KCS families, here’s some calendar news!

Kanawha County Schools has been granted a waiver by the West Virginia Department of Education for the 180-day instructional requirement.
❄️ Snow days that happened between:

August 15th, 2025 - March 16th, 2026 will NOT need to be made up this school year.

🗓️ That means, as of today (3/16), the last day of school will remain Friday, May 29.

If the district experiences another full districtwide closure between now and the end of the school year, the calendar could change. If that happens, we will share an update with families.

1 day ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS has been granted a wavier from the WVDE for the 180 day instructional requirement. As of March 16th, no snow days will need to be made up and the last day of school for this year is May 29th, 2026.

📱 Weekly Update – March 15

🌸 Welcome Back!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break and enjoyed time with family and friends. We are excited to welcome our Buffaloes back for a great week at Central!

🏆 Attendance Challenge Winner
Congratulations to 2nd grade for winning the Attendance Challenge with an amazing 97% attendance rate! Way to show up, Buffaloes! 👏

🎳 Bowling Reward Trips This Week
This week we will celebrate students who earned the First Nine Weeks Attendance Incentive with our Bowling Reward trips.Students in grades 3–5 will attend Wednesday and K–2 will attend Thursday.

🍿 Buffalo Excellence Reward
The Third Nine Weeks Buffalo Excellence Award will be a Popcorn, Sno-Cone, and Movie Reward! Students who meet the attendance and behavior goals will be invited to participate in this fun celebration.

🎶 All County Chorus Concert
This Thursday is the All-County Chorus Concert at 7:00 p.m. We are proud of our Central students who will be representing our school!

🦬 Spirit Day Reminder
Don’t forget - every Friday is Spirit Day! Wear your Buffalo gear or school colors and show your Central pride.

Charge those iPads, Buffaloes, and I’ll see you before the tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m.
Have a great rest of your evening, because every day is a great day to be a Buffalo. 💚🦬

2 days ago, Whitney Canada
Final Side Quest 🎯

Think back on your week.

What did you try?
What did you enjoy?
What surprised you?

Today’s secret word is CHANGE.

Now put all five words together.

Comment the full sentence to unlock ...The Final Step!
4 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
student holding his hand up to show off a lanyard he received. Behind him, another student is showing off her lanyard to a friend that is not in the picture.
Side Quest #4 🎨

Create something from nothing.

✍️ Draw
🧑‍🎨 Paint
🧑‍🍳 Cook
💭 or anything else you can dream up!

Secret Word: Big
#KCSSideQuest
5 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
Student sitting at an art table. He is painting a white sheet of paper that is sitting in front of him. He is dipping his sponge brush into paint that has been squirted on to a paper plate.
Side Quest #3 🤝

Send a message of appreciation to someone who has made a difference in your life.

📝 Write a letter
📱 Send a text
☎️ Call

Secret Word: Make
#KCSSideQuest
6 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
student sitting at his desk with his hands together looking at the camera.
Side Quest #2 💥

⛹️‍♀️ Move for 20 minutes.
🛝 Anywhere.
🛹 Anytime.

Secret Word: Steps

#KCSSideQuest

7 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
A young student is clapping his hands. He is wearing a gold medal around his neck. The medal has the number 1 on it. Behind him adults are clapping and other students are wearing medals.
Side Quest #1 ✅

Try something new today.
Doesn't have to be big.
Just different.

🤫 Secret Word: Small

#KCSSideQuest
8 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
student yelling in celebration after learning what house he will be in for the school's reward system. In the background, the school principal has her hands up in celebration as well.
☀️ Quick Spring Break challenge.

Spring Break is here.

Which means two things:

⏰ No alarms.

💨 🐢 Time somehow moves both fast and slow at the same time.

So instead of letting the week just… disappear… we’re trying something simple.

Not homework.
Not a packet.
Not a 47-step challenge.

Just five small Side Quests.

One per day.
Quick. Doable. Anywhere.

Elementary, middle, high...everyone can play.

Each weekday we’ll post:
🔵 One Side Quest
🔵 One secret word
🔵 Zero pressure

Collect all five words and on Friday you’ll unlock the Main Quest.

No prizes.
No sign-ups.
Just bragging rights… and maybe a feature.

Spring Break starts Monday.

Let’s see who’s playing.

We’re also sharing a Side Quest Bingo board. Complete just one square or go for bingo and see how many you can check off this week. Which one will you try first?

Tag a friend, classmate, or family member who should try a Side Quest with you.

#KCSSideQuest
9 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS Bingo Card.
🎒✨ Kindergarten starts with moments like this.

A little curiosity.
A little creativity.
And sometimes… a little mess.

If your child will be starting kindergarten this fall, Transition to Kindergarten Day is the perfect first step. Students and families will have the chance to visit their school, meet teachers, and start getting excited about the year ahead.

📅 Each elementary school has its own date and time.
Find your school’s Transition Day using the link in the comments.

✨ Tag a family getting ready for Kindergarten 2026!
11 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
A young student sitting at her school table, smiling at the camera, and has both of her arms in the air. Her arms and table are covered in shaving cream that was used for a writing lesson.
Join us for Transition to Kindergarten and Registration on March 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
11 days ago, Whitney Canada
Central Kindergarten Transition - March 24, 2026 5:30 p.m.
📊 Today’s balance sheet included storybooks.

For Read Across America Week, KCS Treasurer Melanie Meadows and Purchasing Director Josh Lewis traded spreadsheets for story time at Central Elementary. They read Dr. Seuss classics and shared the story of Jane Goodall with 2nd and 3rd graders.

Their work doesn’t usually happen in classrooms, but it always supports them. Because behind every purchase order, every resource allocated, and every spreadsheet...are students.

And sometimes the best return on investment is a room full of kids leaning in for one more page. 💙📚
14 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting at the front of a classroom. Melanie is holding a book about Jane Goodall. Students are sitting on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie.
KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting in chairs at the front of a classroom. Josh is holding the book he is reading to students towards them so they can see the picture. Students are seated on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie and have their hands raised to ask questions.
KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting at the front of a classroom. Melanie is holding a book about Jane Goodall. Students are sitting on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie.
KCS Treasurer, Melanie Meadows, and Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, are sitting at the front of a classroom. Josh is reading a Dr. Seuss book. Students are sitting on a rug in front of Josh and Melanie.
KCS Purchasing Director, Josh Lewis, is sitting in a soccer style folding chair. He is reading a Dr. Seuss book to students, who are seated on the carpet in front of him. Josh is holding the book to his side so student's can see the pictures.
KCS Treasure, Melanie Meadows, is sitting in a wooden rocking chair in the front of a classroom. She is reading a Dr. Seuss book to students, who are seated on the carpet in front of her. Melanie is holding the book to her side so student's can see the pictures.
Next level: unlocked. 🎮🐺

Each month, students at West Side Middle School who show growth on the GSA and middle of the year benchmark tests score an invite to the Wolf Den for the monthly Level Up Party.

The Wolf Den is the school's game room. Students who level up receive personalized Level Up cards engraved by students at Carver, lanyards, and other special perks. When students level up, they wear their progress proudly.

Leveling up is about progress, not perfection. At WSMS, hard work isn’t just recognized — it unlocks the next level. 💙📚
21 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
Four students taking a break from playing the arcade games to smile at the camera for a picture.
Three students are standing around a table playing jenga. Two students are watching as the third student is placing one of the wooden blocks on top of the stack of blocks.
A huge group of students is sitting around a table in the Wolf Den posing for a picture. There are snacks and drinks sitting on the table.
The school principal is playing arcade like mini basketball game with a student trying to see who can make more baskets in a period of time. A third student is standing to the side of the game watching.
Three girls are doing Karaoke. One student is holding the mic and signing and the other two are dancing.
Two students are playing a game of pool on a mini pool table. A third student standing to the left of the pool table, is also holding a pool cue and smiling while one student lines up for a shot.
Three students sitting at an arts and crafts table, and one student standing up behind the three sitting down. They are working on an art project and there are beads and glitter covering the table.
Students playing basketball on a mini basketball hoop in the game room.
Five arcade games lining the wall in the game room at west side middle school. These are the old school, 90s era, type arcade games.
A student sitting at an arts and crafts table that is covered in glitter. She is holding up a dream catcher that she designed with glitter and beads.
❄️ Two-Hour Delay – Tuesday, February 24 ❄️

Due to forecasted snow moving in overnight, Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow.

We hope to be open on the delay schedule.

🔹 Morning classes at Carver and Ben Franklin are canceled.
🔹 Afternoon classes at Carver and Ben Franklin will run as normal.
🔹 Employees report on time (notify your supervisor if travel is unsafe).
🔹 Families should use their best judgment if conditions are unsafe in your area.
🔹 Watch for possible bus route changes in the morning.

Please stay safe and give yourself extra time on the roads.
22 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS on a two hour delay Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 due to weather.
Due to snowfall moving into our area and worsening road conditions, Kanawha County Schools will be closed today, Monday, February 23.

This is a traditional snow day. School-based staff do not report. All 261 employees may report up to two hours late. If you will be later than two hours, please contact your supervisor.

Because we have used all of our snow days, this closure will require a makeup day later in the school year. We will share that date once it is finalized.

We hope to see everyone back on Tuesday. Stay safe and stay warm. ❄️
22 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS closed today, Monday, February 23rd due to weather.
Due to winter weather and road conditions, Kanawha County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 23rd.

This delay allows our transportation crews time to evaluate bus routes. If conditions worsen overnight, we will share an updated call Monday morning.

Please take your time traveling, stay safe, and we’ll see everyone two hours later than normal. ❄️
23 days ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS is on a two hour delay Monday, February 23rd, 2026.
F is for friends who do stuff together,
U is for you and me,
N is for anywhere and anytime at all…at Bridgeview Elementary

Elementary P.E. teachers brought the FUN to yesterday’s Professional Learning Day! 🎈🏃‍♂️

They shared their favorite games, activities, and ideas for keeping kids active and smiling. There was lots of movement, teamwork, and laughter as teachers jumped right in and tried everything out together.

Now they’re heading back to their schools with fresh ideas and tons of excitement to help our students stay healthy, confident, and full of energy! 💙👟
about 1 month ago, Kanawha County Schools
The teachers are in a huge circle in the gym, with one teacher leading the exercise standing at half court.
Two gym teachers are standing in front of the bleachers in the gym. They are playing rock paper scissors. The teacher on the right has his left leg extended backwards.
There are six, evenly spaced out, rows of hula hoops on a gym floor with four hula hoops in each row. Teachers are taking turns running in and out of the hula hoops.
Teachers are in pairs in a line from one baseline to the other baseline.
Teachers are spread out across the gym floor doing an exercise.
Teachers are spread out across the gym floor doing an exercise.
Congrats to our elementary winners from the 2026 KCS Math Field Day! 🧮✨

These students showed off some seriously sharp thinking and problem-solving skills! Next stop for this crew, the regional Math Field Day competition. 👏

4th Grade:
🥇 Leo Goffreda — Point Harmony Elementary
🥈 Vivaan Haricharan — Holz Elementary
🥉 Tate Bock — Weberwood Elementary
⭐ Alternate: Grayson Lodge — St. Francis

5th Grade:
🥇 Will Emrick — Overbrook Elementary
🥈 Roger Lin — Central Elementary
🥉 Ella Alhamwi — Sacred Heart
🏅 Alternate: William Ghareeb — Cross Lanes Christian

Way to go!! We’ll be cheering you on at regionals. The calculations continue tomorrow with our 2026 KCS Secondary Math Field Day!
about 1 month ago, Kanawha County Schools
2026 KCS 4th Grade math field day winners. From left to right - KCS Superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter, Vivaan Haricharan (2nd Place) Holz Elementary, Grayson Lodge (Alternate) St. Francis, Tate Bock (3rd Place) Weberwood Elementary, Leo Goffreda (1st Place) Point Harmony Elementary.
2026 KCS 5th Grade math field day winners. From left to right - KCS Superintendent, Dr. Paula Potter, Will Emrick (1st Place) Overbrook Elementary, Roger Lin (2nd Place) Central Elementary, Ella Alhamwi (3rd Place) Sacred Heart, William Ghareeb (Alternate) Cross Lanes Christian.
🐝 Spelling Bee Update

Due to weather, the spelling bee, that was scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 11th at South Charleston High School.

🕔 Registration: 5:00 p.m.
🐝 Competition begins: 5:30 p.m.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and can’t wait to cheer on our spellers!
about 1 month ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS Spelling Bee scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, has been postponed due to weather. The new date is Wednesday, February 11th at South Charleston High School. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 5:30 p.m.
❄️ KCS Weather Update - Remote Learning ❄️

Due to snow that is forecasted to begin falling by mid-morning and making dismissal unsafe, Kanawha County Schools is going to err on the side of caution and use our last remote learning day tomorrow, Friday, February 6th.

Students should have already been given work that can be completed offline. If the work was not downloaded, it is available in Schoology. If a student is unable to access their work due to no power or internet, the work may be completed later and turned in as makeup work.

Teachers will be available during normal school hours to provide assistance as needed.

Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support this week. Stay safe, stay warm, and we hope to see everyone Monday. Have a great weekend.
about 1 month ago, Kanawha County Schools
KCS closed and remote learning on Friday, February 6th, due to weather.
🐝 Spelling Bee Update
Due to weather, the spelling bee scheduled for this Saturday, February 7th, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 11th at South Charleston High School.

🕔 Registration: 5:00 p.m.
🐝 Competition begins: 5:30 p.m.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and can’t wait to cheer on our spellers!
about 1 month ago, Kanawha County Schools
The KCS Spelling Bee, scheduled for February 7th, has been postponed due to weather. The spelling bee will now be held on February 11th at South Charleston High School. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. and the Bee beings at 5:30 p.m.