Mercer and Straley Schools’ Local School Improvement Councils met with the Mercer County Board of Education this evening to share the thoughtful, intentional work taking place in their schools to strengthen student achievement and support a positive school climate.
Both schools highlighted high expectations for students, the use of data to guide instruction, and a strong commitment to continuous growth. Their presentations reflected dedicated teams focused on meeting students where they are, supporting academic progress, and creating learning environments where all students can succeed.
We appreciate the leadership, collaboration, and focus on improvement shown by both school communities as they work toward long-term success for their students.
Both schools highlighted high expectations for students, the use of data to guide instruction, and a strong commitment to continuous growth. Their presentations reflected dedicated teams focused on meeting students where they are, supporting academic progress, and creating learning environments where all students can succeed.
We appreciate the leadership, collaboration, and focus on improvement shown by both school communities as they work toward long-term success for their students.
Currently, the WVDE has not released any type of waiver application. We want to clarify how the process actually works.
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is closely monitoring winter weather impacts across the state. Once storms have fully passed and instructional losses can be accurately assessed, WVDE will determine whether a waiver process will be made available to counties.
Under WV Code §18-5-45, the State Superintendent may reduce the required instructional term only for counties declared a federal disaster area or under a Governor-declared emergency when the emergency is directly related to lost instructional days.
In short:
• Waiver applications are only available once the WVDE and State Superintendent have deemed them necessary.
• Counties may apply for a waiver when and if that occurs.
• After a waiver is submitted, approval is determined by the WVDE and State Superintendent.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as we follow state law and guidance. We’ll share updates as soon as new information is provided by WVDE.
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is closely monitoring winter weather impacts across the state. Once storms have fully passed and instructional losses can be accurately assessed, WVDE will determine whether a waiver process will be made available to counties.
Under WV Code §18-5-45, the State Superintendent may reduce the required instructional term only for counties declared a federal disaster area or under a Governor-declared emergency when the emergency is directly related to lost instructional days.
In short:
• Waiver applications are only available once the WVDE and State Superintendent have deemed them necessary.
• Counties may apply for a waiver when and if that occurs.
• After a waiver is submitted, approval is determined by the WVDE and State Superintendent.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as we follow state law and guidance. We’ll share updates as soon as new information is provided by WVDE.
The Regional Science Fair will be held tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Chuck Mathena Center. Set up at 9:00 a.m. and judging starts at 10:00 a.m.
All schools in Mercer County will be on a 2-hour delay on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Update on Robotics Championship at PSHS tomorrow:
Yesterday, the JASON Learning Core Team came together to reflect on how far Mercer County Public Schools has come in STEM education over the past two years.
Since being named an Emerging STEM District by AASA/JASON Learning in 2023, our schools have made meaningful strides in expanding hands-on, engaging STEM learning opportunities for students across the county.
The team celebrated progress, shared successes, and began planning for the exciting work ahead as we continue building a strong STEM culture for the future. 🚀🔬📐
We’re proud of the momentum and even more excited about what’s next!
All schools in Mercer County will be CLOSED on Friday, February 6, 2026
The 2026 JASON Learning Argonaut Applications are LIVE! 🚀🌍
Ready to jump into a once-in-a-lifetime STEM adventure? 🎉🧪👩🔬
Link to application: https://jasonlearning.submittable.com/submit/9260b671-56bd-4633-88e8-5459544c0ad6/jason-argonaut-program-pre-application-2026-part-1?fbclid=IwY2xjawPx2mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyMWZFZDJaNkdld25OT0pTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn5vBdH6sbphiFWcS7cwprhPL2afJgjxfbER-mxFzrIu4__oE2Y4c3yGp2hC_aem_QZVTLUNX4P1O9nfW1IBKwQ
Ready to jump into a once-in-a-lifetime STEM adventure? 🎉🧪👩🔬
Link to application: https://jasonlearning.submittable.com/submit/9260b671-56bd-4633-88e8-5459544c0ad6/jason-argonaut-program-pre-application-2026-part-1?fbclid=IwY2xjawPx2mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyMWZFZDJaNkdld25OT0pTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn5vBdH6sbphiFWcS7cwprhPL2afJgjxfbER-mxFzrIu4__oE2Y4c3yGp2hC_aem_QZVTLUNX4P1O9nfW1IBKwQ
Regional Science Fair Rescheduled!
The Regional Science Fair has been rescheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Chuck Mathena Center. Set up will begin at 9:00 AM. Judging begins at 10:00 AM.
The Regional Science Fair has been rescheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Chuck Mathena Center. Set up will begin at 9:00 AM. Judging begins at 10:00 AM.
Bus 659 will not run today, Thursday, February 5th. This affects Bluefield Primary, Bluefield Intermediate, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.
All schools in Mercer County will be on a 2-hour delay Thursday, February 5, 2026
We love seeing our graduates shine. 💚🖤
A Mercer County Schools graduate is representing Marshall University at the West Virginia State Capitol, advocating for the Cybersecurity Institute at Marshall.
From Mercer County classrooms to shaping the future of cybersecurity in our state—this is what success looks like. 👏
https://www.wvva.com/2026/02/03/bluefield-native-helps-promote-marshall-west-virginia-capitol/
A Mercer County Schools graduate is representing Marshall University at the West Virginia State Capitol, advocating for the Cybersecurity Institute at Marshall.
From Mercer County classrooms to shaping the future of cybersecurity in our state—this is what success looks like. 👏
https://www.wvva.com/2026/02/03/bluefield-native-helps-promote-marshall-west-virginia-capitol/
High School Seniors! Don't forget about the FAFSA File-It Event where you and your family can get one-on-one assistance filling out the FAFSA. It will be held on February 17, 2026 at the MCTEC Seminar Center by appointment between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. Call or email Jennifer Collis for an appointment! jcollis@k12.wv.us or 304-431-1277.
All Mercer County Schools are CLOSED, Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
All schools in Mercer County will be on a 2-hour delay Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Students who ride Bus 689 to Browning Lambert Mountain will be dropped off this afternoon at the wide spot at the bottom of Browning Lambert Mountain. Parents should meet the bus at that location.
This applies to students from Montcalm Elementary School and Montcalm High School.
This applies to students from Montcalm Elementary School and Montcalm High School.
Bus 689 - Montcalm El. And MHS - If your student catches the bus on Browning Lambert Mountain, the bus will meet parents at the bottom in the wide spot of Browning Lambert Mountain instead of going up the mountain. It is running about 20 minutes late.
All schools in Mercer County will be on a 2-hour delay Tuesday, February 3, 2026
💛 National School Counseling Week 💛
This week, we proudly celebrate and thank the incredible School Counselors of Mercer County Public Schools.
Our counselors support students academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. They listen, guide, advocate, and help our students navigate challenges while planning for bright futures. Their impact reaches far beyond the counseling office.
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and heart you bring to our schools and our students. We appreciate you today and always!
This week, we proudly celebrate and thank the incredible School Counselors of Mercer County Public Schools.
Our counselors support students academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. They listen, guide, advocate, and help our students navigate challenges while planning for bright futures. Their impact reaches far beyond the counseling office.
Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and heart you bring to our schools and our students. We appreciate you today and always!
All Mercer County Schools are CLOSED, Monday, February 2, 2026.
