Thanks to the GEAR UP SWV grant, our secondary teachers received additional training from Weston Kieschnick, an award-winning educator, author, and national speaker known for helping teachers blend solid instructional practice with purposeful technology use.

We’re excited that Weston will return throughout the school year to continue providing training and support as we work to strengthen teaching and learning across Mercer County Schools.

#GEARUPSWV #ProfessionalDevelopment #LoveMyWVSchool
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Weston Kieschnick training session at PSHS in the media center. Secondary teachers pictured here.
Bus 678 is running 30 minutes late this morning, Friday, October 10th. This affects Spanishburg, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
School safety starts with preparation: Today, Superintendent Ed Toman and district leaders met with local law enforcement to advance plans required under WV HB 3166, which ensures every school is digitally mapped for faster, coordinated emergency response. #LoveMyWVSchool
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Meeting with local law enforcement for planning of county mapping required by WV HB 3166.
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!
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
2025-26 Faculty Senate Chairs
🏐 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! 💪❤️
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
PVHS Volleyball Team packing food for the Extra Mile Program
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
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
SAT Bootcamp at PikeView High School
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
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Teacher of the Year Srene Lokay with Anna Lilly and Mr. Toman
Service Person of the Year Kim Williams, Michael Collins, and Mr. Toman
Bus 641 is running 10 minutes behind this morning, Tuesday, October 7th. This affects Mountain Valley, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
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!
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Decorative graphic for Instructional Moment Monday for October 6, 2025
Please email us if you're having trouble logging into Rooms. mercerroomstechhelp@groups.k12.wv.us
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Graphic encouraging parents to sign up to Rooms to communicate with their children's teachers.
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.
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Bus 682 is running 25 minutes late this morning, Friday, October 3rd. This affects Spanishburg, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
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
about 1 month ago, Amy Harrison
Graphic: Mercer County Schools Families 2026-2027 School Calendar Survey
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
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
Glenwood 3rd graders researching about different types of squirrels, writing about their findings, presenting and using a step by step video to draw a squirrel.
📢 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.

about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
FAFSA File It Night on October 21, 2025 at the Seminar Center from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
FAFSA File It Night on October 21, 2025 at the Seminar Center from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
🎓 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.
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
The Power of the Pause (decorative)
🌟 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! 🚀✨
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
Graphic encouraging families to sign up to Rooms to communicate with their children's teachers
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
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Parents attending the Title I Parent Engagement Meeting at the Chuck Mathena Center on September 26, 2025
Bus 625 (formerly 672) is running about 40 minutes behind this morning, Friday, September 26th. This affects Timberwood, Montcalm Elementary and Montcalm High.
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
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
about 2 months ago, Amy Harrison
GEARUP SWV presentation for 9th graders at Bluefield High
GEARUP SWV presentation for 9th graders at Bluefield High
GEARUP SWV presentation for 9th graders at Bluefield High
GEARUP SWV presentation for 9th graders at Bluefield High
GEARUP SWV presentation for 9th graders at Bluefield High