Happening Now - McDowell County

McDowell County Schools has hit the ground running since the district started the 2025-2026 school year on September 2, 2025. From new facilities and an increased focus on attendance to facilitating classroom learning, students, faculty, and staff have been equipped with the tools to be successful this school year.

Coalfield Elementary

Students in Welch, West Virginia began the school year inside the brand new Coalfield Elementary, a reality that had been 29 months in the making. The new school features:

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  A new gym floor with vibrant colors with slide included

• A brand new playground
• Garage doors that lead to the school MakerSpace
• A colorful and inviting cafeteria
• A therapy dog that helps students get through the day with a smile

Math Cadre Classroom

A math cadre is a group of teachers, instructional coaches, or even students who come together for professional development to improve math instruction and learning. The focus is often on specific skills like mathematics language routines, classroom discussions, or student-centered learning approaches. With this in mind, McDowell County introduced flexible, ergonomic seating options across the district to empower students with the freedom to move, stand, and learn in ways that work best for them. From standing desks to dynamic seating choices, these updates are designed to support focus, collaboration, and a love of learning, because when students are comfortable, they are able to thrive. 

Inspiring Tomorrow's Teachers

McDowell County has heavily invested in the Grow Your Own Teacher Preparation Program. This program provides promising high school students a career path to pursue a career in education. These future teachers have settled in and started the work that will lead to their futures. As juniors in high school, these Grow Your Own (GYO) students are setting goals and making their future college plans. We recently featured a McDowell County Schools graduate who is in the final stages of the GYO program. Trista Lester was inspired by her former teacher to pursue a career in education, and she currently student teaches at Iaeger Elementary.

Career Technical Education

The county's nail technology salon was recently approved by the county inspector from the West Virginia Cosmetology Board. This new Simulated Workplace will allow students to gain industry knowledge and experience while still in high school. We are grateful for educators that have a vision for a project and stop at nothing to make it a reality for students. For this Simulated Workplace, those teachers are Ms. Katie Grizzel and Mrs. Alesha Lester. They helped Superintendent Barker and Mrs. Amanda Peyton along the way to purchase materials, curriculum, and set up the room. 

Also, first-year welding students from the McDowell County Career and Technology Center passed their safety test and were assigned welding booths.

Professional Development

The county's Title I team recently attended a refresher course on its supplemental program, Reading Mastery. This training, led by Reading Coach Ms. Jennifer Ashkock, helps strengthen strategies to support students who need additional reading intervention.