Covid-19 Case at Sun Valley 1/22

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Sun Valley School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed have been quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Melrose 1/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Melrose School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at PMS 01/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Our January 2021 Elementary Profiles in Pedagogy honoree is Kim Yahya, teacher at Athens School.  Mrs. Yahya received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (K-6) and Science (5-9) and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Concord University. 

Mrs. Yahya loves her kids.  Her goal is to make them excited about learning.  She says, “I get to come to work every day and be a kid again.  I love to hear their stories and jokes.  We sing, dance, and play games.  There is never a dull moment!”  Many people don’t understand how invested teachers become in the lives of their students.  “We pray that they are safe, happy, and loved.  We worry about them and think about them long after they leave our classrooms.  The become one of ‘our kids’”. 

Teaching during a pandemic is something no one was prepared for.  However, Mrs. Yahya says teachers have stepped up and made sure their kids are supported and taken care of.  During school closures, she and her Athens co-workers spent their days delivering food, teaching students virtually, and calling to check in each day.  She thinks when we all look back on this time, we will realize the many lessons we learned.  She says, “We have learned that we can overcome our struggles by supporting one another and working together.  This hasn’t been an easy year for our teachers or students, but we have adapted and will grow from this experience.” 

Mrs. Yahya’s advice to young people considering a career in education is to create a positive classroom environment and build relationships with your students.  If students know their teacher cares about their success, then they will be willing to put in the work.  Teachers also need to be flexible and ready to adapt because every year is different. 

The idea of a perfect school in Mrs. Yahya’s eyes would be a place where all students and staff felt respected and loved.  There would be community involvement, and everyone would work towards helping students achieve their goals.  Every student would have resources to meet their individual needs.  There would be laughter, music, dancing, and pepperoni rolls for lunch every day! 

When Mrs. Yahya was a student, her favorite subject was science.  She loved doing hands-on experiments and going outdoors for projects.  She remembers seeing Saturn’s rings through a telescope and digging for fossils during her college courses.  Those experiences shaped who she is as a teacher, and she loves sharing that excitement with her students. 

When Mrs. Yahya isn’t teaching, you can find her spending time with her husband, two daughters (Addie and Bailey), and their dog, Lacey.  They love to relax by the Greenbrier River, travel to the beach, and spend time outdoors.  Her heart is happiest when she is spending time with her big, extended family somewhere warm and sunny. 

Please join Mercer County Schools in celebrating Mrs. Kim Yahya! 

Derek Belcher, Technology Integration/Library Specialist at Princeton Middle School, received his B.S. in Education from Concord College in 2002 and his M.Ed. in Instructional Design from Western Governor’s University in 2011 and is our Secondary Profiles in Pedagogy honoree for January 2021. 

According to Mr. Belcher, the best part about teaching is getting to work with amazing kids.  He has a passion for leading and guiding young people as they carve out their path in this world.  His position also allows him to continue to work and grow in technology and share new and innovative ways to use that technology in the everyday classroom.  “We aren’t simply providing and education, but an experience,” he says.  As a middle school teacher, Mr. Belcher is in the middle of kids as they take those first giant leaps towards becoming young adults.  He teaches a subject, but feels he has a bigger responsibility of being a role model and being a consistent influence in the lives of his students.  “Hopefully,” Mr. Belcher says, “I am guiding them toward a path of becoming a well-rounded, responsible member of society.” 

Teaching during a pandemic has taught Mr. Belcher that learning doesn’t stop.  “Whether we are reaching our students through remote methods or providing socially distanced face-to-face experiences, it doesn’t stop, and it’s not lost time.”  He believes our kids are still absorbing and are still in constant need of guidance and reassurance.  He has learned to ask his students how they are doing more often and to dive deeper into their lives every chance he gets to have them in the classroom.  A definite positive is he has had the opportunity to learn new, innovative methods for providing blended learning that will continue to benefit him as a professional, regardless of the setting. 

Mr. Belcher’s advice for young people thinking about a career in education is to realize it’s not just a normal job.  It is so much more than a job where you show up and then go home.  He says, “You have to enjoy kids (especially if you’re crazy enough to be a middle school teacher), you have to be able to laugh at the silly stuff, and open up your heart to take them in.”  A passion for building relationships with your students is key. 

Mr. Belcher’s idea of a perfect school is one where there is 100% buy-in to the students no matter where they are in life.  He would love to see a school that had unlimited funds to create more creative learning opportunities utilizing technology and hands-on project-based learning so that the students could apply their education and see it unfold right before them.  When kids are hands-on, he feels they are learning on a different level and ingraining that knowledge in a way that will be useful no matter where they go in life. 

When Mr. Belcher was in school, he didn’t particularly have a favorite subject.  He relished any opportunity to be creative and physically active.  He loved to be on the move, playing sports, participating in physical activity, and enjoying nature.  He was very interested in history and enjoyed learning about the times in which his parents and grandparents lived.  When he started college, technology was on the rise and he loved how his creativity could play out in the world of technology. 

In his spare time, Mr. Belcher loves to be active outdoors and especially spending time with his family.  He takes great pride in volunteering in his church and is always on the lookout to help those around him.  He is supported by his amazing wife of 15 years, and three awesome kids.  His family also includes two dogs, one cat, and two guinea pigs. 

Please join Mercer County Schools in celebrating Mr. Derek Belcher! 

BUS CHANGE:
Bus number 640 will not run tomorrow, Tuesday, January 19th. This affects Lashmeet/Matoaka, Pikeview Middle and Pikeview High. Bus 656 will pick up elementary students 30 minutes late. Bus 605 will pick up middle and high school students at Bible Baptist at 8:00.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Montcalm Elementary 1/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Montcalm Elementary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Bluefield Intermediate 1/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield Intermediate School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Sun Valley 1/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Sun Valley School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PPS 1/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton Primary School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluewell 1/8

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluewell School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at PSHS 1/7/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Sun Valley 1/5/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Sun Valley School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Athens School 12/31

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Athens School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Covid-19 Case at Montcalm Elementary 12/30

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Montcalm Elementary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Covid-19 Case at Alternative Learning Ctr. 12/29

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at the Alternative Learning Center. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Montcalm Elementary 12/29

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Montcalm Elementary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Athens 12/29

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Athens School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluewell 12/29

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluewell School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton Primary 12/29

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton Primary School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PVMS 12/28

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at PikeView Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Bluefield Primary School Virtual Grand Opening

Please enjoy our Virtual Grand Opening of Bluefield Primary School!  Teachers and staff are working hard to get everything ready for students' arrival on January 4, 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6RDYZSnuVI&t=22s

Two Positive Covid-19 Cases at PSHS 12/28

Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined.

Additional Covid-19 Case at Athens School 12/28

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Athens School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Athens School 12/27

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Athens School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Glenwood School 12/27

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Glenwood School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Montcalm Elementary 12/26

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Montcalm Elementary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Oakvale 12/26

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Oakvale School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Two Positive Covid-19 Cases at Athens School 12/26

Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed for employees at Athens School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Two positive Covid-19 cases at PMS 12/23

Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed for employees at Princeton Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Brushfork 12/23

Positive Covid-19 Case at Central Office 12/22

A positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed for and employeee at the Central Office. All those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluefield Primary 12/22

A positive Covid-19 cas has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield Primary. All those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton Primary 12/22

A positive Covid-19 car has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton Primary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Oakvale 12/22

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Oakvale School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at BHS 12/22

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield High School. All those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at Spanishburg 12/22

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Spanishburg School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at PVMS 12/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at PikeView Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

No Virtual Student Meal Pick-up During Winter Break

There will be no virtual student meal pickup this week (12/23) due to the start of winter break. It will resume on January 6th.

Positive Covid-19 case at BHS 12/19

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at Oakvale 12/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Oakvale School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PVMS 12/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Pikeview Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Spanishburg 12/18

Two positive cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at Spanishburg School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at Bluefield Middle 12/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluefield High 12/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton Primary 12/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton Primary School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Virtual Student Meal Pick-up 12/17

Virtual Student Meal Packs will be available for pick-up today, December 17th. If picking up from an elementary school, arrive at 3:00. If picking up from a middle or high school, arrive at 3:30. If you normally pick up from Princeton High School, you will have to pick up from Princeton MIDDLE School today.

Positive Covid-19 Case at BHS 12/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Snow Day 12/16

Due to icy road conditions, Mercer County Schools are now closed, Wednesday, December 16th.

Positive Covid-19 Case in Maintenance Department 

A positive Covid-19 case was confirmed in our maintenance department a little over a week ago. Contact tracing was completed and all those exposed were quarantined. Apologies for this posting being late.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Glenwood 12/15

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Glenwood School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Brushfork 12/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Brushfork School. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Bluewell 12/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluewell Elementary. Contact tracing has concluded and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case in Transportation Dept. 12/13

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee in the transportation department. Contact tracing has completed and those exposed are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid case at Melrose School 12/13

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Melrose School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Bluefield Primary 12/13

A positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield Primary School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid case at Adult Education Center 12/13

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at the adult education center. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid case at PVMS 12/12

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at PikeView Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Cases at Bluefield High 12/11

Two positive cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Our December Profiles in Pedagogy Secondary Education honoree is Connie Liebsch, Option Pathway Instructor at the Mercer County Technical Education Center.  Ms. Liebsch received her undergraduate degrees from Concord College:  a BA in Business Management with a concentration in travel services, and a BS in Elementary Education K-8.  She received graduate hours in Math through Algebra I, as well as a master's degree in Reading from Marshall University. 

In Ms. Liebsch’s role as an Option Pathway Instructor, she has come to realize that many students simply need someone to be a champion for them.  She works with students who have lost hope of graduating.  She and her co-teacher, Valerie Mack, enjoy the rewards of seeing young adults successfully achieve, not only a high school diploma, but acquire skills that can be used in the work force. 

“The pandemic has redefined the meaning of flexibility and creativity,” says Ms. Liebsch. “Teachers have had to reach students on various platforms and find new ways to motivate students and engage them in learning.”  Since Covid-19, she has found that non-teachers have a much better understanding and appreciation for the work educators do. 

When Ms. Liebsch was a student, art was her favorite subject.  She attended Arlington High School in Arlington, South Dakota.  Her art teacher, Mrs. Huntimer was kind and had a positive impact on her life.  She was not only a good role model, but she also made it very apparent that she cared about her students. 

Ms. Liebsch’s words of wisdom for any young person wanting to choose a career in education is that the rewards from seeing students succeed, in even the smallest tasks, far outweigh the challenges of teaching.  When you see the light come on in the eyes of a student who now understands, is priceless.  Teaching is an honorable profession; you will work with amazing people, and with an open mind and heart, you will continue to learn and grow as well. 

Ms. Liebsch’s idea of a perfect school would be, first of all, no more Covid-19.  She would like to see programs that teach youth how to effectively cope with the challenges of life in an effort to keep them from choosing drugs, alcohol, or suicide. 

In her spare time, Ms. Liebsch enjoys reading, traveling, going to the gym, hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, camping and going to the firing range.  She also loves going back to South Dakota with her son to visit family. 

Please join Mercer County Schools in congratulating Ms. Connie Liebsch! 

Our December Profiles in Pedagogy Elementary Education honoree is Teresa Dinger, teacher at Brushfork Elementary School.  Ms. Dinger received her bachelor's degree from Bluefield State College and is certified to teach elementary school in grades K-6 and English/Language Arts in grades 6-8. 

Ms. Dinger thinks the absolute best thing about being a teacher is the kids.  She truly enjoys getting to know them and the unique personalities they have.  Brushfork Elementary is a small school, so she gets the privilege of watching their students grow up and teaching their younger siblings as well.  Each day, her students teach her just as much as she teaches them.  She says, “Every day we laugh, some days we cry, but every day we are together.  We become family, and that’s very special to me.  

Ms. Dinger says the job doesn’t begin when the children arrive and end when the children leave each day.  Many don’t understand that teaching is an all hours of the day profession, and it isn’t only about academics.  She and her colleagues can be found writing lesson plans, attending professional development trainings, helping students and parents, and grading at any given point in the evenings and weekends.  “It’s important to understand that our kids are always on our minds,” Ms. Dinger says, “We wonder if they’re warm, if they’re fed, if they’re being treated well.  And we lose sleep when we know they aren’t.” 

Her favorite subject in school was English/Language Arts.  She can remember being very curious about reading and wanting so badly to learn even before she was in school.  Her mother read to her a lot, and she enjoyed it so much!  Once she was in school, she had wonderful teachers she admired and still admire to this day.  She now looks back and appreciates how they nurtured, not only her, but her interest in reading and grammar. 

When asked what the pandemic has taught her in terms of teaching and learning, she replied, “Wow! The pandemic has taught me so much about teaching and learning.  It has opened my eyes so much more to the obstacles that students face in their everyday lives.  We have homeless children that are trying to learn remotely.  Teachers have become a fly on the wall in homes of their students, and what we are seeing isn’t always pretty.  I’ve learned our students need us now more than ever.” 

Some words of wisdom Ms. Dinger would give to aspiring educators is that it is so easy to become overwhelmed and obsessed with the responsibilities of teaching.  She would never claim to being a perfectionist, but she does feel the weight of giving her best to her students each day.  This can be mentally and emotionally depleting when combined with your own family/personal life.  With that being said, you will have to continually remind yourself to take care of yourself, too.  You’re no good to anyone unless you make yourself a priority.  So, whatever self-care means to you, do it.  You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Ms. Dinger’s idea of a perfect school is one that is the cornerstone of the community that surrounds it.  The students and staff would view it as their home away from home.  It would be a place that makes students and faculty feel safe, welcomed, and loved.  In her opinion, her small school strives very hard to do that, and it makes her so proud to work there. 

In her spare time, Ms. Dinger loves to spend time with her family most of all.  She’s a homebody, so cuddling up on the couch with them and a blanket is her idea of peace.  She also loves to watch DIY shows to get inspiration for renovating her own house.  Lowes and Home Goods see her frequently on weekends! 

Please join Mercer County Schools in celebrating Teresa Dinger! 

Positive Covid-19 Case at Glenwood 12/10

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Glenwood School.  Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Bus information for 12/11/20

Positive Covid 19 Case at PVHS 12/10

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at PikeView High School. Contact tracing has concluded; PVHS is already on remote learning. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at PVMS 12/10

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for PikeView Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

As a result of a number of staff required to quarantine, the 8th grade at PikeView Middle School will move to remote learning beginning tomorrow, December 11th until further notice.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluefield High 12/10

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at PSHS 12/10

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton High School 12/9

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluefield Middle School 12/9

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield Middle School. Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Montcalm Elementary

A positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed for an employee at Montcalm Elementary. The employee has not been in school since before Thanksgiving, so no others are required to quarantine.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Brushfork 12/9

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Brusfork School.  Contact tracing was conducted and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

PikeView High School Remote 12/10 and 12/11

PikeView High School will move to remote learning for Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 11th due to the number of staff quarantined.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN GRADES 3-12: 

The replacement Lenovo laptop charging adapters are arriving on Friday, December 11th.  Until your child has traded their old charging adapter in for a new one, DO NOT PLUG THEM IN AT HOME.  The laptop chargers may spark and cause injury.  If your child needs to charge their laptop, it may be done at school ONLY.  If your child's laptop battery dies and he or she is unable to complete work at home, please notify your child's teacher.  Again, DO NOT PLUG THE LAPTOP CHARGING ADAPTERS IN AT HOME.

BUS INFORMATION FOR 12/9/20

Positive Covid-19 Case at Melrose 12/8

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Melrose. Contact tracing has been conducted and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PSHS 12/7

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has been completed; no other students or staff must quarantine because the person has not been in school since before Thanksgiving.

Positive Covid-19 Case at MCTEC 12/7

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an adult program at Mercer County Technical Education Center. Contact tracing has been conducted and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Bluefield High 12/7

A positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing was conducted and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at PVMS 12/7

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Pikeview Middle School. Contact tracing has been completed; no other students or staff must quarantine because the person has not been in school since before Thanksgiving.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Lashmeet Matoaka 12/6

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Lashmeet Matoaka School.  Contact tracing has been completed and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Due to Inclement weather and lack of substitute bus operators, all students in Mercer County will learn remotely, today, December 7th.  Teaching staff report to school 2 hours late.  All other staff report at normal times.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PVMS 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at PikeView Middle School.  Contact tracing has been completed and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at PikeView High 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at PikeView High School. Contact tracing has been completed and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas will be completed.

Additional Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton High 12/4

Positive Covid-19 Case at Melrose 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Melrose School. Contact tracing has been completed and those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton High School 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton High School. Contact tracing has been completed; no other students or staff must quarantine because the person has not been in school since before Thanksgiving.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Oakvale School 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Oakvale School. Contact tracing has been completed and all affected have been quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton Middle School 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton Middle School. Contact tracing has been completed; no other students or staff must quarantine because the person has not been in school since before Thanksgiving.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Mountain Valley 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mountain Valley Elementary, however the person has been absent since prior to Thanksgiving, so no quarantines are necessary.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Princeton Primary 12/4

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Princeton Primary School. Contact tracing has been completed and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Covid-19 Case at Bluefield High School 12/4

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield High School.  Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Mercer School 12/3

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Mercer School.  Contact tracing has concluded and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case in Maintenance Department

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee in the Maintenance Department.  Contact tracing is currently being conducted and those affected will be quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas will be completed.  

Positive Covid Case at Montcalm High School 11/30

A positive Covid-19 case for an employee has been confirmed at Montcalm High School. Contact tracing was completed and those affected are quarantined.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas has been completed.

Positive Covid Cases at BHS 12/2

Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at Bluefield High School. Contact tracing has been completed and all affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Bus Information for 12/3/20

Virtual School Information for 2nd Semester

Virtual applications are now being accepted for 2^nd Semester, which will begin January 21, 2021.  The application can be completed at https://tinyurl.com/virtualschoolapplication2ndsem    

*If your student is currently enrolled in the virtual program, you DO NOT need to complete a new application. Students will automatically be enrolled in the next portion of courses.    

*Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2021. No applications will be accepted after this date.   

*Elementary and Middle School Students will have a prescribed schedule, similar to in-person learning.   

*High School Students who were already enrolled in virtual school will receive 2 new semester electives to complete before May 28, 2021.  Please remember that Part 1 and Part 2 of these courses must be completed for a full credit.  Please communicate the courses you wish to have added to your school facilitator.   

*High school students can view the virtual catalog at https://wveis.k12.wv.us/vschool/courses/coursecatalog.cfm.  If you are new to the virtual program, please indicate which electives you would like for the Spring semester on your application.     

*Please note students will begin virtual coursework on January 21, 2021.  They will continue their current method of schooling (in-person, homeschool, homebound) until that date. 

Mercer County Staff report 2 hours late 12/1

Teaching Staff will report to work 2 hours late today, Tuesday, December 1st.

Students are still learning remotely.  Please check Schoology for any changes in times for Teams meetings with your teachers.

Remote Student Meal Packs

3-day Meal packs for all Mercer County students will be available for pickup on November 30th.  If picking up from an elementary school, arrive at 3:00.  If picking up from a middle or high school, arrive at 3:30.

Positive Covid case at Bluefield Intermediate 11/24

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield Intermediate School. Contact tracing has been completed and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Straley School 11/25

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Straley School. Contact tracing has been completed and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at PSHS 11/21

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton High School. Contact tracing is underway and those needing to quarantine will be contacted. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Bluewell School 11/20

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluewell School. Contact tracing has been completed, and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at PikeView Middle School

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at PikeView Middle School. Contact tracing has been completed, and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at BMS 11/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield Middle School. Contact tracing has been completed, and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Glenwood Middle School going remote beginning 11/19 

Due to positive Covid-19 case and resulting staff shortage, Glenwood Middle School will move to remote learning starting tomorrow, November 19th, until further notice. Contact tracing and cleaning of affected areas are underway. *Elementary students will continue to have in-person learning. This affects only middle school students.

Positive Covid Case at Mercer School 11/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mercer School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Oakvale School 11/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Oakvale School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Central Office 11/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mercer County Schools’ Central Office. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid case at Glenwood School 11/16

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Glenwood School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Montcalm High School positive Covid case 11/16

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Montcalm High School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Princeton Middle & Princeton High return to in-person learning on 11/17

Princeton Middle School and Princeton Senior High School will resume in-person learning tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17th. **Students with last names beginning with A-K will report on Tuesday and Thursday. Students with last names beginning with L-Z will report on Wednesday and Friday.

Positive Case at Bluefield High 11/15

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield High School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Case at Princeton Primary School 11/15

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Princeton Primary School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Schedule for Week of November 16-20

Montcalm High Cheerleading Team Quarantined 11/13

Due to positive Covid-19 case, the Montcalm High School Cheerleading Team have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.

PikeView Middle School  8th grade Remote beginning 11/13

A positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed for an employee at PikeView Middle school. The number of staff ordered to quarantine has resulted in the inability to adequately supervise 8th grade students. Therefore, all 8th grade students at PikeView Middle School will move to remote learning starting tomorrow, Friday, November 13th until further notice. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all affected have been notified.

Our first Profiles in Pedagogy for grades 6-12 honoree is Danielle Farmer, Communities in Schools Site Coordinator at PikeView Middle School.  Mrs. Farmer received a Bachelors of Education from Concord University, a Masters of Secondary Education from Marshall University, and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Concord University. 

Mrs. Farmer is dedicated to her school and students.  She commented, “Education isn’t a career field that you leave once the final bell rings. You are constantly thinking of ways to be better, kids who need something, and what you can do to reach all of your students.  You spend more time worrying about your students and their needs than you can imagine.” 

All teachers and employees of Mercer County Schools have had to become quick studies in Schoology and how to teach during a pandemic.  Mrs. Farmer said one thing she has learned is that resources are not always equitable.  Some students don’t have support and resources that other students have and as educational staff, we must be adaptable and accommodating for all our students. 

Her advice students thinking about a career in education is to always give students a clean slate.  Let them show you who they really are instead of going off the things you hear about them.  The best part about being in education is building relationships with students and getting to watch them grow and develop into young adults. 

When Mrs. Farmer was a middle school student, her favorite subject was math.  “I have always been number minded and I like the challenge of figuring out math problems,” she said.   

If Mrs. Farmer could create the perfect school, it would be a place where everyone had their basic needs met, came to school to learn, and had several extra-curricular activities to choose from giving them an education tailored to their needs and interests.   

Mrs. Farmer loves spending time with her husband, Les, and her beautiful daughter, Natalie.   

Please join Mercer County Schools in celebrating Mrs. Danielle Farmer! 

Our first Profiles in Pedagogy for grades PreK-5 honoree is Pam Clark, teacher at Straley School. Mrs. Clark received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Concord University (Concord College then), and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Marshall University.

Mrs. Clark loves seeing her students develop academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year. “It is so rewarding to see the inner pride and witness the self-motivation that students project when they realize they are truly understanding concepts and have those ‘light bulb’, eye-opening moments. It makes me feel so fulfilled to be just a small part of their journey through life!” Mrs. Clark also commented on the amount of preparation that goes into her lessons. “Many people do not understand how much time goes into researching, developing, creating, preparing, and establishing meaningful and pertinent lessons for our students—and the emotion and passion that drives our lessons to ensure that all our students benefit and gain insight and secure knowledge they need to attain.” 

Teaching during a pandemic has expanded Mrs. Clark’s teaching repertoire. She says, “The pandemic has definitely taught me that no matter what your age, you can always learn new and innovative skills, and that with perseverance and practice you can adapt your teaching into different modes and methods that I had no way of ever imagining would happen during my career. Learning can take place in any situation—if you are only open to receiving it.” Mrs. Clark is thankful she has such a wonderful support system at Straley School. “I have been so extremely fortunate to work with such a dedicated, progressive-thinking, and talented staff at Straley (and previously at Thorn, Bluewell, and Princeton Primary), whom I have drawn great educational knowledge from and have been truly blessed to be able to collaborate and cooperate with on a daily basis—people that lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.” 

When Mrs. Clark was in school, Reading was her favorite subject. Her mother, Kathleen Coon, always held reading in high regard and impressed upon her

daughter the value and importance of reading at a very young age. She has wonderful memories of sitting side-by-side in their living room each evening and reading her assigned stories together. Her mother also kept her involved in summer reading programs at the Princeton Public Library, which she relished. She was also fortunate to have had exceptional teachers throughout her school career that reinforced and fostered her love of reading and education further. 

Mrs. Clark’s advice to anyone thinking of becoming a teacher is to be willing to work hard, put your whole heart into the job, and be dedicated to doing your best. She adds they should also be willing to adapt to many situations and changes, knowing they are helping to shape the lives of the future and how rewarding it is to see the success (however big or small) of those that are left in your charge. 

Mrs. Clark’s idea of a perfect school would be where there is unlimited funding to be able to purchase any type of item/resource that would benefit the learning realm for our students. 

Please join Mercer County Schools in celebrating Pamela Clark!

Additional Covid Case at Mountain Valley 11/12/20

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mountain Valley. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Problems with Laptop Charging Cords

Attention parents: Mercer County Schools has become aware of some issues with a small number of the Lenovo laptops' charging cords (grades 3-12). Lenovo is aware of the problem and are working to get a quick solution. In the meantime, if your child is having any problems with the charging cord to their laptop, discontinue use and bring it to the school to get a replacement.

Additional Covid Case at Glenwood 11/10

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Glenwood School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Mountain Valley

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mountain Valley Elementary. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected have been notified and are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case Confirmed at Glenwood School 11/6/20

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Glenwood School. The Mercer County Health Department has concluded contact tracing and all those affected are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed

Additional Covid Case at BMS

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Bluefield Middle School. All Mercer County students are learning remotely from October 21st-November 3rd. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.

Two additional Covid cases at BMS 10/27

Two additional positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at Bluefield Middle School (one yesterday and one today). All Mercer County students are learning remotely from October 21st-October 30th. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.

Additional Case of Covid-19 at Glenwood 10/22

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Glenwood School requiring additional student and staff to be quarantined. Those affected have been notified.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Glenwood School

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Glenwood School. All Mercer County students are learning remotely from October 21st-October 30th. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Cases at Bluefield Middle 10/21 

Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at Bluefield Middle School. All Mercer County students are learning remotely from October 21st-October 30th. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

BMS & Glenwood Volleball teams quarantined

Due to positive Covid-19 cases, the Glenwood and Bluefield Middle School's volleyball teams have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.

PVHS Cross Country Team Quarantined

Due to a positive Covid-19 case, the PikeView High School cross country team has been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.

Positive case at PVHS 10/19

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at PikeView High School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Case at Mountain Valley School 10/19

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mountain Valley School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Additional Covid Case at Mercer School 10/18

An additional positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Mercer School.  Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined.  The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.  Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 case at Brushfork 10/18

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Brushfork School.  Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined.  The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing.  Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed. 

Week of October 19-23

Straley School Remote Learning beginning 10/19

Due to the positive cases of Covid-19 and the number of staff required to quarantine, Straley School will move to remote learning starting Monday, October 19th. An announcement will be made when students may return for in-person school. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid-19 Case at Straley School 10/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Straley School.  Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined.  The Mercer County Health department will conduct futher contact tracing.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Mercer School 10/17

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Mercer School.  Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined.  The Mercer County Health department will conduct futher contact tracing.  Deep cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case Adult Program at MCTEC 10/16

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed in an adult education program at Mercer County Technical Education Center. All staff and students known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Case at Glenwood School 10/16

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Glenwood School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Positive Covid Cases at PVHS 10/15

There are 3 positive Covid-19 cases at PikeView High School. The three individuals were previously quarantined and will remain quarantined. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Non-Traditional Day 10/16

Tomorrow, October 16, 2020, is a scheduled non-tradtional day.  All students remain home and learn remotely.  Staff will report to school as usual.

Positive Covid Case at Straley 10/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Straley School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Additional Bluefield High Positive Covid Case 10/14

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for a student at Bluefield High School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

Princeton Middle School's 7th grade to move to remote

There is a confirmed case of Covid-19 at Princeton Middle School.  Due to the number of staff ordered to quarantine, the 7th grade students at Princeton Middle School will move to remote learning beginning Wednesday, October 14th.  An announcement will be made when these students may return to in-person instruction.  Sixth and 8th grade students will continue to report to school as usual.  Again, only 7th grade students are moving to remote.  All sports activities are suspended until further notice.

Princeton High School returning to remote 10/14

There is an additional confirmed case of Covid-19 at Princeton High School. Due to the number of staff ordered to quarantine, Princeton High School will move to remote learning beginning Wednesday, October 14th. An announcement will be made when students may return to in-person instruction. All sports activities are suspended until further notice.

Covid Quarantine FAQ's:

Q:   How is it decided who must quarantine and who doesn’t? 

A:   People who have had 15 minutes of close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19 have to quarantine.  For example, if a student in a class tests positive, the entire class and teacher would have to quarantine as well as students on their bus and bus driver.  Students in other classes would not have to quarantine because they were not in close contact with the positive person for 15 minutes.  Another example:  if someone in your household must quarantine because he/she came in close contact for at least 15 minutes of someone with Covid-19, that doesn’t mean you have to quarantine.  You were not in contact with the positive person, your family member was.  If your family member eventually tests positive, then you must quarantine. 

Information from the CDC: Who needs to Quarantine?  People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

What counts as close contact? 

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more 
• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19 
• You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them) 
• You shared eating or drinking utensils 

• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you 

Q:  How is the decision made to close a school and go remote? 

A:  It all comes down to how many positive cases there are and how many teachers must quarantine.  Many times, the decision to go remote comes down to not having enough teachers/substitutes in the building to supervise all the students due to the number of teachers/staff who are ordered to quarantine.  If students in multiple grade levels test positive, all their teachers must quarantine.  If it is one teacher, then just that teacher and his/her students must quarantine.  The rest of the school can continue in-person instruction.  In these cases, the health department gets class lists from the school, conducts contact tracing, and notifies all who need to quarantine. 

Q:  Who makes these decisions? 

A:  Once the central office is notified of the positive case, we work with the Mercer County Health Department to determine if a group can be quarantined or if the entire school must close and go remote.   

Positive Covid Case at BHS

A positive Covid-19 case has been confirmed for an employee at Bluefield High School. Students and staff known to be exposed have been quarantined. The Mercer County Health Department will conduct further contact tracing. Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all affected areas will be completed.

PikeView Middle School Going Remote

There is a confirmed case of Covid-19 at PikeView MIDDLE School. In an abundance of caution, PikeView MIDDLE School will move to all remote instruction beginning Monday, October 12th. An announcement of when students may return to in-person school will occur after further contact tracing by the Mercer County Health Department. All sports activities including games and practices are suspended until further notice. 

Title I presents: "Title Tuesday Virtual P.D. Series for October" 

"Schoology for K-2 Teachers"

by: Heather Farley, Technology Integration Specialist

"Schoology for 3-5 Teachers"

by: Jarrod O'Dell, Technology Integration Specialist

October 20th

 2:45 - 4:15 

via TEAMS

Participate from your classroom.

$75 stipend

Look for Invitation Soon!

Virtual College Exploration

WVACRAO is proud to present our Virtual College Exploration program, for all West Virginia students, October 12 - October 29. Registration is now open for students, parents, and counselors. 

The multi-week program consists of hundreds of opportunities for students to learn about the college search process and about many different colleges through panel presentations and information sessions.  

Students will gain a wealth of college knowledge, get exposure to a variety of colleges, and have the opportunity to ask questions of admission counselors, all in a safe, flexible, online environment. 

All high school students, parents, and counselors throughout West Virginia are all welcome to attend. Participation is free. 

Students should participate live so they can ask questions and interact with the college admission counselors. If students are unable to attend live, we still encourage them to register for the sessions they are interested in and recordings will be available on the WVACRAO website later.

View the Schedule

https://www.wvacrao.org/studentaccess

Important Dates on the Modified Calendar for 2020-2021 School Year 

There are no 2-hour early dismissals this school year 

*Social Studies Fair, Science Fair, Math Field Day, Spelling Bee, and other group events will be announced as we receive information.   

• October 16, 2020:  NT Day (Non-Traditional Day)-staff report, students stay home and complete remote assignments.  This is considered an instructional day 
• November 3, 2020:  Election Day-No School 
• November 11, 2020:  Veteran’s Day-No School 
• November 26-27:  Fall Break-No School.  November 25th has been converted to an instructional day 
• December 23, 2020:  NT Day-staff report, students stay home and complete remote assignments.  This is considered an instructional day. 

• December 24-January 1st:  Winter Break-No School 
• January 18, 2021:  MLK Day-No School 
• January 20, 2021: End of First Semester 
• February 26, 2021:  NT Day-staff report, students stay home and complete remote assignments.  This is considered an instructional day. 
• April 2nd & 5th:  OS Days (may be taken for snow) 
• April 23, 2021:  NT Day-staff report, students stay home and complete remote assignments.  This is considered an instructional day. 
• May 21, 2021:  NT Day-staff report, students stay home and complete remote assignments.  This is considered an instructional day. 
• May 28, 2021:  Students’ Last Day 
• May 31, 2021:  Memorial Day-No School 
• June 1, 2021:  Teacher Workday-closing of school 
• June 1-30, 2021:  OS Days (if taken for snow) 

 School Re-opening FAQ’s 

Q:   Why are we going back to the school buildings? 

A:  Mercer County Schools has been charged with opening schools for the 2020-2021 school year.  Health and safety guidelines from the WVDE and WVDHHR are throughout our reopening plan.  Going 100% remote is not an option for Mercer County due to the number of students who do not have internet access at home, therefore a 100% remote model would be reserved for an uncontrolled outbreak of the pandemic in our area and a directive to do so from the governor. 

Q:  Why are the days shortened? 

A:  The first reason is so custodial staff have ample time to deep clean the buildings. 

The second is bus transportation. There are limitations to the number of students who can ride a bus.  The shortened days and staggered start and ending times between elementary, middle, and high schools allows for more bus runs which means buses aren’t as crowded. 

The third reason is it allows us to have smaller class sizes in the school buildings.  During a normal day, teachers have a planning period and a duty-free lunch period in between teaching students.  In both models, teachers’ planning periods and duty-free lunches are outside of the students’ instructional day.  Therefore, that gives us more teachers to put into the classes which reduces class size. 

Q:  Why is there such a limited drop off time in the mornings? 

A:  On a normal day, some buses drop students off over an hour before the instructional day begins.  Students would congregate in cafeterias and gyms until it was time to go to the classroom.  We can no longer have large groups of students congregating.  When students arrive at school, they go directly to their classroom. 

Some schools will not start the instructional day exactly on time due to the sheer numbers of students and staff having to monitor hallways to keep kids moving, and that is understood.  Some slight adjustments may be made after the school year starts. 

Parents and buses may not drop students off until the documented time because we must ensure all teachers are present to receive their students and, in some cases, state mandated planning periods and duty-free lunches are at the beginning of the day. 

Q:  What about working parents who have students at multiple schools with different drop off times? 

A:  We understand this is a hardship for many.  Mercer County Schools are bound to the guidelines provided by the WVDE and WVDHHR.  We must try to keep class sizes smaller, create less crowding on buses, and follow rigorous cleaning protocol.  As soon as the risk of Covid-19 is at a level where public health officials and the WVDE feel is manageable, we will go back to a normal schedule.   

If your children are attending in-district schools, our school buses are always an option. 

Q:  I have a child in elementary and a child in middle school.  How will they get to school on the bus since the start times are different? 

A:  Your elementary child will need to be at the bus stop earlier, and your middle school child later.  Again, this is to maintain social distancing as much as possible on the bus. 

Q:  Why does my child have to wear a mask or face covering? 

A:  The CDC says one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of Covid-19 is the wearing of face coverings.  The CDC and WVDE requirement is that masks or face coverings are required when social distancing cannot be maintained or if students are outside their regular classroom and/or cohort.  In elementary school, students will be with their class and teacher the entire day.  Resource teachers will either come to them or conduct class via video conferencing.  In middle and high school, student schedules are being arranged to keep groups together as much as possible.  While students are in their own classrooms, they will not have to wear a mask. However, if they are not in their cohort group, they will be required to wear a mask. If they are moving throughout hallways or in the restrooms, they will be required to wear a mask.  Masks will also be required on school buses. If there is a documented medical reason why a student cannot wear a mask, they will be exempt. 

Q:  Is there a virtual option? 

A:  Yes.  The West Virginia Virtual School is available through the WVDE.  Students who choose this option will be assigned to a teacher hired by the WVDE.  There may be some instances that a student’s virtual teacher is a Mercer County teacher, but sufficient enrollment for a full class would be necessary first.  Students of the West Virginia Virtual School are still considered public school students and can participate in extra-curricular activities within their district school.  Students may return to the regular school setting with a one week notice before a grading period ends (9 weeks).  The link to sign up for virtual school is:  https://tinyurl.com/virtualschoolapplication   

Q:  Will the school bus drop my child off at daycare after school? 

A:  We are continuing to work on arranging transportation to daycares that are within the school’s attendance area.  We will not be able to complete the process until we get firm numbers on the occupancy of the buses.