🧠✨ Learning that sticks—literally!
As part of their unit on Ancient Egypt, students are diving hands-on into history with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) twist—mummifying a chicken! Don’t worry—no live animals were harmed! The chicken was store-bought.
This creative project brings ancient traditions to life, helping students explore Egyptian culture, science, and art through an unforgettable, interactive experience that deepens understanding and curiosity.
As part of their unit on Ancient Egypt, students are diving hands-on into history with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) twist—mummifying a chicken! Don’t worry—no live animals were harmed! The chicken was store-bought.
This creative project brings ancient traditions to life, helping students explore Egyptian culture, science, and art through an unforgettable, interactive experience that deepens understanding and curiosity.
🎃👻 THURSDAY — 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.
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.
🎉🏆 Triple Crown ! 👑
We’re celebrating not one, not two, but THREE incredible KCS educators who were recently recognized for their outstanding work! 🎉
At Overbrook Elementary, Brooke Bias was named Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE WV! Mrs. Bias is known for her energy, kindness, and the way she inspires students to stay active and confident—both in and out of the gym. 🏃♀️💪
And over at Alum Creek Elementary, Mr. Chet Lowther was named the West Virginia Art Education Association’s Elementary Art Educator of the Year! His creativity and passion for art help students see the world through color, curiosity, and imagination. 🎨✨
🖌️ And at the middle school level, Elkview's, Mrs. Casey Aldrich has been named the WVAEA Middle School Art Educator of the Year! She’s devoted to creating dynamic spaces where young artists grow in confidence and imagination every single day.
Congratulations to both! Their dedication reminds us just how many extraordinary people we have teaching and mentoring students across Kanawha County Schools every single day. 💙❤️💚
📣 Reminder for KCS Families
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
🔍🧬 CSI — Cross Lanes
5th graders at Cross Lanes Elementary are turning into junior detectives thanks to KCS Security Officer Bob Houck and their teacher Tiffany Pace! For the past five weeks, students have been diving in to real forensic science, preparing for their sixth and final lesson! Today, students collected evidence at the "crime scene" — they suited up and tested fingerprints, analyzed DNA samples, and collected evidence to solve a mystery crime. 👣🔬
What started as a spark of curiosity has grown into a hands-on learning adventure that gets students thinking, problem-solving, and dreaming about future careers in science. 💡
Lessons like this are possible thanks to our KCS Excess Levy, which helps fund our 12 dedicated security officers. These officers do so much more than keep our schools safe—they’re part of our classrooms and our communities, helping learning come to life in amazing ways. 💚
5th graders at Cross Lanes Elementary are turning into junior detectives thanks to KCS Security Officer Bob Houck and their teacher Tiffany Pace! For the past five weeks, students have been diving in to real forensic science, preparing for their sixth and final lesson! Today, students collected evidence at the "crime scene" — they suited up and tested fingerprints, analyzed DNA samples, and collected evidence to solve a mystery crime. 👣🔬
What started as a spark of curiosity has grown into a hands-on learning adventure that gets students thinking, problem-solving, and dreaming about future careers in science. 💡
Lessons like this are possible thanks to our KCS Excess Levy, which helps fund our 12 dedicated security officers. These officers do so much more than keep our schools safe—they’re part of our classrooms and our communities, helping learning come to life in amazing ways. 💚
🔥 Huskies on top! 🔥
Herbert Hoover snagged the Girls AAA title in The Health Plan Champions Cup! 🏆 This award goes to schools with the best all-around athletic programs in WV — based on how teams perform across a variety of sports and how well students do in the classroom. 📚💪
With standout performances across multiple sports—including runner-up finishes in volleyball, swimming, and track & field, a 6th-place finish in cross country, and strong postseason runs in softball and tennis—the Huskies earned an incredible 678.5 points to top the AAA girl's standings. 🔵💪🔴
Congratulations, Huskies!
📸: WVSSAC
Herbert Hoover snagged the Girls AAA title in The Health Plan Champions Cup! 🏆 This award goes to schools with the best all-around athletic programs in WV — based on how teams perform across a variety of sports and how well students do in the classroom. 📚💪
With standout performances across multiple sports—including runner-up finishes in volleyball, swimming, and track & field, a 6th-place finish in cross country, and strong postseason runs in softball and tennis—the Huskies earned an incredible 678.5 points to top the AAA girl's standings. 🔵💪🔴
Congratulations, Huskies!
📸: WVSSAC
🌟 Academic Support for Everyone
Every student deserves the tools to succeed.
Kanawha County Schools has launched a new webpage — Academic Support for Everyone — highlighting the ways we help students stay on track and graduate with their classmates.
From social and emotional learning and personalized education planning to mentoring, tutoring, career readiness, and dropout prevention — this page is your one-stop resource for student success.
If you’re a parent or guardian who simply wants to explore the built-in supports already woven into the KCS curriculum, this page also offers a great overview of what all students receive as part of their education.
Whether your student needs additional support, a mentor, or guidance for life after graduation, KCS is here every step of the way. 💙💚❤️ You can find the page by clicking the link below, or by going to the KCS website ➡️ click menu on the homepage ➡️ look under the Parents/Guardians section ➡️ click on Academic Support Opportunities.
🔗 Explore all available supports (including a list of certified KCS tutors):
https://bit.ly/KCSAcademicSupport
(This page will continue to grow as new programs and supports are added or expanded!)
🌟 Honoring Service, Supporting Students. 🇺🇸
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
📚✨ The joy of learning to read is jump-for-joy exciting — just ask these Mary Ingles Kindergarteners!
During this morning’s “Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face” lesson, students paired up to practice letter sounds while staying active and engaged. All of the students did a wonderful job — there were smiles, cheers, and even a few jumps for joy! 💛
Moments like this remind us how magical those first steps toward reading can be. 💫
During this morning’s “Back-to-Back, Face-to-Face” lesson, students paired up to practice letter sounds while staying active and engaged. All of the students did a wonderful job — there were smiles, cheers, and even a few jumps for joy! 💛
Moments like this remind us how magical those first steps toward reading can be. 💫
🍂 STEM fun meets fall vibes at Cedar Grove Elementary! Kindergarten students spent library class exploring the school’s new outdoor classroom, where hands-on learning got a little messy (and a lot of fun!).
From digging into pumpkins to experimenting with their seeds, these students are learning that curiosity—and a few sticky hands—can lead to some amazing discoveries. 🎃🧠💡
From digging into pumpkins to experimenting with their seeds, these students are learning that curiosity—and a few sticky hands—can lead to some amazing discoveries. 🎃🧠💡
📚✨ Reading adventures aren’t limited to storybooks—they sometimes happen under the table! 3rd graders at Nitro Elementary found the coziest spot to dive into their comprehension questions. When you make learning your own adventure, 💪 great things happen! 🐾💡
🎉🎂 Panther Pride = 400 Birthday Cake Kits! 🐾💙
DuPont Middle students made sure birthdays will be extra sweet this year. Thanks to DuPont's Student Council, Beta Club, and the entire Panther community, they packed up 400 cake kits and hand-delivered them to their eight elementary feeder schools — Belle, Cedar Grove, Chesapeake, Malden, Mary Ingles, Midland Trail, Pratt, and Sharon Dawes. AND they also made a stop at 1 Warrior Way to drop off cake kits to RHS. 🏫🎁
Way to spread joy, Panthers! 🥳👏
DuPont Middle students made sure birthdays will be extra sweet this year. Thanks to DuPont's Student Council, Beta Club, and the entire Panther community, they packed up 400 cake kits and hand-delivered them to their eight elementary feeder schools — Belle, Cedar Grove, Chesapeake, Malden, Mary Ingles, Midland Trail, Pratt, and Sharon Dawes. AND they also made a stop at 1 Warrior Way to drop off cake kits to RHS. 🏫🎁
Way to spread joy, Panthers! 🥳👏
🎉 These Herbert Hoover High students CRUSHED their math challenge in woodworking class! 🧮🪚
👏 Grant Gardner (6th period)
👏 Levi Grayam (3rd period)
👏 Kemp Meyer (1st period)
👏 Aleks Woody (8th period)
They used the formula r = (L² / 8h) + (h / 2) to solve a tricky problem with a winning answer of 30.72”.
Woodworking is more than just cutting boards and swinging hammers—it’s about precision, problem-solving, and bringing math to life in the shop. 🪵📏✨
👏 Grant Gardner (6th period)
👏 Levi Grayam (3rd period)
👏 Kemp Meyer (1st period)
👏 Aleks Woody (8th period)
They used the formula r = (L² / 8h) + (h / 2) to solve a tricky problem with a winning answer of 30.72”.
Woodworking is more than just cutting boards and swinging hammers—it’s about precision, problem-solving, and bringing math to life in the shop. 🪵📏✨
🤖🚔 Nitro High robotics students experienced safety tech in action! The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad rolled in and to show their robot in action! 👀🔥
Robots + public safety = one unforgettable class! 🙌💯
Shout-out to the KCSD team for bringing the 💡 + 💥 and showing how tech helps keep our community safe!
Robots + public safety = one unforgettable class! 🙌💯
Shout-out to the KCSD team for bringing the 💡 + 💥 and showing how tech helps keep our community safe!
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!
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h
Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
🎓✨ 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! 💙💚❤️
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! 💙💚❤️
📖✨ 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! 🌟📚
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! 🌟📚
💙💛 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. 👏
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. 👏
🍎🥕 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! 🌾👩🌾👨🌾
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! 🌾👩🌾👨🌾
🇺🇸🎶 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! 👏🎤✨
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! 👏🎤✨
