KCS students are showing off some serious science knowledge!🧠🔬✨
Congratulations to all of our students who competed at the West Virginia State Science Fair! Your curiosity and innovation continue to make us proud. Overall, 10 students from KCS earned a top spot in their category!
And Iqraa Zaman, of George Washington High School, is headed to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to represent West Virginia! 🌎🏆
This is what the future looks like. 💡
👉 Check out the full list of awards on our website!
🩺 Future healthcare leaders from Ben Franklin Career Center made some noise at the WV HOSA State Leadership Conference!
KCS students brought home state titles, top finishes, and design awards while representing their programs with professionalism and skill.
🏅 Several will now advance to the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June to represent West Virginia on the global stage.
The future of healthcare is bright — and it’s learning right here in KCS. ✨
🔗 To see a full list of awards won, check out the news section on our website!
KCS families, here’s some calendar news!
Kanawha County Schools has been granted a waiver by the West Virginia Department of Education for the 180-day instructional requirement.
❄️ Snow days that happened between:
August 15th, 2025 - March 16th, 2026 will NOT need to be made up this school year.
🗓️ That means, as of today (3/16), the last day of school will remain Friday, May 29.
If the district experiences another full districtwide closure between now and the end of the school year, the calendar could change. If that happens, we will share an update with families.
Final Side Quest 🎯
Think back on your week.
What did you try?
What did you enjoy?
What surprised you?
Today’s secret word is CHANGE.
Now put all five words together.
Comment the full sentence to unlock ...The Final Step!
Think back on your week.
What did you try?
What did you enjoy?
What surprised you?
Today’s secret word is CHANGE.
Now put all five words together.
Comment the full sentence to unlock ...The Final Step!
Side Quest #4 🎨
Create something from nothing.
✍️ Draw
🧑🎨 Paint
🧑🍳 Cook
💭 or anything else you can dream up!
Secret Word: Big
#KCSSideQuest
Create something from nothing.
✍️ Draw
🧑🎨 Paint
🧑🍳 Cook
💭 or anything else you can dream up!
Secret Word: Big
#KCSSideQuest
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
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
Side Quest #2 💥
⛹️♀️ Move for 20 minutes.
🛝 Anywhere.
🛹 Anytime.
Secret Word: Steps
#KCSSideQuest
⛹️♀️ Move for 20 minutes.
🛝 Anywhere.
🛹 Anytime.
Secret Word: Steps
#KCSSideQuest
Side Quest #1 ✅
Try something new today.
Doesn't have to be big.
Just different.
🤫 Secret Word: Small
#KCSSideQuest
Try something new today.
Doesn't have to be big.
Just different.
🤫 Secret Word: Small
#KCSSideQuest
☀️ 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
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
🎒✨ 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!
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!
🔥 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.
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.
📊 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. 💙📚
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. 💙📚
💙💛 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! 💙🏔️
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! 💙🏔️
🚀🔬📚 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 👇
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 👇
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. 💛
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. 💛
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!
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!
👔 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.
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.
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. 💙📚
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. 💙📚
❄️ 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.
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.
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. ❄️
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. ❄️
