Calhoun County Schools

Good morning! There will be another Meghan's Law/FERPA Parent-Volunteer training offered next Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, at 2:00 PM. This training will take place at CMHS. All coaches and volunteers must receive this training before they may participate. If you have any questions or would like further info, please feel free to reach out to Charlotte Squires at 304-354-6148 ext. 218, or email at Charlotte.Squires@k12.wv.us. Thank you!

The levy will fund a Prevention Resource Officer for the county, enhancing security in our school and providing valuable support to staff. We’re proud of our amazing police department here in Calhoun, and this will allow us to have an officer dedicated specifically to the school system. Their presence will strengthen the safety and security of both students and staff. Additionally, the officer will be able to assist with educational components in our classes, further enriching our school environment.

We all know how essential school nurses are to the well-being of our students and staff. Our current school nurse plays a crucial role in the daily routine—whether it's caring for sick students, assisting staff, or handling emergencies. The School Levy would allow us to hire an additional nurse to float between Pleasant Hill Elementary and Arnoldsburg Elementary. This would greatly benefit both students and staff across the county.

Dear Parents and Guardians, We are excited to offer support during the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences with a special station for parents needing assistance with accessing the WVEIS grade system. Dates and locations are as follows: • Arnoldsburg Elementary School and Pleasant Hill Elementary School: October 22, 2024, from 4-7 PM • Calhoun Middle/High School: October 24, 2024, from 4-7 PM Feel free to stop by during these times for guidance on how to access your child’s grades online. We look forward to seeing you there!

Attention, Calhoun community! Please be aware that Calhoun Middle High School will be conducting practice safety drills today around noon. These drills are a crucial part of ensuring the safety and preparedness of our students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Calhoun County Schools Levy on November 5th Calhoun County Schools will be running an excess school levy on November 5th. Here are some key points about what the levy will support: 1. School Safety and Security: The levy will provide funding for, but not limited to, a school nurse, a preventative resource officer, and a Technology System Specialist. 2. Facilities and Equipment: Funds will go toward playground equipment for CMHS, improvements and maintenance of county-wide athletic facilities, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Additionally, it will support maintenance and custodial supplies. 3. Extracurricular Support: The levy will help fund extracurricular trips, providing more opportunities for our students. 4. Summer School: Funding will be available to support summer school programs. 5. Supplemental Salaries: The levy will offer supplemental salaries for all staff members. 6. Elementary Art Programs: The levy will provide an art cart for elementary students at PHE and AES, enhancing creative opportunities for our youngest learners.

Join us on October 15th for our Story Walk Pumpkin Patch event at the Calhoun Middle-High baseball field from 4 to 6 p.m.! We have an exciting evening planned, featuring our Story Walk, pumpkin picking, an art station, vendors, snacks and drinks, and much more. Plus, the WVU Mountaineer will be making a special appearance! There will also be door prizes for both parents/caregivers and kids. You won’t want to miss it!

Join us on October 15th for our Story Walk Pumpkin Patch event at the Calhoun Middle-High baseball field from 4 to 6 p.m.! We have an exciting evening planned, featuring our Story Walk, pumpkin picking, an art station, vendors, snacks and drinks, and much more. Plus, there will be door prizes for both parents/caregivers and kids. You won’t want to miss it!

We apologize for the inconvenience, but Bus 11 did not run this morning. Any students who rely on Bus 11 and are unable to make it to school will be excused for today. Thank you for your understanding.

Let's work together to give back to those in need!

🎃 Pumpkin Fun Awaits! 🎃 Come join our Kindergarten Readiness Groups for a month full of pumpkin-themed fun and learning! We'll be meeting at: Pleasant Hill Elementary: Tuesdays at 4:00 PM Arnoldsburg Elementary: Fridays at 1:30 PM Get ready for stories, crafts, and activities all about pumpkins! Let’s make learning fun and exciting for your little ones. See you there! 🍂🍁

Join us on October 15th for our Story Walk Pumpkin Patch event at the Calhoun Middle-High baseball field from 4 to 6 p.m.! We have an exciting evening planned, featuring our Story Walk, pumpkin picking, an art station, vendors, snacks and drinks, and much more. Plus, there will be door prizes for both parents/caregivers and kids. You won’t want to miss it!

Lock down at CCMHS has been lifted. The school is returning to normal activities.

Calhoun County Middle High School is being placed on a lockdown as a preventative measure due to a police situation in close proximity to the school.

🔥 Want to win a Blackstone Grill? 🔥 It’s super easy! Imagine grilling up your favorite meals on a brand new Blackstone—whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ. Ready to enter? Ask me how, and you could be the lucky winner! Don’t miss out on this sizzling chance! 🍔🌭 Join us for fun and engaging Parent-Child Groups! 🎨 Tuesdays at Pleasant Hill Elementary, starting at 4:30 p.m. 🎉 Fridays at Arnoldsburg Elementary, kicking off at 1 p.m. Come connect, learn, and grow together with other families. Hope to see you there!

🌧️ Important Update: Unfortunately, the weather hasn't cooperated with us today, so the Homecoming Parade will not be held. Elementary students will leave the Molasses Festival at 1 PM and return to their respective schools. Evening dismissal will proceed at the normal time. The game and evening homecoming activities will continue as scheduled. Please share this update. Stay dry and safe, everyone!

Bus 9 (Barb Norman’s bus) will be turning at Hughes Fork this morning due to a phone line being down. The bus will be there from 6:50 to 7:00 AM.

First Lady Justice Friends With Paws celebrates therapy dog at Calhoun County Middle High School MOUNT ZION, WV – First Lady Cathy Justice announced today that one of the state’s newest therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program is thriving and doing incredible work at Calhoun County Middle High School. Coco is a male Chocolate Labrador Retriever and was celebrated during a Pup Rally held at the school. Representatives from the First Lady’s Office, along with students, faculty, staff, and several other local leaders, were in attendance. While Coco is the 29th dog placed through the program, a total of 38 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed throughout the state. "We are thrilled to celebrate Coco at Calhoun County Middle High School," First Lady Cathy Justice said. "Therapy dogs like Coco offer so much more than just a friendly face—they provide comfort, reduce stress, and create a calming environment for our students. These dogs are making a real difference, offering support when it's needed most, helping children feel safe, and encouraging emotional well-being. Coco will be a cherished companion and an important part of this school's journey toward a brighter, healthier future." The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances. "Coco fosters meaningful relationships and provides comfort to both students and staff, showing us that compassion and connection can profoundly enhance our school community," Michael Fitzwater, Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools, said. Following today's assembly, students and staff had the chance to spend extra time with Coco. "Calhoun Middle High School believes that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive,” Michelle Paxton, Principal at Calhoun Middle High School said. “Therapy dogs, such as Coco, provide unique emotional support, and we are excited to see how this initiative can positively impact our students at Calhoun Middle High School.” The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal. The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues. “Coco has made an incredible impact at Calhoun Middle High School,” Assistant Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools Jeannie Bennett-Yoak said. “His presence brings joy, comfort, and a sense of calm to our students and staff alike. We are immensely grateful to First Lady Justice, her dedicated staff, Ultimate Canine, and Communities in Schools for providing such a valuable resource. The bond Coco has formed with our school community is truly uplifting and has significantly enhanced the emotional well-being of everyone here.”

Calhoun County Schools, Communities In Schools (CIS) team would like give a huge shout out to Miller's Steals 'n Deals on their donation of new coats to our School Store, "The Red Devil Exchange." Thank you so much for your continued support.

Attention Parents! Join our Early Learning Empowerment Workshops—a must for any parent eager to set their child up for success in school! Let’s unlock your child’s potential together and give them the tools they need to thrive. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your child’s future!