Pushing Forward Using Data

The K-12 central office leadership team has recently redesigned their monthly data meetings with principals to foster a more focused, comparative, and accountable approach. These meetings will now center on three critical areas: academics, behavior, and attendance. By honing in on these key metrics, the leadership team aims to provide a structured environment where data can be meticulously analyzed and discussed. This focused approach ensures that every meeting is productive and directly contributes to the overarching goal of improving student outcomes.

In this new format, principals and central office leaders will engage in comparative analysis, examining data across different schools to identify trends, strengths, and areas needing improvement. This comparative aspect allows for a deeper understanding of how each school is performing relative to others, fostering a sense of healthy competition and collaboration. By sharing best practices and learning from each other's successes and challenges, schools can collectively elevate their performance and address common issues more effectively.

Accountability is a cornerstone of this new approach. By regularly reviewing data on academics, behavior, and attendance, the leadership team and principals can hold each other accountable for progress and outcomes. These meetings are designed to be constructive, providing a platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. The ultimate goal is to create actionable tasks that drive continuous improvement in the educational system, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. This initiative underscores the commitment of the central office leadership team to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the school system.

Social Studies Resources Review

On Wednesday February 5th a team of educators attended the Social Studies Resource Caravan in Morgantown, WV. During the caravan, Social Studies resources were presented to educators for review and consideration for possible adoption.

The subjects of Social Studies and Science provide great background knowledge for our students which helps in creating lifelong, literate learners. The more our students are exposed to fact-based, informational text, the better off they will typically perform on ELA/Reading assessments.

The county would like to thank Kayla Kelly (FCES), Kat Newton (BUMS), and Brian Allman (BUHS) for assisting in the caravan review.

Drill at BUHS - Now What?

Drills are only the beginning for improving school safety. An active drill allows for students and teachers to practice correct ways to respond in an emergency situation. However, drills provide the central office to review the best practices and identify key areas of improvement. Following a drill staff are given the opportunity to provide feedback, the school crisis response team debriefs, and the school principal and central office Safety Director. Following those a plan of action is drawn up and improvements to student safety from that plan are monitored.

Pre-K Registration is Open

Please check out the website below to begin the pre-k regsitration process:

https://www.upshurschools.com/page/pre-kindergarten

The Need of Child Protective Services

This past week, Upshur County Schools faced the stark reality of needing additional support from Child Protective Services (CPS) in multiple cases. The increased demand for CPS intervention highlighted the critical importance of having robust support systems in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. The school district is committed to working closely with CPS and other community resources to address these challenges and provide the necessary support for our students and their families. We are always grateful for the support they provide our students.

Pictured Above

Listed from left to right

Vincent Dahman
Randal Mcdaniel
Kaleb Gooden
Jaycee Bailey
Jennifer Ervin

Hard Work of the Unseen

Bus mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of transportation for K-12 students. Every day, they meticulously inspect, repair, and maintain the fleet of school buses, addressing everything from routine oil changes to complex engine repairs. Their dedication ensures that buses are always in top condition, minimizing breakdowns and delays. This hard work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential for the smooth operation of the school system, allowing students to arrive at school safely and on time.

Beyond their technical skills, bus mechanics also demonstrate a deep commitment to the well-being of the students they serve. They often work long hours, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, to ensure that every bus is ready for the road. Their attention to detail and proactive approach to maintenance help prevent potential issues before they arise, contributing to a safer transportation environment. The school community greatly appreciates their tireless efforts and the peace of mind they provide to parents, knowing their children are in good hands.

Education News Around the State

In an effort to keep our families informed about educational developments, we have compiled a list of news articles about education across West Virginia. While this list may not cover everything, we will do our best to share as much as possible.

Week in Review 02/07/2025