A Statement from the Kanawha County Schools Board of Education Members and KCS Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter on the resignation of Board Member Tracy White:
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education Members want to express their gratitude to Tracy White for her years of passionate service to our students and families. Since being elected in 2018, Tracy has poured her heart into this role. Every single decision she made was rooted in one thing — what was best for our kids. She has been a true leader, a steady voice, and a champion for education in our county. Losing her from the board is a big loss, not only because of the work she’s done, but because of the person she is. She will be hard to replace, and her absence will be felt deeply.
Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter shared, "I’ve had the privilege of working with Tracy as school LSIC members and then again in 2018 when she was first elected to the Board. In that time, I’ve seen firsthand just how much she cares for every single student in Kanawha County. As an educator, it was always clear to me that her decisions came from a place of compassion and commitment to doing what’s best for children. Tracy was an incredible asset to both Kanawha County Schools and the Board of Education. She brought insight and heart to the table, and she leaves behind very big shoes to fill. While we will miss her greatly, we are grateful for the impact she’s made and the legacy she leaves behind."
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education Members want to express their gratitude to Tracy White for her years of passionate service to our students and families. Since being elected in 2018, Tracy has poured her heart into this role. Every single decision she made was rooted in one thing — what was best for our kids. She has been a true leader, a steady voice, and a champion for education in our county. Losing her from the board is a big loss, not only because of the work she’s done, but because of the person she is. She will be hard to replace, and her absence will be felt deeply.
Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter shared, "I’ve had the privilege of working with Tracy as school LSIC members and then again in 2018 when she was first elected to the Board. In that time, I’ve seen firsthand just how much she cares for every single student in Kanawha County. As an educator, it was always clear to me that her decisions came from a place of compassion and commitment to doing what’s best for children. Tracy was an incredible asset to both Kanawha County Schools and the Board of Education. She brought insight and heart to the table, and she leaves behind very big shoes to fill. While we will miss her greatly, we are grateful for the impact she’s made and the legacy she leaves behind."
🌟🏆 KCS Takes the Pinnacle! 🏆🌟
The WVDE CTE Pinnacle Award honors the top-performing high schools, career and technical centers, and districts in six areas:
🔵 Student participation
🔵 Concentrators
🔵 Completers
🔵 Work-based learning
🔵 NOCTI performance
🔵 Teacher endorsements
We’re excited to share that Kanawha County Schools earned the Pinnacle Award for the Class IV Division AND Ben Franklin Career Center was named one of the Top 5 CTE Centers in West Virginia! 🎉👏
This recognition shines a spotlight on the incredible work of our students, teachers, and staff! 💙💚💛
📸 Check out some highlights from this special day!
The WVDE CTE Pinnacle Award honors the top-performing high schools, career and technical centers, and districts in six areas:
🔵 Student participation
🔵 Concentrators
🔵 Completers
🔵 Work-based learning
🔵 NOCTI performance
🔵 Teacher endorsements
We’re excited to share that Kanawha County Schools earned the Pinnacle Award for the Class IV Division AND Ben Franklin Career Center was named one of the Top 5 CTE Centers in West Virginia! 🎉👏
This recognition shines a spotlight on the incredible work of our students, teachers, and staff! 💙💚💛
📸 Check out some highlights from this special day!
💙✂️ Ruffner + Carver = Community Partnership ✂️💙
Ruffner Elementary’s autism program and Carver Career Center’s barbering & cosmetology program are teaming up this year!
Every two weeks, Carver students will visit Ruffner to help students practice haircut tolerance ✨—while also learning the skills to serve clients with sensory needs in their future careers.
On Day One, some students got haircuts 💇♂️, some wore their “superhero capes” 🦸, and one even gave his stuffed elephant a pretend trim 🐘✂️—all huge wins!
This partnership is about more than haircuts—it’s about building confidence, inclusion, and brighter futures for everyone. 🌟
Ruffner Elementary’s autism program and Carver Career Center’s barbering & cosmetology program are teaming up this year!
Every two weeks, Carver students will visit Ruffner to help students practice haircut tolerance ✨—while also learning the skills to serve clients with sensory needs in their future careers.
On Day One, some students got haircuts 💇♂️, some wore their “superhero capes” 🦸, and one even gave his stuffed elephant a pretend trim 🐘✂️—all huge wins!
This partnership is about more than haircuts—it’s about building confidence, inclusion, and brighter futures for everyone. 🌟
🚗🧱 Lego Car Races in Mr. Caldwell’s Class! 🧱🚗
Students at Bridgeview Elementary turned their classroom into a racetrack as they put their creativity and engineering skills to work! 🏁 From designing Lego cars to testing speed and stability, these young builders learned through hands-on fun while cheering each other on.
👏✨ Way to go, Mr. Caldwell’s class — your cars (and teamwork) were awesome!
Students at Bridgeview Elementary turned their classroom into a racetrack as they put their creativity and engineering skills to work! 🏁 From designing Lego cars to testing speed and stability, these young builders learned through hands-on fun while cheering each other on.
👏✨ Way to go, Mr. Caldwell’s class — your cars (and teamwork) were awesome!
💡📘 Students out — teachers in.
At Herbert Hoover High School, teacher leaders and administrators from every school launched the brand-new KCS Instructional Playbook. This playbook has six “plays” (lessons) designed to boost student confidence, spark engagement, and get everyone involved in learning. These leaders will share the plays back at their schools on the next PL Day so all teachers can put them into action. 🙌 As the year goes on, more "plays" will be added to the playbook!
Meanwhile, our Student Support Services team met at South Charleston High School to collaborate on best practices and strategies that help ensure every KCS student has a healthy, safe, and successful education.
👩🏫👨🏫 PL Days are all about sharpening skills, sharing ideas, and building stronger schools — When our teachers grow, our students win. 💙💚❤️
📸 Check out today’s collaboration in action:
At Herbert Hoover High School, teacher leaders and administrators from every school launched the brand-new KCS Instructional Playbook. This playbook has six “plays” (lessons) designed to boost student confidence, spark engagement, and get everyone involved in learning. These leaders will share the plays back at their schools on the next PL Day so all teachers can put them into action. 🙌 As the year goes on, more "plays" will be added to the playbook!
Meanwhile, our Student Support Services team met at South Charleston High School to collaborate on best practices and strategies that help ensure every KCS student has a healthy, safe, and successful education.
👩🏫👨🏫 PL Days are all about sharpening skills, sharing ideas, and building stronger schools — When our teachers grow, our students win. 💙💚❤️
📸 Check out today’s collaboration in action:
📚💡Calendar Reminder — PL Day
No school for students tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10th.
No school for students tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10th.
📣 KCS Community Town Hall with Dr. Paula Potter — Herbert Hoover Feeder Area
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Tuesday, September 9th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍Herbert Hoover High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the Herbert Hoover High School feeder area at this important event!
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Tuesday, September 9th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍Herbert Hoover High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the Herbert Hoover High School feeder area at this important event!
☺️ Nothing beats the joy of learning and playing together! 💙💚
Belle Elementary students had a blast during the filming of an upcoming Communities In Schools West Virginia video with the West Virginia Department of Education. 🎥✨
The theme is “Keep the Ball Rolling,” and these smiles say it all—when students’ needs are met, they’re ready to grow, succeed, and enjoy every moment at school. 🌟
Check out these #BehindTheScenes photos of our awesome students in action! 📸😁
👉 https://bit.ly/4851ClJ
Belle Elementary students had a blast during the filming of an upcoming Communities In Schools West Virginia video with the West Virginia Department of Education. 🎥✨
The theme is “Keep the Ball Rolling,” and these smiles say it all—when students’ needs are met, they’re ready to grow, succeed, and enjoy every moment at school. 🌟
Check out these #BehindTheScenes photos of our awesome students in action! 📸😁
👉 https://bit.ly/4851ClJ
*September 8th — Curriculum Board Meeting*
The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education will host its monthly curriculum board meeting at 4 p.m. today. The meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be livestreamed, and can be viewed at the link here — 👇
https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-live-stream
The agenda can be found here —👇
🌟 Path to the Stage: Week 2 Spotlight! 🌟
At Kanawha City Elementary, we were reminded this week that the further you go on your path, the more chances you have to guide and inspire others. 💙
One of the older students at KCE walked hand-in-hand with two younger classmates, leading them down the hallway to their classroom—just like older students once did for them a few short years ago.
That’s what Path to the Stage is all about: building confidence, giving back, and creating a community where every step forward makes it easier for someone else to begin their journey. 🎭✨
👏 We’re proud of these students and can’t wait to see how they continue to shine—on stage and in life!
At Kanawha City Elementary, we were reminded this week that the further you go on your path, the more chances you have to guide and inspire others. 💙
One of the older students at KCE walked hand-in-hand with two younger classmates, leading them down the hallway to their classroom—just like older students once did for them a few short years ago.
That’s what Path to the Stage is all about: building confidence, giving back, and creating a community where every step forward makes it easier for someone else to begin their journey. 🎭✨
👏 We’re proud of these students and can’t wait to see how they continue to shine—on stage and in life!
📣 KCS Community Town Hall with Dr. Paula Potter — George Washington Feeder Area
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Thursday, September 4th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍George Washington High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the George Washington High School feeder area at this important event!
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Thursday, September 4th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍George Washington High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the George Washington High School feeder area at this important event!
📚💡 With so much information swirling around us every day, knowing how to find credible sources is a superpower!
The annual South Charleston High School IB field trip to the Kanawha County Public Library was a huge success! 🎉 Students learned how to dig into databases, explore all the amazing KCPL resources, and sharpen their skills in separating fact from fiction.
Because let’s face it… a quick internet search might give you 1,000,000 answers, but the library helps you find the right one. 🛜📚
The annual South Charleston High School IB field trip to the Kanawha County Public Library was a huge success! 🎉 Students learned how to dig into databases, explore all the amazing KCPL resources, and sharpen their skills in separating fact from fiction.
Because let’s face it… a quick internet search might give you 1,000,000 answers, but the library helps you find the right one. 🛜📚
📣 KCS Community Town Hall with Dr. Paula Potter — St. Albans Feeder Area
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Tuesday, September 2nd
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 St. Albans High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the St. Albans High School feeder area at this important event!
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Tuesday, September 2nd
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 St. Albans High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the St. Albans High School feeder area at this important event!
🚍 New Way to Find KCS Bus Changes 🚍
We’ve added a “Bus Changes” quick link at the top of the KCS website!
✅ This link will take you to a page with all AM and PM bus changes, organized by terminal.
✅ Beginning Tuesday(9/2), district-wide bus changes will ONLY be posted on this page by the KCS Transportation Department.
✅ Some schools may still share their own school-specific bus changes on Schoology, but district-wide updates will not appear on Schoology anymore.
👉 Be sure to check the “Bus Changes” link daily for the most up-to-date information.
We hope this makes it easier for families to quickly find the information you need!
We’ve added a “Bus Changes” quick link at the top of the KCS website!
✅ This link will take you to a page with all AM and PM bus changes, organized by terminal.
✅ Beginning Tuesday(9/2), district-wide bus changes will ONLY be posted on this page by the KCS Transportation Department.
✅ Some schools may still share their own school-specific bus changes on Schoology, but district-wide updates will not appear on Schoology anymore.
👉 Be sure to check the “Bus Changes” link daily for the most up-to-date information.
We hope this makes it easier for families to quickly find the information you need!
The August edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3ox3b
Content includes:
☺️ Student highlights from the first few weeks of the school year
📅 Important September events and reminders
🌟 A note from Dr. Potter!
... and more!
🔵 Don't forget 👉 Schools and offices are closed this coming Monday, September 1st for Labor Day.
🔗: https://5il.co/3ox3b
Content includes:
☺️ Student highlights from the first few weeks of the school year
📅 Important September events and reminders
🌟 A note from Dr. Potter!
... and more!
🔵 Don't forget 👉 Schools and offices are closed this coming Monday, September 1st for Labor Day.
🎓✨ Introducing: Path to the Stage ✨🎓
At Kanawha County Schools, our goal is simple but powerful: every student graduates high school on time with their cohort.
That journey doesn’t just begin senior year—it starts the moment a student walks through our doors. To celebrate the big steps and the small ones, we’re launching a new weekly feature called Path to the Stage. Each week, we’ll share stories of students across KCS who are building their futures one milestone at a time.
📍 Our first spotlight takes us to Carver Career Center, where first-year students in the Carpentry program (high school juniors) kicked off with an icebreaker lesson. Using a simple tape measure, students practiced teamwork and communication—and even learned the importance of a professional handshake.
Because Career & Technical Education (CTE) is more than just mastering a trade. It’s about building the soft skills—like confidence, professionalism, and communication—that will carry students from the classroom to graduation… and beyond.
👏 Congratulations for taking this important step on your Path to the Stage!
At Kanawha County Schools, our goal is simple but powerful: every student graduates high school on time with their cohort.
That journey doesn’t just begin senior year—it starts the moment a student walks through our doors. To celebrate the big steps and the small ones, we’re launching a new weekly feature called Path to the Stage. Each week, we’ll share stories of students across KCS who are building their futures one milestone at a time.
📍 Our first spotlight takes us to Carver Career Center, where first-year students in the Carpentry program (high school juniors) kicked off with an icebreaker lesson. Using a simple tape measure, students practiced teamwork and communication—and even learned the importance of a professional handshake.
Because Career & Technical Education (CTE) is more than just mastering a trade. It’s about building the soft skills—like confidence, professionalism, and communication—that will carry students from the classroom to graduation… and beyond.
👏 Congratulations for taking this important step on your Path to the Stage!
⚾🥎 Excess Levy Update – Turfing Projects 🥎⚾
Big progress is happening on our high school baseball and softball fields! Thanks to the support of Kanawha County voters through the excess levy, our students are gaining access to top-quality facilities that will benefit athletes of all ages for years to come.
✅ Completed:
George Washington High School baseball field (fencing work will begin in September)
George Washington High School & John Adams Middle School shared softball field (fencing work will begin in September)
Capital High School baseball & softball fields
Herbert Hoover High School baseball & softball fields
🚧 In Progress:
South Charleston High School fields — earthwork is scheduled to begin next week!
St. Albans High School fields — work is scheduled to begin later this fall!
We’re proud to provide our student-athletes with safe, modern, and durable playing surfaces—and it’s possible because of the community’s continued investment in our schools through the excess levy. 💙💚❤️
To stay up-to-date with how the excess levy money is being used, check out the excess levy page on the KCS website.
🔗: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-excess-levy-projects
📸 Check out the drone shots of the newly completed GWHS baseball/softball fields.
Big progress is happening on our high school baseball and softball fields! Thanks to the support of Kanawha County voters through the excess levy, our students are gaining access to top-quality facilities that will benefit athletes of all ages for years to come.
✅ Completed:
George Washington High School baseball field (fencing work will begin in September)
George Washington High School & John Adams Middle School shared softball field (fencing work will begin in September)
Capital High School baseball & softball fields
Herbert Hoover High School baseball & softball fields
🚧 In Progress:
South Charleston High School fields — earthwork is scheduled to begin next week!
St. Albans High School fields — work is scheduled to begin later this fall!
We’re proud to provide our student-athletes with safe, modern, and durable playing surfaces—and it’s possible because of the community’s continued investment in our schools through the excess levy. 💙💚❤️
To stay up-to-date with how the excess levy money is being used, check out the excess levy page on the KCS website.
🔗: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-excess-levy-projects
📸 Check out the drone shots of the newly completed GWHS baseball/softball fields.
🌊🏝️ Shipwrecked at Capital High! 🏝️🌊
Capital High School's senior civics class set sail on a history adventure like no other. After a storm “wrecked” their cruise ship on a deserted island, each group had to build a brand-new society from the ground up!
💡 Students designed their own systems of leadership, created laws, defined essential rights, developed food and water plans, established public safety strategies, and even named and designed flags for their island nations.
Through this engaging activity, students discovered the importance of rules and regulations to build a fair, safe, and structured society. 🌟
From stormy seas to founding fathers (and mothers!), these Cougars learned history by living it. 👏
Capital High School's senior civics class set sail on a history adventure like no other. After a storm “wrecked” their cruise ship on a deserted island, each group had to build a brand-new society from the ground up!
💡 Students designed their own systems of leadership, created laws, defined essential rights, developed food and water plans, established public safety strategies, and even named and designed flags for their island nations.
Through this engaging activity, students discovered the importance of rules and regulations to build a fair, safe, and structured society. 🌟
From stormy seas to founding fathers (and mothers!), these Cougars learned history by living it. 👏
📣 KCS Community Town Hall with Dr. Paula Potter — South Charleston Feeder Area
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Thursday, August 28th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 South Charleston High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the South Charleston High School feeder area at this important event!
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Thursday, August 28th
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 South Charleston High School
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Meet Dr. Potter
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share your ideas to help improve KCS
We hope to see families and community members from all schools in the South Charleston High School feeder area at this important event!
👏 Learning From Leaders
🇺🇸👏 Students from Nitro High School’s ROTC visited Nitro Elementary to work with 5th graders on the importance of flag etiquette. The group also practiced properly raising and lowering the American flag. This student led lesson in leadership is a wonderful example of schools working together! 💙❤️🤍
🇺🇸👏 Students from Nitro High School’s ROTC visited Nitro Elementary to work with 5th graders on the importance of flag etiquette. The group also practiced properly raising and lowering the American flag. This student led lesson in leadership is a wonderful example of schools working together! 💙❤️🤍
