December 2024
2024 Excellence in Education Special
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the WVDE presents the Excellence in Education Special featuring the 2024 Teacher and Service Personnel of the Years Sharon Cole and Gary Brydie and the 2025 Teacher and Service Personnel of the Years Seth Skiles and Nicole McCulley. Reflect on their achievements from the year and look forward to next year’s opportunities.
2024 ESOL Student of the Year
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we feature the 2024 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year Motiah Boustany and the Adult Education English as a Second Language program. Boustany used West Virginia Department of Education resources to become proficient in English and eventually become a United States citizen.
November 2024
Military Support for Students
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight the gathering of Common Ground Partnership members for the 2024 compact signing event, reaffirming their commitment to student success in West Virginia.
Mock School Bus Accident
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Lincoln County Schools Transportation Director Peggy Stone hosts a mock school bus accident event designed to train emergency first responders and bus operators. Actors portrayed injured passengers during this hands-on training opportunity. This event also brought awareness to bus safety strategies and emergency responses.
October 2024
2024 Culineering Challenge
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, nine career technical education teams from across West Virginia competed in the 2024 Culineering Challenge. Blending culinary, engineering, and digital media students, teams built edible structures to withstand shaking over several rounds. Cast from the Netflix® show “Baking Impossible” attended to mentor students and judge the competition. The event culminated with Hundred High School winning the title of Grand Champion. See the highlights of this memorable learning experience.
National School Bus Safety Week
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week, which provides an opportunity to focus on safe practices around school buses and celebrate bus operators. Gary Brydie, 2024 Service Personnel of the Year, visits the Lincoln County Schools transportation depot to learn about their LED stop sign extension system.
Communities In Schools
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight the resources provided by the Communities In Schools (CIS) program at Bridgeview Elementary in Kanawha County. CIS partners with Ball Toyota of West Virginia to assist students and families with basic needs and support.
September 2024
Impacting Student Attendance
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we take a look at the new “Steal the Show, Eight or Below!” program at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary and its impact on student attendance.
Meet the Finalists
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In this week’s Keeping Connected, the West Virginia Department of Education presents the Teacher of the Year and School Service Personnel of the Year finalists who will be honored during the Celebration of Excellence in Education ceremony on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
August 2024
Star Academy
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we introduce Star Academy, a hands-on learning opportunity for middle school students. This new initiative is being rolled out in four schools in West Virginia and has seen positive outcomes in student attendance, academic achievement, and engagement throughout the nation.
Back to School with Sharon Cole
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Chyna Beatty, an Elementary Education major at Marshall University, sits down with 2024 WV Teacher of the Year Sharon Cole to learn more about educators in the classroom and preparing for a new school year. Listen to this exclusive and inspiring conversation.
June 2024
Governor’s School for Tourism
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, students participating in the inaugural Governor’s School for Tourism stop at Lost World Caverns and the Schoolhouse Hotel in Greenbrier County. The Governor’s School for Tourism equips students with knowledge of the tourism industry in West Virginia, taking students to key locations across the state that set West Virginia apart from other travel destinations.
June 2024
Golden Horseshoe 2024
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, 227 eighth graders from West Virginia were honored as Knights of the Golden Horseshoe in the annual recognition ceremony. These students now become part of a rich legacy of culture, history, and education that predates the founding of our nation.
Grow Your Own Apprenticeship
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we catch up with two Grow Your Own apprentices to learn about their experiences in the Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching program.
May 2024
Summer Kickoff
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, West Virginia Department of Education Coordinator Josh Grant meets up with Cam Shannon from Crescent Elementary in Raleigh County. They had planned to do a workout in Mr. Grant’s studio, but Mr. Shannon had a different idea.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2024
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In this week’s Keeping Connected, we catch up with 2024 West Virginia Teacher of the Year Sharon Cole, her daughter and co-worker Cadara Shreve, and former student teacher and fellow co-worker, Mica Haffer, to discuss what being a teacher means to them.
April 2024
Rock the Vote 2024
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we visit South Charleston High School’s “Rock The Vote” event in Kanawha County. Students register to vote, speak to local candidates, and learn how to make informed decisions as they navigate the democratic process.
March 2024
Magnet School Music Program
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we visit the Magnet School Music program at Dunbar Intermediate School in Kanawha County. Magnet Schools specialize in particular subjects and provide supplemental learning in that subject.
JRTI Company Lab
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight how the James Rumsey Technical Institute’s Company Lab equips students to nurture their entrepreneurial goals across the Mountain State.
February 2024
MedEd Program
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we introduce the WVU Medicine MedEd program that provides career path opportunities for high schoolers interested in the healthcare industry. The program aims to prepare potential healthcare professionals for the workforce.
Carver Beauty Academy
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight the Carver Beauty Academy simulated workplace at the Carver Career and Technical Education Center. Career technical education offers students opportunities to explore potential career pathways while experiencing meaningful academic engagement.
January 2024
National School Counselors Week
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we acknowledge the impact of West Virginia school counselors by catching up with 2021-2022 West Virginia Middle School Counselor of the Year, Lauren Hensley, as she shares her thoughts on the importance of school counselors.
2024 New Year’s Resolutions
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, 2024 West Virginia Teacher of the Year Sharon Cole shares New Year’s resolutions from her students and talks about ways she can make a difference as an educator.
December 2023
2023 Holiday Special
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, celebrate the holidays as we celebrate award-winning educators. State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt hosts the Excellence in Education Holiday Special and catches up with the outgoing and incoming West Virginia Teacher of the Year.
2023 Culineering Challenge
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the second annual Culineering Challenge was held at the Marshall University Aquatic Center, pitting nine teams of students in an exciting nautical competition showcasing unique applications of science technology, engineering, math, culinary and hospitality skills, and social media. Find out who walked away with the title!
November 2023
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Send-Off
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we attend the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Send-off Parade celebrating the 63-foot Norway Spruce from Monongahela National Forest. This massive tree will serve as the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. Also, Beverly Elementary School fourth grader Ethan Reese was featured as the winner of the National Christmas Tree Essay Competition and read his winning piece at the event.
Fresh Food at the Farmers Market
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Philippi Elementary School in Barbour County hosts a Pop-Up Farmers Market for students to learn about nutrition and take home healthy fruits and vegetables. Well-fed students tend to perform better in the classroom and create opportunities for success.
October 2023
Microsoft Office Competition
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we recognize Keyser High School students Celia Cole and Megan McRobie. Both won top honors in the 2023 Microsoft Office Specialist Competitions. Megan won first place in the state of West Virginia in Microsoft Excel and competed in the National Competition. Celia won first place in the state in Powerpoint, first place gold medal at Nationals, and third place bronze medal in World Competition. Hear how they represented the Mountain State and learned the power of perseverance.
September 2023
Unite with Numeracy
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, PK-12 Academic Support Coordinator Timothy Flatley introduces the West Virginia Department of Education’s Unite with Numeracy math campaign. This initiative will provide resources for families, educators, and students that emphasize the importance of mathematics and numeracy, boost outcomes, and ensure students have a foundational understanding of math.
August 2023
UNITe with Numeracy – Mathematical Mindset
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we explore the positive side of mathematics and share tips on how to keep students and families engaged in numeracy.
Dolly Day 2023
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, West Virginia Board of Education Board Member Debra K. Sullivan and State Superintendent Michele L. Blatt participated in a read-aloud in honor of Dolly Parton Imagination Library Day (Dolly Day) on August 9, 2023. Across the state, the June Harless Center at Marshall University promoted read-alouds and other fun activities. Special thanks to the Kanawha County Public Library for hosting the West Virginia Department of Education and dozens of happy early readers. All read-alouds featured the Imagination Library book Find Fergus.
July 2023
Summer SOLE 2023
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we check out the Summer Student Opportunities for Learning and Engagement program (SOLE). These interactive and engaging activities are designed to support students’ academic and social-emotional needs and help prevent the summer slide.
WVAdultEd in Mason County
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, WVAdultEd celebrates the newly opened facility in Mason County. Adult learners in the county have access to free services and resources that can help them improve their skills and find new levels of success.
Golden Horseshoe Day Highlights
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, 226 West Virginia eighth graders are inducted as Knights of the Golden Horseshoe during the annual recognition ceremony. These students join a legacy of culture, history, and learning that dates back prior to the founding of our country.
June 2023
Summer Learning Toolkit
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, staff from Cabell County introduces the Summer Learning Toolkit, a set of fun, educational resources meant to engage students throughout the summer and help prevent the “summer slide.” The county partnered with community leaders and organizations to create the toolkit and is using this opportunity to reach families, help nurture children’s curiosity, and fuel their educational journey.
Computer Science Education
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight computer science courses at Pocahontas County High School and the impact of technology inside and outside of the classroom.
May 2023
Innovative Learning Center
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we tour Wheeling Park High School’s Innovative Learning Center and look at the incredible collaborative resources and technology available for students and teachers. This state-of-the-art space provides users access to 21st-century learning opportunities.
Military Signing Week 2023
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the Common Ground Partnership and WVDE recognize Military Signing Week around the state. High schoolers commit to service with the United States Armed Forces as a viable post-secondary option. Military service members embody the values and leadership qualities needed to cultivate a bright future for the Mountain State. West Virginia is bound to be positively impacted by these emerging leaders.
April 2023
2023 Milken Forum: Grow Your Own
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, students participating in the Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching Program were recognized for their commitment to the profession. Sponsors and partners were acknowledged for their contribution to the initiative while graduation stoles were distributed to GYO students. Additionally, West Virginia Milken educators took the opportunity to engage and mentor GYO students attending the second annual Milken Forum.
2023 Academic Showdown Highlights
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Congratulations to the 2023 Academic Showdown Grand Champions Morgantown H.S. Team 1. See the highlight real in this week’s Keeping ConnectED.
March 2023
Keeping ConnectED: National Board Recognition Celebration
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, The West Virginia Department of Education celebrates 153 educators who have earned or maintained their National Board Certification, the top credential educators can earn in the country. West Virginia ranks 13th in the nation for the percentage of NBCTs and 17th for the number of newly certified teachers. Currently, there are a total of 1,173 NBCTs in the Mountain State.
Keeping ConnectED: Adult Education Day at the Legislature
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, West Virginia Adult Education students visited the West Virginia Legislature to learn more about how our government works and to promote the free resources and services available. WV Adult Ed can help adult learners pass their high school equivalency test, learn CPR, prepare for college entrance tests, gain necessary job and technical skills, and much more.
February 2023
Keeping ConnectED: Summer Food Service Program
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the Office of Child Nutrition spent time at the West Virginia Legislature during Hunger Free Day to promote the Summer Food Service Program and other initiatives that help feed children and families.
Keeping ConnectED: Nicholas County Career and Tech Center
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month by highlighting how the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center prepares students for the workforce, from numerous construction projects to the in-house business, the Good Gauley Coffee Company.
January 2023
Keeping ConnectED: Ready, Read, Write, West Virginia
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools David L. Roach announces the Department’s latest literacy campaign, Ready, Read, Write, West Virginia. Take a quick preview of the resources available for families and educators that can support our children in learning vital literacy skills.
Keeping ConnectED: Academic Showdown 2023 Announcement
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, get ready for the 2023 West Virginia Academic Showdown. Director of Student Enrichment Joey Wiseman tells us about this incredible head-to-head scholastic competition returning bigger than before.
December 2022
Keeping ConnectED: WVDE Christmas Special
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we wrap up 2022 with Director of Educator Development and Support Dr. Carla Warren as she catches up with the outgoing and incoming West Virginia Teacher of the Year and Service personnel of the Year.
Keeping ConnectED: Grow Your Own Student Testimonials
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we showcase the first Operation Christmas Crumble Culineering Challenge bringing together culinary and engineering students in an exciting competition. This is a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Education and the James Rumsey Technical Institute.
November 2022
Keeping ConnectED: Grow Your Own Student Testimonials
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we speak to students participating in the Grow Your Own WV Pathway to Teaching Initiative as they reflect on the pilot program and their goals.
Keeping ConnectED: Common Ground Care Package
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we look at packages containing strategies, information and best practices delivered to educators in elementary schools through the Common Ground Partnership. These packages can assist students experiencing the deployment of a military family member to cope with emotions surrounding deployment.
October 2022
Keeping ConnectED: Electric Bus Pilot
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we look at the impact electric school buses are having in Cabell, Kanawha, and Mercer Counties and answer questions from the public.
Keeping ConnectED: National Principal’s Month
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we celebrate our dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic principals during National Principal’s Month. All across the state, these administrators support students and staff in numerous ways. Listen to a few of them share their stories.
September 2022
Keeping ConnectED: 2023 Teacher and Service Personnel of the Year Ceremony
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we celebrate the 2023 Teacher of the Year Amber Nichols and Service Personnel of the Year Jessica Grose. Watch as they reflect on their awards, career, and how they plan to represent the state in the future.
Keeping ConnectED: Veterans in the Classroom
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we highlight the impact of West Virginia teachers who previously were in military service. Their skills, experience, and training are uniquely resourceful in public schools.
August 2022
Keeping ConnectED: Back to School 2022-23
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, 2022 West Virginia Teacher of the Year Brian Casto shares his expectations for the new school year. Several students also talk about what they are looking forward to this fall.
Keeping ConnectED: Dolly Parton’s Visit to West Virginia
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, singer-songwriter and icon Dolly Parton visits West Virginia to celebrate all 55 counties actively participating in the Imagination Library.
July 2022
Keeping ConnectED: Summer SOLE in McDowell County
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we take a look at some of the project-based activities from the Summer SOLE program in McDowell County. SOLE provides engaging learning opportunities to 468 sites around the state.
Keeping ConnectED: 2022 Student Success Summit
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we visit the West Virginia Student Success Summit, a collaborative event focusing on creating seamless and supportive lifelong learning systems for our state’s students. This event is a partnership between the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and the West Virginia Department of Education.
Keeping ConnectED: Summer SOLE 2022 in Raleigh County
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, WVU STEAM TAC specialist Clifford Sullivan shares an engineering project with students attending WVDE’s Summer SOLE program at Beckley Stratton Middle School in Raleigh County. Students create a hydraulic claw that can lift household items.
June 2022
Keeping ConnectED: 2022 Golden Horseshoe Ceremony
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch inducted 221 West Virginia eighth graders into the Golden Horseshoe society during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center. The Golden Horseshoe is the longest running program of its kind, testing middle schoolers on their knowledge of West Virginia history.
Keeping ConnectED: Send-off to the 2021-2022 School Year and Superintendent’s Spotlight Series
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch ends the Superintendent Spotlight video series with a look back at past critical conversations from county superintendents.
May 2022
Keeping ConnectED: AdultEd Graduation
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, West Virginia native and America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. participates in the West Virginia Adult Education High School Equivalency Graduation Commencement. Murphy earned his high school equivalency diploma during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of WVDE’s Adult Education program.
Keeping ConnectED: 2022 Reentry and Recovery Works Conference
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT) partnered with the Office of Drug Control Policy and other agencies to host the Reentry and Recovery Works Conference at the Charleston Marriott Town Center in Charleston. This event helped bridge the gap between employers looking to hire skilled workers and job seekers who were formerly incarcerated, in substance abuse recovery or have other barriers to employment.
Keeping Connected: Classroom Library
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we visit classroom libraries in Berkeley County to witness the impact and learning opportunities amongst the students. This initiative placed 275,250 books in the hands of 8,323 students.
Grow Your Own – County Efforts
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The WVDE has been busy working with counties. In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, and School Lunch Hero Day, we are pleased to share highlights of the hard work that continues in our counties and schools.
Superintendent Spotlight: Jeff Bryant
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In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight, Superintendent Burch chats with Greenbrier County Superintendent Jeff Bryant. Superintendent Bryant discusses his advocacy for the arts and the county’s emphasis on arts-focused learning.
April 2022
Keeping ConnectED: Military Signing Week
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April 25 – 29, 2022, was West Virginia’s first Military Signing Week. Students in several high schools across the state made the decision to commit to military service. We are truly thankful for these students’ decision to serve this country.
Keeping ConnectED: Grow Your Own Pathways to Teaching
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch and WV Teacher of the Year Brian Casto launch their tour of counties to promote the TeachWV Grow Your Own Pathways to Teaching Initiative. Students learn about an opportunity to become a teacher by taking coursework while still in high school and spending less money for college.
Keeping ConnectED: Reverse Job Fair
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we take a look at the Reverse Job Fair that assists Career Technical Education students in showcasing their talents and skills while networking with industry leaders.
March 2022
Superintendent Spotlight:
Jacob Green – March 27, 2022
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In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight, West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT) Superintendent Jacob Green highlights the WVSDT programs. He also showcases footage from a recent video call, during which several classrooms were able to speak with a Ukrainian refugee in Poland.
National Board Certified Teachers Recognition Celebration (2020-2021)
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the West Virginia Department of Education celebrates teachers who have earned the highest educational credential in the country the National Board Certification. Honorees include 35 newly certified teachers and 66 who have renewed certification.
National Nutrition Month – Katherine Miller
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we celebrate National Nutrition Month with our West Virginia Service Personnel of the Year winner and cafeteria manager Katherine Miller. She reflects on nutrition in the schools and how meals help students learn and grow.
February 2022
Superintendent Spotlight – Sheena Van Meter Hardy County Schools
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In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight, Superintendent Burch sits down with Hardy County Superintendent Sheena Van Meter. The home of one of West Virginia’s most recent Milken winners, Superintendent Van Meter explains what makes Hardy County special and unique.
All-Female West Virginia FFA State Leadership Team
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Career Technical Education Coordinator Alyssa Keedy-White, discusses FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) and introduces the first all-female West Virginia FFA State Leadership team. We also sit down with the women who are part of FFA State Leadership team and discuss the way FFA impacts their lives.
West Virginia School Counselor of the Year 2021
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we sit down to speak with the 2021 West Virginia High School Counselor of the Year, Christopher Showe. Mr. Showe is a great example of how the role of counselor has an impact on West Virginia student growth and development.
Teacher Pathways Explained
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Dr. Carla Warren explains the pathways of teacher licensure for individuals seeking to become educators in West Virginia. Additionally, WVDE launches its newest website for teacher recruitment and preparation, TeachWV.com.
January 2022
Superintendent Spotlight: Mike Wells
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In the January edition of our Superintendent Spotlight, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch sits down with Pleasants County Schools Superintendent Mike Wells to discuss the challenges and achievements of the district and the hopes for summer and the school year.
Academic Showdown Celebrates West Virginia Scholars
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, and West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair introduce the Academic Showdown. This inaugural competition pits teams of high school scholars from around the state against one another, answering questions about history, science, pop culture and much more.
2021 Year in Review
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch reviews the challenges and accomplishments of the Department from 2021. He further encourages compassion and dedication so our students may thrive in the new year.
December 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Deirdre Cline – December 17, 2021
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In the December edition of our Superintendent Spotlight, Deputy Superintendent Michele Blatt sits down with Wyoming County Schools Superintendent Deirdre Cline to discuss community supports and pandemic challenges that have led to greater collaboration and success in the county.
WVDE Celebrates Opening of STEAM Technical Assistance Center – December 10, 2021
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we celebrate the opening of our newest Technical Assistance Center, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM TAC). A special ceremony was held at Mountaineer Middle School with partners from West Virginia University, the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, and COSI to commemorate our commitment to helping the next generation hone essential skills that will prepare them for college and STEAM-based careers. Learn more at wvde.us/tac.
WVDE Celebrates Computer Science Education Week – December 3, 2021
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As we look ahead to Computer Science Education Week, this week’s Keeping ConnectED highlights computer science advancement in West Virginia schools. Cabell Midland High School teacher Adam Riazi and his students discuss the school’s computer science offerings and how innovation and diversity are encouraged in the world of computer programming.
November 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Gary Hough – November 19, 2021
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In the November edition of our Superintendent Spotlight, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch meets with Fayette County Schools Superintendent Gary Hough to discuss updated school facilities in the district and how they are dealing with the teacher shortage that is affecting the nation.
Second Launch Gives Tech a Second Chance
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Director of Infrastructure and Network Operations Dave Cartwright talks about Second Launch, a program providing refurbished technology to schools around the state. Early and Elementary Learning Coordinator Janet Bock-Hager speaks about the program’s impact on pre-K students and CTE students.
Rocket Boy Comes Home: A Q&A with Homer Hickam
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, the 2022 West Virginia Teacher of the Year Brian Casto sits down with West Virginia native and award-winning author Homer Hickam to reflect on his experiences growing up in McDowell County and his hopes for students to pursue careers in STEAM disciplines. Additionally, he discusses his decision to donate proceeds from his new book, “Don’t Blow Yourself Up,” toward the H.M. “Mike” Adams Memorial Scholarship, which will benefit West Virginia students who wish to attend Space Camp.
October 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Troy Ravenscroft
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In the October edition of our Superintendent Spotlight, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch sits down with Mineral County Schools Superintendent Troy Ravenscroft to discuss the district’s efforts to care for students and staff throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, they acknowledge how the county’s school personnel have stepped up to fill necessary roles to ensure consistent and safe in-person instruction.
WVDE Celebrates School Bus Safety Week
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week, which provides an opportunity to focus on safe practices around school buses and celebrating bus operators. WVDE School Transportation Manager David Baber and Jackson County bus operator David Johnston share the impact of bus safety.
WVDE Highlights Social-Emotional Supports Available to Students
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, 2021 National Certified School Counselor and 2020 West Virginia Middle School Counselor of the Year Susan Jones speaks about mental health resources available for students in schools. Also, we are introduced to the Natural Student Helpers at Ripley Middle School, who assist in recognizing social-emotional issues in their classmates and helping them find support.
Lessons Learned: A Conversation with West Virginia Teachers of the Year
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Dr. Carla Warren, Director of the Office of Educator Development & Support at the West Virginia Department of Education, sits down with 2021 and 2022 West Virginia Teacher of the Year winners, Erin Anderson and Brian Casto. Watch and listen as they discuss the important role of educators, how they are adjusting to the classroom amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and lessons learned throughout their careers.
Local Pharmacies Continue to Support School Vaccine Clinics
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Fruth pharmacist Drew Massey speaks about the impact local pharmacies have had in encouraging vaccines in school communities. State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch also reminds viewers of the “I Got Vaxxed to Get Back” competition in which schools can win $50,000 for getting students and staff vaccinated.
September 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Christine Miller
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In the September edition of our Superintendent Spotlight, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch sits down with Taylor County Schools Superintendent Christine Miller to discuss Taylor County’s approach to another unprecedented school year and to share an overview of the academic and social-emotional support the county provides to ensure student success.
Local Pharmacies Continue to Support School Vaccine Clinics
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, Fruth pharmacist Drew Massey speaks about the impact local pharmacies have had in encouraging vaccines in school communities. State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch also reminds viewers of the “I Got Vaxxed to Get Back” competition in which schools can win $50,000 for getting students and staff vaccinated.
WVDE Honors Adult Learners in 2021 Adult Education Awards Ceremony
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In this week’s Keeping ConnectED, we conclude Adult Education and Family Literacy Week with a special look at the 2021 Adult Education Awards Ceremony held last week. WVDE Adult Education Director Mendy Marshall shares the special occasion, which included a surprise award presentation and concert by WVAdultEd ambassador Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Learn more about WVAdultEd programs in your area by visiting wvadulted.com or call the hotline at 1-800-642-2670.
State Health Officials Provide COVID-19 Updates
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WVDE Celebrates Teachers, Service Personnel
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Putnam County Schools Gets Vaxxed to Get Back
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August 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Dr. Donna Burge-Tetrick
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WVDE Expands Vaccination Campaign: “I Got Vaxxed To Get Back”
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WVDE Unveils New Technical Assistance Center for Accessibility & Transitions
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A Send-off to Summer SOLE
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WVDE Releases Back-To-School Guidance
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July 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Todd Alexander
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WVDE launches “Never Too Late to Graduate” Campaign with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
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West Virginia Expands Imagination Library to All 55 Counties
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“I Got Vaxxed Competition” Launches to Encourage Student Vaccinations – July 9, 2021
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WVDE Announces Blue Ribbon Book Club – July 2, 2021
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June 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Dr. Shelby Haines – June 25, 2021
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Summer SOLE programs offer hands-on learning for K-12 students – June 22, 2021
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Opportunities Available through ACE and Adult Education – June 11, 2021
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#IGotVaxxedWV Student Athletes – June 4, 2021
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May 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Will Hosaflook – May 28, 2021
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Vaccine Rollout for Middle School Students – May 21, 2021
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WVDE Launches #IGotVaxxedWV Campaign – May 14, 2021
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Creating a Skilled Workforce – May 7, 2021
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April 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Ryan Saxe – April 30, 2021
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Powerful Partnerships: The Path Back to Normal – April 23, 2021
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Importance of Student Vaccination Clinics – April 16, 2021
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Vaccine Rollout for High School Students – April 12, 2021
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Celebrating National Autism Acceptance Month – April 2, 2021
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March 2021
Superintendent Spotlight: Stephen Wotring – March 26, 2021
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Summer SOLE: Engaging All Students – March 19, 2021
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Empowering our Leaders of Literacy – March 5, 2021
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Funding Available through Summer SOLE Grant Program – February 26, 2021
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One-Year Anniversary: WVDE’s COVID Recovery Timeline – March 12, 2021
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February 2021
Exploring Wood County’s Distance Learning Academy – February 19, 2021
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Shared Experiences: A Visit with Wyoming and McDowell Counties – February 12, 2021
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A Message for High School Seniors – February 5, 2021
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January 2021
Meet Erin Anderson: West Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year
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Planning for Progress – January 15, 2021
Realizing the Importance of In-Person Learning – January 8, 2021
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