🚛🚌 Learning to Share the Road Safely 🚌🚛
Putnam County Schools Driver Education students recently participated in the Sharing the Road with Trucks program from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, learning important safety skills for driving around large commercial vehicles.
A special thank you to Driver Education Instructor Mr. Dwayne Sowards for bringing this valuable opportunity to his students. By helping students see the road from a truck driver's perspective, the program reinforced the importance of safe, responsible driving and sharing the road with others.
We would also like to thank the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute team, the truck drivers, presenters, and all of the partners who made this hands-on learning experience possible. Their dedication to educating young drivers is making a positive impact and helping create safer roads for everyone.
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
🚌 Thank You, Poca Bus Drivers! 🚌
This week, Superintendent McGrew, Assistant Superintendents, and Central Office staff had the opportunity to visit the Poca Bus Lounge to thank our bus drivers for their hard work and dedication to the students of Putnam County.
As we wrap up our fall bus lounge visits, we want to express our appreciation to the employees who safely transport our students to and from school each day. It has been a pleasure visiting with these dedicated team members and seeing firsthand the pride they take in serving our schools and communities.
Thank you, bus drivers, for your commitment, care, and the important role you play in the success and safety of Putnam County Schools. We appreciate all you do!
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
This week, Superintendent McGrew, Assistant Superintendents, and Central Office staff had the opportunity to visit the Poca Bus Lounge to thank our bus drivers for their hard work and dedication to the students of Putnam County.
As we wrap up our fall bus lounge visits, we want to express our appreciation to the employees who safely transport our students to and from school each day. It has been a pleasure visiting with these dedicated team members and seeing firsthand the pride they take in serving our schools and communities.
Thank you, bus drivers, for your commitment, care, and the important role you play in the success and safety of Putnam County Schools. We appreciate all you do!
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
📚 Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Coming Up!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held during the week of November 9-13th.
These conferences are a great opportunity to connect with your child's teacher, discuss progress, celebrate successes, and support student growth.
Please see the attached images for your school's specific conference dates and times.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your child's school directly.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held during the week of November 9-13th.
These conferences are a great opportunity to connect with your child's teacher, discuss progress, celebrate successes, and support student growth.
Please see the attached images for your school's specific conference dates and times.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your child's school directly.
🧪 Turning Science Learning into Real-World Discovery at George Washington Middle School!
Mrs. Miller’s eighth-grade students recently put their science knowledge into action during a hands-on Fractional Distillation Lab! Students applied what they learned about hydrocarbons and fossil fuels to model how crude oil is refined into everyday products and synthetic materials.
As part of the investigation, students collected and analyzed real-world data, strengthening both their scientific reasoning and data analysis skills. The unit wrapped up with a performance-based assessment that challenged students to showcase their understanding of key science concepts and communicate their learning in meaningful ways.
#PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Mrs. Miller’s eighth-grade students recently put their science knowledge into action during a hands-on Fractional Distillation Lab! Students applied what they learned about hydrocarbons and fossil fuels to model how crude oil is refined into everyday products and synthetic materials.
As part of the investigation, students collected and analyzed real-world data, strengthening both their scientific reasoning and data analysis skills. The unit wrapped up with a performance-based assessment that challenged students to showcase their understanding of key science concepts and communicate their learning in meaningful ways.
#PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
🚌This week, during National School Bus Safety Week, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to ALL of our Putnam County Schools bus drivers for their continued dedication to our students and families.
Today, Superintendent McGrew, Assistant Superintendents, and Central Office staff stopped by the Hurricane Bus Lounge to show their appreciation for the hard work, commitment, and care our drivers demonstrate every day. Rain or shine, they are often the first and last school representatives our students see each day, helping ensure they arrive safely to and from school.
Thank you, bus drivers, for all you do for Putnam County Schools. Your dedication makes a difference in the lives of our students every single day! 💙🚌
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek
Today, Superintendent McGrew, Assistant Superintendents, and Central Office staff stopped by the Hurricane Bus Lounge to show their appreciation for the hard work, commitment, and care our drivers demonstrate every day. Rain or shine, they are often the first and last school representatives our students see each day, helping ensure they arrive safely to and from school.
Thank you, bus drivers, for all you do for Putnam County Schools. Your dedication makes a difference in the lives of our students every single day! 💙🚌
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek
✨Eastbrook Elementary Teachers on a Professional Learning Day📚
What do teachers do when students are away? We learn, we grow, and we get better!
Professional learning days give our educators the opportunity to explore new strategies, collaborate with colleagues, and discover innovative ways to support, challenge, and reach all students. Every lesson learned helps us create even stronger learning experiences in our classrooms.
We’re always learning because our students deserve our very best! 🍎
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
What do teachers do when students are away? We learn, we grow, and we get better!
Professional learning days give our educators the opportunity to explore new strategies, collaborate with colleagues, and discover innovative ways to support, challenge, and reach all students. Every lesson learned helps us create even stronger learning experiences in our classrooms.
We’re always learning because our students deserve our very best! 🍎
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Today, Jared Sliger visited PCTC to continue his work with Putnam County educators by training high school teachers on the Building Thinking Classrooms model.
Last year, Jared worked with middle school teachers to introduce these innovative instructional practices. This year's training continues that effort by expanding the model to high school classrooms, helping teachers explore strategies that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and student engagement.
Teachers appreciated the opportunity to learn from Jared's expertise, and we are excited to see these new strategies in action as they support student learning and success across all grade levels. 🍎✨
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Last year, Jared worked with middle school teachers to introduce these innovative instructional practices. This year's training continues that effort by expanding the model to high school classrooms, helping teachers explore strategies that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and student engagement.
Teachers appreciated the opportunity to learn from Jared's expertise, and we are excited to see these new strategies in action as they support student learning and success across all grade levels. 🍎✨
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Eastbook Elementary Family Night!
Yesterday, EES families came together to review Beginning-of-Year Benchmarks and begin data tracking for the 2026-2027 school year.
One of the highlights of the evening was watching students proudly share their hard work and progress with their families. Parents had the opportunity to see firsthand the growth their children have already made and celebrate the goals they're working toward this year.
Families also learned key information about the West Virginia Third Grade Success Act and the many academic supports available right here at our school. Thank you to everyone who attended and partnered with us to support our students' success and growth.
We are excited for a great year ahead!
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Yesterday, EES families came together to review Beginning-of-Year Benchmarks and begin data tracking for the 2026-2027 school year.
One of the highlights of the evening was watching students proudly share their hard work and progress with their families. Parents had the opportunity to see firsthand the growth their children have already made and celebrate the goals they're working toward this year.
Families also learned key information about the West Virginia Third Grade Success Act and the many academic supports available right here at our school. Thank you to everyone who attended and partnered with us to support our students' success and growth.
We are excited for a great year ahead!
#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Mountain View Proudly Presents the Fifth-Grade Volume Zoo!
Math came to life in Mountain View's 5th grade classrooms as students transformed 3D shapes into amazing animal creations for the Volume Zoo! Using their knowledge of geometry, they calculated volume, engineered unique designs, and showcased plenty of creativity along the way.
We are so proud of our 5th graders for their hard work, problem-solving skills, and imagination.
Great job, students! 🎉
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #LoveWVPublicSchools
🎉West Virginia School Service Personnel Day! 🎉
Today we’re celebrating the amazing service personnel who help make our schools a great place to learn and grow!🏆
🏫Whether they’re driving buses, preparing meals, keeping our buildings clean and safe, helping students throughout the day, or working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, they make a difference every single day.
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the care you show our students and schools. We appreciate all that you do and are so grateful to have you as part of the Putnam County Schools team!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
💙Looking for a way to show your support for West Virginia Public Schools?!
Now's your chance to wear your pride and help celebrate the amazing students, educators, and staff who make public education strong across our state. Order a shirt and let everyone know you're proud to support West Virginia's public schools!
📅 Orders close October 11th, so don't wait!
Together, we can show our appreciation for the important role public schools play in our communities and in the lives of our students every day.
https://wvpublicschools2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
#ILoveWVPublicSchools #SupportPublicEducation #WVPublicSchools #PutnamProud
Putnam County Schools is currently accepting applications for Substitute Bus Operators, and we'd love to have you join our team!
Whether you're looking for a flexible part-time job, a chance to earn extra income, or an opportunity to support local students, becoming a substitute bus operator is a rewarding way to help. Every day, our drivers play an important role in getting students to and from school safely.
Our next training class begins September 28, 2026.
Apply online at www.putnamschools.com
Come be part of a team that helps our students start and end each school day safely.
We look forward to welcoming new faces to the Putnam County Schools family!
https://www.putnamschools.com/o/pcs/page/bus-driver-apply
Congratulations to Winfield High School's National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!
We are proud to recognize three outstanding students who have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This honor is awarded to students who earn some of the highest scores in their state on the PSAT/NMSQT, and it recognizes exceptional academic achievement.
Being named a semifinalist is a significant accomplishment and reflects hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are excited to celebrate these students and the bright futures that lie ahead of them.
• Larson Barkey
Future College Plans: University of Texas
College Major: Chemical Engineering
• Nikolaus Von Wulffen
Future College Plans: University of Alabama
College Major: Chemical Engineering
• Dylan Winarta
Future College Plans: Georgia Tech
College Major: Chemical Engineering
Congratulations to Larson, Nikolaus, and Dylan on this incredible achievement!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Please join us in welcoming Ashley Ellison as the new Assistant Principal at Poca High School!
Mrs. Ellison brings 19 years of experience in public education, beginning her career as an educational interpreter in 2007 before becoming a teacher in 2016. A proud Buffalo High School graduate, she is passionate about supporting students and staff while helping Poca High School remain one of the best schools around.
Outside of school, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, family, friends, and her pets. She loves sports, fitness, reading, and spending time outdoors.
This year, she is especially excited to be part of PHS traditions like homecoming and sporting events, building relationships with students and celebrating all that makes Poca High School special.
"Public schools have the power to change lives," says Mrs. Ellison. "I am where I am today because of public education and Putnam County Schools."
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Mrs. Ellison brings 19 years of experience in public education, beginning her career as an educational interpreter in 2007 before becoming a teacher in 2016. A proud Buffalo High School graduate, she is passionate about supporting students and staff while helping Poca High School remain one of the best schools around.
Outside of school, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, family, friends, and her pets. She loves sports, fitness, reading, and spending time outdoors.
This year, she is especially excited to be part of PHS traditions like homecoming and sporting events, building relationships with students and celebrating all that makes Poca High School special.
"Public schools have the power to change lives," says Mrs. Ellison. "I am where I am today because of public education and Putnam County Schools."
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Congratulations to Hurricane High School's National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!
We are proud to recognize five outstanding students who have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This honor is awarded to students who earn some of the highest scores in their state on the PSAT/NMSQT, and it recognizes exceptional academic achievement.
Being named a semifinalist is a significant accomplishment and reflects hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are excited to celebrate these students and the bright futures that lie ahead of them.
• Connor Westfall
Future College Plans: University of Alabama
College Major: Engineering
• Matthew Gabhart
Future College Plans: Marshall University
College Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Bear Fuller
Future College Plans: University of South Florida
College Major: Biology
• Paxton Haddox
Future College Plans: University of Chicago
College Major: Mathematics and Computer Science
• Miley Mynes
Future College Plans: Marshall University
College Major: Medical Biology
Congratulations to Connor, Matthew, Bear, Paxton, and Miley on this incredible achievement!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
We are proud to recognize five outstanding students who have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This honor is awarded to students who earn some of the highest scores in their state on the PSAT/NMSQT, and it recognizes exceptional academic achievement.
Being named a semifinalist is a significant accomplishment and reflects hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are excited to celebrate these students and the bright futures that lie ahead of them.
• Connor Westfall
Future College Plans: University of Alabama
College Major: Engineering
• Matthew Gabhart
Future College Plans: Marshall University
College Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Bear Fuller
Future College Plans: University of South Florida
College Major: Biology
• Paxton Haddox
Future College Plans: University of Chicago
College Major: Mathematics and Computer Science
• Miley Mynes
Future College Plans: Marshall University
College Major: Medical Biology
Congratulations to Connor, Matthew, Bear, Paxton, and Miley on this incredible achievement!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Rock Branch Elementary’s Choir is off to an awesome start this school year!
Students and Mr. Skiles honored the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by singing the National Anthem at the Charleston Dirty Birds’ Military/First Responders Night ballgame this past weekend. Their performance was a wonderful tribute to the brave men and women who serve our communities and country. Music has a special way of bringing people together, and our choir represented RBES with pride!
Way to go, RBES Choir!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Students and Mr. Skiles honored the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by singing the National Anthem at the Charleston Dirty Birds’ Military/First Responders Night ballgame this past weekend. Their performance was a wonderful tribute to the brave men and women who serve our communities and country. Music has a special way of bringing people together, and our choir represented RBES with pride!
Way to go, RBES Choir!
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
💛 Putnam County, let's GO GOLD tomorrow, September 16! 💛
Join WV Cancer Crusaders in raising awareness and showing support for children battling cancer. Wear your favorite gold shirt, gold ribbon, or anything gold to honor these brave warriors and their families.
Together, we can spread hope, increase awareness, and let local families know they are not fighting alone.
Feature Friday will spotlight an employee in Putnam County Schools who helps make our county such a great place to learn, work, and grow. We are proud to recognize the dedicated individuals whose hard work and commitment make a difference every day.
This week's Feature Friday is Juanita Clark from Mountain View Elementary School!
Juanita is a dedicated custodian who takes tremendous pride in her work and consistently goes above and beyond to support our school. Her hard work, dependability, and commitment help ensure that Mountain View remains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.
What truly sets Juanita apart is her kindness and positive attitude. She is always friendly, treats students and staff with care and respect, and is willing to lend a helping hand whenever there is a need. No matter the task, Juanita approaches it with a smile.
We are incredibly grateful for all that Juanita does behind the scenes every day. Her dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude and willingness to help others make a lasting impact on our school community.
Thank you, Juanita, for everything you do for Mountain View Elementary! We are fortunate to have you on our team.
#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
Please join us in welcoming Gene Estel as the new Assistant Principal at Winfield High School!
A lifelong member of the Putnam County Schools family, Gene began his journey with the district in 1995 as a substitute teacher before joining full-time in 1999. Throughout his career, he has served in numerous roles, including exceptional education teacher, general education teacher, coach, and now administrator. In his new role, Gene is focused on supporting students, staff, and families while helping foster a positive school culture where every student can thrive.
Gene is excited for this new chapter and looks forward to working alongside the outstanding students, staff, and families of Winfield High School to support student success throughout the year.
Outside of school, family is at the center of Gene's life. He and his wife, Robyn, will celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary this October, and they are proud parents of Samuel and Ainsley. Together, they enjoy traveling and exploring America's beautiful national parks. In his free time, Gene enjoys fishing, canoeing, kayaking, spending time outdoors, and cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
A strong believer in public education, Gene considers Putnam County Schools the best school system around and feels honored to have spent his entire career serving its students, families, and community. He is proud to be part of a district dedicated to doing what is best for students every day and looks forward to a great year ahead.
#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
🎉 Happy Retirement, Lisa King!
After 20 years of dedicated service with Putnam County Schools, we proudly celebrate the retirement of Lisa King. Throughout her career as a secretary, Lisa has been a friendly face, a helping hand, and a dependable presence for everyone she worked with.
Known for her kindness, reliability, and dedication, Lisa has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others will be greatly missed.
As Lisa begins this exciting new chapter, she looks forward to spending more time with her family, going camping, and making special memories with her grandchildren.
Please join us in thanking Lisa for her years of service and wishing her a retirement filled with happiness, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
Congratulations, Lisa, and thank you for 20 wonderful years with Putnam County Schools!
After 20 years of dedicated service with Putnam County Schools, we proudly celebrate the retirement of Lisa King. Throughout her career as a secretary, Lisa has been a friendly face, a helping hand, and a dependable presence for everyone she worked with.
Known for her kindness, reliability, and dedication, Lisa has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others will be greatly missed.
As Lisa begins this exciting new chapter, she looks forward to spending more time with her family, going camping, and making special memories with her grandchildren.
Please join us in thanking Lisa for her years of service and wishing her a retirement filled with happiness, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
Congratulations, Lisa, and thank you for 20 wonderful years with Putnam County Schools!