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Mr. George Aulenbacher is excited to begin his first year as principal of Winfield Middle School. With 29 years in public education and experience as a teacher, school administrator, and central office leader, he has dedicated his career to supporting students, educators, and school communities.

Family plays a big role in Mr. Aulenbacher’s life. He and his wife recently celebrated 24 years of marriage and are proud parents of three children. When he’s not at school, he enjoys spending time with his family, running, and being outdoors whenever he gets the chance.

Mr. Aulenbacher says he has been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome he has received from Winfield Middle School students, staff, and the community. He is honored to be part of the WMS family and looks forward to working alongside everyone to build on the great things already happening at the school while creating even more opportunities for student success.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Aulenbacher to Winfield Middle School and wishing him a wonderful school year!

#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
2 months ago, Putnam County Schools
Mrs. Libby Bird is beginning her first year as principal of Hurricane Town Elementary, bringing with her 20 years of experience in public education and a passion for helping students succeed.

When she's not at school, Libby enjoys spending time with her family. She's a wife and mom of two who can often be found at the ballfield cheering on her favorite baseball player, shopping with her daughter, or relaxing by the pool.

As principal, Libby is focused on creating a positive, unified school culture where students can grow academically and feel supported every day. She's especially excited about building strong relationships with students, staff, and families and helping create a school community where everyone feels valued and proud to belong.

What she loves most about public education, and Putnam County Schools in particular, is that public schools are for everyone. She believes every child deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and important. As both an educator and a parent, she's seen firsthand how Putnam County Schools help students find their place, grow their confidence, and thrive.

Please join us in welcoming Libby to Hurricane Town Elementary and wishing her a wonderful school year!

#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
2 months ago, Putnam County Schools
Lakeside Elementary proudly kicked off the new school year with a strong message: attendance matters!

Principal Dr. Mastracci welcomed students with excitement and encouragement, reminding them that every school day is an opportunity to learn, connect, and succeed. His message was simple and powerful: "Be Present. Be Powerful. Be a Panther!"

Students also heard from Mayor Scott Edwards, who encouraged them to develop positive habits by attending school every day and being committed to their success.

As part of the celebration, students and staff members shared 20 reasons why being at school is important and fun, highlighting everything from learning new skills and making friends to participating in activities and building a bright future. The activity reinforced the idea that every day at school brings new opportunities to grow and succeed.

Students will also be competing throughout the year for the coveted Attendance Trophy. Each week, the class with the highest percentage of students in attendance will earn the trophy and the title of Lakeside's attendance champions!

To make the morning even more memorable, the Hurricane High School Drum Line delivered an outstanding performance that energized the crowd and had students engaged from the very first beat. 🥁

We're looking forward to a great year ahead filled with learning, growth, and strong attendance. Every day counts, and every Panther matters!

#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools 
2 months ago, Putnam County Schools
Please join us in welcoming Sam Neff to Winfield High School!

Sam is serving as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and brings 9 years of experience in public education, including five years teaching English and three years as an assistant principal in Putnam County Schools.

A 2013 graduate of Nitro High School, Sam lives in Saint Albans with his wife, Jacey, and their 8-year-old daughter, Audree. When he's not at school, he enjoys spending time with family, trout fishing, golfing, playing basketball, and reading.

This year, Sam is looking forward to getting to know the Winfield community and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. He believes public schools are the cornerstone of thriving communities and is proud to be part of a district that sets the standard for education in West Virginia.

Welcome to WHS, Sam!

#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

Please join us in welcoming Pam Morris as the new Principal of Winfield High School!

Pam brings 31 years of experience in public education and a true passion for helping students succeed. Her focus is making sure every student at Winfield High School has the opportunities, support, and advantages they need to reach their full potential.

Pam and her husband, Scott, call Winfield home, and their three daughters, Jade, Paige, and Brooke, are all proud Winfield High School graduates. When she's away from school, you'll likely find her enjoying football, Disney, or spending time at the beach with her family.

One of the things Pam is most excited about this school year is seeing students enjoy everything that makes high school special. While academics are always the priority, she loves watching students make memories through ballgames, tailgates, dances, clubs, competitions, and Tournament of Classes.

As both a parent and educator, Pam has a deep appreciation for Putnam County Schools.

"We chose to raise our family here because of the excellent schools. They gave my daughters a strong academic foundation, and I’m proud to continue helping provide those same opportunities for our students today."

Welcome to your new role, Pam!

#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools

3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
📣 Welcome to the Putnam County Schools Team! 🎉

Putnam County Schools is excited to welcome Alison Warner as our new Coordinator of Communications, Federal Programs, and PreK!

A proud graduate of Hurricane High School, Alison brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education. Throughout her career, she has served students, families, and staff as both a teacher and an administrator, building strong relationships and helping create positive learning environments.

Alison's passion for education, communication, and student success make her a tremendous addition to our leadership team. We are excited for the expertise, energy, and dedication she brings to this important role as we continue working together to support the students and families of Putnam County.

Please join us in giving Alison a warm Putnam County Schools welcome! 💙💛
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

As we head into the final weekend before the start of a new school year in Putnam County Schools, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work happening behind the scenes across our district.

For weeks, employees in every department have been preparing for the return of our students. Our school cooks have been inventorying supplies and planning meals. Maintenance crews have been mowing lawns, completing projects, and making sure our campuses are ready to welcome students. Custodians have been deep cleaning buildings, changing school signs, and ensuring every classroom and hallway shines. Teachers, psychologists, secretaries, and other staff members have jumped right into professional learning opportunities, trainings, and preparations for the year ahead. Our Technology Department has been busy preparing student devices and ensuring the technology our students and staff rely on is ready for day one. Bus drivers have been completing routine inspections and getting routes ready to safely transport students each day.

Our principals have also been hard at work preparing schedules, finalizing plans, supporting staff, and making sure everything is in place to warmly welcome students and families on Monday.

It truly takes every member of our team working together to create the best possible experience for the students and families of Putnam County. From the classroom to the front office, from the cafeteria to the bus garage, and from the maintenance shop to every school building, every role matters and every employee plays a part in student success.

We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by Putnam County Schools employees. Thank you for all you do to ensure our students return to safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments.

Here's to a fantastic school year ahead. We can't wait to welcome our students back on Monday!

#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools #BackToSchool #PutnamCountySchools #StudentSuccess

3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

Thank You, SROs, for Your Commitment to Our Students and Schools!

Superintendent Mr. McGrew, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Harper, and Ms. Jennifer Miller met with our outstanding School Resource Officers to review school safety procedures and ensure everyone is informed, prepared, and ready for the upcoming school year.

We want to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank our SROs for the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and care they bring to Putnam County Schools every day. Their role extends far beyond school safety. They build positive relationships with students, serve as mentors and role models, and provide a reassuring presence in our schools.

The countless hours they invest in training, preparation, and collaboration help create safe and supportive learning environments where students can focus on growing, learning, and succeeding. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students, staff, and families does not go unnoticed.

As we prepare to welcome students back for another school year, we are grateful for the partnership and service of our School Resource Officers. Thank you for your hard work, your vigilance, and your dedication to keeping every student in Putnam County Schools safe!

💙 We are proud to work alongside such an exceptional team. Thank you for all you do for our schools and our community! 💙

#PutnamCountySchools #SchoolSafety #ThankYouSROs #PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools

3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
What an incredible day at the Putnam County Schools Back to School Blast! 🎒📚

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, hundreds of backpacks were packed full of school supplies to help students start the new school year strong. Families also had the opportunity to connect with a variety of local organizations, resources, businesses, and companies that shared information about the services available to support Putnam County families.

Students were excited to visit each table, meet community partners, pet the animals from Zoology Zone, and take home backpacks filled with supplies for the year ahead!

A special thank you to our donors, volunteers, Putnam Career & Technical Center, community partners, and everyone who contributed their time and talents to make this event a success. Together, we are helping our students and families begin the school year with confidence and support.

#PutnamCountySchools #BackToSchoolBlast #ILoveWVPublicSchools #PutnamProud
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
A big thank you to Shawn Boggs and Tyler Fisher of Sunbelt Rentals for generously providing Husson's Pizza for lunch to the Putnam County Schools Maintenance Department!

This thoughtful gesture was a wonderful way to recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment our maintenance team has demonstrated throughout the many summer building projects across the district. Their efforts often take place behind the scenes, but they play a vital role in ensuring our schools are ready to welcome students and staff for a successful new school year.

We greatly appreciate Shawn, Tyler, and Sunbelt Rentals for helping us celebrate these outstanding employees and for recognizing the incredible work they do every day. Thank you for your continued support of Putnam County Schools! 🍕🔧

#PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
Today, we were excited to welcome our newly hired teachers to Putnam County Schools during New Teacher Orientation!

Throughout the day, our newest educators had the opportunity to learn about the many departments that work together to support our students, staff, and schools. From curriculum and technology to transportation, safety, and student services, teachers gained valuable insight into the resources available to help them succeed.

We are thrilled to have these talented educators joining the Putnam County Schools family and look forward to the positive impact they will make in our classrooms and communities.

Please join us in welcoming our new teachers as they begin their journey with Putnam County Schools. We can't wait to see the difference they will make in the lives of our students! 💙

#PutnamCountySchools #PutnamProud #WelcomeToPCS #PublicSchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

Putnam County Schools is proud to introduce Mr. David Harper, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.

A lifelong Putnam County resident and Hurricane High School graduate, David is beginning his 27th year with Putnam County Schools. Throughout his career, he has served as a substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Transportation, and now Assistant Superintendent.

In his current role, David oversees facilities, maintenance, transportation, athletics, and school safety.

David and his wife, Brittany, have three daughters, Cassidy, Betley, and Breece, and a grandson, Russell. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, watching sports, and enjoying the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and hiking.

David's dedication to Putnam County Schools comes from his strong personal connection to the district.
"Putnam County Schools provided an excellent education for me, my wife, and my children. Our schools are the heart of our communities, bringing people together through academics, athletics, the arts, and special events."

We're proud to have David on our team and look forward to all he will accomplish in this important role!

#ILoveWVPublicSchools #PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #MeetOurTeam #PublicEducation

3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
Please join us in welcoming Superintendent Bruce McGrew, whose lifelong connection to Putnam County Schools reflects a deep commitment to the students, staff, and communities we serve.

A lifelong Putnam County resident and Poca High School graduate, Bruce has spent all 36 years of his career serving the students, families, and communities of Putnam County. During that time, he's taken on many roles, from teacher and coach to athletic director, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and now Superintendent.

Bruce started his career at Poca High School and Winfield High School, teaching and coaching young people who would go on to make their own impact in the community. Along the way, he was recognized as Winfield High School Teacher of the Year and later Putnam County Schools Principal of the Year while serving as principal at WHS.

His commitment to public education is rooted in his own experience. As a student in Putnam County Schools, Bruce found opportunities that helped shape his future, and he remains passionate about making sure today's students have those same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

When he's not at work, Bruce enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and cheering on the Florida Gators. He and his wife, Destini, live in Teays Valley. His son, Braeden, and daughter, Mara, are both proud graduates of Winfield High School and West Virginia Wesleyan College. Bruce is also an active member of Teays Valley Baptist Church.

As he looks ahead to the new school year, Bruce says he's most excited to see students and employees challenging themselves and striving for excellence each day.
"There’s no place quite like Putnam County," Bruce said. "I love our schools, our communities, and the positive lifelong impact public education has on our students."

#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #MeetOurTeam #PublicEducation #ILoveWVPublicSchools
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
🎉 Putnam County Schools is proud to announce our 2025-2026 assessment results!

For the fifth consecutive year, Putnam County Schools ranks #1 in West Virginia in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. 📚➕🏆

This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. Together, we continue to demonstrate what is possible when we focus on student success.

While we celebrate this accomplishment, we remain committed to continuous growth and excellence for every student in Putnam County Schools.

#PutnamProud #ILoveWVPublicSchools #WVPublicEducation #StudentSuccess #ExcellenceInEducation
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

✨ Please Join Us in Welcoming Mrs. Cathy Schoolcraft! ✨

With 35 years in public education, Cathy Schoolcraft brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for helping students succeed. As Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, she works alongside the Curriculum & Instruction Department to support schools with high-quality resources, guidance, and opportunities that promote academic excellence across Putnam County Schools.

When she's not focused on supporting students and educators, Cathy's favorite role is being "Mimi." She is the proud grandmother of a two-year-old grandson, and her first granddaughter arrived just a couple of weeks ago. Family is at the center of everything she does, and she enjoys spending time with loved ones and friends, shopping with her daughter, and relaxing on the beach with a good book.

Looking ahead to the new school year, Cathy is most excited about building relationships with students, staff, and families.

"Public schools gave me the opportunities I needed to be successful, which is why I am so passionate about education," Cathy shares. "It has been a privilege to serve Putnam County Schools and witness the positive impact our schools have on students. Both of my children had wonderful experiences here, were well prepared for college, and are now successful professionals."

We're grateful for Cathy's leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of every student in Putnam County Schools! 💙📚

#PutnamProud #PutnamCountySchools #ILoveWVPublicSchools 

3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
📚🎉 Get ready, Putnam County! The Back to School Blast is almost here! 🎉📚

Join us on Friday, August 14 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Putnam Career & Technical Center for a day filled with:

🎒 FREE backpacks
✏️ FREE school supplies
🤝 Community resource fair

Whether you're gearing up for the first day of school or looking to connect with local resources, we've got you covered!

🚗 Parking opens at 9:30 AM

We can't wait to kick off the school year with you! 🍎📓
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
📚🎉 Get ready, Putnam County! The Back to School Blast is almost here! 🎉📚

Join us on Friday, August 14 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Putnam Career & Technical Center for a day filled with:

🎒 FREE backpacks
✏️ FREE school supplies
🤝 Community resource fair

Whether you're gearing up for the first day of school or looking to connect with local resources, we've got you covered!

🚗 Parking opens at 9:30 AM

We can't wait to kick off the school year with you! 🍎📓
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools
📚✏️ Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Get your student ready for the new school year! The Putnam County Health Department is offering designated clinic days to help families stay up to date on required vaccinations.

📅 August 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 & 28
📍 Putnam County Health Department
📞 Call 304-757-2541 to schedule your appointment
✅ Vaccines are required for students PreK–12 — don’t wait!
3 months ago, Putnam County Schools

🎉We are excited to welcome Lynda Rumbaugh as our new Director of Middle School Curriculum and County Test Coordinator!

For 36 years, Lynda has dedicated her career to Putnam County Schools, helping students learn, grow, and succeed. A proud product of our school system herself, she understands firsthand the value of public education and the strong sense of community that makes Putnam County special.

Lynda is passionate about supporting middle school students during a time of tremendous growth and change, and we know her experience, leadership, and heart for education will be a tremendous asset to our schools.

When she's not working with students and educators, Lynda enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Joe, their children and grandson, reading by the water, and cheering on the Mountaineers!

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Lynda in her new role! 🎉💙

4 months ago, Putnam County Schools
📢 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Shock as the new Director of Transportation for Putnam County Schools! With 21 years of experience in public education, Mr. Shock brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. A former teacher, coach, assistant principal, and most recently the principal of Winfield Middle School for nine years, he is passionate about serving students and families in Putnam County. As Director of Transportation, Mr. Shock is focused on enhancing communication, improving services for families, and ensuring every student has a positive experience from the moment they step onto the bus each day. A proud public school graduate, educator, and father, Mr. Shock is excited to work alongside our transportation team and continue supporting the success of Putnam County Schools. Welcome, Mr. Shock! We wish you continued success in this new role. 🚍
4 months ago, Putnam County Schools