Wetzel County Schools

This February, we celebrate Black History Month under the 2026 theme, “Legacy in Motion: A Century of Black History.”

As we mark 100 years of Black History Month, we honor the voices, stories, achievements, and lasting impact of Black history and culture that continue to shape our communities and our nation.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy, recognize the present, and look ahead to the future.

On February 10th the Wetzel County Board of Education voted to put the renewal of the excess levy on the ballot in May. The Excess Levy is a five-year, 100% levy that will not further increase the existing tax rates for Wetzel County citizens. This levy has been passed by voters since the early 1950s, and provides programs and services for students and benefits for employees. Have a question about the levy? Ask it here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S7AZ4AwzekaLrgn7FzdNaiXOvM6PgPVCkktxcv9-sY9UQk9LOVZPRko3NUxSQ1RMQkM1V0dRVjc0VC4u

📅 February Calendar Updates

Please note the following calendar changes for the month of February:

Thank you for helping us spread the word and plan ahead!

Last week, the students who are studying Spanish at Short Line School and Valley had a cooking class in which they learned how to make one of the most traditional dishes of Spanish cuisine: tortilla de patatas. While they were cooking, students reviewed vocabulary related to items found in the kitchen and the verb structure of the first person plural in Spanish, which is used to describe recipes. At the end, the students who wanted to were able to take their tortilla home.

📣 Virtual Resource Fair – Free & Online!

The WV Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children (WVACEEC) is hosting its 3rd Annual Virtual Resource Fair on
📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Wrapped in Support:
Providing families and educators information to support children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Join our expert panel to learn more about wraparound services that support both children and the adults who care for them.

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.
Registered participants will receive the Zoom link after signing up.

Together, we can wrap our students in support 💙

This month’s issue focuses on the power of connection, how simple moments of presence, kindness, and listening can strengthen your child’s confidence and help them build lasting friendships.

Please take note of the following schedule changes for February: Thank you for your continued support, and please help us spread the word! 📣❄️

Jessica Mace is the school counselor for Valley High School. Mrs. Mace has been the counselor at Valley for the past eight years, and has 14 total years experience as a school counselor. Prior to that, Mrs. Mace worked for Youth Villages in Tennessee as an in-home counselor and mentor liaison partnering mentors with children in foster care or at-risk of entering foster care. Mrs. Mace says that her favorite part of her job is the kids. She loves getting to know them, building relationships with them and their families, and being a fierce supporter for them during their time at Valley and after. Mrs. Mace is a firm believer that being a school counselor is her calling in life and loves what she does. In her free time, you'll find Mrs. Mace reading, attending the various activities her children participate in, and watching medical dramas. 

Beverly VanScyoc is loving life as the counselor at Hundred Heritage School! After years of working with high school students, Mrs. VanScyoc was apprehensive about accepting a position on the elementary-middle level but has discovered the joys of lots of hugs and excited faces!

Mrs. VanScyoc feels the dedicated faculty and staff at HHS have helped make this transition year smooth and seamless! She is forever grateful for the warm welcome and level of compassion displayed daily. She had been heard exclaiming (a time or 12) "this is the BEST job I've ever had!!

📚🌍 World Read Aloud Day 2026 🌍📚 World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), celebrated each year on the first Wednesday of February, encourages people around the world to share stories and promote literacy as a fundamental human right. Superintendent Porter joined in the celebration by reading aloud to students at Paden City Elementary and New Martinsville schools. The smiles, laughter, and love for books made it a truly special day! She also challenges all students to read every day — because every story opens the door to learning, imagination, and success. Let’s keep the love of reading growing in Wetzel County! 📖✨

🎉📚 Congratulations to our amazing students from New Martinsville School who advanced to the County Social Studies Fair! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication! 👏 Way to go: • Kyle Mason • Rowen Blacker • Laura Mason • Jacob Shepherd • Bowe Goddard • Harper Carney • Dillon Utt • Kenslie Staley Best of luck at the county level

Friendly reminder.

Mr. Bennett has been counseling students at Paden City Elementary for the past 7 years. His favorite part about PCE is the strong sense of community and how tight-knit everyone is. We’re grateful for the support and care he brings to our students each day!💚🤍

Our students have been working hard on their snow packets and taking time to enjoy the snow with friends! We love seeing all the learning and fun happening at home. Please remember to continue working on snow packets. Parents, if you have any questions or need anything — whether it’s clothes, food, or support — don’t hesitate to reach out to us through Facebook Messenger. We’re here to help! Stay safe and warm! ☃️

Please be safe this morning and make sure to dress warmly as you head out. 🧊 ❄️

Today, MHS hosted a wrestling meet against St. Mary’s. Students had the opportunity to attend and show their support for their fellow classmates. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

🐾 Introducing the Thirsty Pup Trailer! 🐾 The Thirsty Pup trailer was proudly assembled through the collaborative efforts of Mr. Rush, Mr. Kimble, and Mr. Cardelein. All graphics were designed and produced in-house. Our electrical students completed much of the wiring, with additional work provided by our skilled welding students. Funding for the trailer was made possible through a generous donation from Hope Gas, support from the Rachael Ray Foundation grant, and funds raised through student-run catered events. We also extend our gratitude to Mensores Distributing for donating the beverage equipment. The trailer will be opening soon in front of the Tech Center and will be operated by students in our Culinary program. Stay tuned for opening details! 🐶🥤

Students at NMS had so many exciting activities going on today! From the science activity “Crazy Traits,” a fun review of genetics in preparation for the Mutant Plant Project—the culminating project for first-semester concepts—to first graders learning about the food pyramid and third graders working hard on math. And of course, students were extra excited for Salisbury steak day! 🍽️📚🌱

Our next Grand Families Lunch will be held on Wednesday, February 18, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Wetzel County Technical Education Center.

Please RSVP by calling 304-455-2441, ext. 123.

We look forward to sharing a meal and spending time together!

Pre-K and Kindergarten registration will begin next week!
Please see the flyer below for important information. Families may call their local school or scan the QR code. If you choose to scan the QR code, please note it will not be active until Monday.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local school’s enrollment secretary.

Have a wonderful evening and stay warm! ❄️