Some of our Mercer County high school students visited Concord University today to hear from Deon Butler, a former NFL player, motivational speaker, literacy advocate, and first-generation college student. 📚🏈 Butler shared his personal journey and encouraged students to think about the power of education, perseverance, and their goals for the future. Thank you, Concord University, for giving our students this opportunity to learn and be inspired!
about 4 hours ago, Amy Harrison
Several people at a basketball court, one person signing books at a table, others watching.
A group of students wearing casual clothes sitting on bleachers in a gymnasium, with some standing in the background.
People seated on bleachers at an event, with a person in a black outfit standing in the aisle.
Man standing in front of double doors in gym, hands raised, a logo on wall behind.
Several students sit on red bleachers facing front, some wearing hoodies, sneakers, and backpacks.
A woman speaks into a microphone at a table on a basketball court. A man stands behind her.
Group of students sitting in bleachers; some are wearing masks and holding phones; others are seated behind.
Students and adults seated on bleachers; some are standing. A student in white takes a photo.
Group of students seated in stadium seats, with one student holding a book, one with hands near face, one with hands on head.
A group of people seated on bleachers in an indoor gym. Banners hang from the ceiling.
November 2: Helping a Friend

💙 Worried About a Friend? Reach Out.

If a friend seems unusually sad, withdrawn, anxious, or overwhelmed, check in and encourage them to talk with a trusted adult. You do not have to know exactly what to say—you just have to care enough to speak up.

Students and families can also contact ReachOut for 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 #HelpAFriend #YouAreNotAlone #ILoveWVPublicSchools
about 9 hours ago, Amy Harrison
Blue, white, and orange QR code pattern with a white rectangle containing orange text "ReachOut"
Staff Spotlight!
about 10 hours ago, Amy Harrison
Woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera. Text reads "Staff Spotlight Laura Anderson, Mountain Valley Elementary".
Superintendent Toman has been making his rounds under the Friday night lights, supporting our students at Princeton Senior, PikeView, and Bluefield High Schools’ home games!
1 day ago, Amy Harrison
Several young women in maroon uniforms pose for a photo on a football field at night.
Cheerleaders posing for a photo, with some wearing blue and black uniforms, at a sporting event.
A group of students in red uniforms pose for a photo with their mascot and a coach.
A reminder of days schools are closed in November, and don't forget to "fall back" Saturday night!
3 days ago, Amy Harrison
A school closure poster with dates for November 3, 11, and 23-27. Text reads "School Closed" with pumpkins, leaves, and flags.
Tonight's Mercer County Board of Education meeting is not being livestreamed due to technical difficulties. A recording of the meeting will be uploaded to YouTube shortly.
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
The Mercer County Board of Education was proud to recognize Blaine Morgan of Princeton Senior High School for being named to the West Virginia Class AAA All-Tournament Golf Team! 🏌️‍♂️

This outstanding achievement reflects Blaine’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional performance on the golf course.

👏 Congratulations, Blaine, on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for representing Princeton Senior High School and Mercer County Schools with excellence!

#ilovewvpublicschools
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
Six adults stand in an office with a wooden desk. One person holds a framed certificate.
A man and a woman hold a certificate in front of a smiling boy. They stand in a room with a large monitor behind them.
🎃📚 A little Halloween fun is even sweeter with Grandma! Grandma Carla Neely visited Mrs. Walls’ kindergarten class at Glenwood School to share a book and lead a Halloween craft! 🧡 Thank you, Grandma Carla, for sharing your time and creativity and helping make special classroom memories! 🍂 #MercerCountySchools #GlenwoodSchool #ILoveWVPublicSchools
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
Woman in purple shirt reading a book to a group of children sitting on the floor.
A classroom with children holding items. Some sit on the floor, others stand. Brightly colored charts on walls.
🎉 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
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
A group of teachers standing in front of a backdrop. They are attending a training for health and PE teachers
A group of teachers standing in front of a backdrop. They are attending a training for health and PE teachers
A group of adults in a gymnasium participating in a game.
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
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
Blue and white squares forming QR code, with text "ReachOut" inside a white rectangle.
Staff Spotlight!
7 days ago, Amy Harrison
Staff Spotlight: Mallori Goff, teacher. A photo of Mallori with text about her job, favorite parts, and her impact on students.
🎓 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
17 days ago, Amber Bowling
Superintendents
Program
🏫 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
18 days ago, Amy Harrison
People in a room with monitors and tables. A man in a suit speaks to the group.
A large room with several rows of people in chairs. Some individuals use laptops. Monitors are on the wall.
Interior of a classroom with a person in uniform standing, tables with chairs, a monitor on the wall, and people seated.
Two women in a conference room with desks and chairs. One holds a carrot and the other a small orange bag.
A group of people in a classroom, two women standing in front, a man seated, laptops and papers on desk.
Three people in a room with a TV. One holds a book, another sits in a chair, and a third stands.
Two people in a room; one holds a toy while the other stands beside a table. Behind them is a podium.
Two women stand in a meeting room, one holding a box, while a monitor displays text behind them.
💚 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
19 days ago, Amy Harrison
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
20 days ago, Amy Harrison
Several students sit at desks facing a screen in a classroom. A woman stands at a podium.
A group of people seated around desks in a classroom. A teacher stands before them near a screen.
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
21 days ago, Amy Harrison
board recognizes 10/12/26
board recognizes 10/12/26
board recognizes 10/12/26
board recognizes 10/12/26
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
21 days ago, Amy Harrison
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
K/1 and ECCAT Professional Development at Princeton Primary School - teachers at tables collaborating
📚✏️ 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
21 days ago, Amy Harrison
💙 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
21 days ago, Amy Harrison
Blue and white QR code with the words "ReachOut" in orange text on a white background.
Staff Spotlight! Breanna Lewis from Bluefield Primary School!
21 days ago, Amy Harrison
A poster with a photo of a smiling woman, text reading "Staff Spotlight," and a section titled "Brenna Lewis."