🎅✨ 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.
❄️🚨 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.
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!
💙 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. 💛
📣 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!
🎃👻 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.
📣 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! 💬✨
🌟 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. 🌄
🎉🎂 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! 🥳👏
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!
🎃👻 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.
💡📘 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.
☺️ 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
🚍 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!
📣 KCS Community Town Hall with Dr. Paula Potter
Kanawha County Schools invites parents, students, and community members to join us for a Town Hall Meeting with our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter.
🗓 Tomorrow, August 18
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Riverside 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 Riverside 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.
🗓 Tomorrow, August 18
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Riverside 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 Riverside High School feeder area at this important event!
📱 New KCS App: Tips for Parents!
Our new KCS app makes staying connected with your child’s school easier than ever! Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of it:
1️⃣ Favorite Your Student’s School – Make sure your child’s school is marked as a favorite so you can access it quickly. You can favorite multiple schools so you can easily flip back and forth between multiple schools.
2️⃣ Set the Default School – Change your default school so when you open the app, your child’s school appears first instead of the district page.
3️⃣ Explore the Menu – Find important info like documents, lunch menus, the school calendar, and the online attendance excuse form—all in one place!
Check out the images below for step-by-step instructions. 👇
Our new KCS app makes staying connected with your child’s school easier than ever! Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of it:
1️⃣ Favorite Your Student’s School – Make sure your child’s school is marked as a favorite so you can access it quickly. You can favorite multiple schools so you can easily flip back and forth between multiple schools.
2️⃣ Set the Default School – Change your default school so when you open the app, your child’s school appears first instead of the district page.
3️⃣ Explore the Menu – Find important info like documents, lunch menus, the school calendar, and the online attendance excuse form—all in one place!
Check out the images below for step-by-step instructions. 👇
⏳⏩ The days are long but the years are fast — or so it seems during graduation season 🎓
Amanda Mays always knew she wanted to be an elementary principal — in 2011, she did just that when she took the head job at Belle Elementary School.
👩🏫 Mrs. Mays' first year as principal was also the first year the students pictured below started school — as preschoolers at Belle Elementary. In just a few hours, those same students are graduating from Riverside High School! 🧑🎓
👏 Before accepting their diplomas, those students stoped by the KCS Board Office, where Mrs. Mays is now the Asst. Superintendent of Elementary Schools, for a few pictures and lots of laughs with their former principal. The bonds made and memories shared in education will last a lifetime!