The express lane to becoming a Mountaineer now runs through Kanawha County! 💙💛
WVU President Michael Benson recently stopped by Capital High School to meet with students as WVU launches WVU Express. Through this new pilot program, qualifying KCS seniors can be admitted to WVU without a traditional application or application fee.
We’re proud that KCS students are among the first in West Virginia to have this opportunity. Interested seniors should talk with their school counselor to learn more.
Country Roads just got a little shorter!
WVU President Michael Benson recently stopped by Capital High School to meet with students as WVU launches WVU Express. Through this new pilot program, qualifying KCS seniors can be admitted to WVU without a traditional application or application fee.
We’re proud that KCS students are among the first in West Virginia to have this opportunity. Interested seniors should talk with their school counselor to learn more.
Country Roads just got a little shorter!
Real growth doesn’t always fit into a neat “before-and-after” photo. 📸✨
It happens in the hundreds of small moments that happen throughout the school day. It looks like...
🔹 A Ruffner Elementary third grader diving into a project with classmates - trying, building, and talking things through.
🔹 During speech therapy at Ruffner, it’s students using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to join the conversation and share an idea.
These photos don’t show a finished product. They show something much better: the hard work and breakthroughs happening in KCS classrooms right now. ❤️
It happens in the hundreds of small moments that happen throughout the school day. It looks like...
🔹 A Ruffner Elementary third grader diving into a project with classmates - trying, building, and talking things through.
🔹 During speech therapy at Ruffner, it’s students using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to join the conversation and share an idea.
These photos don’t show a finished product. They show something much better: the hard work and breakthroughs happening in KCS classrooms right now. ❤️
📚 Progress can look like two circles of fifth graders helping one another turn new words into sentences.
At Cedar Grove Elementary, Mrs. Daniels used an inner-and-outer-circle learning strategy to make vocabulary practice active and collaborative.
📖 Students read the word on one side of an index card, their partner read the definition on the other side, when needed, and then students used the word in a sentence.
Creative teaching helps students learn from both their teacher and one another...and teacher leaders like Mrs. Daniels are among the people behind progress across KCS. 💙
At Cedar Grove Elementary, Mrs. Daniels used an inner-and-outer-circle learning strategy to make vocabulary practice active and collaborative.
📖 Students read the word on one side of an index card, their partner read the definition on the other side, when needed, and then students used the word in a sentence.
Creative teaching helps students learn from both their teacher and one another...and teacher leaders like Mrs. Daniels are among the people behind progress across KCS. 💙
🗓️ Calendar Reminder!
Schools and offices are closed, Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We'll see everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th.
Schools and offices are closed, Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We'll see everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th.
Some of the most important moments of a school year happen quietly...in a first attempt or a new discovery, or maybe a milestone reached.
🎓 Sissonville High School: Three seniors marked their last first day together, and their final first day as KCS students. A milestone years in the making.
🔦 Andrews Heights Elementary School: Students jumped into one of their first experiments of the year, exploring light and shadows through active learning.
🔢 Ruthlawn Elementary School: Some of the schools youngest students practiced counting and putting numbers in the right order, building skills and confidence one number at a time.
🎭 Capital High School: Performing Arts students gathered for the first read-through of their fall production, Clue: High School Edition. The mystery, and the teamwork, starts here.
🎨 Nitro High School: Art students are creating a huge mural, using their talents to bring a fun twist into their classroom.
These moments may be small enough to miss, but over time they add up to new skills and growing confidence.
🎓 Sissonville High School: Three seniors marked their last first day together, and their final first day as KCS students. A milestone years in the making.
🔦 Andrews Heights Elementary School: Students jumped into one of their first experiments of the year, exploring light and shadows through active learning.
🔢 Ruthlawn Elementary School: Some of the schools youngest students practiced counting and putting numbers in the right order, building skills and confidence one number at a time.
🎭 Capital High School: Performing Arts students gathered for the first read-through of their fall production, Clue: High School Edition. The mystery, and the teamwork, starts here.
🎨 Nitro High School: Art students are creating a huge mural, using their talents to bring a fun twist into their classroom.
These moments may be small enough to miss, but over time they add up to new skills and growing confidence.
👟 4,300 pairs of shoes made their way to KCS schools this year thanks to Kids of Kanawha...that is double the number donated last year!
Kids of Kanawha raised the funds to provide shoes to every KCS middle and high school, along with 28 elementary schools. A huge thank-you goes to the local businesses, companies, and individuals who gave to this shoe drive to help make it happen.
Things like this matter. It’s a reminder to our students that people all across Kanawha County are in their corner. Rooting for them and supporting them. We’re so thankful for Kids of Kanawha and for a community that continues to show up for our schools.
Kids of Kanawha raised the funds to provide shoes to every KCS middle and high school, along with 28 elementary schools. A huge thank-you goes to the local businesses, companies, and individuals who gave to this shoe drive to help make it happen.
Things like this matter. It’s a reminder to our students that people all across Kanawha County are in their corner. Rooting for them and supporting them. We’re so thankful for Kids of Kanawha and for a community that continues to show up for our schools.
Six photos. Three schools. One thing is clear: KCS students are already in motion. 💙
🪵 Herbert Hoover High School Cabinetry I students are shaping cherry, walnut, maple, and red oak for their first major project.
🩺 Ben Franklin Career Center’s Honors Medical Assisting seniors are practicing autoclaving, sterilization, and instrument processing.
🐿️ At Kanawha City Elementary School, Chipmunks are already learning by doing...from carefully measuring and mixing ingredients to bringing color and creativity to the page with watercolors.
Different ages. Different skills. Opportunity in action across KCS.
🪵 Herbert Hoover High School Cabinetry I students are shaping cherry, walnut, maple, and red oak for their first major project.
🩺 Ben Franklin Career Center’s Honors Medical Assisting seniors are practicing autoclaving, sterilization, and instrument processing.
🐿️ At Kanawha City Elementary School, Chipmunks are already learning by doing...from carefully measuring and mixing ingredients to bringing color and creativity to the page with watercolors.
Different ages. Different skills. Opportunity in action across KCS.
Flinn Elementary came back ready to learn...and ready to have a good time in the process. ✨
These first days have brought reading, learning games, new discoveries, a little review, and plenty of time to get to know one another. Classroom communities are coming together, and students are already finding their groove.
It’s a pretty great snapshot of the curiosity and connection filling classrooms across KCS right now. Flinn is off and running...and this year is only getting started! 💛📚✏️
These first days have brought reading, learning games, new discoveries, a little review, and plenty of time to get to know one another. Classroom communities are coming together, and students are already finding their groove.
It’s a pretty great snapshot of the curiosity and connection filling classrooms across KCS right now. Flinn is off and running...and this year is only getting started! 💛📚✏️
🚌🚨 Bus number or route number? Start with the letters.
Every KCS route begins with a **two-letter abbreviation** identifying the high school feeder area. The numbers that follow identify the specific route.
🔴 Example route magnets (one from each feeder area) are pictured below.
SA - St. Albans High School feeder area
RH - Riverside High School feeder area
NH - Nitro High School feeder area
SH - Sissonville High School feeder area
CH - Capital High School feeder area
HH - Herbert Hoover High School feeder area
GW - George Washington High School feeder area
SC - South Charleston High School feeder area
This applies to every route in that feeder area, even if your child attends an elementary or middle school.
📍 **The KCS route number tells students which bus to board.**
🚌 **The bus number identifies the physical vehicle.**
➡️ On the right side of the bus, the passenger-door side, the permanent bus number is displayed near the front. Directly behind that number, students will see one or more **white KCS Route Number magnets.**
Every route magnet has a **white background.** The route’s letters and numbers are printed in a color representing the high school for that feeder area. The color is an additional visual cue, but students should match their complete route...both the letters and numbers.
🔢 The permanent bus number must remain visible, which is why both numbers appear on the bus.
👀 What if a bus has several magnets?
That means routes have been combined or the bus is transporting students to another bus. Students should look for their assigned route among the displayed magnets and follow directions from school staff.
Why did KCS make this change?
The bus number stays with the physical vehicle, but the route number stays with the route. If a different bus is needed because of maintenance, a breakdown, or another transportation need, students can continue looking for the same route instead of having to learn a different bus number.
This reduces the number of afternoon changes students, families and staff must track and helps dismissal run more smoothly.
The easiest reminder:
🔵 Start with the letters. Find the white magnet. Match the complete route. 🔵
Every KCS route begins with a **two-letter abbreviation** identifying the high school feeder area. The numbers that follow identify the specific route.
🔴 Example route magnets (one from each feeder area) are pictured below.
SA - St. Albans High School feeder area
RH - Riverside High School feeder area
NH - Nitro High School feeder area
SH - Sissonville High School feeder area
CH - Capital High School feeder area
HH - Herbert Hoover High School feeder area
GW - George Washington High School feeder area
SC - South Charleston High School feeder area
This applies to every route in that feeder area, even if your child attends an elementary or middle school.
📍 **The KCS route number tells students which bus to board.**
🚌 **The bus number identifies the physical vehicle.**
➡️ On the right side of the bus, the passenger-door side, the permanent bus number is displayed near the front. Directly behind that number, students will see one or more **white KCS Route Number magnets.**
Every route magnet has a **white background.** The route’s letters and numbers are printed in a color representing the high school for that feeder area. The color is an additional visual cue, but students should match their complete route...both the letters and numbers.
🔢 The permanent bus number must remain visible, which is why both numbers appear on the bus.
👀 What if a bus has several magnets?
That means routes have been combined or the bus is transporting students to another bus. Students should look for their assigned route among the displayed magnets and follow directions from school staff.
Why did KCS make this change?
The bus number stays with the physical vehicle, but the route number stays with the route. If a different bus is needed because of maintenance, a breakdown, or another transportation need, students can continue looking for the same route instead of having to learn a different bus number.
This reduces the number of afternoon changes students, families and staff must track and helps dismissal run more smoothly.
The easiest reminder:
🔵 Start with the letters. Find the white magnet. Match the complete route. 🔵
Dunbar Intermediate did not ease into Friday...they turned the energy all the way up! 🎉🏠
This afternoon was the school’s House Sorting celebration, when every student learned which of Dunbar’s four houses they will call their own. The cheers were loud and the reactions were priceless!
Staff went all in, too...dressed in their house colors and matching the students’ excitement every step of the way.
Inspired by the Ron Clark Academy House System, Dunbar’s four houses bring students and staff across grade levels together to build belonging, character, school spirit, and a little friendly competition throughout the year.
The sorting may be over, but the house pride is just getting started.
This afternoon was the school’s House Sorting celebration, when every student learned which of Dunbar’s four houses they will call their own. The cheers were loud and the reactions were priceless!
Staff went all in, too...dressed in their house colors and matching the students’ excitement every step of the way.
Inspired by the Ron Clark Academy House System, Dunbar’s four houses bring students and staff across grade levels together to build belonging, character, school spirit, and a little friendly competition throughout the year.
The sorting may be over, but the house pride is just getting started.
Let’s talk all things KCS! Parents and guardians are invited to join KCS Superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter and school leaders for a town hall meeting from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the high school in their feeder area.
📅 Monday, August 24, 2026 - Sissonville Feeder Area
📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - Capital Feeder Area and Chandler
📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - St. Albans Feeder Area
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Herbert Hoover Feeder Area
📅 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - George Washington Feeder Area
📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - Nitro Feeder Area
📅 Monday, September 14, 2026 - South Charleston Feeder Area and Ben Franklin
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Riverside Feeder Area and Carver
Bring your questions...we hope to see you there!
📅 Monday, August 24, 2026 - Sissonville Feeder Area
📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - Capital Feeder Area and Chandler
📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - St. Albans Feeder Area
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Herbert Hoover Feeder Area
📅 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - George Washington Feeder Area
📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - Nitro Feeder Area
📅 Monday, September 14, 2026 - South Charleston Feeder Area and Ben Franklin
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Riverside Feeder Area and Carver
Bring your questions...we hope to see you there!
First assignment of the year: walk through the door. ✅
Next assignment: discover just how far you can go. 💙
We spent the morning at Lakewood Elementary, South Charleston Middle and Nitro High, where the smiles were bright and that unmistakable first-day energy was everywhere.
There are questions waiting to be asked, goals waiting to be set, talents still to be discovered and memories no one knows about yet. That’s the best part of a first day: so much of the year is still full of possibility.
Welcome back, KCS. We can’t wait to see what comes next. ✨
Next assignment: discover just how far you can go. 💙
We spent the morning at Lakewood Elementary, South Charleston Middle and Nitro High, where the smiles were bright and that unmistakable first-day energy was everywhere.
There are questions waiting to be asked, goals waiting to be set, talents still to be discovered and memories no one knows about yet. That’s the best part of a first day: so much of the year is still full of possibility.
Welcome back, KCS. We can’t wait to see what comes next. ✨
The night before school has finally arrived
For some, it’s tomorrow; for others, close behind.
But all across KCS, a new year is in sight,
And first-day excitement is building tonight.
Backpacks are packed, or soon they will be.
There are teachers to meet and old friends to see.
The countdown is on, and plans are taking shape
For a year full of moments just waiting to be made.
Familiar hallways will fill once again
With footsteps and laughter and old and new friends.
There will be questions, discoveries and more,
With brand-new possibilities behind every door.
So rest up, KCS. This year is brand new,
With memories to make and great things to do.
Tomorrow or soon, when your first day begins,
We’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you in. 💙
For some, it’s tomorrow; for others, close behind.
But all across KCS, a new year is in sight,
And first-day excitement is building tonight.
Backpacks are packed, or soon they will be.
There are teachers to meet and old friends to see.
The countdown is on, and plans are taking shape
For a year full of moments just waiting to be made.
Familiar hallways will fill once again
With footsteps and laughter and old and new friends.
There will be questions, discoveries and more,
With brand-new possibilities behind every door.
So rest up, KCS. This year is brand new,
With memories to make and great things to do.
Tomorrow or soon, when your first day begins,
We’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you in. 💙
We have shared a lot of back-to-school information this summer. If you remember seeing something helpful but cannot remember where you saved it, this is the recap. 😅
The good news: Nearly everything is collected in the KCS Back-to-School Hub. Here is the quick version:
🚌 TRANSPORTATION
Use the KCS Bus Route Finder to find your student’s route number, bus stop and morning and afternoon times. Remember, the route number is the important one this year. The bus number identifies the vehicle; the route number tells you where it is going.
The new WheresTheBus app allows families to track their student’s route, see estimated arrival times, receive transportation alerts and get notifications when a student scans on or off the bus. Scanning is expected for all elementary students. Daily bus changes will still be posted on the KCS website.
📍 YOUR SCHOOL & CONTACT INFORMATION
Enter your address and your student’s grade in Find My School to see which elementary, middle and high school serve your home. The Contact My School page on the Back-to-School Hub also includes the website, phone number and contact information for every KCS school.
📅 CALENDARS
Families can view the full month-by-month calendar, open the traditional 2026–2027 school calendar or find the separate year-round calendar for Piedmont Elementary. We also shared quick graphics highlighting long weekends, and those midweek days off that have a habit of sneaking up on everyone.
Want the calendar on your phone? Use the Sync to Calendar option on the Hub to add school holidays, breaks, and other important dates directly to your device.
📝 BEGINNING-OF-YEAR FORMS & ATTENDANCE
Beginning-of-Year forms are available online. Complete the short Packet Launcher, check your email for your student’s official packet, then complete and submit that packet. The email packet is the final step, and the process must be completed separately for each student.
During the year, attendance excuses can be submitted through the KCS app or through the Attendance Form link at the top of your child’s school website. Families can also upload documentation, including a doctor’s note, through the form.
🍎 BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS
On the KCS website, select Menu and then School Menus under the Parents/Guardians column. In the KCS app, tap More, then Dining. Menus include an accessible text version and a traditional version that can be opened, downloaded or printed. The next month’s menus are posted by the afternoon of the last day of the current month.
📱 THE KCS APP
The free KCS app lets families follow one or more schools, receive notifications, view news and calendars, find menus and contact information, and access important forms and resources.
The Back-to-School Hub also includes the Student/Parent Handbook, information for new KCS families, school safety information, answers to frequently asked questions and more.
Their is an article on the KCS website that puts everything together with direct links. We’ll add it in the comments so you can save one link instead of 14 separate posts. 💙
The good news: Nearly everything is collected in the KCS Back-to-School Hub. Here is the quick version:
🚌 TRANSPORTATION
Use the KCS Bus Route Finder to find your student’s route number, bus stop and morning and afternoon times. Remember, the route number is the important one this year. The bus number identifies the vehicle; the route number tells you where it is going.
The new WheresTheBus app allows families to track their student’s route, see estimated arrival times, receive transportation alerts and get notifications when a student scans on or off the bus. Scanning is expected for all elementary students. Daily bus changes will still be posted on the KCS website.
📍 YOUR SCHOOL & CONTACT INFORMATION
Enter your address and your student’s grade in Find My School to see which elementary, middle and high school serve your home. The Contact My School page on the Back-to-School Hub also includes the website, phone number and contact information for every KCS school.
📅 CALENDARS
Families can view the full month-by-month calendar, open the traditional 2026–2027 school calendar or find the separate year-round calendar for Piedmont Elementary. We also shared quick graphics highlighting long weekends, and those midweek days off that have a habit of sneaking up on everyone.
Want the calendar on your phone? Use the Sync to Calendar option on the Hub to add school holidays, breaks, and other important dates directly to your device.
📝 BEGINNING-OF-YEAR FORMS & ATTENDANCE
Beginning-of-Year forms are available online. Complete the short Packet Launcher, check your email for your student’s official packet, then complete and submit that packet. The email packet is the final step, and the process must be completed separately for each student.
During the year, attendance excuses can be submitted through the KCS app or through the Attendance Form link at the top of your child’s school website. Families can also upload documentation, including a doctor’s note, through the form.
🍎 BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS
On the KCS website, select Menu and then School Menus under the Parents/Guardians column. In the KCS app, tap More, then Dining. Menus include an accessible text version and a traditional version that can be opened, downloaded or printed. The next month’s menus are posted by the afternoon of the last day of the current month.
📱 THE KCS APP
The free KCS app lets families follow one or more schools, receive notifications, view news and calendars, find menus and contact information, and access important forms and resources.
The Back-to-School Hub also includes the Student/Parent Handbook, information for new KCS families, school safety information, answers to frequently asked questions and more.
Their is an article on the KCS website that puts everything together with direct links. We’ll add it in the comments so you can save one link instead of 14 separate posts. 💙
That feeling when the attendance excuse is submitted and you can get on with your morning. 🕺
When your student is absent, you have an online option...no early-morning phone call or paper note to keep track of.
📱 Find the attendance excuse form in the KCS app on your device.
💻 Or visit your child’s school website and select Attendance Form in the top-right corner of the homepage.
One less thing to handle before the coffee kicks in. ☕
When your student is absent, you have an online option...no early-morning phone call or paper note to keep track of.
📱 Find the attendance excuse form in the KCS app on your device.
💻 Or visit your child’s school website and select Attendance Form in the top-right corner of the homepage.
One less thing to handle before the coffee kicks in. ☕
🎟️ KCS 65+ Tickets
Kanawha County residents age 65 and older can receive free admission to many school sporting events, concerts, musicals, plays and art shows with a KCS 65 and Older Club Card.
Applications and additional details are available on the KCS website. Some exclusions apply, including postseason playoffs and banquets.
Kanawha County residents age 65 and older can receive free admission to many school sporting events, concerts, musicals, plays and art shows with a KCS 65 and Older Club Card.
Applications and additional details are available on the KCS website. Some exclusions apply, including postseason playoffs and banquets.
⏰ School Start and End Times for 2026–2027
Most KCS schools will follow the same schedule as last year, but start or dismissal times have changed at a few schools as part of updates to help bus routes flow more smoothly across the county.
Before the first day, please find your child’s school in the graphics below and double-check its start and end times...even if the schedule was the same last year.
Please note that these are school bell times, not when doors open for students. We’ll see our students Wednesday! 💙
Most KCS schools will follow the same schedule as last year, but start or dismissal times have changed at a few schools as part of updates to help bus routes flow more smoothly across the county.
Before the first day, please find your child’s school in the graphics below and double-check its start and end times...even if the schedule was the same last year.
Please note that these are school bell times, not when doors open for students. We’ll see our students Wednesday! 💙
Clarification on KCS Athletic Ticket Prices
Adult admission to KCS athletic events will remain $7.
A graphic shared earlier today said adult ticket prices would increase to $8. Because of an internal miscommunication, the proposed change had not reached Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter for consideration before it was announced.
When Dr. Potter first learned of the proposal today, she determined that adult ticket prices would remain at the current $7 rate.
We apologize for the confusion caused by the earlier announcement, and we are clarifying our communication process to help prevent similar misunderstandings moving forward.
Adult admission to KCS athletic events will remain $7.
A graphic shared earlier today said adult ticket prices would increase to $8. Because of an internal miscommunication, the proposed change had not reached Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter for consideration before it was announced.
When Dr. Potter first learned of the proposal today, she determined that adult ticket prices would remain at the current $7 rate.
We apologize for the confusion caused by the earlier announcement, and we are clarifying our communication process to help prevent similar misunderstandings moving forward.
The kids found plenty to do. Their families found plenty of answers.
At Thursday’s Office of Exceptional Students Open House, families moved from table to table learning about everything from IEPs and 504s to transportation, therapy services, technology, and behavioral support. Meanwhile, the kids had activities of their own to play with and explore.
Moses Auto Group also helped families get ready for the school year by providing back-to-school kits and supplies. Partnerships like this bring community support alongside the work already happening in our schools, giving students and families even more people in their corner.
The afternoon gave families a chance to put faces with names, ask questions, and head into the school year knowing where to turn when they need support.
At Thursday’s Office of Exceptional Students Open House, families moved from table to table learning about everything from IEPs and 504s to transportation, therapy services, technology, and behavioral support. Meanwhile, the kids had activities of their own to play with and explore.
Moses Auto Group also helped families get ready for the school year by providing back-to-school kits and supplies. Partnerships like this bring community support alongside the work already happening in our schools, giving students and families even more people in their corner.
The afternoon gave families a chance to put faces with names, ask questions, and head into the school year knowing where to turn when they need support.
Have questions about exceptional student services? Today is a good day to get answers.
The Office of Exceptional Students Open House is happening today from 2–6 p.m. at the Edison Staff Development Center, 157 2nd Avenue in South Charleston. Families can find information about IEPs, 504s, transportation, speech services, OT/PT, behavioral support, technology and more.
Childcare is available, and free homework supplies will be offered while they last. Can’t attend in person? Use the QR code on the flyer to schedule a virtual appointment.
The Office of Exceptional Students Open House is happening today from 2–6 p.m. at the Edison Staff Development Center, 157 2nd Avenue in South Charleston. Families can find information about IEPs, 504s, transportation, speech services, OT/PT, behavioral support, technology and more.
Childcare is available, and free homework supplies will be offered while they last. Can’t attend in person? Use the QR code on the flyer to schedule a virtual appointment.
