November 2nd was a fantastic day for Pocahontas County Schools as our staff came together for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and fellowship!
We were excited to welcome back Dr. Larry Bell, who challenged and inspired us to think more deeply about the important role we play in the lives of our students. Building on last year’s message about the power of high expectations, Dr. Bell expanded our learning by sharing what great mentors do differently and how meaningful relationships, positive connections, and a sense of hope can make a lasting difference in student success.
The day was about more than learning new strategies. It was an opportunity to reconnect as colleagues, celebrate our profession, exchange ideas, and strengthen our shared commitment to the students and communities we serve. From the morning’s presentation to the afternoon’s school-based collaboration, it was wonderful to see our staff actively engaging, learning from one another, and growing together.
Of course, professional learning isn’t all work! Our staff also had some fun showing off their school spirit and striking a pose in our fall-themed photo booth. Be sure to check out the photos and all of the creative poses! It’s not every day we get everyone together, and these moments make for some great memories.
A special thank-you to Snowshoe and Nature’s Mountain Classroom, with a special acknowledgment to Tracy Valach, for providing the beautiful grazing tables that helped make our morning even more enjoyable. We appreciate their generosity and willingness to contribute to a special day for our staff. It’s always nice to see our community partners finding ways to support and celebrate the educators who serve our students.
We also appreciate our local food vendors for supporting the event and helping us continue to build strong relationships with our local businesses.
Thank you to Dr. Larry Bell for sharing his knowledge and expertise, everyone who helped coordinate the day, and all of our staff members who came ready to learn, collaborate, and celebrate what makes our profession so meaningful.
When we invest in ourselves and in one another, we strengthen the work we do for our students every day.
We are proud of the people who make Pocahontas County Schools such a special place to learn and grow!
#PocahontasCountySchools #ProfessionalLearning #GrowingTogether #CommunityPartnerships #EveryStudentEveryDay
Pocahontas County Schools is proud to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our local veterans. We invite veterans, families, and community members to join us for special Veterans Day programs at our schools on November 9 and November 10.
📅 November 9
• Marlinton Elementary - 9:00 AM
• Hillsboro Elementary - 10:30 AM
• Marlinton Middle School - 1:00 PM
📅 November 10
• Green Bank School - 9:00 AM
• Pocahontas County High School - 10:30 AM
Lunch will be served at Hillsboro Elementary and Pocahontas County High School. Please call the school to reserve your meal.
Thank you to all who have served our country. We look forward to honoring you and celebrating your contributions to our community.
❤️🤍💙 #VeteransDay #ThankAVeteran #PocahontasCountySchools #PurpleStarSchools
Stakeholder Group Establishes Mission and Focus Areas
On October 27, 2026, Pocahontas County Schools welcomed community members, parents, staff, and local partners for our Stakeholder Group meeting. During the meeting, members established a mission statement and organized into five committees that will help guide future work and recommendations.
Mission Statement
The Pocahontas County Advisory Group recognizes the importance of safety, social-emotional wellness, and academic success; therefore, we are committed to fostering positive relationships, supporting students and families, and promoting collaboration and achievement throughout our community.
To support this mission, members organized into the following committees:
✅ Family Engagement & Wraparound Services
✅ Chronic Attendance Improvement
✅ Academics & Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
✅ Safety, Security & Facilities
✅ Recruitment, Retention & Promotion of Pocahontas County
These committees will begin meeting in November to develop recommendations and action steps that support student success and strengthen our schools and community.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared ideas, and committed to this important work. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Tim McClung and Citizens Bank for generously sponsoring refreshments and supporting this collaborative effort.
Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger relationships, and a stronger Pocahontas County.
#PocahontasCountySchools #CommunityPartnerships #StudentSuccess #StrongerTogether
Please note that the Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 3 has been moved to Wednesday, November 4.
🗓️ Wednesday, November 4, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Central Board of Education Office
We appreciate your attention to this schedule change and look forward to seeing those who wish to attend.
#PocahontasCountySchools #BoardOfEducation
There will be no school for students on Monday, November 2 due to a Professional Learning Day for staff.
There will also be no school for students on Tuesday, November 3 in observance of Election Day.
Students will return to class on Wednesday, November 4.
Thank you for your support of Pocahontas County Schools as we continue working together to ensure student success.
❤️💛 #PocahontasCountySchools #TeamPCS #TogetherEveryoneAchievesMore
Thank you to our principals for the countless hours, difficult decisions, and unwavering support you provide to our school communities. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your buildings, and we are grateful for all you do for Pocahontas County Schools.
#ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth #TEAMPocahontas
Pocahontas County Schools will utilize Snow Route Days during certain winter weather events to help provide safe transportation while maximizing instructional time.
Now is the perfect time to:
✅ Review your school's snow route information
✅ Know your designated snow route bus stop
✅ Create a family plan for winter weather days
View the complete Snow Route listings here: 🔗 https://aptg.co/pfLCSn
Student and staff safety remains our highest priority. Please take a few minutes to review this information before winter weather arrives. #PocahontasCountySchools #SnowRoutes #WinterWeatherReady
#BattleForBraggingRights #AttendanceMatters #SchoolSpirit #PocahontasCountySchools
On October 8, central office directors worked with David Chiprany from Solution Tree Learning to strengthen the collaborative process and explore ways to make teacher collaboration even more effective.
Then, on October 9, our building principals and teachers made the most of an early student dismissal by engaging in professional learning focused on intervention strategies, collaboration, and other practices designed to support student growth and achievement.
These opportunities allow our educators to share ideas, strengthen teamwork, and develop strategies that make a difference in the classroom. When our educators learn and grow together, our students benefit!
Thank you to our principals, teachers, and central office team for their continued dedication to professional growth and student success!
#PocahontasCountySchools #ProfessionalLearning #CollaborationInAction #StudentSuccess
📢 REMINDER!
Students will be dismissed 3 hours early on Friday, October 9, 2026, to allow staff to participate in professional learning activities. Thank you for your support as we continue to invest in high-quality learning opportunities for our educators and students.
#PocahontasCountySchools #TogetherEveryoneAchievesMore
Get ready to show your school spirit on October 19, November 13, and December 4!
Students and staff are encouraged to wear their school colors and help their school earn the title of Best School Spirit. The school with the highest participation rate will take home the bragging rights, while the other schools will "proudly" wear the winning school’s colors on the next school day!
✅ Show up.
✅ Wear your colors.
✅ Represent your school.
Remember, Attendance Matters and School Spirit Matters!
Who will come out on top??? Let the battle begin! 💪🏆
Special shout out to CIS Coordinator, Marsha Grimes for designing this initiative!
#BattleForSchoolBraggingRights #SchoolSpirit #AttendanceMatters #PocahontasCountySchools
Pocahontas County Schools held its first Stakeholders Meeting on September 22nd, 2026, in the Media Center at Pocahontas County High School.
Organized by Superintendent Dr. Leatha Williams, the stakeholder group brings together a diverse group of voices from across our community, including parents, faculty, administrators, Board of Education members, community members, and local organizations.
The purpose of the group is to strengthen collaboration between our schools and the community, identify shared priorities, and work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and succeed.
During the inaugural meeting, members participated in an engaging discussion focused on developing goals and a mission statement that will help guide the group’s work and support the continued success of Pocahontas County students.
We are excited about the ideas, perspectives, and partnerships this group will bring to our schools and community! Together, we can continue working toward a bright future for our students.
#PocahontasCountySchools #TogetherEveryoneAchievesMore
