
Mr. Toman met with Faculty Senate Chairs today at the Seminar Center. These meetings always center on one goal—continuous school improvement and making Mercer County Public Schools the best it can be!


🏐 The PikeView High School Volleyball Team is serving up more than just wins—they’re serving their community!
These student-athletes spent time packing food for the Extra Mile Program, which helps ensure that local students and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals.
Thanks to a partnership with the Mountaineer Food Bank and DoorDash, families receive fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples delivered straight to their doorsteps. What an incredible way to make a difference—both on and off the court! 💪❤️
These student-athletes spent time packing food for the Extra Mile Program, which helps ensure that local students and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals.
Thanks to a partnership with the Mountaineer Food Bank and DoorDash, families receive fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples delivered straight to their doorsteps. What an incredible way to make a difference—both on and off the court! 💪❤️


This week, GEAR UP SWV brought the SAT Bootcamp to PikeView High School — and our students are putting in the work! 💪
Through targeted instruction, strategy sessions, and peer-supported practice, participants are sharpening their skills and boosting their confidence as they gear up for test day. Shoutout to our tutors, staff, and students for making it a success!
We’re rooting for every one of you. 🎯
#GEARUPSWV #SATPrep #CollegeReady #FutureGoals #LoveMyWVSchool
Through targeted instruction, strategy sessions, and peer-supported practice, participants are sharpening their skills and boosting their confidence as they gear up for test day. Shoutout to our tutors, staff, and students for making it a success!
We’re rooting for every one of you. 🎯
#GEARUPSWV #SATPrep #CollegeReady #FutureGoals #LoveMyWVSchool






Today, Superintendent Ed Toman had the pleasure of visiting our Mercer County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Srene Lokay of PikeView High School, and Service Person of the Year, Kim Williams of Bluefield High School.
Both were recognized with a plaque, certificate, and pin from the West Virginia Department of Education in honor of their outstanding service.
Srene and Kim exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence and truly embody all that is good in our schools and in service to the students of Mercer County.
Also pictured are PVHS Principal Anna Lilly and BHS Principal Michael Collins.
#LoveMyWVSchool @wveducation
Both were recognized with a plaque, certificate, and pin from the West Virginia Department of Education in honor of their outstanding service.
Srene and Kim exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence and truly embody all that is good in our schools and in service to the students of Mercer County.
Also pictured are PVHS Principal Anna Lilly and BHS Principal Michael Collins.
#LoveMyWVSchool @wveducation



Bus 641 is running 10 minutes behind this morning, Tuesday, October 7th. This affects Mountain Valley, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.

Instructional Moment Monday!
3–2–1 Let's Check-In Tonight
After school, ask your student to share:
3 things they learned
2 questions they still have
1 action they’ll take tomorrow
This simple routine builds recall, curiosity, and planning—great for any grade!
3–2–1 Let's Check-In Tonight
After school, ask your student to share:
3 things they learned
2 questions they still have
1 action they’ll take tomorrow
This simple routine builds recall, curiosity, and planning—great for any grade!


Bus 644 is running about 25 minutes late this morning, Monday, October 6th. The driver is a substitute, so please have your students out waiting on bus where he can see you. This affects Princeton Primary, Mercer, Princeton Middle and Princeton High.

Bus 682 is running 25 minutes late this morning, Friday, October 3rd. This affects Spanishburg, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.

Mercer County Schools' Families: We want your input on the 2026-2027 School Calendar. Please fill out an informational survey by October 10th. Link to survey: https://forms.office.com/r/XEjsZV7V7K


Last week, Ms. Fields and Mrs. Sara’s class at Glenwood explored the world of squirrels! 🐿️ Students worked in pairs to research different squirrel types and write informational paragraphs about their findings. They then followed a step-by-step video to draw a squirrel, bringing creativity into their learning.
Each team presented their research to the class—an important skill that helps students learn how to organize information, share it clearly, and build confidence speaking in front of others. Learning how to research and present findings will serve them well in every subject and beyond the classroom.
#LoveMyWVSchool #ResearchSleuths
Each team presented their research to the class—an important skill that helps students learn how to organize information, share it clearly, and build confidence speaking in front of others. Learning how to research and present findings will serve them well in every subject and beyond the classroom.
#LoveMyWVSchool #ResearchSleuths










📢 FAFSA File-It Event – One-on-One Help!
Mercer County Schools will host a FAFSA File-It Event for high school seniors and their parents on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the MCTEC Seminar Center.
✅One-on-one financial aid appointments are available between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
**Please note the date in the school calendar for this event is incorrect. This event will be on October 21st.
Mercer County Schools will host a FAFSA File-It Event for high school seniors and their parents on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the MCTEC Seminar Center.
✅One-on-one financial aid appointments are available between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
**Please note the date in the school calendar for this event is incorrect. This event will be on October 21st.



🎓 Instructional Moment Monday
“The Power of the Pause”
High schoolers are often juggling homework, sports, jobs, friendships, and planning for the future. It’s easy to rush through assignments or conversations just to get them done. But one of the most powerful tools you can use—both in school and in life—is the pause.
In class: Before answering a question, pause for a second. You’ll be surprised how much better your answers sound when you give your brain a quick chance to organize your thoughts.
In life: When you’re upset or stressed, pausing before you react can prevent regrets. It gives you a moment to think, “What’s the best way to handle this?”
In the future: During job interviews, college essays, or even important conversations, a pause shows confidence. It tells others you are thoughtful, not rushed.
👉 Challenge this week: Practice the power of the pause at least once a day—whether it’s before speaking, before reacting, or before hitting “send” on that text.
“The Power of the Pause”
High schoolers are often juggling homework, sports, jobs, friendships, and planning for the future. It’s easy to rush through assignments or conversations just to get them done. But one of the most powerful tools you can use—both in school and in life—is the pause.
In class: Before answering a question, pause for a second. You’ll be surprised how much better your answers sound when you give your brain a quick chance to organize your thoughts.
In life: When you’re upset or stressed, pausing before you react can prevent regrets. It gives you a moment to think, “What’s the best way to handle this?”
In the future: During job interviews, college essays, or even important conversations, a pause shows confidence. It tells others you are thoughtful, not rushed.
👉 Challenge this week: Practice the power of the pause at least once a day—whether it’s before speaking, before reacting, or before hitting “send” on that text.


🌟 Parents, let’s stay connected! 🌟
This morning, an invitation was sent to all parents who haven’t signed up yet for Rooms. Rooms is the best way to keep in touch with your child’s teachers and stay on top of important updates. 💬🍎
✅ Already signed up? Great—log in today and send your child’s teacher a quick hello!
📩 Haven’t signed up yet? Check your email for today’s invite and get connected.
🔧 Need a little tech help? No problem! Just email your name, your children’s names, and your cell phone number to:
📧 mercerroomstechhelp@groups.k12.wv.us
Let’s work together to keep the communication flowing and our students thriving! 🚀✨
This morning, an invitation was sent to all parents who haven’t signed up yet for Rooms. Rooms is the best way to keep in touch with your child’s teachers and stay on top of important updates. 💬🍎
✅ Already signed up? Great—log in today and send your child’s teacher a quick hello!
📩 Haven’t signed up yet? Check your email for today’s invite and get connected.
🔧 Need a little tech help? No problem! Just email your name, your children’s names, and your cell phone number to:
📧 mercerroomstechhelp@groups.k12.wv.us
Let’s work together to keep the communication flowing and our students thriving! 🚀✨


Mercer County Schools held a Title I Parent Engagement meeting today at the Chuck Mathena Center. Parents heard from district leaders about how Title I funding, the Third Grade Success Act, and i-Ready are supporting higher achievement in Reading and Math. They also learned how to access i-Ready resources at home, shared feedback on our Parent Engagement Policy, and provided input on the district’s Strategic Plan.
A big thank you to the parents who joined us today—your partnership is vital to student success! 💙📚 #LoveMyWVSchool
A big thank you to the parents who joined us today—your partnership is vital to student success! 💙📚 #LoveMyWVSchool










Bus 625 (formerly 672) is running about 40 minutes behind this morning, Friday, September 26th. This affects Timberwood, Montcalm Elementary and Montcalm High.

Today, Mercer County ninth graders joined freshmen from Wyoming and Monroe counties at Bluefield High School to hear from nationally recognized speaker Dr. Adolph Brown. Dr. Brown shared his inspiring story of resilience and encouraged students to commit to graduating high school—reminding them to enroll, enlist, employ, or become an entrepreneur, “even if” they face obstacles along the way.
Thanks to GEAR UP SWV, students will continue this commitment by signing a Class of 2029 Commitment to Graduate banner at their individual schools. #LoveMyWVSchool






📚 Today, our Elementary and Title I Supervisors — along with Princeton Primary’s Principal Kelli Stanley and Oakvale’s Principal LaCosta Hodges (aka Mercer County Literacy Leaders) — dove deep into literacy at the WVDE Roll Out.
As part of WVDE’s “Ready, Read, Write, West Virginia” initiative, our schools are implementing LETRS / Science of Reading strategies to strengthen early literacy instruction.
WVDE and Marshall University’s Region VI Literacy team visited Princeton Primary and Oakvale to see these strategies in action and talk with staff about how they’re transforming reading instruction.
Together, we’re committed to ensuring every student in Mercer County has a strong foundation in reading — so they can “read to learn” for life.
#LiteracyMatters #ScienceOfReading #WVDE #ReadyReadWrite
As part of WVDE’s “Ready, Read, Write, West Virginia” initiative, our schools are implementing LETRS / Science of Reading strategies to strengthen early literacy instruction.
WVDE and Marshall University’s Region VI Literacy team visited Princeton Primary and Oakvale to see these strategies in action and talk with staff about how they’re transforming reading instruction.
Together, we’re committed to ensuring every student in Mercer County has a strong foundation in reading — so they can “read to learn” for life.
#LiteracyMatters #ScienceOfReading #WVDE #ReadyReadWrite



Our Elementary Supervisor Amber Riffe, Title I Supervisors Rhonda Rogers and Pamela Clark, along with Athens Principal Shelley Weiss and Silver Springs Early Learning Center Principal Emily Smith (aka the Mercer County Numeracy Navigators) are attending the WVDE Regional Roll Out today. They’ll be diving deep into the Unite with Numeracy initiative — bringing back strategies, tools, and inspiration to further strengthen math instruction across our schools. #LoveMyWVSchool





✨ Teamwork makes the dream work! ✨
Central Office staff had the opportunity to learn from Mike McClanahan of Ad Valorem, LLC in today’s session, “Overcoming the Dysfunction of a Team.” These monthly trainings help us grow stronger together, building trust, communication, and collaboration so we can better serve Mercer County Public Schools. A valuable day of learning and connecting! 💙📘
Central Office staff had the opportunity to learn from Mike McClanahan of Ad Valorem, LLC in today’s session, “Overcoming the Dysfunction of a Team.” These monthly trainings help us grow stronger together, building trust, communication, and collaboration so we can better serve Mercer County Public Schools. A valuable day of learning and connecting! 💙📘

