Marion County Schools

Marion County Schools to Conduct Community Survey: As part of an ongoing community-engagement and strategic planning initiative that began during the 2025–2026 school year, Marion County Schools will begin conducting a districtwide survey of community members next week. The survey, planned in partnership with an independent research firm beginning in May 2026, is designed to provide the district with meaningful feedback about its strengths, challenges, priorities, and opportunities for continued growth. “This survey gives us an important opportunity to hear directly from a broad cross-section of the people we serve,” said Dr. Donna Heston, Superintendent of Marion County Schools. “We want to understand what our stakeholders believe we are doing well, where they see opportunities for improvement, and what they believe should be priorities for Marion County Schools moving forward.” The survey was designed by ExcellenceK12, a Kansas City-based market research firm experienced in working with public school districts. Telephone interviews will be conducted by Market Research Associates using professional researchers. Participants will be selected at random from throughout Marion County, allowing the district to hear from residents representing different communities, age groups, backgrounds, and lengths of residency. Individual responses will remain confidential. Calls will be placed between 7 and 9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Caller ID may display “Market Research Associates” or an 816 or 913 area code because the company utilizes calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas. The survey process is expected to take approximately two weeks. “Meaningful planning begins with listening. We encourage anyone who receives a call to participate and provide candid feedback. That input will help us continue building on our successes, addressing areas where we can improve, and making thoughtful decisions about the future of Marion County Schools.”

Marion County Schools Juniors and Seniors: The West Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the selection period for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has officially launched. Qualified juniors and seniors are encouraged to explore our website for all the requirements and submit the pre-qualifying questionnaire. The deadline for the questionnaire is Friday, September 18th. 104 students, two from each state, the District of Columbia, and two students attending military-connected high schools overseas, will be chosen as delegates for the week-long education, leadership, and public service program. The program is designed to deepen their understanding of the political process and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service, through meetings with their U.S. Senators, the President, Cabinet Secretaries, a Justice of the Supreme Court, senior members of the national media and other key policymakers. Each delegate will also receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship given in the name of the United States Senate, with encouragement to pursue studies in history, government, and public affairs.

Families may access their child's Schedule, Attendance, Behavior, Report Cards, Transcripts, Graduation Progress, PEP Plan (Grades 8-12) again this year through the WVEIS Parent Portal. This platform is operated by the West Virginia Department of Education and made available to families throughout the state. Access the Portal: Visit: https://marion.sis.k12.ww.us/apps/ptl/ptl100/sso.shtml What You Can See: Schedule, Attendance, Behavior, Report Cards, Transcripts, Graduation Progress, PEP Plan (Grades 8-12) Registration Steps: 1. Click 'Request Parent Access' on the portal page. 2. Use the same email on file with your child's school. 3. Follow the email instructions to create your password. Important for Employees: Do not use your K12 email address. Use a personal email to register. Requirements to Register: - You must be listed as a guardian in WEIS. - Your email must match the school's record. - Online access must be enabled in WVEIS. Need Help? Forgot your password? Click 'Request Parent Access' to reset it. Changed your email? Update it with your child's school and re-register. Still need help? Contact your child's school directly.

Congratulations to North Marion's own Hannelore Devine, who will represent student voices all across the state. State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt announced the selection of the inaugural Super STARS (Students Taking Action for Readiness and Success) Council, comprised of 15 students in Grades 6-12. This new statewide student advisory group is designed to elevate student voice among education leaders and strengthen engagement in public education across West Virginia. Visit the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) website to learn more about the Super STARS Council and meet its members.

Congratulations to Pleasant Valley (#11) and White Hall (#18) for being ranked in the list of WV's Best Elementary Schools. School rankings are based on WV Assessment Mathematics, WV Assessment English Language Arts, WV Assessment Science test scores released by the West Virginia Department of Education as updated on August 12, 2026. See: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/WV/schoolrank.aspx?utm_source=schooldigger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reminder1&token=0d198767f767a8e4940e9439aa7f16983161c16df51775cd0a525f5bc1df3885

Congratulations to Barrackville Middle School (#9) for being ranked in the list of WV's Best Middle Schools. School rankings are based on WV Assessment Mathematics, WV Assessment English Language Arts, WV Assessment Science test scores released by the West Virginia Department of Education as updated on August 12, 2026. See: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/WV/schoolrank.aspx?utm_source=schooldigger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reminder1&level=2&token=0d198767f767a8e4940e9439aa7f16983161c16df51775cd0a525f5bc1df3885

THIS JUST IN: Congratulations to East Fairmont High School (#10) and Fairmont Senior High School (#11) for being ranked in the list of WV's Best High Schools. School rankings are based on WV Assessment Mathematics, WV Assessment English Language Arts, WV Assessment Science test scores released by the West Virginia Department of Education as updated on August 12, 2026. See: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/WV/schoolrank.aspx?utm_source=schooldigger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reminder1&level=3&token=0d198767f767a8e4940e9439aa7f16983161c16df51775cd0a525f5bc1df3885

Exciting Changes Coming to Marion County's Gifted Program! Beginning this school year, Marion County Schools is transitioning to a county-wide gifted education program designed to provide students with even more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow with gifted peers from across the district. Students will participate in engaging, project-based learning experiences focused on real-world problem solving. The program will meet two days each month throughout the school year, and families will receive schedules and calendars in advance. Transportation will be provided to and from the designated program site, and lunch will be available during the program day. We are excited about the enriched learning experiences this new model will offer our gifted students and look forward to seeing them explore, create, and collaborate in new ways! If you have questions, please contact your child's case manager. Informational packets are being mailed to each family.https://wvk12-my.sharepoint.com/personal/chare_k12_wv_us/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc={8D71514B-EA76-4FB1-B20B-50E1CA3A624E}&file=Gifted Changes - Parent Letter 8.14.26.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true #MarionCountySchools #GiftedEducation #StudentSuccess #LearningBeyondTheClassroom

Celebrating a teacher's passion for growth in STEM and reflecting on ways to engage elementary teachers, just like her, across Marion County Schools to become STEM Pioneers, East Dale Teacher Rachel Kellar presented her Potential Growth Plan for 2026-27 this morning to district leaders. Kellar was selected from applicants across the nation to attend the National STEM Corps this summer in New Jersey. Her proposed plan interweaves literacy with STEM and professional development for grades K-3.

Congratulations to 2026 WV Educator of the Year Heather Yoho, who is a math teacher at Mannington Middle School. A National Board Certified Teacher and a PDS Coordinator for Fairmont State University, Yoho has fueled real world connections to math, STEAM, closing gaps in student achievement, and professional development and mentorship of those in the teaching profession.

YCF has several education-focused grant programs currently accepting applications. ⭐️Educator Mini-Grants (up to $750): This application is open to traditional public school educators at all grade levels and in all subject areas. Funds may be used for special projects, materials, or classroom resources not covered by school/central office resources or other means. ⭐️Stephen D. Tanner Children Enrichment Fund grants (up to $2,500): While the opportunity is open to all elementary schools in our region, preference is given to Title I schools. ⭐️STEM for Girls Fund grants (up to $4,000): Supporting projects to promote science, technology, engineering and math activities and opportunities for girls in North Central West Virginia, encouraging girls to pursue S.T.E.M. fields. Preference will be given to Title I schools. Grant applications for all programs are due by September 21, with awards distributed in November. Information about all of our grant opportunities may be found at https://ycfwv.org/grant-opportunities/

Welcoming over 30 new employees to the team of "ordinary people who do the EXTRAordinary" every day in Marion County Schools today at the New Employee Onboarding today, hosted at West Fairmont Middle School.

MCS Families: Students entering 7th & 12th grades for 2025-26 are required to have the Tdap & meningitis vaccines to return on the first day of school, August 26, 2026, or to participate in summer practices/activities. Students may not attend school without proper verification of vaccines. Pre-K, K, 2nd, 7th, and 12th grades are required to show proof of Health and Dental exams. You can find this form at https://5il.co/23oan. Please send documents to your child's school as soon as possible. ALSO, state law requires that any student who has Emergency Medications ordered must have the medication administration form AND the medication available at school or the student may not attend school.

WVU announces Youth Sports and Spirit Day on September 5, 2026: The 5th Annual Day with the Spirit Squads on September 5th vs. Coastal Carolina (Kickoff: 12:00pm). Meet the WVU Cheerleaders and Dance Team on game day, take photos with members of the squads, and enjoy the exciting opportunity to join the WVU Spirit Teams on the field during the 3rd timeout to help lead Mountaineer Field in a spirited "Let's Go Mountaineers!" chant in front of thousands of fans! FEVO Link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/F26WVUSPIRITDAY Promo Code: WVUFootball2026 What You Get: ✔️ Discounted tickets starting at just $35 ✔️ Group seating with fellow Spirit Squad families ✔️ Exclusive pre-game activities with the WVU Cheerleaders & Dance Team ✔️ A Flying WV face sticker, "Let's Go Mountaineers" wristband, and pom pom ✔️ The chance to learn iconic WVU traditions straight from the Spirit Squads — including the famous chant, sideline dances, and crowd-engagement cheers used throughout the game 🌟 COMING BACK THIS YEAR: The first 100 kids to sign up will join the Spirit Squads on the field for the 3rd-timeout chant! - Please note, all kids will be wrist banded and parents are not allowed down to the field. Wear your favorite blue and gold WVU-themed outfit and get ready for a day full of Mountaineer spirit! From meeting their favorite spirit team members to stepping onto the field at a WVU football game, this is an unforgettable experience — the perfect way for future Mountaineers to create lifelong memories and feel part of the WVU family. Spots are limited — grab your tickets today and let's go Mountaineers! Pre-game activities start with the Mountaineer Mantrip 2 hours, 20 minutes before kickoff, then lead right into activities in the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility. Please note: if you are late, you will not qualify for on-field participation. Full event details and schedule will be sent to all ticket purchasers prior to game day. TO PURCHASE TICKETS: 1.) Click GET TICKETS 2.) Choose your section, row, and seat locations 3.) Hit REVIEW ORDER & CONTINUE TO PAYMENT 4.) Enter information and check out Please note per WVU policy: "All Sales are Final. No refunds, returns, or exchanges."

As we anxiously return to the opening of the 2026-2027 school year in Marion County Schools, we know that many families are anxious to utilize the West Virginia Department of Education Parent Portal. The portal was created by WVDE last year to assist families in tracking their child's progress, schedule, and attendance. The WVDE informed Marion County Schools its Parent Portal will open on August 12, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year. We appreciate your patience as this date is set by the WVDE. The first day of classes for Marion County students, Grades 1-12, is August 26, 2026.

Are We Draining Public Schools Hope? The counties leading Hope Scholarship participation this year are Berkeley (3,193), Kanawha (2,543), Jefferson (1,484), Monongalia (1,370), Cabell (1,333), Raleigh (1,267), Wood (1,254), Ohio (1,047), Harrison (1,038), and Putnam (880). These 10 counties account for more than half, 58 percent, of applications. Since the Hope Scholarship was established, the counties that have seen the most growth are Tucker, Braxton, Grant, Gilmer, Clay, Randolph, Hampshire, Barbour, and Hardy. The 10 zip codes leading Hope Scholarship participation this year are located in Wheeling, Morgantown, Martinsburg, Fairmont, Charles Town, Beckley, Hedgesville, Clarksburg, and Hurricane. These zip codes alone account for almost one quarter, 24 percent, of all applicants for the current year. The median household income in these zip codes ranges from just under $50,000 to $105,000; in contrast, the median household income in the state is just $60,798. Seven of 10 of these zip codes exceed this amount. Considering the significant gap between voucher funding and private school tuition, these families in many cases are providing thousands of dollars out of pocket to bridge this gap, as well as cover other fees assessed at non-public schools like meals, transportation, special education services, uniforms, supplies, and equipment. To protect public schools and ensure responsible and fair use of public funds, lawmakers must take action to rein in the Hope Scholarship. These constraints should include: Cost and enrollment caps; Income limits for participants; Location and accreditation requirements for schools; and Comprehensive public reporting. Every dollar that goes to the Hope Scholarship voucher program is a dollar that doesn’t go to public schools. With increased public school closures and consolidations, significant funding gaps for special education and student support services, and continued layoffs of public school employees, there is a clear need for more investment in our public schools. Source: https://wvpolicy.org/five-years-of-the-hope-scholarship-lessons-learned-and-insights-for-lawmakers/

Define your "non-negotiables": Putting art into action in the pathway of making the ordinary into EXTRAordinary to make history. Our leaders choose to serve with purpose and reflection in Marion County Schools at Day 2 of the Principals Academy.

Difference between "ordinary" and "EXTRAordinary" in history-making leaders? Way to coach us up in the difference between an apron and a bib, the power of the process, your boots on the ground perspective, and a touch of the "tree of Coach Saban" in leadership today in Marion County Schools, Willie Spears! We are taking ordinary people who did extraordinary things to make history by CHOOSING to lead in Marion County Schools.

Turning the ordinary into extraordinary, Marion County Schools middle school principals engaged with keynote speaker Mark Bowe and his team of West Virginia craftsmen on Barnwood Builders, who focus on Appalachian craftsmanship as they salvage, repurpose, preserve, and build new, modern homes and structures on the DIY Network and Magnolia Network. The presentation is sponsored by Education Alliance to support work ethic and educational pathways in CTE for students.

According to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, "...West Virginia allocates a smaller share toward administration than all neighboring states and the national average. The largest share of West Virginia's public school budget, nearly 60 percent, is dedicated to instruction." West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy: School voucher supporters have criticized West Virginia for dedicating too much of its public education dollars toward administration. But the reality is that West Virginia allocates a smaller share toward administration than all neighboring states and the national average. The largest share of West Virginia's public school budget, nearly 60 percent, is dedicated to instruction. This covers essential costs to educate more than 200,000 students across the state such as teacher and instructional aide salaries, textbooks, and supplies. In comparison, we spend less than 7 percent of total public school dollars on administration.