Monroe County Schools

Congratulations Mrs. Cottle 👏👏👏👏 Nellie Cottle Selected for the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps Nellie Cottle, a STEM teacher and Technology Integration Specialist at Peterstown PK8 in Monroe County, was selected as one of 9 teachers in WV to participate in the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps. The NSF National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program is a partnership between Penn State, WVU, and the College of NJ. 27 teachers were selected to participate, 9 from each of the three states. Members were selected through a rigorous, multi-step process. From a pool of 73 applicants across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia, candidates submitted comprehensive applications and letters of reference from professional colleagues. The project team at each partner institution — Penn State, The College of New Jersey, and West Virginia University — reviewed applications and conducted interviews for applicants in their respective state. The program is made possible by a $5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National STEM Teacher Corps. The group chosen is comprised of educators who have demonstrated excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching, a commitment to professional growth and the potential to serve as leaders in elementary STEM education within their schools, districts and communities. The NSF National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing STEM education across the United States by recruiting, training, and supporting highly qualified teachers. Elementary educators are at the forefront of STEM education, uniquely positioned to build foundational STEM skills and identities in young learners. By engaging students in authentic science and engineering practices, K-5 teachers create environments where all children can explore the natural world, develop problem-solving skills, and foster curiosity essential for future STEM learning and careers. Recognizing elementary educators as critical STEM teachers prepares a scientifically literate public and a strong STEM workforce to address complex community and national challenges. "Elementary teachers are uniquely positioned to shape how young learners see themselves in science and engineering, yet they are too often overlooked in conversations about STEM education,” said CSATS director Kathy Hill. “The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps changes that. Through this partnership with West Virginia University and the College of New Jersey, we are recognizing 27 outstanding educators who are already doing exceptional work and providing them with the support, resources, and professional community to become leaders in elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic region." Over the course of four years, members will engage in an intensive and comprehensive professional development experience. Each summer, members will travel to attend a five-day, in-person institute focused on cutting-edge science and engineering content and pedagogy, with all travel expenses covered by the program. Throughout the year, they will participate in monthly virtual professional development sessions and implement the provided curriculum and resources in their classrooms. Beyond their own professional growth, members will serve as leaders and advocates for elementary STEM education by co-leading workshops for fellow educators, hosting annual STEM events for their school communities, and presenting at state and national conferences as well as to local school boards and preservice teachers. Members will attend a national convening in Washington, D.C., hosted by NSF. To amplify their impact, members will build a professional social media presence highlighting the importance of K-5 STEM education and will collaborate with educators beyond the program to promote science learning across their schools, districts, and regions.

Due to a motor vehicle accident on Route 219 near Broyles Cemetery Road, the following buses will be delayed by 15 to 30 minutes this afternoon: Bus 203, 208, and 222

Monroe County Schools is hosting a Community Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at James Monroe High School from 10am-1:00pm. There will be numerous food trucks and activities for the kids. Join us and see what Monroe County Schools has to offer!

📣 Spring Health Reminders for Families 🌷 As we head into warmer weather and the final stretch of the school year, here are a few important reminders to help keep our students and staff healthy: ⸻ 🏫 When to Send Your Child to School vs. Keep Them Home Please keep your child home if they have: • Fever (100.4°F or higher) • Vomiting or diarrhea • Significant cough, fatigue, or not feeling well enough to participate • Suspected contagious illness (flu, strep, etc.) While we do have a School Wellness Center, if you know your child is sick, please do not send them to school first. This can expose other students on the bus, in the classroom, and in the cafeteria. 👉 Instead, call ahead and schedule directly with the Wellness Center so we can: • Ensure a provider is available to see your child • Reduce exposure to other students and staff ⸻ 💧 Hydration & Warmer Weather With warmer days ahead, please remind your child to drink plenty of water daily. Hydration helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and more serious complications. ⸻ ☀️ Sunscreen Reminder School staff cannot apply sunscreen, as it is considered a "medication" and may cause allergic or skin reactions. 👉 Please apply sunscreen at home before school on warm, sunny days. ⸻ ⚠️ Important Health Update: Flu-Related Rhabdomyolysis (Rhabdo) We are seeing multiple cases again this year of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) associated with or following the flu. Rhabdo is a condition where muscle tissue breaks down and can affect the kidneys if not treated. Watch for these symptoms at home, especially after flu or illness: • Severe muscle pain (often in legs) • Trouble walking or weakness • Dark-colored urine (tea or cola colored) • Extreme fatigue 👉 If your child has these symptoms, seek medical care right away and keep them home from school. ⸻ 📚 Looking Ahead: School Requirements for Next Year As the school year wraps up, now is a great time to prepare for next year: Immunizations Required: • PreK, Kindergarten & New Students: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B (age-appropriate doses) • 7th Grade: Tdap + Meningococcal (MCV) • 12th Grade: 1 Tdap + MCV booster (total of 2 MCV doses) Health Exams Required (within last 12 months): • PreK, Kindergarten, 7th & 12th grades • Any new enrollees ✔️ Well-child exam ✔️ Dental exam Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe, healthy, and strong through the end of the year! 💙 If you have questions, please reach out to your school's nurse by calling your child's school or Jessie Thomas Monroe County School Nurse at (304)772-3094x322

Teen Issues Day was quite the success this year thanks to the many organizations and individuals who come together to make this day happen for our high school students. More pictures to come of individual events.

Reminder: There will be no school for students from April 3- April 12 in honor of Spring Break!

You don't want to miss the Peterstown Middle School Drama Club production of Beauty and the Beast on May 27, 2026 at 6:00pm! Get your tickets now by calling the school at 304-753-4322 or contacting Janet Miller at janet.miller@k12.wv.us

Monroe County School Nurse Jessie Thomas will be hosting James Monroe High School's annual Teen Issues Day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Students will listen to many topics on health and safety as well as attend a mock wreck demonstration at the end of the day. Attendance will be taken and incentive prizes can only be earned if present!

Monroe County Schools will be hosting a Community Carnival to showcase all that Monroe County Schools has to offer! This will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm at James Monroe High School.

Mountain View Middle FFA started a school wide community service project during National FFA Week. Members worked to cut and prepare tie blankets. These pre-cut blankets were then handed out to classes at Mountain View from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Students in these classes worked to finish and tie the blankets. This was a great way to get the whole school involved in community service! Mountain View Middle FFA proudly presented the Greenbrier Humane Society with 42 blankets! Thank you to our students and members for working hard. What a great example of "Living to Serve".

Congratulations to Peterstown Middle School FBLA for their accomplishments at the State Leadership Conference March 23-24 in Huntington, WV. They have all qualified to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX this summer! 1st: Community Service Presentation Ellee Johnson, Annsley Young, and Rylie Dillon 1st: Exploring Marketing Concepts Khloe Conner 1st: Exploring Public Speaking Ireland Dunbar 1st: Exploring Customer Service Mia Jackson 1st: Exploring Interpersonal Communications Kierra Jarrell 1st: Exploring Computer Science Sydney Rice 2nd: Exploring Marketing Strategies Khloe Conner & Harper McPherson 2nd: Exploring Leadership Ireland Dunbar 2nd: Career Exploration Easton Dusold 2nd: Exploring Business Concepts Mia Jackson 2nd: Exploring Professionalism Harper McPherson 2nd: Exploring Business Ethics Jordan Presgraves and Nevaeh Shelton 2nd: Exploring FBLA Nevaeh Shelton 2nd: Exploring Digital Citizenship Annsley Young 3rd: Exploring Leadership Rylie Dillon 3rd: Exploring Professionalism Jordan Presgraves 4th: Exploring Leadership Ellee Johnson

Congratulations to our Young Writers County Winners! All first place entries have been submitted to compete at the state level. 1st/2nd Grade 1st Place: The Animal Journey by Grayson McPherson (PES) 2nd Place: The Life Adventures by Saydee Lively (PES) 3rd Place: Ms. K and Keka Walk the Dog by Kolbie Hale (MVS) 3rd/4th Grade 1st Place: Mr. Linens Library by Kora Edwards (PES) 2nd Place: The Camping Trip by Masie Atkins (MVS) 3rd Place: The Halloween Twister by Myla Ann Meadows (PES) 5th/6th Grade 1st Place: Leap of Faith by Avery Miller (PMS) 2nd Place: Notes by 6th Grade (MVS) 3rd Place: The Thief of Shadows and Assassins by Rilee Webb (PMS) 7th/8th Grade 1st Place: Miss Anita Velvette by Willa Daniels (PMS) 2nd Place: The Cross Town Clash by Eli Walker (MVS) 3rd Place: Wilds of Metal by 8th Grade (MVS) 9th/10th Grade 1st Place: The Mummy on the Train by Madison Hanson (JMHS) 2nd Place: A Father's Love by Cole Thornton (JMHS) 3rd Place: Stardust and Sinew by Phoenix Hicks (JMHS)

Congratulations to PMS student/Monroe County Spelling Bee winner, Rilee Webb, for competing at Fairmont State in the Regional Spelling Bee! Rilee made it to round 4. We are very proud of her!

There will be a volunteer training at James Monroe High School on Monday March 23rd at 6pm. Reminder that senior parents must have volunteer training completed in order to chaperone the night of Project Graduation.

The regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will still be held at 6:00pm this evening at the Board of Education office in Union.

Monroe County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Monroe County Schools will operate on a three hour delay on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Congratulations to the Monroe County History Bowl Teams! We are proud to celebrate the success of Peterstown Team One and Mountain View Team Two at the Play-in Tournament on Saturday, March 14. Both teams placed in the top eight out of eighteen teams from across the state! Peterstown finished third--a remarkable achievement! They have both earned a spot in the State Tournament on April 29 at the Culture Center in Charleston. Mountain View Team One previously qualified at the Region One Tournament in February. Best of luck to all three teams as they represent Monroe County!

Congratulations Lady Mavericks on your State AA Championships. You ladies have made Monroe County proud 🖤💜🎉👏👏👏