Mercer County Schools
First in Education
🎉 Mercer County Educators LEVEL UP at the SHAPE WV Conference! 🎉
The WV Healthy Schools in Action project sent seven dedicated Mercer County teachers to the SHAPE WV Conference on Friday at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, WV, for this year’s exciting theme: LEVEL UP: Empowering Educators & Inspiring Students!
👏 Please join us in recognizing these educators who represented Mercer County Schools:
Will Harmon – Lashmeet/Matoka Elementary
Anne Golinsky and Eric Paskowski – Glenwood School
Matt Bailey – Mercer Elementary
Robert Green – Bluefield Primary
Jeff Damewood – PikeView Middle
Courtney Gracon – Oakvale School
Throughout the day, these educators connected with fellow professionals, explored innovative teaching strategies, and discovered new ways to LEVEL UP their classrooms and inspire student success!
💚 They also shared in the success of the Healthier School Practices in Mercer County initiative, part of the WV Healthy Schools in Action project led by Dr. Leanne Watson and Angela Watkins. Their feedback and accomplishments were highlighted, showcasing the incredible work happening throughout Mercer County to promote healthier schools and support student well-being.
🌟 Funded by the CDC and supported through WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences and the Center for Active WV, the WV Healthy Schools in Action project selected West Virginia as one of only 20 states to receive this grant opportunity. Mercer County was chosen to lead this important work statewide, and the initiative is now expanding across West Virginia!
We are proud of these educators for their commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and creating healthier, more inspiring learning environments for all students. Thank you for helping Mercer County Schools continue to LEVEL UP! 💙💛
#ilovewvpublicschools #SHAPEWV #WVHealthySchoolsInAction #Center for Active WV
The WV Healthy Schools in Action project sent seven dedicated Mercer County teachers to the SHAPE WV Conference on Friday at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, WV, for this year’s exciting theme: LEVEL UP: Empowering Educators & Inspiring Students!
👏 Please join us in recognizing these educators who represented Mercer County Schools:
Will Harmon – Lashmeet/Matoka Elementary
Anne Golinsky and Eric Paskowski – Glenwood School
Matt Bailey – Mercer Elementary
Robert Green – Bluefield Primary
Jeff Damewood – PikeView Middle
Courtney Gracon – Oakvale School
Throughout the day, these educators connected with fellow professionals, explored innovative teaching strategies, and discovered new ways to LEVEL UP their classrooms and inspire student success!
💚 They also shared in the success of the Healthier School Practices in Mercer County initiative, part of the WV Healthy Schools in Action project led by Dr. Leanne Watson and Angela Watkins. Their feedback and accomplishments were highlighted, showcasing the incredible work happening throughout Mercer County to promote healthier schools and support student well-being.
🌟 Funded by the CDC and supported through WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences and the Center for Active WV, the WV Healthy Schools in Action project selected West Virginia as one of only 20 states to receive this grant opportunity. Mercer County was chosen to lead this important work statewide, and the initiative is now expanding across West Virginia!
We are proud of these educators for their commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and creating healthier, more inspiring learning environments for all students. Thank you for helping Mercer County Schools continue to LEVEL UP! 💙💛
#ilovewvpublicschools #SHAPEWV #WVHealthySchoolsInAction #Center for Active WV
October 26: School Stress
💙 When Schoolwork Feels Like Too Much
Missing assignments, difficult classes, grades, and pressure to succeed can leave students feeling overwhelmed. You do not have to manage that stress alone.
ReachOut offers Mercer County Schools students and families FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #SchoolStress #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
💙 When Schoolwork Feels Like Too Much
Missing assignments, difficult classes, grades, and pressure to succeed can leave students feeling overwhelmed. You do not have to manage that stress alone.
ReachOut offers Mercer County Schools students and families FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #SchoolStress #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Staff Spotlight!
🎓 Celebrating a New Chapter at Concord University!
Mercer County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Toman, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ernie Adkins, and Assistant Superintendent Rosemary Mitchell had the honor of attending the inauguration of Dr. Bethany Meighen as Concord University’s 13th President.
Mercer County Public Schools congratulates Dr. Meighen on this exciting milestone and looks forward to continued collaboration with Concord University in supporting education, leadership, and opportunities for students throughout our region.
💛💙 Congratulations, Dr. Meighen!
#MercerCountyPublicSchools #ConcordUniversity #Leadership #Education #CommunityPartnerships #ilovewvpublicschools
🏫 Leadership, Safety, and Celebrating Success!
Today's Mercer County Schools Administrators Meeting focused on keeping our schools safe, supporting our leaders, and recognizing great work happening across the district!
🛡️ Melissa Clemons, Security Coordinator, shared important school safety updates to help ensure our schools remain safe and secure learning environments.
👏 Superintendent Ed Toman expressed his appreciation for our principals, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and the tremendous job they do each day leading our schools.
💻 Brent Murphy and Amy Harrison highlighted several schools whose websites are shining examples of effective communication, showcasing the great things happening in their classrooms and school communities.
We appreciate our administrators for their continued leadership and commitment to making Mercer County Schools a great place to learn and grow! 💙
#SchoolLeadership #SchoolSafety #CelebratingSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Today's Mercer County Schools Administrators Meeting focused on keeping our schools safe, supporting our leaders, and recognizing great work happening across the district!
🛡️ Melissa Clemons, Security Coordinator, shared important school safety updates to help ensure our schools remain safe and secure learning environments.
👏 Superintendent Ed Toman expressed his appreciation for our principals, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and the tremendous job they do each day leading our schools.
💻 Brent Murphy and Amy Harrison highlighted several schools whose websites are shining examples of effective communication, showcasing the great things happening in their classrooms and school communities.
We appreciate our administrators for their continued leadership and commitment to making Mercer County Schools a great place to learn and grow! 💙
#SchoolLeadership #SchoolSafety #CelebratingSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
💚 Princeton Middle School is in the spotlight!
We’re excited to share that Princeton Middle School is featured on West Virginia University’s Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Active website for its Mental Health and Wellness Fair!
The event highlighted the importance of supporting students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being while connecting them with valuable resources and strategies for healthy living.
👏 Congratulations to Princeton Middle School for its commitment to student wellness and for earning this special recognition!
🔗 Read the WVU feature here: https://activewv.org/2026/10/princeton-middle-school-hosts-mental-health-and-wellness-fair/
#MercerCountySchools #PrincetonMiddleSchool #StudentWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ILoveWVPublicSchools
We’re excited to share that Princeton Middle School is featured on West Virginia University’s Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Active website for its Mental Health and Wellness Fair!
The event highlighted the importance of supporting students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being while connecting them with valuable resources and strategies for healthy living.
👏 Congratulations to Princeton Middle School for its commitment to student wellness and for earning this special recognition!
🔗 Read the WVU feature here: https://activewv.org/2026/10/princeton-middle-school-hosts-mental-health-and-wellness-fair/
#MercerCountySchools #PrincetonMiddleSchool #StudentWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Dr. Eloise Elliott and Angela Watkins from WV Healthy Schools in Action through WVU College of Applied Human Science presented a training session for our physical education teachers on FitnessGram software. This valuable resource is available to PE teachers to support fitness testing, monitor student progress, and assist with state fitness assessment requirements.
Thank you to Dr. Elliott and Angela Watkins for sharing their knowledge and expertise, and to Brent Murphy from IT and Angela Groseclose for helping facilitate and support the training. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to provide our PE teachers with the tools and resources they need to support student health and fitness!
#WVHealthySchoolsinAction #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Thank you to Dr. Elliott and Angela Watkins for sharing their knowledge and expertise, and to Brent Murphy from IT and Angela Groseclose for helping facilitate and support the training. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to provide our PE teachers with the tools and resources they need to support student health and fitness!
#WVHealthySchoolsinAction #ILoveWVPublicSchools
At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized outstanding students, staff, and schools!
🏫 Princeton Primary School – Named a 2026 WV PBIS Tier I Model School for its commitment to a positive and supportive learning environment.
🌟 Victor Lester, Princeton Middle School – Recognized as a 110% Club honoree for going above and beyond to serve his school.
🏆 MCTEC Culinary Team “Super Smashers” – Celebrated for winning the 2026 CTE Food Trailer Competition and earning a $40,000 grant for their culinary program! Congratulations to team members Melvin “Dean” Ross, Whyzdom Harris, Shea Hoops, Nathaniel Phillips, Brianna Asbury, and Alexis Hyman, along with their instructor, Melissa Meachum!
🚀 Preston Nunn, Montcalm High School, and Taylor Lester, Glenwood School – Recognized for attending the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS) in Huntsville, Alabama.
💙 Congratulations to all our honorees! Thank you for representing the very best of Mercer County Schools!
#MercerCountySchools #StudentSuccess #MercerCountyProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Kelli Stanley led a professional development session for Mercer County Schools' kindergarten and first-grade teachers and ECCATs focused on explicit, targeted instructional strategies.
By participating alongside the teachers they support, ECCATs are strengthening classroom collaboration and helping ensure that our youngest learners receive consistent, effective instruction.
When teachers and ECCATs learn and grow together, our students benefit! 🍎
#MercerCountySchools #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
By participating alongside the teachers they support, ECCATs are strengthening classroom collaboration and helping ensure that our youngest learners receive consistent, effective instruction.
When teachers and ECCATs learn and grow together, our students benefit! 🍎
#MercerCountySchools #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
📚✏️ Strengthening Instruction, Supporting Student Success!
Dr. LaCosta Hodges led a professional development session for Mercer County Schools’ second- and third-grade teachers and ECCATs focused on explicit, targeted instructional strategies.
Having ECCATs participate alongside the teachers they support provides a valuable opportunity for collaboration, ensuring that classroom teachers and their aides are working together to reinforce instruction and meet students’ individual learning needs.
By learning and growing together, our educators are strengthening the teamwork that helps every child succeed! 🍎
#MercerCountySchools #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
💙 Grief Can Feel Different for Everyone
The loss of a loved one, a friendship, a pet, or an important part of life can bring sadness, anger, confusion, or loneliness. Students and families do not have to work through those feelings alone.
ReachOut offers FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #GriefSupport #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
The loss of a loved one, a friendship, a pet, or an important part of life can bring sadness, anger, confusion, or loneliness. Students and families do not have to work through those feelings alone.
ReachOut offers FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #GriefSupport #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Staff Spotlight! Breanna Lewis from Bluefield Primary School!
Reminder: Monday, October 12th, is a scheduled Faculty Senate/Collaboration Day. No school for students. Staff report at regular time.
🎉 Congratulations to Mercer County's HSTA Students!
Mercer County Schools was proudly represented at the Van Liere Research Conference in Morgantown, WV, where Bluefield High School junior Olyvia Cottman received the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award! 🏆 Olyvia was one of only five West Virginia high school students to receive an award!
Our Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA) students had the incredible opportunity to present their independent research alongside university researchers and discuss their findings with Dr. Ming Lei, a distinguished scientist and research leader at West Virginia University.
We are proud of our participating students: Felicity King (PSHS), Keimaron Jemmeh, Jeremiah Wade, Jasmine Fowler, and Olyvia Cottman (BHS), along with HSTA teachers Ashley Freeman and Beth Henry.
💙 Congratulations to Olyvia and all our talented young researchers! What a wonderful example of the opportunities HSTA provides our students!
#HSTA #StudentSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Mercer County Schools was proudly represented at the Van Liere Research Conference in Morgantown, WV, where Bluefield High School junior Olyvia Cottman received the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award! 🏆 Olyvia was one of only five West Virginia high school students to receive an award!
Our Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA) students had the incredible opportunity to present their independent research alongside university researchers and discuss their findings with Dr. Ming Lei, a distinguished scientist and research leader at West Virginia University.
We are proud of our participating students: Felicity King (PSHS), Keimaron Jemmeh, Jeremiah Wade, Jasmine Fowler, and Olyvia Cottman (BHS), along with HSTA teachers Ashley Freeman and Beth Henry.
💙 Congratulations to Olyvia and all our talented young researchers! What a wonderful example of the opportunities HSTA provides our students!
#HSTA #StudentSuccess #ILoveWVPublicSchools
📢 Princeton Senior High School Update
Princeton Senior High School is currently experiencing a fire alarm system malfunction. Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff have been moved outside while the issue is being addressed.
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding and will provide updates as needed.
Princeton Senior High School is currently experiencing a fire alarm system malfunction. Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff have been moved outside while the issue is being addressed.
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding and will provide updates as needed.
📚 Connecting with Our Faculty Senate Chairs
Superintendent Ed Toman met with Mercer County Schools Faculty Senate Chairs today to provide district updates, answer questions, and discuss topics important to school staff ahead of Faculty Senate Day next week.
We appreciate our Faculty Senate Chairs for serving as a voice for their colleagues and helping maintain open communication between our schools and district leadership.
#MercerCountySchools #FacultySenate #PublicSchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
🚀 What an AMAZING experience! 🚀
For the first time, two amazing students, Preston Nunn from Montcalm High, and Taylor Lester from Glenwood, were selected to attend SCIVIS Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama! They joined students from all 50 states and 4 countries for an unforgettable week. 🌎
For both students, it was their first time flying, attending Space Camp, and experiencing Space Academy! They enjoyed simulated space missions, gravity simulations, underwater astronaut training, a moonwalk simulation, and so much more! 🚀🌙
They even had the opportunity to meet Homer Hickam and Diallo Wallace, founder of The Engineering and Science Academy! What an incredible experience!
They truly had the time of their lives and made memories they will never forget! 💙 Their teachers, Christina Flanigan and Randa Bailey learned a lot, too!
A huge THANK YOU to the Cabell-Wayne Association for the Blind for providing scholarships to our students and helping make this incredible opportunity possible.
For the first time, two amazing students, Preston Nunn from Montcalm High, and Taylor Lester from Glenwood, were selected to attend SCIVIS Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama! They joined students from all 50 states and 4 countries for an unforgettable week. 🌎
For both students, it was their first time flying, attending Space Camp, and experiencing Space Academy! They enjoyed simulated space missions, gravity simulations, underwater astronaut training, a moonwalk simulation, and so much more! 🚀🌙
They even had the opportunity to meet Homer Hickam and Diallo Wallace, founder of The Engineering and Science Academy! What an incredible experience!
They truly had the time of their lives and made memories they will never forget! 💙 Their teachers, Christina Flanigan and Randa Bailey learned a lot, too!
A huge THANK YOU to the Cabell-Wayne Association for the Blind for providing scholarships to our students and helping make this incredible opportunity possible.
Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors!
💙 When Things at Home Feel Hard
Family conflict, separation, illness, financial worries, moving, or other changes at home can leave students feeling stressed, sad, angry, or overwhelmed. They do not have to carry those feelings alone.
ReachOut provides Mercer County Schools students and families with FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #FamilySupport #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Family conflict, separation, illness, financial worries, moving, or other changes at home can leave students feeling stressed, sad, angry, or overwhelmed. They do not have to carry those feelings alone.
ReachOut provides Mercer County Schools students and families with FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.
📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
#MercerCountySchools #ReachOut #FamilySupport #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
