WCS presents summer programs to WVBOE
CHARLESTON - Wood County Schools officials today presented to the West Virginia Board of Education an overview of the district’s planned summer programs.
Wood County Schools Superintendent Will Hosaflook, Curriculum and Instruction Director Christie Willis and Curriculum Coordinator Ashley Beaty presented information on eight programs which will provide supplemental instruction this summer for all grade levels. Wood County Board of Education President Justin Raber also addressed the state board concerning the programs.
Nearly all of the programs have been built from the ground up and are intended to give supplemental education services to students through fun and positive activities, challenges and themes. About 1,400 students in grades k-8 have enrolled in the summer programs, while high school enrollment numbers are still being compiled. The programs range from STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs to credit recovery classes.
The programs are being paid for with Summer SOLE (Student Opportunities for Learning and Engagement) grants which use $34 million in federal funds given to states to help with academic recovery from the pandemic. The funding will be distributed over a three-year period.
State officials repeatedly praised Wood County Schools, saying the summer programs will be held up as a model for other school systems throughout West Virginia.
“This is exactly what we had in mind” when officials earmarked funds for summer programs, said state Superintendent Clayton Burch. “You have taken advantage of these dollars for your students and I have absolutely no worries that in three years when I stand up in front of legislators and say what happened that three years, I promise you this will be one of the stories I tell.”
State board President Miller Hall credited the superb programs to the leadership and dedication of Wood County Schools administrators and staff, as well as the unwavering support of the Wood County Board of Education.
“I’ve been on the board for (many) years, and this is the best day as a board member I’ve ever had, and I’ll tell you why: Because all of the focus is centered around helping our young people,” Hall said. “Thank you for that. You’ve got a great plan, a great process, and the community should be proud. I’m sure they will be.”
Officials also emphasized the Wood County Schools programs will not just be for this summer, but will be used as part of future offerings throughout the school system.
“You are looking at a growth model, you’re looking to the future. This is not just a summer program,” said state board member Debra Sullivan. “This is the launch of something that will continue not just for summers but through the school year. A lot of the initiatives you are starting, they are being built into the schools’ programs. So bravo to you for that.
“Your enthusiasm is infectious,” Sullivan said. “Thank you for what you are doing up there (in Wood County). It is truly transformational.”
For more information on Wood County Schools summer programs, visit www.woodcountyschoolswv.com.