Week in Review 03/07/2025

$50,000 Grant Helps Upshur County Schools Enhance Security

Upshur County Schools is taking significant steps to improve safety across its campuses. The district has recently put out a bid to purchase concealed weapon detectors and has been awarded a $50,000 grant to enhance the security of school entrances.

The concealed weapon detectors are part of a broader initiative to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. These advanced detectors will help identify potential threats and prevent dangerous items from entering school premises. "Our priority is to create a safe and secure environment for everyone in our schools," said Matthew Sisk, Director of Safety & Technology. "The addition of these detectors will be a crucial component in our comprehensive safety plan."

In addition to the weapon detectors, the $50,000 grant will be used to improve the design and functionality of school entrances. Improvements will be made Buckhannon-Upshur High School and Union Elementary School with the additional funds being used for the completion of the entrance project at Rock Cave Elementary. These upgrades aim to make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to school buildings, thereby increasing overall security.

The district's commitment to safety is evident in its proactive approach to addressing potential threats. By investing in these technologies and infrastructure improvements, Upshur County Schools is working to create a safer learning environment for all students.

"We are grateful for the grant and the opportunity to implement these important safety measures," Sisk added. "Our goal is to ensure that our schools are places where students can focus on learning without worrying about their safety."

As these initiatives are implemented, Upshur County Schools will continue to monitor and assess their effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to maintain a high standard of safety and security.

Transparency and Fiscal Prudence in Upshur County Schools' Personnel Season

As personnel season approaches, Upshur County Schools is preparing to make crucial staffing decisions for the upcoming year. This period involves evaluating staffing needs, reviewing performance, and making fiscally responsible choices while adhering to established personnel rules.

"Personnel season is always a challenging time," said Superintendent Christine Miller. "We need to carefully consider our budget while ensuring we have the right staff to support our students and achieve our educational goals."

The district relies on data-driven decision-making to balance financial constraints with staffing needs. By analyzing performance data and other key metrics, administrators can make informed choices about staffing and resource allocation.

Upshur County Schools remains committed to maintaining open communication with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the decision-making process.

Enrollment Webpage Update

Upshur County Schools is excited to announce improvements to its K-12 enrollment webpage, aimed at making the process of enrolling a student more user-friendly and efficient. These enhancements are part of the district's ongoing efforts to streamline administrative processes and provide better service to families.

The updated enrollment webpage features a more intuitive design, with clear instructions and easy-to-navigate sections. Parents and guardians can now complete the enrollment process online with greater ease, thanks to simplified forms and step-by-step guidance. "We wanted to make sure that enrolling a student is as straightforward as possible," said Matthew Sisk, Director of Safety & Technology. "Our goal was to reduce the time and effort required for families to get their children enrolled in school."

Attendance Committee Meeting

The Upshur County Schools Attendance Committee held its monthly meeting to discuss strategies for improving student attendance. The meeting brought together counselors, principals, CIS (Community in Schools) coordinators, and directors in a small group setting to review attendance data and develop action plans.

The committee focused on identifying students who are close to becoming chronically absent and discussed ways to keep them engaged and attending regularly.

One of the key strategies discussed was the use of attendance magnets, which are designed to encourage and motivate students to attend school consistently. The committee also shared helpful resources and best practices for supporting students and families.

"We believe that by working together and sharing resources, we can make a significant impact on student attendance," said Mrs. Kasey Baisden. "It's about creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to come to school."

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring attendance data and implementing targeted interventions to support students at risk of chronic absenteeism. The committee will reconvene next month to review progress and adjust strategies as needed.

2025-2026 Vendor Documents Sent Out by Treasurer to Central Office

Sarah Wills, Treasurer of Upshur County Schools, has distributed a list of vendors and anticipated purchases for the 2025-2026 school year to all central office administrators. This document aims to facilitate better planning and budgeting across departments.

"We believe that transparency and early preparation are key to effective financial management," said Wills. Administrators appreciate the timely distribution, which allows them to align budgets and make informed decisions.

This initiative is part of the Treasurer's office's broader effort to enhance financial transparency and accountability within the district.

Buckhannnon-Upshur High School Students attending mastery preperations for the SAT.

Accomplished

Enhanced test preparation
Confidence building
Focused study
Time management skills
Supportive enviroment
Testing strategies for success

Master Prep Bootcamp Prepares Buckhannon-Upshur Students for SAT Success

From March 4-6, Buckhannon-Upshur High School juniors participated in an intensive SAT Bootcamp presented by the SAT training program, Master Prep, at West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC). This three-day event was designed to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to excel on the upcoming SAT School Day on April 16.

During the bootcamp, students received valuable tips and support from experienced instructors. The program covered a range of topics, including test-taking strategies, time management, and subject-specific review sessions. The goal was to help students build confidence and improve their performance on the SAT.

"The bootcamp was incredibly helpful," said one junior. "I feel much more prepared and confident about taking the SAT next month."

The SAT Bootcamp is part of Buckhannon-Upshur High School's ongoing efforts to support students in their academic pursuits and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed. By partnering with Master Prep, the school aims to provide high-quality preparation opportunities for all students.

As the April 16 SAT School Day approaches, Buckhannon-Upshur High School juniors are now better equipped to tackle the exam and achieve their best possible scores.

WV Education in the News

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.