👏 State Champion ✍️🇺🇸
Congratulations to Gianna Desper, a student at Dunbar Middle School, who earned the state championship in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
The contest gives middle school students a chance to share their thoughts on a patriotic theme through writing, and Gianna’s essay really stood out. This year's theme was, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
Gianna's powerful essay is a great example of the thoughtful writing and strong skills our students are building every day.
Nice work, Gianna! And well done on reading your essay in front of your entire school! 💙📚
Congratulations to Gianna Desper, a student at Dunbar Middle School, who earned the state championship in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
The contest gives middle school students a chance to share their thoughts on a patriotic theme through writing, and Gianna’s essay really stood out. This year's theme was, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
Gianna's powerful essay is a great example of the thoughtful writing and strong skills our students are building every day.
Nice work, Gianna! And well done on reading your essay in front of your entire school! 💙📚
🎨✨ Level Up, West Side Middle! ✨🎮
Take a walk through West Side Middle School and you’ll see creativity around every corner! Art students, along with their teacher, have transformed the hallways into a gallery full of imagination and school pride. One of our favorite touches? A small Mario, a classic level-up mushroom, and then a larger Mario showing just how creativity grows with confidence and practice 🍄⭐
This is more than artwork on the walls, it’s students taking pride in their school, and turning everyday spaces into something fun.👏🎨
Take a walk through West Side Middle School and you’ll see creativity around every corner! Art students, along with their teacher, have transformed the hallways into a gallery full of imagination and school pride. One of our favorite touches? A small Mario, a classic level-up mushroom, and then a larger Mario showing just how creativity grows with confidence and practice 🍄⭐
This is more than artwork on the walls, it’s students taking pride in their school, and turning everyday spaces into something fun.👏🎨
🐝 Spelling Bee Update
Due to predicted weather, the spelling bee scheduled for Saturday, January 24 has been postponed.
The new date is Saturday, February 7, 2026. Time and location remain the same.
Thanks for understanding — we’ll see our spellers soon!
Due to predicted weather, the spelling bee scheduled for Saturday, January 24 has been postponed.
The new date is Saturday, February 7, 2026. Time and location remain the same.
Thanks for understanding — we’ll see our spellers soon!
🚀 STEM in action at STARBASE! 🚀
Kanawha City Elementary students recently took learning to new heights at the West Virginia STARBASE Academy! Through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities, students explored, experimented, and had a blast learning in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
Even better—they were inspired by positive military and civilian role models from the West Virginia National Guard, showing them that big dreams and bright futures start with curiosity. ⭐️🔬✈️
Kanawha City Elementary students recently took learning to new heights at the West Virginia STARBASE Academy! Through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities, students explored, experimented, and had a blast learning in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
Even better—they were inspired by positive military and civilian role models from the West Virginia National Guard, showing them that big dreams and bright futures start with curiosity. ⭐️🔬✈️
✨📊 Cheering Each Other On! 📊✨
Students in Mr. Herrald’s class at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary put their creativity (and kindness!) to work by making encouraging posters for their fellow 3rd–5th graders ahead of a math test. 💙
From positive words to big smiles, these students reminded their peers to believe in themselves, try their best, and tackle math with confidence. That’s teamwork—and school spirit—at its finest! 👏➕➗
We love seeing students lift each other up!
Students in Mr. Herrald’s class at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary put their creativity (and kindness!) to work by making encouraging posters for their fellow 3rd–5th graders ahead of a math test. 💙
From positive words to big smiles, these students reminded their peers to believe in themselves, try their best, and tackle math with confidence. That’s teamwork—and school spirit—at its finest! 👏➕➗
We love seeing students lift each other up!
📅 Reminder: No school on Monday, January 19th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
👏 Student Voice in Action at the Board of Education Meeting 👏
At Thursday night's KCS Board of Education meeting, our newly formed KCS Student Leadership Team was officially introduced to the Board. This group includes student leaders from across the district, with two students representing each middle school and each high school.
High school co-presidents Blake Leavitt (Riverside HS) and Miley Mullins (Nitro HS) shared the team’s goals, followed by introductions from each student leader representing their school.
We’re proud of these students for stepping into this role to help shape the future of KCS. 👏🎓
**Due to athletics and other prior obligations, some members of the Student Leadership Team could not attend last night's meeting and are not pictured here.
At Thursday night's KCS Board of Education meeting, our newly formed KCS Student Leadership Team was officially introduced to the Board. This group includes student leaders from across the district, with two students representing each middle school and each high school.
High school co-presidents Blake Leavitt (Riverside HS) and Miley Mullins (Nitro HS) shared the team’s goals, followed by introductions from each student leader representing their school.
We’re proud of these students for stepping into this role to help shape the future of KCS. 👏🎓
**Due to athletics and other prior obligations, some members of the Student Leadership Team could not attend last night's meeting and are not pictured here.
Big goals don’t start someday — they start with seeing what’s possible. 💙✨
At Elk Center, teacher Alison Douglas and school counselor Amber Lipscomb created a hallway display with college and university flags that’s sparking great conversations with students about college, careers, and future plans. Seeing these reminders every day helps goals feel real and within reach.
Thanks to Alison and Amber for showing our Elkhounds what’s possible and cheering them on along the way. 🐾🎓
At Elk Center, teacher Alison Douglas and school counselor Amber Lipscomb created a hallway display with college and university flags that’s sparking great conversations with students about college, careers, and future plans. Seeing these reminders every day helps goals feel real and within reach.
Thanks to Alison and Amber for showing our Elkhounds what’s possible and cheering them on along the way. 🐾🎓
KCS will operate under a two-hour delay today, Thursday, Jan. 15th due weather. All students will begin their day two hours later than normal. Buses will pick up students two hours later than the normal pick-up time. All morning secondary career and technical classes will be canceled. Schools will dismiss at normal time in the afternoon.
All employees are to report to work at their normal time if they can do so safely. Please notify your immediate supervisor.
All employees are to report to work at their normal time if they can do so safely. Please notify your immediate supervisor.
Before Christmas break, Capital High School JROTC Cadets spent time giving back by helping the Healing House distribute food in our community. ❤️
The Healing House team was welcoming and kind, and the CHS Cadets were awesome...as always! We’re proud of their heart for service and the way they represent Capital every chance they get.
Cougar Nation! 🐾💙
The Healing House team was welcoming and kind, and the CHS Cadets were awesome...as always! We’re proud of their heart for service and the way they represent Capital every chance they get.
Cougar Nation! 🐾💙
🤖🌍 A first for Kanawha County Schools!
We’re excited to celebrate the first-ever International Robotics Honor Society Induction Ceremony for KCS on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the WV Culture Center.
This special evening will honor our outstanding robotics and drone students who have demonstrated excellence both in competition and in the classroom. We’re proud of their hard work and innovation. We are looking forward to recognizing them! 🚀👏
We’re excited to celebrate the first-ever International Robotics Honor Society Induction Ceremony for KCS on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the WV Culture Center.
This special evening will honor our outstanding robotics and drone students who have demonstrated excellence both in competition and in the classroom. We’re proud of their hard work and innovation. We are looking forward to recognizing them! 🚀👏
✨ KCS Alumni Spotlight! ✨
From St. Albans High School to nearly 30 countries around the world, KCS alum Ciara Pinckney is living her dream as Princess Jasmine with Disney On Ice! 🌍⛸️
This weekend, she brings that magic home as Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures takes the ice in Charleston. We love seeing our alumni doing amazing things — on stages, ice rinks, and everywhere in between. 💙
📖 Read her story below ⬇️
https://bit.ly/KCSAlums
From St. Albans High School to nearly 30 countries around the world, KCS alum Ciara Pinckney is living her dream as Princess Jasmine with Disney On Ice! 🌍⛸️
This weekend, she brings that magic home as Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures takes the ice in Charleston. We love seeing our alumni doing amazing things — on stages, ice rinks, and everywhere in between. 💙
📖 Read her story below ⬇️
https://bit.ly/KCSAlums
House pride leveled up today at Horace Mann Middle! 🏠🔥
Students are officially part of one of four houses — Protos, Amistad, Isibindi, or Altruismo — and the, friendly, competition is ON! 💥
Houses earn points for kindness 🤝 leadership 💪 school spirit 🎉 good attendance 📚 and showing up ready to learn every day.
All four houses. One school. Let’s go, HMMS! 🙌
Students are officially part of one of four houses — Protos, Amistad, Isibindi, or Altruismo — and the, friendly, competition is ON! 💥
Houses earn points for kindness 🤝 leadership 💪 school spirit 🎉 good attendance 📚 and showing up ready to learn every day.
All four houses. One school. Let’s go, HMMS! 🙌
Math class at Dunbar Primary was anything but quiet—and that’s a good thing! 😊🧮
2nd graders were up, moving, and learning from each other during a Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face activity focused on adding 10 and 100. Students talked through their thinking, listened to their classmates’ ideas, and worked together to solve problems.
It wasn’t just about getting the right answer—it was about having real conversations, building confidence, and learning how to explain your thinking. Active, hands-on learning like this brings math to life and helps students grow in so many ways. 💬🤝✨
2nd graders were up, moving, and learning from each other during a Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face activity focused on adding 10 and 100. Students talked through their thinking, listened to their classmates’ ideas, and worked together to solve problems.
It wasn’t just about getting the right answer—it was about having real conversations, building confidence, and learning how to explain your thinking. Active, hands-on learning like this brings math to life and helps students grow in so many ways. 💬🤝✨
✨ Where Big Dreams Begin ✨
Big smiles and big first steps start here! 💛
Kanawha County Schools Preschool (PK) registration for the 2026–2027 school year opens February 1, 2026.
🧒 Who can apply?
🔹 Children who are students who are 4-years-old on or before June 30, 2026
📝 More Info:
👉 https://bit.ly/KCSPreSchool
📄 Documents needed to sign up:
🔹 Student's state birth certificate (from Vital Statistics)
🔹 Student's current immunization & dental records
🔹 Most recent well-child visit
🔹 Income verification (for Head Start applicants)
KCS Preschool offers a free, high-quality, local learning experience for our youngest learners.
👀 More preschool info, stories, and reminders are coming all month long—stay tuned!
💫 Where Big Dreams Begin.
Big smiles and big first steps start here! 💛
Kanawha County Schools Preschool (PK) registration for the 2026–2027 school year opens February 1, 2026.
🧒 Who can apply?
🔹 Children who are students who are 4-years-old on or before June 30, 2026
📝 More Info:
👉 https://bit.ly/KCSPreSchool
📄 Documents needed to sign up:
🔹 Student's state birth certificate (from Vital Statistics)
🔹 Student's current immunization & dental records
🔹 Most recent well-child visit
🔹 Income verification (for Head Start applicants)
KCS Preschool offers a free, high-quality, local learning experience for our youngest learners.
👀 More preschool info, stories, and reminders are coming all month long—stay tuned!
💫 Where Big Dreams Begin.
Monday is coming! 😊
We’re excited to welcome students back on January 5th. Before Monday, don't forget to:
🔋Charge those iPads
🎒Pack backpacks
⏰ Turn on the alarm clocks
See you soon, KCS families! 💙
We’re excited to welcome students back on January 5th. Before Monday, don't forget to:
🔋Charge those iPads
🎒Pack backpacks
⏰ Turn on the alarm clocks
See you soon, KCS families! 💙
At last night's meeting, Dr. Potter and the KCS Board of Education recognized the HHHS Volleyball Team for their state title this year. 🏆 They also recognized HHHS state champion cross country runner Maysen Fletcher! 🏆
And they’re winning in the classroom, too! 📚 The volleyball team and cross country team both have GPAs above 4.0 ⭐
Way to represent KCS—on and off the field! 👏💙
🎄❄️Snow days, two-hour delays, and schedule changes may be stealing the spotlight this month… but our students are stealing the show. 💚
With celebrations getting combined, creativity is running wild...Cindy Lou Who hair, Christmas socks, and all the holiday cheer in one perfectly festive look. When plans change, our students and families always find a way to make it fun. 💚❤️
With celebrations getting combined, creativity is running wild...Cindy Lou Who hair, Christmas socks, and all the holiday cheer in one perfectly festive look. When plans change, our students and families always find a way to make it fun. 💚❤️
🚨 Weather Update – Two-Hour Delay, Tuesday, December 16th🚨
Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, 12/16.
⏰ Schools will start two hours later than normal
🚌 Buses will run two hours later than normal
Road conditions vary across the county. Some roads have been cleared, while others have not been thoroughly treated. Because of this, bus route changes may be necessary, so families should continue to check transportation messages for updates.
Employees should report at their normal time if they are safely able to do so. If travel is unsafe, please notify your immediate supervisor.
If you cannot safely get your student to the bus stop or to school, please don’t take any chances. Contact your school to report the absence and to arrange makeup work.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these weather conditions together. ❄️
Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, 12/16.
⏰ Schools will start two hours later than normal
🚌 Buses will run two hours later than normal
Road conditions vary across the county. Some roads have been cleared, while others have not been thoroughly treated. Because of this, bus route changes may be necessary, so families should continue to check transportation messages for updates.
Employees should report at their normal time if they are safely able to do so. If travel is unsafe, please notify your immediate supervisor.
If you cannot safely get your student to the bus stop or to school, please don’t take any chances. Contact your school to report the absence and to arrange makeup work.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these weather conditions together. ❄️
Due to road conditions in many of our attendance areas and temperatures that are not expected to warm enough to improve travel, Kanawha County Schools will be closed on Monday, December 15.
This will be a true snow day, with no virtual learning.
Staff Information:
• All school-based staff do not report to work
• 261 employees report as normal
• If you are unable to safely get to work on time, please notify your immediate supervisor
We are sharing this decision now because temperatures will not rise enough during a two-hour delay window for meaningful road improvements.
This will be a true snow day, with no virtual learning.
Staff Information:
• All school-based staff do not report to work
• 261 employees report as normal
• If you are unable to safely get to work on time, please notify your immediate supervisor
We are sharing this decision now because temperatures will not rise enough during a two-hour delay window for meaningful road improvements.
