Upshur County Schools Newsletter

Week in Review 03/21/2025

Be Present. Be Prepared. Be Excellent.

School Audits by Central Office Administration Continue

As part of a regular practice the Upshur County Board of Education Central Office conducts yearly audits on each school. Two weeks ago on 03/06/2025 the Audit was completed on BUMS, last week on 03/13/2025 the audit was completed on Tennerton Elementary, and 03/20/2025 the audit was completed on BUHS.

Improved Climate and Culture

The recent central office audit of our middle school and high school has brought to light several positive changes compared to last year's findings. One of the key themes highlighted in the audit is the significant improvement in the overall climate and culture within our schools. This progress is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and community members who have collectively fostered a more supportive and inclusive environment.

Areas for Improvement

While the audit has recognized these advancements, it also underscores the need for continued focus on teaching and learning. There is still room for improvement in these areas to ensure that our students receive the highest quality education possible. The audit suggests that academic excellence must remain our primary focus moving forward.

Next Steps

To address these findings, we will be implementing targeted strategies aimed at enhancing instructional practices and student engagement. Professional development opportunities for teachers, curriculum enhancements, and increased support for students are among the initiatives planned to drive academic success.

Superintendent Insights

Upshur County Superintendent, who participated in the audit, shared her thoughts on the audit findings: "The progress in climate and culture is commendable. It's clear that the school community has made significant strides in creating a positive and inclusive environment. However, it's crucial that we now turn our attention to enhancing teaching and learning practices. Academic excellence should be at the forefront of our efforts to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed."

BUHS Practicing in a science lab experiment,

WVDE Coordinator Engages Upshur County PreK Teachers in Language and Literacy Development

Amber Myers, PK-12 Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education, recently visited Upshur County to deliver an insightful presentation to PreK teachers focused on fostering language and literacy development. During the session, teachers were challenged to brainstorm their pre-existing knowledge about spiders, stimulating critical thinking and curiosity. Following this activity, they enhanced their understanding by using books to add new facts, demonstrating an effective approach to integrating literature into learning.

Ms. Myers encouraged the teachers to apply this process with their own students, emphasizing the importance of building on existing knowledge and continuously seeking new information. This approach aims to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that supports language and literacy development. The presentation was well-received, leaving teachers inspired and equipped with practical strategies to implement in their classrooms.

Image of pre-k teachers showing work completed during their training.
Learning starts in Pre-K and continues for all of our lives.
i-Ready Logo

What is iReady?

  • Diagnostic Tool: i-Ready provides a diagnostic assessment that identifies students' strengths and areas for growth in reading and mathematics.

  • Personalized Instruction: Based on diagnostic results, i-Ready offers personalized online lessons tailored to each student's needs.

  • Grades K-8 Focus: The program is designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

  • Data-Driven Insights: i-Ready delivers detailed reports and insights to help educators make informed instructional decisions.

  • Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS): i-Ready supports MTSS by providing data and resources to address the needs of all students.

Upshur County Leaders Attend iReady Learning Symposium

On March 17 and 18, Superintendent Christy Miller, Director Jody Johnson, and Director Tristen Gray attended the iReady Learning Symposium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event provided a valuable opportunity for our leaders to engage in sessions focused on enhancing various educational strategies and practices.

During the symposium, they explored a range of topics, including the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), the Science of Reading, improving middle school supports, and operating effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC). These sessions offered insights and practical approaches to improve educational outcomes in our schools.

The knowledge and strategies gained from the symposium will be shared with administrators at the upcoming Principal Meeting, ensuring that these valuable insights are disseminated throughout the county. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the educational experience for all students in Upshur County.

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.

Upshur County (West Virginia) BOE discusses future of school facilities amid declining enrollment

West Virginia Board of Education declares intervention for Mingo County Schools

Greenbrier County Schools purchasing new central office building in Fairlea

West Virginia delegates debate education bills

Elementary principals of Upshur County Schools learning about creating academic schedules in elementary schools

WVDE Representative Visits Upshur County for Schedule Training

On March 11th, Upshur County had the pleasure of welcoming Anthony Gill, a representative from the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Mr. Gill visited our schools to provide valuable training and assistance to principals and coordinators in the intricate process of building school schedules for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.

During his visit, Mr. Gill shared his expertise and insights, helping our school leaders navigate the complexities of scheduling to ensure that all students have access to a well-rounded and effective educational experience. His guidance was instrumental in addressing various scheduling challenges and optimizing the allocation of resources and time.