December
WVDE 2020: A Year in Review
Communities In Schools: Supporting Families through COVID-19 – December 11, 2020
Superintendent Burch talks with Erin Boyd, a Communities In Schools (CIS) coordinator in Raleigh County, about the importance of this program as the pandemic progressed.
Celebrating Special Education – December 4, 2020
The West Virginia Department of Education provides a closer look at Special Education services in Monongalia County as Superintendent Clayton Burch talks with Tiffany Barnett about successful strategies to support students, staff and families.
November
Support Those Who Transition from Foster Care – November 20, 2020
Superintendent Burch introduces us to the Tiny Homes Village in Wayne County. The program provides support for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.
School Counselors: Important Role during Pandemic – November 13, 2020
Superintendent Burch speaks with Madison Elementary School Counselor Jessica Watt about the importance of school counselors during the pandemic.
Creative Approach to Relieve Substitute Teacher Shortage – November 6, 2020
Superintendent Burch speaks to a pre-service teacher who is participating in the substitute teacher program.
October
Scholarship Offerings for West Virginia Students – October 30, 2020
Superintendent Burch joins Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, to discuss scholarship offerings for West Virginia students.
Communities In Schools (CIS) Program Empowers Students – October 23, 2020
Superintendent Burch and State Board of Education Member Debra Sullivan discuss the importance of the Communities In Schools program in our state, which was created to identify challenges students face, address their immediate needs and create solutions to help them succeed.
WV College Students Help with Substitute Teacher Shortage – October 16, 2020
Superintendent Burch talks about the Department’s collaboration with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to provide substitute teachers to our schools. As a portion of their clinical experience, college students may be used to fill this need, gain important experience and earn additional income.
Maintaining Normalcy for Our West Virginia Students – October 9, 2020
Superintendent Burch and West Virginia Board of Education President Miller Hall reflect on the month of September, which marked the start of a new school year drastically impacted by COVID-19.
Teacher of the Year & Service Personnel of the Year – October 2, 2020
Superintendent Burch recaps the Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year Virtual Award Ceremony and gives special recognition to Service Personnel of the Year recipient, Susie Kirkpatrick, of Gilmer County; and Teacher of the Year recipient, Erin Anderson, of Upshur County.
September
Keeping ConnectED – September 19, 2020
Deputy Superintendent Michele Blatt joins Dr. Ayne Amjad, West Virginia’s State Health Officer, to discuss how the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and the West Virginia Division of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) are working together to share information about COVID-19 cases confirmed in our public schools.
Reporting Progress within a Pandemic – September 11, 2020
Superintendent Burch highlights the progress being made six months into the pandemic. He reflects on how one caring adult, whether it’s an educator or support staff, has made the difference in ensuring West Virginia students receive the resources and care they need to succeed during these unprecedented times.
WVDE rolls out School Alert System & COVID-19 Guidelines – September 4, 2020
Superintendent Burch discusses the release of the weekly WVDE Education Map and what this means for students who will attend school remotely, virtually or in-person based on their county color. In an effort to keep students and staff safe, he reflects on the importance of face coverings, social distancing and adhering to public health guidelines. #KeepingConnectED
August
School Re-entry Metrics & What They Mean – August 28, 2020
Superintendent Burch gives us a closer look at the School Re-entry Metrics and Protocols put in place by WVDHHR and WVDE. The map will be released at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, which is important because it will guide the level of extracurricular and athletic activities permitted each school week.
WVDE Launches School Re-entry Hotline – August 21, 2020
Superintendent Burch gears up for the Sept. 8 re-opening and discusses the importance of open dialogue and accessibility to WVDE leadership. He encourages parents, educators, students and all constituents invested in public education to utilize the new School Re-entry Hotline by calling 304-957-1234.
County Re-entry Plans Provide Safe Options – August 14, 2020
Superintendent Burch discusses the 55 county plans developed to provide both in-person and remote options to ensure safety for all families. He provides an in-depth look at the Re-entry plan and what the map colors mean for each county regarding school instruction and extracurricular activities.
Behind-the-Scenes Prep for School Re-entry – August 7, 2020
Superintendent Burch discusses the dedication of our county school systems as they finalize their local re-entry plans, and the work the West Virginia Department of Education is doing in conjunction with Governor Jim Justice and local and state health agencies to support those plans.
July
Communication is Key for Successful School Re-entry – July 31, 2020
Superintendent Burch highlights our important partnerships with the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources, Dr. Clay Marsh, Governor Jim Justice and education partners, and how these partnerships enhance the sharing of information and the planning of a safe school year.
Defining Options for Families – July 24, 2020
“Giving options to families is our number one priority.” Superintendent Burch continues the conversation about school re-entry and recognizes how all 55 district leaders are working tirelessly to develop plans aimed at student success. He also defines the difference in remote learning, virtual learning and in-person instruction during COVID-19.
Grant Opportunities Available for School Re-entry – July 17, 2020
Superintendent Burch shares details about grant opportunities available to WV counties as they finalize re-entry plans. Applications can be submitted between now & July 30 for grants including CARES & WVDE funding.
WVDE launches School Re-Entry Toolkit – July 10, 2020
Superintendent Burch discusses the challenges and plans leading to the re-opening of schools on September 8, 2020. Visit wvde.us/reentry to review guidance and the re-entry toolkit.
Celebrating Dr. Kathy D’Antoni – July 2, 2020
Known throughout West Virginia for her work in Career and Technical Education, Dr. Kathy D’Antoni has been a tireless champion for West Virginia students. D’Antoni’s Simulated Workplace program is a national model, and her work in preparing tomorrow’s workforce is unparalleled.
June
Summer Food Feeding Sites Announced – June 26, 2020
Superintendent Burch provides an update on the Summer Food Service Program and invites the community to engage in the state’s school re-entry efforts by participating in our surveys, which are open through July 10.
School Re-Entry Survey Announced – June 19, 2020
Superintendent Burch provides additional insight into the re-entry guidance process, and announces a community survey that will be available to the public with the next wave of guidance to be released June 25, 2020.
Discussing School Re-Entry Scenarios – June 12, 2020
Superintendent Burch talks about the recently released re-entry guidance, laying out the three main scenarios the state’s School Re-entry Advisory Council is focusing on for the 2020-21 school year.
The Dollywood Foundation: A Summer Learning Partnership – June 5, 2020
Superintendent Burch announces exciting summer learning programs, including a partnership with The Dollywood Foundation that will deliver approximately 200,000 books to children entering 1st and 2nd grade next school year.
May
Outbreak to Recovery: Advisory Council Established – May 29, 2020
Superintendent Burch expresses gratitude to all West Virginia teachers and the WVDE’s education partners for their commitment to students from the onset of the pandemic until the end of the school year.
Congratulating our Class of 2020 – May 22, 2020
Superintendent Burch gives a heartfelt message to the Class of 2020. He emphasizes the impact of COVID-19 on our high school seniors, and how opportunities will be available for these students to make their mark on West Virginia’s future.
Celebrating Nurses Appreciation Week – May 15, 2020
Nurses Appreciation Weeks takes place every year May 6-12, and Superintendent Burch gives special recognition to the school nurses who help improve the mental, physical, social and emotional health of our children.
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week – May 8, 2020
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated every year in May to honor those “one caring adults” who influence the lives of our children for the better. With 23K educators and 265K students in over 691 schools, West Virginia teachers continue to go above and beyond for our youth.
Updates to COVID-19 website; Celebrating School Lunch Heroes Day – May 1, 2020
Superintendent Burch discusses the creation of the COVID-19 website, which includes guidance for school closures, summer learning opportunities, retrieving student belongings and much more. He also announces the free SAT test dates for juniors and seniors, and honors those who work as our “School Lunch Heroes.”
April
Connecting and Caring for West Virginia Students – April 23, 2020
Superintendent Burch announces a continuation of remote learning throughout the remainder of the 2020 school year with WVBE President David Perry. Together, they emphasize the importance of connecting with our students and being that “one caring adult” in their lives.
Available Resources for Virtual Learning – April 10, 2020
Superintendent Burch showcases West Virginia’s educators as they navigate educational challenges in a pandemic. He also highlights the various resources available to educators who wish to be as successful as possible when conducting virtual and/or remote learning.