Kanawha County Schools

Side Quest #4 🎨

Create something from nothing.

✍️ Draw
🧑‍🎨 Paint
🧑‍🍳 Cook
💭 or anything else you can dream up!

Secret Word: Big
#KCSSideQuest

about 7 hours ago, Kanawha County Schools

Student sitting at an art table. He is painting a white sheet of paper that is sitting in front of him. He is dipping his sponge brush into paint that has been squirted on to a paper plate.

Side Quest #3 🤝

Send a message of appreciation to someone who has made a difference in your life.

📝 Write a letter
📱 Send a text
☎️ Call

Secret Word: Make
#KCSSideQuest

1 day ago, Kanawha County Schools

student sitting at his desk with his hands together looking at the camera.

Side Quest #2 💥

⛹️‍♀️ Move for 20 minutes.
🛝 Anywhere.
🛹 Anytime.

Secret Word: Steps

#KCSSideQuest

2 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

A young student is clapping his hands. He is wearing a gold medal around his neck. The medal has the number 1 on it. Behind him adults are clapping and other students are wearing medals.

Side Quest #1 ✅

Try something new today.
Doesn't have to be big.
Just different.

🤫 Secret Word: Small

#KCSSideQuest

3 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

student yelling in celebration after learning what house he will be in for the school's reward system. In the background, the school principal has her hands up in celebration as well.

☀️ Quick Spring Break challenge.

Spring Break is here.

Which means two things:

⏰ No alarms.

💨 🐢 Time somehow moves both fast and slow at the same time.

So instead of letting the week just… disappear… we’re trying something simple.

Not homework.
Not a packet.
Not a 47-step challenge.

Just five small Side Quests.

One per day.
Quick. Doable. Anywhere.

Elementary, middle, high...everyone can play.

Each weekday we’ll post:
🔵 One Side Quest
🔵 One secret word
🔵 Zero pressure

Collect all five words and on Friday you’ll unlock the Main Quest.

No prizes.
No sign-ups.
Just bragging rights… and maybe a feature.

Spring Break starts Monday.

Let’s see who’s playing.

We’re also sharing a Side Quest Bingo board. Complete just one square or go for bingo and see how many you can check off this week. Which one will you try first?

Tag a friend, classmate, or family member who should try a Side Quest with you.

#KCSSideQuest

4 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

🎒✨ Kindergarten starts with moments like this.

A little curiosity.
A little creativity.
And sometimes… a little mess.

If your child will be starting kindergarten this fall, Transition to Kindergarten Day is the perfect first step. Students and families will have the chance to visit their school, meet teachers, and start getting excited about the year ahead.

📅 Each elementary school has its own date and time.
Find your school’s Transition Day using the link in the comments.

✨ Tag a family getting ready for Kindergarten 2026!

6 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

A young student sitting at her school table, smiling at the camera, and has both of her arms in the air. Her arms and table are covered in shaving cream that was used for a writing lesson.

🔥 Bam!

Culinary students from Carver are dialing up the heat in Charleston this week at the State Culinary and Management Competition. Teams prepared a three-course meal in 60 minutes.

🌮 And they have to do all of that without running water or electricity. Teams cook everything using two butane burners. Part two of the competition is the management competition. Teams will present a proposal for a promising restaurant concept to a panel of industry judges.

8 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

Five culinary students, dressed in their chefs outfits, are standing behind their three course meal. A professional chef is on the other side of the table and is gesturing to one of the dishes.

Culinary students are cooking food at their station.

Culinary students are cooking at their station. The student on the left is cutting produce. The student in the middle is cutting a tomato. The student on the right is cooking on the burner.

Two students are cooking at their station. The burner is right in front of them and they are cutting produce. Behind them, a photographer is taking pictures of the students in action.

📊 Today’s balance sheet included storybooks.

For Read Across America Week, KCS Treasurer Melanie Meadows and Purchasing Director Josh Lewis traded spreadsheets for story time at Central Elementary. They read Dr. Seuss classics and shared the story of Jane Goodall with 2nd and 3rd graders.

Their work doesn’t usually happen in classrooms, but it always supports them. Because behind every purchase order, every resource allocated, and every spreadsheet...are students.

And sometimes the best return on investment is a room full of kids leaning in for one more page. 💙📚

9 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting at the front of a classroom. Melanie is holding a book about Jane Goodall. Students are sitting on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie.

KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting in chairs at the front of a classroom. Josh is holding the book he is reading to students towards them so they can see the picture. Students are seated on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie and have their hands raised to ask questions.

KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting at the front of a classroom. Josh is reading a Dr. Seuss book. Students are sitting on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie.

KCS Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, is sitting in a soccer style folding chair. He is reading a Dr. Seuss book to students, who are seated on the carpet in front of him. Josh is holding the book to his side so student's can see the pictures.

KCS Treasure, Melanie Meadows, is sitting in a wooden rocking chair in the front of a classroom. She is reading a Dr. Seuss book to students, who are seated on the carpet in front of her. Melanie is holding the book to her side so student's can see the pictures.

💙💛 What a special day at Kanawha City Elementary!

On Monday, students had the chance to meet West Virginia University’s 71st Mountaineer, Cade Kincaid and the excitement was real.

Cade spent time with students talking about leadership, school pride, and what it means to represent our state. It was one of those simple, joyful moments that students will remember for a long time.

We love seeing connections like this that remind our kids they can dream big! 💙🏔️

9 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

The WVU mascot is standing with three students. He is holding the hand of the student to his right. Two students are wearing gold WVU shirts and the other is wearing a blue WVU sweatshirt.

The WVU mascot is squatting down looking at a fish tank in a classroom. To the right of him, a student is pointing at the one of the fish in the tank. Two students are standing to the left of the mascot also looking at the fish tank.

The WVU mascot is sitting on the stage at the school holding a book. Students are sitting on the floor in front of the stage.

The WVU mascot is taking a selfie with two staff members dress in WVU gear.

The WVU mascot is posing for a picture with three students in a classroom. All three students are wearing blue WVU gear.

The WVU mascot is sitting on the stage reading a book to students. In front of the stage, students are sitting on the floor and on the side school staff are sitting on benches as the Mountaineer reads.

A picture of the book the WVU mascot read to students. The book is called, "Living Life the West Virginia Way" There are four people on the cover of the book holding signs that say self-confident, honest, responsible, and kind. Behind the people is a tree with colorful fall leaves and a Cardinal sitting on a branch. The Flying WV is just below the tree.

🚀🔬📚 BIG IDEAS. BIG WINS.

Kanawha County Schools students are headed to States in the Science Fair and Regionals in the Social Studies Fair!

From aerospace engineering and cancer research to history, government, and civic analysis — our students are doing next-level work across every discipline.

Check out the full list of winners and learn more about their projects using the links in the comments 👇

10 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

two students wearing black suits and mock red CIA lanyards for their social studies fair projects.

Chamberlain Elementary had a pretty special reason to celebrate. 🎉 Their school counselor, Taylor Walters, was named the 2025–2026 West Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year! 🎉

Students and staff recently surprised Taylor with a celebration to show just how much she means to their school, and the smiles said it all.

This award recognizes counselors who go above and beyond for students every day, and we’re proud to see that kind of care and commitment right here in KCS.

Congratulations, Taylor! Thank you for the difference you make for kids, families, and your school community. 💛

14 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

Taylor is hugging her school's principal. Taylor is holding a bouquet of flowers in her left hand. Students sitting in the audience are looking on .

A cake with white icing, sprinkles, and a soft pink icing border. WVSCA Counselor of the Year is written on top of the cake in light purple icing.

Growth worth celebrating 📈🍎

We recently recognized several of our secondary teachers whose students showed the most growth on mid-year benchmark testing, and that growth doesn’t happen by accident.

Our teachers are always refining lessons, trying new strategies, and finding what works best for their students. Walk into classrooms across the county and you’ll see learning that’s active, engaging, and focused on helping every student move forward.

Elementary teachers and service personnel will be recognized at an upcoming meeting, too. When our whole school community works together, students grow. 💙

👩‍🏫 A full list of the teachers who were recognized is on our website. The link is in the comments!

15 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

A group picture of all the teachers who were recognized.

A teacher is smiling after receiving his certificate of recognition.

A teacher is walking up the aisle to receive his certificate of recognition.

A wide shot of the board meeting where teachers were recognized. The picture is taken from the back of the room, behind all of the audience seating. Most of the seats are full. In front of the audience, the teachers are lined up. In the middle of the teachers is KCS Superintendent, Paula Potter, Asst. Superintendent of Secondary Gene Smith, and Deputy Superintendent, Missy Ruddle.

A teacher is walking up the aisle at the board meeting to receive her certificate of recognition.

👔 Dunbar Middle School showed what learning beyond the classroom looks like today with its annual Guys in Ties event.

8th grade students were paired with mentors from the community for real conversations about life, goals, and the future, and, of course, a few lessons on how to tie a tie. Students also heard from Dr. Brian Dinkins, who shared his personal journey — from a difficult childhood and academic struggles to chasing his dream of playing professional football.

He spoke honestly about the challenges he faced when life didn’t unfold exactly as planned, and why planning ahead, staying focused, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better is important.

A special thanks to Chick-fil-A for donating breakfast and to Esteps for providing every student with a custom-fitted dress shirt and tie. Events like Guys in Ties are a reminder that lessons learned in school are strengthened through mentorship, connection, and real-world experiences.

👛 And coming soon: Girls in Pearls on March 26.

16 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

A student walking down the aisle of the school's auditorium to receive his dress shirt and tie.

The school principal is handing a student his bag with that has his dress shirt and tie in it.

A University of Charleston soccer player is speaking with two students at the Guys in Ties event while eating breakfast.

The school principal is handing a student his bag with that has his dress shirt and tie in it. Another student, who has already received his bag, is walking back towards his seat.

A mentor is speaking to an 8th grade student during the guys in ties event.

Dr. Brian Dinkins is standing in front of the stage in the Dunbar Middle School Auditorium speaking to students and their mentors.

A black gift bag, with white tissue paper that has black polka dots on it, sitting on the DMS auditorium stage. These bags have the student's shirt and tie in them.

Next level: unlocked. 🎮🐺

Each month, students at West Side Middle School who show growth on the GSA and middle of the year benchmark tests score an invite to the Wolf Den for the monthly Level Up Party.

The Wolf Den is the school's game room. Students who level up receive personalized Level Up cards engraved by students at Carver, lanyards, and other special perks. When students level up, they wear their progress proudly.

Leveling up is about progress, not perfection. At WSMS, hard work isn’t just recognized — it unlocks the next level. 💙📚

16 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

Four students taking a break from playing the arcade games to smile at the camera for a picture.

Three students are standing around a table playing jenga. Two students are watching as the third student is placing one of the wooden blocks on top of the stack of blocks.

A huge group of students is sitting around a table in the Wolf Den posing for a picture. There are snacks and drinks sitting on the table.

The school principal is playing arcade like mini basketball game with a student trying to see who can make more baskets in a period of time. A third student is standing to the side of the game watching.

Three girls are doing Karaoke. One student is holding the mic and signing and the other two are dancing.

Two students are playing a game of pool on a mini pool table. A third student standing to the left of the pool table, is also holding a pool cue and smiling while one student lines up for a shot.

Three students sitting at an arts and crafts table, and one student standing up behind the three sitting down. They are working on an art project and there are beads and glitter covering the table.

Students playing basketball on a mini basketball hoop in the game room.

Five arcade games lining the wall in the game room at west side middle school. These are the old school, 90s era, type arcade games.

A student sitting at an arts and crafts table that is covered in glitter. She is holding up a dream catcher that she designed with glitter and beads.

❄️ Two-Hour Delay – Tuesday, February 24 ❄️

Due to forecasted snow moving in overnight, Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow.

We hope to be open on the delay schedule.

🔹 Morning classes at Carver and Ben Franklin are canceled.
🔹 Afternoon classes at Carver and Ben Franklin will run as normal.
🔹 Employees report on time (notify your supervisor if travel is unsafe).
🔹 Families should use their best judgment if conditions are unsafe in your area.
🔹 Watch for possible bus route changes in the morning.

Please stay safe and give yourself extra time on the roads.

17 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

KCS on a two hour delay Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 due to weather.

Due to snowfall moving into our area and worsening road conditions, Kanawha County Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23.

This is a traditional snow day. School-based staff do not report. All 261 employees may report up to two hours late. If you will be later than two hours, please contact your supervisor.

Because we have used all of our snow days, this closure will require a makeup day later in the school year. We will share that date once it is finalized.

We hope to see everyone back on Tuesday. Stay safe and stay warm. ❄️

17 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

KCS closed today, Monday, February 23rd due to weather.

Due to winter weather and road conditions, Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 23rd.

This delay allows our transportation crews time to evaluate bus routes. If conditions worsen overnight, we will share an updated call Monday morning.

Please take your time traveling, stay safe, and we’ll see everyone two hours later than normal. ❄️

18 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

KCS is on a two hour delay Monday, February 23rd, 2026.

Kanawha County Schools Board of Education, Regular Session — February 19th

The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education will host its monthly regular session meeting at 5 p.m. today.

**This meeting will be held at the Edison Staff Development Center in South Charleston.

This meeting will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at the link here 👇

https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/district/board_of_education/k_c_s_livestream

The agenda is available on the KCS website 👇

https://aptg.co/8pMN7H

21 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

Staffing season is one of the hardest things to do in the public school system.

These decisions are never easy, and they affect people we know, work with, and care about. We do everything we can to limit the number of cuts while continuing to support students and keep our schools running strong.

We’re sharing this to help explain the “why” behind the changes and to make sure our staff and community have clear, accurate information.

24 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

We LOVED seeing Lakewood Elementary filled with smiles, laughter, and kindness this morning 💛🎉

5th graders hosted a “Love Language Fair,” inviting every grade level to come play, create, dance, and just enjoy being together. From board games and crafts to gift-making and laughter with friends, kindness was everywhere you looked.

Shoutout to these awesome 5th grade leaders for planning this event and showing that kindness can be creative, silly, and full of heart 💫

27 days ago, Kanawha County Schools

Lakewood elementary valentines day party