
🟢 Stephanie Elkins, Teacher of the Year — Kanawha City Elementary
🟢 Shandon Tweedy, Principal of the Year — Horace Mann Middle
Each one was genuinely surprised… and just as genuinely grateful. That’s who they are...showing up every day and never asking for the spotlight.
This week, we made sure they got it. And it was well deserved. 👏
We had the chance to celebrate our 2025–2026 Employees of the Year in the best way possible, by catching them completely off guard at school-wide assemblies.
Congratulations to:
🔵 Emily Patterson, Counselor of the Year — Overbrook Elementary
🔴 Kenneth Lacy, Service Personnel of the Year — St. Albans High School
🟢 Stephanie Elkins, Teacher of the Year — Kanawha City Elementary
🟢 Shandon Tweedy, Principal of the Year — Horace Mann Middle
Each one was genuinely surprised… and just as genuinely grateful. That’s who they are...showing up every day and never asking for the spotlight.
This week, we made sure they got it. And it was well deserved. 👏
