Marion County Schools is proud to present the Class of 2020 in a streamed graduation video that can be viewed at the following links on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.:
 
North Marion High School: https://www.facebook.com/nmhshuskies
East Fairmont High School: https://www.facebook.com/efhsbees/
Fairmont Senior High School: https://www.facebook.com/FSHSBears/
 
The videos will also be available on-demand on each school's Facebook page after the virtual graduation airs at 7:00 P.M. May 22, 2020.
 
Look for Senior Signs honoring our graduates this weekend on the campuses of Fairmont Senior High and North Marion High Schools!  Signs for East Fairmont High will be on the Gateway Connector.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
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Marion County Schools has confirmed a change for meal service as of today.  On Friday, May 1st the Marion County Office of Child Nutrition was made aware of an instate meal opportunity to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The proof of concept was implemented on May 5th in one other county with great success.  Starting on Wednesday, May 20th, Marion County Schools will be delivering student meals purchased from Multitude Foods, a West Virginia company.  We appreciate the input and support from our community and hope volunteers continue to help with the delivery in the future.
 
We are also excited to announce a summer partnership with Marion County Parks and Recreation (MCPARC), to provide for the distribution of the meals as we transition to the summer program.  Starting on Wednesday, June 3rd through Wednesday, August 12th, MCPARC will distribute the meals for Marion County Schools.  Thank you to Mr. Tony Michalski and the MCPARC employees for assisting us with this partnership.  An update will come on this later naming distribution sites and times for pick-up for the summer meal service.
 
The plans for celebrating our seniors are coming along.  We have had a nice response so far, to the donations for senior signs.  We have reached 75% of our goal.  We just need a little more help.  Thank you to those who have already donated.  The graduation videos are nearing completion and should be available by our original graduation date of May 22.
 
We are encouraging students to continue with remote learning provided by their teachers.  We hope they are also reading for fun, enjoying learning games, helping with chores, getting some fresh air and taking every opportunity to learn from all of their experiences. 
 
Schools are making the arrangements to complete the normal tasks for ending the school year.  Students and parents are or will be receiving messaging from their schools, to alert them to their part in necessary tasks for ending the school year.
 
Be well, stay safe.
 
Superintendent Farley   

Each year we celebrate with many activities and events at the end of the school year.  This year is different under the circumstances, to make them a reality.  We have heard from students and the community through various types of messaging that the majority still want a delayed in-person graduation.  It is our hope and goal to make that happen.
 
Principals, student government groups, and central administration have worked together to move forward with plans for graduation.  To date we have planned a graduation video and delayed in-person ceremonies.
 
East Fairmont High School
June 27, 7:00 PM at East-West Stadium
Rain Date:  June 29, 7:00 PM at East-West Stadium

Fairmont Senior High School
June 26, 7:00 PM at East-West Stadium
Rain Date:  June 28, 7:00 PM at East-West Stadium

North Marion High School
​June 26, 7:00 PM on Roy Michael Field at Woodcutters’ Stadium
Rain Date:  June 27, 7:00 PM on Roy Michael Field at Woodcutters’ Stadium
 
Every date that is announced must meet the following conditions before it can occur:

1. Governor Justice will have to have lifted the “stay at home” directive.
2. The most recent guidance of the Marion County Health Department and CDC must be maintained for each event as planned.

 
Please remember to participate in the WVSSAC’s May 1st event for the Class of 2020!   https://www.wvssac.org

Please await further information to be released with other details, as we continue to plan for celebrating the Class of 2020.

Be well, stay safe.
Superintendent Farley

This week we are back from Spring Break.  We hope everyone was able to create a little extra fun and family activity at home during Spring Break to make it as enjoyable as you could under the circumstances.
 
Governor Justice made an announcement yesterday that school buildings and facilities will remain closed through the remainder of the school year.  It was very evident that decision was not easy for him, or anyone else involved in making that decision.  His decision, made with the advisement of professionals in the medical community, was made with the reasoning of protection and safety.  We are all asked to continue with care and concern for each other, social distancing, and healthy habits.
 
Marion County Schools will continue remote learning, student engagement and meal distribution.  We will work with the Graduation Taskforce that was organized to get ideas and information on opportunities to plan for our own celebrations for seniors.  So far, most of those who have contacted me have asked to still have an in-person graduation.  We are reaching out to stakeholders to gather ideas for our high schools to consider in making final plans. 
 
We ask for your patience and input to help us provide something special for our seniors to celebrate the very important milestone of high school graduation.  High schools have been working to assist students with their individual plans to make the smooth transition, in moving towards the next phase of their life.  Watch for requests to participate in providing your input that may come through various methods of communication.  
 
We are blessed with amazing Marion Countians who continue to make sure children are served. 
 
Be well, stay safe.
 
Superintendent Farley   

The Superintendent and Central Office Staff would like to wish All of Marion County Happy Easter! 
 
Reminders:
 
Spring Break will be observed Friday, April 10th – Sunday, April 19th – No instruction or meal delivery. 
 
Since meal delivery from the school system is not happening during Spring Break, we have reached out to United Way to help us with what is available in the community.  Please visit to see where assistance with food is available for families in Marion County.  https://www.marionboe.com/uploads/1/1/8/0/118033202/marion_county_food_availability.pdf
 
An updated version of Marion County Schools Framework for the COVID-19 Emergency is posted at https://www.marionboe.com/uploads/1/1/8/0/118033202/mcboe_remote_learning.pdf.
 
As we continue our efforts to navigate through this difficult time when there is potential for an increase in the pandemic, we need to support one another by modeling a calm and thoughtful response.  Staying at home and practicing social distancing, if we must go out, is continuing for a little while longer.  It is difficult for many families not being able to gather, as they normally would.  Relax during Spring Break and enjoy time with those in your home.
 
Thank you for supporting the school system and the efforts to help our students through this period.  We are blessed with amazing volunteers and community organizations who are also working to make sure children are served. 
 
Be well, stay safe.
 
Superintendent Farley   

The Superintendent and Central Office Staff would like to extend a HUGE pat on the back to all of our employees, parents and community members for their part in keeping the school system in service to our students.  The abrupt transition to remote learning has not been easy for anyone.  We are all learners trying to find our way to encourage each other to get through this emergency. As hard as it is to continue social distancing over an extended period of time, we must all persevere to keep each other safe.

Marion County Schools has been working diligently to keep the main priorities of showing compassion and care, meals for our students and the continuity of instruction in focus. We have tried to keep the lines of communication open through various means.  Our staff is coming up with a variety of creative ways to keep contact for addressing the priorities as best we can.  Newer methods of communication to help us with social distancing is a blessing.

Collaborating with different levels of government (federal, state, county) and various agencies (WVDE, DHHR, CDC and Marion County Health Department) we are doing our best to follow health and safety guidelines to keep our students, families and community safe, while in turn, doing the same for our employees.

We will communicate change as we continue to move forward.  We apologize that there is so much change so often.  We are all learning new information daily, which is prompting the changes we make. 

The main portals for communication are:  www.marionboe.com, LiveGrades, E-mail, and Phone.
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Be well, stay safe.
Superintendent Farley