🎅✨ Sensory with Santa: A Holiday Meet & Greet for Students with Disabilities ✨🎄
We’re excited to invite students and families to a special sensory-friendly holiday event designed just for them!
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 Edison Staff Development Center
157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, games, and crafts in a calm, welcoming environment where every child can experience the magic of the season. Families can also connect with helpful resources about IEPs, 504 Plans, preschool services, therapies, and more.
We’re excited to invite students and families to a special sensory-friendly holiday event designed just for them!
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 Edison Staff Development Center
157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, games, and crafts in a calm, welcoming environment where every child can experience the magic of the season. Families can also connect with helpful resources about IEPs, 504 Plans, preschool services, therapies, and more.

📣 Calling all leaders!
KCS is forming a Student Leadership Team — a diverse group of middle, high, and career/technical school students ready to make a difference!
Each school will select 1–2 students who will:
💡 Lead projects that build belonging, wellness, and school pride
💬 Share student perspectives and ideas
🤝 Serve as ambassadors for their school community
See your school administrator for an application — due Dec 1!
🔗 Learn more about this new program on the KCS website
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2539016
KCS is forming a Student Leadership Team — a diverse group of middle, high, and career/technical school students ready to make a difference!
Each school will select 1–2 students who will:
💡 Lead projects that build belonging, wellness, and school pride
💬 Share student perspectives and ideas
🤝 Serve as ambassadors for their school community
See your school administrator for an application — due Dec 1!
🔗 Learn more about this new program on the KCS website
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2539016

❄️🚨 Weather Update – Sunday, November 9, 9:00 p.m. ❄️🚨
After tonight’s 8:00 p.m. briefing with the Charleston National Weather Service, we’ve learned that the forecast has been downgraded — ground temperatures are warm, and the chance of snow sticking is low.
As of now, Kanawha County Schools plans to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Monday, November 10.
If the forecast changes overnight and a schedule change becomes necessary, we’ll send an update between 6:00–6:15 a.m. via callout, text, email, and on our social media pages.
After tonight’s 8:00 p.m. briefing with the Charleston National Weather Service, we’ve learned that the forecast has been downgraded — ground temperatures are warm, and the chance of snow sticking is low.
As of now, Kanawha County Schools plans to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Monday, November 10.
If the forecast changes overnight and a schedule change becomes necessary, we’ll send an update between 6:00–6:15 a.m. via callout, text, email, and on our social media pages.

🥇 Grand Champions! 🥇
Congratulations to Carver Career Center’s Culinary Arts team for taking home Best Dish and Grand Champion honors at the West Virginia Jr. Cast Iron Cook-Off in Morgantown!
Chef Grant and Principal Lisa Dorsey joined students Lola Zamora, Amazing Tognoli, and Will Ellis in the kitchen as they impressed the judges with their winning menu — feta and spinach meatballs over rustic fall creamy orzo, topped with tomato coulis and micro-greens, and a delicious apple tart with meringue for dessert. 🍎
🤗 Are there any leftovers — asking for a friend!?
Congratulations to Carver Career Center’s Culinary Arts team for taking home Best Dish and Grand Champion honors at the West Virginia Jr. Cast Iron Cook-Off in Morgantown!
Chef Grant and Principal Lisa Dorsey joined students Lola Zamora, Amazing Tognoli, and Will Ellis in the kitchen as they impressed the judges with their winning menu — feta and spinach meatballs over rustic fall creamy orzo, topped with tomato coulis and micro-greens, and a delicious apple tart with meringue for dessert. 🍎
🤗 Are there any leftovers — asking for a friend!?


🚑 Dr. Grammar is in! 👨⚕️🩺
Cedar Grove Elementary second graders suited up for Contraction Surgery — learning how to bring two words together to make one. The hands-on lesson made grammar unforgettable and full of laughter! ❤️
Cedar Grove Elementary second graders suited up for Contraction Surgery — learning how to bring two words together to make one. The hands-on lesson made grammar unforgettable and full of laughter! ❤️










🦜From scales to feathers to fur — students at Cross Lanes Elementary met them all! 🦎🦜🐇
Zoodles Animal Education Program brought the animal kingdom to life, giving students a hands-on lesson in habitats, adaptations, and conservation. 🐾🌍
Zoodles Animal Education Program brought the animal kingdom to life, giving students a hands-on lesson in habitats, adaptations, and conservation. 🐾🌍









🗓️ Review and comment on the proposed 2026–2027 KCS School Calendars!
Visit our homepage and click “2026–2027 Calendar Options” to share your feedback.
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-calendar-options
📱You can also submit comments on the KCS App by selecting "Kanawha County Schools" in your Feed.
Visit our homepage and click “2026–2027 Calendar Options” to share your feedback.
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/o/kcs/page/kcs-calendar-options
📱You can also submit comments on the KCS App by selecting "Kanawha County Schools" in your Feed.

💚 The Herd rolled into South Charleston! 🖤
Today, Marshall University President Brad Smith, KCS Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter, Marco the mascot, and SCHS alum & Marshall med student Gabrielle Potter visited South Charleston High to celebrate the Direct Admit Partnership between Kanawha County Schools and Marshall University!
Through this partnership, any KCS senior with a 2.5 GPA or higher is automatically admitted to Marshall — no separate application or fees required. 🙌
President Smith encouraged students to dream big, and Gabrielle reminded them that you don’t have to have it all figured out — just take the next right step.
One more reason KCS students have so many paths to success! 💚🖤
Today, Marshall University President Brad Smith, KCS Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter, Marco the mascot, and SCHS alum & Marshall med student Gabrielle Potter visited South Charleston High to celebrate the Direct Admit Partnership between Kanawha County Schools and Marshall University!
Through this partnership, any KCS senior with a 2.5 GPA or higher is automatically admitted to Marshall — no separate application or fees required. 🙌
President Smith encouraged students to dream big, and Gabrielle reminded them that you don’t have to have it all figured out — just take the next right step.
One more reason KCS students have so many paths to success! 💚🖤










The October edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3ruj2
Content includes:
🔬A forensics lesson at SCHS
📅 Important November events and reminders
🛠️ HVAC Levy Project Updates
... and more!

🎃 From superheroes 🦸♂️ to storybook characters 👸, our schools are full of Halloween magic today! 🎃✨
🧡 We’re loving all the photos and videos coming in from around KCS — keep them coming! Share your favorite staff or student costumes below! 👇🧡
📸: Pictured below — Lakewood Elementary Staff
🧡 We’re loving all the photos and videos coming in from around KCS — keep them coming! Share your favorite staff or student costumes below! 👇🧡
📸: Pictured below — Lakewood Elementary Staff

💙 Many of our schools operate food pantries to help students and families when extra support is needed. With more families seeking assistance right now, several schools are starting new pantries to meet the growing demand — and schools with existing pantries are continuing to accept donations.
If you’d like to help, please contact your local school—or the school you wish to support—to ask what items are most needed and where donations can be dropped off. Thank you, Kanawha County, for always supporting students. 💛
If you’d like to help, please contact your local school—or the school you wish to support—to ask what items are most needed and where donations can be dropped off. Thank you, Kanawha County, for always supporting students. 💛

🤝 Real-World Lessons from Industry Leaders 🔧💡
Herbert Hoover High School students in The Shop had the opportunity to learn from someone who’s built success in the skilled trades from the ground up.
Local contractor and businessman Jerry Hinzman spent the day with students, touring the shop, watching production in action, and sharing valuable insights — from work ethic and professionalism to what it really takes to thrive in today’s workforce.
Mr. Hinzman was joined by a 2024 Nitro High School graduate, now employed with his company, who offered an inspiring peer perspective on entering the job market and meeting employer expectations.
We also appreciated Delegate Dean Jeffries for stopping by and supporting this conversation about the future of West Virginia’s skilled workforce. 👏
Herbert Hoover High School students in The Shop had the opportunity to learn from someone who’s built success in the skilled trades from the ground up.
Local contractor and businessman Jerry Hinzman spent the day with students, touring the shop, watching production in action, and sharing valuable insights — from work ethic and professionalism to what it really takes to thrive in today’s workforce.
Mr. Hinzman was joined by a 2024 Nitro High School graduate, now employed with his company, who offered an inspiring peer perspective on entering the job market and meeting employer expectations.
We also appreciated Delegate Dean Jeffries for stopping by and supporting this conversation about the future of West Virginia’s skilled workforce. 👏




Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the quietest acts of kindness. 💙
This story from Ruffner Elementary reminds us that when educators, families, and students work together with compassion and care, amazing things can happen. 🔗 Link to story ⬇️
➡️: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2512704
This story from Ruffner Elementary reminds us that when educators, families, and students work together with compassion and care, amazing things can happen. 🔗 Link to story ⬇️
➡️: https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2512704

🌹 This week on the “The Mathematician”... the MOST dramatic season we've ever seen begins 🌹
George Washington High School geometry students were speed dating — with conditional statements! 💘 They raced to find their perfect matches among converses, inverses, and contrapositives, then decided if each one was truly “the one” (true or false)!
George Washington High School geometry students were speed dating — with conditional statements! 💘 They raced to find their perfect matches among converses, inverses, and contrapositives, then decided if each one was truly “the one” (true or false)!




🌟 Celebrating College Access & Success Champions! 🎓
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙



🚲💙Community partnerships make all the difference!
Elk Center Elementary is making amazing gains 💪 this year on their attendance rate! The school partnered with ANR Construction, Affiliated Financial Group, and Affiliated Insurance Solutions to bring the heat 🔥 with epic attendance prizes — brand new bikes! These incentives are helping students stay motivated and excited about showing up each day. 🚲
👏Thanks to their generosity, attendance is on the rise — and so is 🧠 learning and school pride! When local businesses and schools team up 🤝 for a common goal, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Elk Center Elementary is making amazing gains 💪 this year on their attendance rate! The school partnered with ANR Construction, Affiliated Financial Group, and Affiliated Insurance Solutions to bring the heat 🔥 with epic attendance prizes — brand new bikes! These incentives are helping students stay motivated and excited about showing up each day. 🚲
👏Thanks to their generosity, attendance is on the rise — and so is 🧠 learning and school pride! When local businesses and schools team up 🤝 for a common goal, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.


🚀 Nitro High School Leads the Way in Online Safety!
🌄 West Virginia is the first state in the nation to partner with Skyll, a new interactive curriculum designed to teach students how to safely and confidently navigate life online. 🌐
Nitro High School 🐾 students are the first in West Virginia to dive into the new Skyll lessons — which use game-based storytelling to help students recognize and respond to real-world digital challenges like scams, bullying, sextortion, and misinformation.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I’m invested in the story. I NEED to know what happens.”
It’s learning that’s engaging, relevant, and empowering — preparing students not just for the internet, but for life. 💻✨
🌄 West Virginia is the first state in the nation to partner with Skyll, a new interactive curriculum designed to teach students how to safely and confidently navigate life online. 🌐
Nitro High School 🐾 students are the first in West Virginia to dive into the new Skyll lessons — which use game-based storytelling to help students recognize and respond to real-world digital challenges like scams, bullying, sextortion, and misinformation.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I’m invested in the story. I NEED to know what happens.”
It’s learning that’s engaging, relevant, and empowering — preparing students not just for the internet, but for life. 💻✨





📣 We’re looking for the real MVPs of flexibility — Substitute Teachers! 🏫✨
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs

Reminder: No school for students tomorrow — it's a Professional Learning Day for staff! See you Thursday, students!

🎨 Edgewood students are painting their mark on Charleston! 💛💙
Something colorful is coming to the bottom of Edgewood Hill! The City of Charleston is creating a brand-new art piece that will spell out EDGEWOOD — and every single letter will feature artwork created by Edgewood Elementary students! 🌈
Each grade level painted their own vibrant sheet today, using different colors and styles. Those student-painted sheets will be used by Charleston’s Art Director, Jeff Pierson, to design each letter — making this project a true collaboration between Charleston and KCS students!
Even Mayor Amy Goodwin joined in on the fun and added her own brushstrokes! 🖌️😊
We can’t wait to see the finished piece — it’s going to be a bright, bold celebration of Edgewood’s creativity and community spirit! 💫
Something colorful is coming to the bottom of Edgewood Hill! The City of Charleston is creating a brand-new art piece that will spell out EDGEWOOD — and every single letter will feature artwork created by Edgewood Elementary students! 🌈
Each grade level painted their own vibrant sheet today, using different colors and styles. Those student-painted sheets will be used by Charleston’s Art Director, Jeff Pierson, to design each letter — making this project a true collaboration between Charleston and KCS students!
Even Mayor Amy Goodwin joined in on the fun and added her own brushstrokes! 🖌️😊
We can’t wait to see the finished piece — it’s going to be a bright, bold celebration of Edgewood’s creativity and community spirit! 💫










