The September edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h

Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
student driving a go kart at safety city.
🎓✨ Today, 1,261 KCS juniors and seniors took their next steps toward the future at our annual KCS College Fair, hosted at the University of Charleston!

Students had the chance to connect with representatives from 52 colleges, universities, and post-secondary organizations across five states. From asking about majors and financial aid to exploring career paths, this event was all about discovering possibilities. 💡📚✈️

A huge thank you to our incredible school counselors and staff who prepared students to make the most of this opportunity, and to the organizations who showed up to support our students’ dreams. 👏

Together, we’re helping our students see just how many doors are open to them after graduation! 💙💚❤️
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
hundreds of students walking around the university of charleston gymnasium talking with recruiters from 52 universities, colleges, and other post-secondary institutions.
a high school student smiles at the camera while she talks with representatives from west virginia state university.
a student listening to a rep from west virginia university during the college fair.
a student listens in as reps from marshall university discuss what options are available at the school.
high school juniors and seniors walking around the gymnasium at the university of charleston speaking with representatives from universities.
two high school students talking with a rep from West Virginia State University.
a student laughs with a university rep during the college fair.
two representative from the united states navy speaking with high school students.
two students speaking with a representative from west virginia university.
student at the college fair speaking to a representative from the marshall university lewis college of business.
📖✨ Back to Back, Face to Face in Action! ✨📖

Our 4th graders at Mary Ingles Elementary put one of this year’s new KCS Teaching Playbook strategies into action—Back to Back, Face to Face! 📝

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Students stand back-to-back to quietly think about a question.
2️⃣ They turn face-to-face to share their ideas.
3️⃣ Then they return back-to-back to signal the end of the discussion.

The KCS Teaching Playbook is full of engaging strategies designed to get students invested in lessons and ensure that every student has the chance to participate. 🙌

This activity helps students build active listening 👂, collaborative thinking 💡, and confidence in sharing their perspectives 👥. Way to go, Mary Ingles 4th graders—you’re leading the way in learning! 🌟📚
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
two students discussing a question during the lesson.
students standing with their back to each other as the lesson gets started.
students standing back to back listening to the discussion prompt from their teacher.
💙💛 Exciting visit at GWHS! WVU President Dr. Michael Benson and his team stopped by to meet with students, counselors, and staff to talk future goals and opportunities at WVU. 🌟

This trip is part of Dr. Benson’s mission to visit all 55 counties in WV — and with Kanawha County, he’s just about halfway there! 🙌

Thanks to Dr. Benson and WVU for supporting our students on their path to college and beyond. 👏
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
wvu president michael benson laughing with wvu and gwhs staff during their meeting.
wvu president michael benson talking with students at gwhs.
wvu president michael benson giving gwhs principal, jim crawford, a wvu flag.
members of gwhs and wvu staff talking in a conference room.
members of gwhs and wvu staff talking in a conference room.
wvu president michael benson listens in as gwhs employees discuss student success.
wvu president michael benson talking with students at gwhs.
🍎🥕 Fresh, Local, and Full of Fall Flavor! 🍂🌽

This morning, Malden students will enjoyed a special School Farmers Market event thanks to our wonderful community partner, WVHarvest! 🙌

Students will get the chance to explore and select WV-grown produce and fruits—discovering the fresh tastes our great state has to offer. 🍏🍇🥒

It’s the perfect way to kick off the first days of fall while celebrating healthy choices, hands-on learning, and the partnerships that support our schools and students — more Farmers Market events like this are on the way in several other schools around the county! 💚

Thank you, WVHarvest, for helping bring the farm to Malden! 🌾👩‍🌾👨‍🌾
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
students picking apples and pumpkins to put in their farmers market bag.
wv harvest employee handing bags to malden students so they can take food home from the school's farmers market event.
three malden students pose for a picture after picking fresh, wv grown food, at the school's farmers market event.
wv grown apples sitting in a crate at the farmers market event at malden elementary.
two students picking west virginia grown food to take home.
a girl in line at the farmers market event at malden elementary.
wv grown pears sitting in a crate at the farmers market event at malden elementary.
a malden student putting a wv grown potato in his farmers market bag.
wv grown pumpkins sitting in a crate at the farmers market event at malden elementary.
a malden student reaching for a wv grown apple to put in his farmers market bag.
🇺🇸🎶 A powerful performance for a powerful moment!

The South Charleston High School Vocal Ensemble had the honor of performing at a recent Naturalization Ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse. 🌟 Their voices helped welcome new U.S. citizens in a celebration of unity and community.

We are so proud of these students for sharing their talent at such a meaningful event. Way to represent SCHS and Kanawha County Schools with pride! 👏🎤✨
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
South Charleston High School Vocal Ensemble posing for a picture in front of the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse in Charleston.
🩺✨ Paging Dr. Patriot! ✨🩺

Mrs. McConihay’s Honors Anatomy I students at GWHS turned the classroom into their very own Grey’s Anatomy Grand Rounds! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

From the 🧠 brain to the ❤️ heart, students took the lead and presented the body systems to their classmates. 🎓👏

Way to go, Patriots—you’ve got the smarts and the bedside manner! 💪😎
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
students presenting the anatomy of the human respiratory system.
students presenting the anatomy of the human respiratory system.
students presenting the anatomy of the human cardiovascular system.
students presenting the anatomy of the human respiratory system.
students presenting the anatomy of the human male reproductive system.
students presenting the anatomy of the lymphatic system.
🎃👻 Trunk or Treat with KCS! 👻🎃

The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡

📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS office of exceptional students trunk or treat event at Capital high school on thrusday october 16th from 5:00pm-6:30pm open to all students with disabilities and their families.
🌟 Path to the Stage: Week 3 Spotlight! 🌟

Alum Creek 3rd graders rocked their WVGSA Test Talks this week! 🎤🙌 Families cheered them on as they solved word problems ➗, tackled reading passages 📖, and showed off their big brain power 🧠✨.

3rd grade is the first year students take the WVGSA — and these students are proving they’re ready to shine bright! 🌟👏

#PathToTheStage
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
third grade student at alum creek elementary working through a lesson in preparation for the WVGSA test with a family member sitting beside him.

🏫 KCS School Board Vacancy 🏫

The Kanawha County Schools Board of Education is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Board due to the recent resignation of board member Tracy White.

Per WV Code §18-5-2, the Kanawha County Board shall appoint to fill the vacancy within forty-five days of the vacancy. The individual appointed to the Board will serve the remainder of Mrs. White’s current term, which ends on June 30th, 2026.

Additionally, per WV Code §18-5-1a, eligibility includes: being a citizen of Kanawha County, not being employed by Kanawha County Schools, and having a high school diploma or GED.

Eligible individuals interested in being considered for this vacant position should send an email to Kanawha County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter (ppotter@mail.kana.k12.wv.us) with the following information.

• Full Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Reason for Interest
• Current Employer (to verify there is not a conflict of interest in serving on the Kanawha County Schools Board of Education)

Emails of interested individuals are now being accepted. Emails should be received no later than 12:00 pm on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. Emails from interested parties after this day and time will not be accepted.

5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
kcs logo
🌟 Kindergarten Magic at Bridgeview! 🌟

Bridgeview Elementary Kindergarteners have been busy learning, laughing, and making memories! 💡✨ From shaving cream name practice ✍️🧴 to math games 🔢🎲 and plenty of playground fun 🛝☀️, these hands-on activities keep little minds curious and engaged.

It’s a joy to watch some our youngest students explore, grow friendships 💕, and discover the excitement of learning every single week.
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
bridgeview elementary student writing her name in shaving cream during a handwriting lesson.
two bridgeview elementary kindergarten students working together during a math lesson.
two bridgeview elementary students writing their names in shaving cream during a handwriting lesson.
bridgeview elementary kindergarten students standing near the jungle gym on the school's playground.
two bridgeview elementary kindergarten students working together during a math lesson.
two bridgeview elementary kindergarten students working together during a math lesson.
three kindergarten students at bridgeview elementary posing for a picture on the playground.
bridgeview elementary student writing her name in shaving cream during a handwriting lesson.
two bridgeview elementary students writing their names in shaving cream during a handwriting lesson.
bridgeview elementary student writing her name in shaving cream during a handwriting lesson.
🌿🐢 Pratt Elementary 5th Graders went on an outdoor adventure at the Morris Creek Watershed Festival! 🌊✨

Students had an amazing day getting up close with nature — from holding a turtle 🐢, to butterflies landing right on their hands 🦋, to exploring how water moves through valleys, creeks, and rivers. 🌧️➡️🌊

They also learned about the water cycle 💧🔄 and discovered which animals, fish, and insects call our local waterways home. 🐟🐸🐞

What an awesome way to connect classroom learning with the great outdoors! 🌳💙
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
pratt students watching a water experiment.
a butterfly lands on a pratt students finger while the student watches.
a pratt elementary student petting a turtle.
pratt students participating in a lesson about insects that live in local waterways.
two butterflies land on the hand of a student.
pratt students doing a lesson about the water cycle.
pratt students participating in a lesson about the water cycle.
pratt students watching a water experiment.
pratt students participating in a lesson about the water cycle.
pratt students watching a water experiment.
🌟 Day of Caring = Day of Sharing! 🌟

For the 20th year in a row, KCS joined the United Way’s Day of Caring! This time, our attendance workers and social workers spent the day lending a hand at the Switzer Center in Charleston.

Just like they do in schools every day, they were out in the community helping, supporting, and making a difference. 💙

We love seeing our school family give back to the community that always gives so much to our students. 👫💛

📸 Here are some snapshots from the day!

#DayOfCaring #KCSfamily #CommunityStrong
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
kcs attendance and social workers at the switzer center in charleston participating in the united way's day of caring.
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."
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
The kcs logo
🌟🏆 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!
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
staff from ben franklin career center posing with their award for being named the top cte center in west virginia.
KCS cte staff posing with the class IV pinnacle award.
CTE Pinnacle District Award Class IV Plaque
a screen showing KCS as the class IV pinnacle award recipient.
a screen showing the top 5 career and technical centers in west virginia with ben franklin being recognized as the top career center in the state.
💙✂️ 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. 🌟
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
a ruffner elementary student combing their hair before getting a haircut.
a ruffner elementary student, smiling and holding a stuffed elephant, while getting a haircut from a carver barber student.
a carver barber student cutting the hair of a student at ruffner elementary school.
a ruffner elementary student looking at the camera while getting a haircut.
🚗🧱 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!
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
a student posing with his lego cars.
students getting ready to race their lego cars.
student in the process of building his lego car.
a picture of the lego car built by a student at bridgeview elementary.
student showing off his orange lego car.
💡📘 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:
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
teachers in a meeting at herbert hoover high school learning new lessons to engage students.
student support services staff at a meeting at south charleston high school listening to a presentation about helping students stay healthy.
group shot of the entire student support services staff, which include school counselors, social workers, attendance, and school nurses.
📚💡Calendar Reminder — PL Day

No school for students tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10th.
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
Wednesday, September 10th is a PL Day, no school for students.
📣 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!
5 months ago, Kanawha County Schools
herbert hoover high school feeder area town hall meeting is tuesday september 9th at 6:00pm at herbert hoover high school.