We’re excited to announce the first meeting of the year for the Pendleton County Healthy Grandfamilies Program! 💙
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 29th
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Pendleton County High School — Mrs. Janice Heavner’s room
This free program is open to all grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and share support with other families in our community. 👵👴💞
For more information, please contact Helan Turner or Diana Smith.
Awareness of Loading Zone Procedures helps keep children and adults safer!
🌟📘 Week 4: The Power of Early Help 📘🌟
(Part of our 8 Weeks of Student Support series)
Every child learns and grows at their own pace — and sometimes, a little extra support early on can make a big difference. 💙
Many children with learning challenges, especially in reading and language, benefit from early help. Language delays are common in young children and can make school more difficult later on, but when families and schools work together to provide support early, children build stronger skills and confidence for the future. 🌈
Early help opens doors to lifelong learning success!
#StudentSupport #StudentSuccess
Riding the School Bus has many benefits for our community!
School Bus Safety Week is October 20th-October 24th. Please join Pendleton County Schools in promoting bus safety for students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members. Thank you from your Pendleton County Transportation Team.
📚✨ Week 3: Reading Together Matters! ✨📚
(Part of our 8 Weeks of Student Support series)
Sharing a book with your child does more than create special memories — it builds a foundation for learning that lasts a lifetime! ❤️
Children who read regularly with a parent or caregiver often develop stronger language and reading skills, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
Just 15 minutes a day of reading together helps:
🧠 Build vocabulary and comprehension
📚 Strengthen learning habits
💬 Spark curiosity and conversation
So grab a cozy spot, pick up a book, and make reading together part of your daily routine! 🌟
#FamilyLiteracy #StudentSuccess
🌟 Join Our Team in Pendleton County Schools! 🌟
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Pendleton County Schools is hiring dedicated, enthusiastic educators and support staff to join our Wildcat family!
💼 Current Openings: Teaching positions, classroom aides, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, substitutes, coaches and more!
📅 Check Out Available Jobs and Apply Today: https://www.pendletoncountyschools.com/o/pcs/page/employment
The Office of Certification would like to share a new resource and new option available from Praxis.
Anyone seeking alternative certification, long-term substitutes, or teachers trying to earn another endorsement.
Praxis Launches “Free After 3” to Support Aspiring Educators:
Free After 3 is a new initiative offering free Praxis retakes to candidates who’ve taken the same test three times. Starting with test dates on or after October 1, 2025, eligible candidates can access free retakes to help remove financial barriers and stay on track toward licensure.
https://praxis.ets.org/tomorrows-teacher/free-after-3-launch.html?utm_campaign=24847904-Praxis-Beacon-B2G-Q126-1007-US-AWA-EM&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8iE3mtYmUyNnwbH-SwjtAD1IZs-SuUccndmv6_Qy1bgW5idfTubMuuQSRAJ4KewnpfLCuoojyZXAj9lb3bB4rel1j5MA&_hsmi=384102878&utm_content=384102878&utm_source=hs_automation
🌟 Week 2: High-Quality Early Learning Makes a Difference! 🌟
(Part of our 8 Weeks of Student Support series)
The early years are the building blocks for future success! 🧩 High-quality early learning programs help children develop essential skills, build positive relationships with teachers, and spark a lifelong love of learning. ❤️
Research shows that children who attend strong early learning programs often:
📚 Perform better in reading and math through at least fifth grade
🎒 Are more confident and ready for school
✅ Are less likely to be held back
When we invest in early learning, we’re investing in brighter futures for all students!
#EarlyLearning #StudentSuccess
Attendance plays a critical role in student success. When students participate in class consistently, they stay engaged with the curriculum and build on what they’ve already learned.
When too much instructional time is missed, students are at greater risk of falling behind academically. But with regular attendance, they have the best opportunity to master grade-level content and progress alongside their peers.
Everyday counts—let’s work together to support our students’ learning and growth! 💙
#EveryDayCounts #StudentSuccess
Over the next 8 weeks, our district will be sharing weekly posts on important topics to help support student success—both in and out of the classroom. 💡📚
Each week, look for tips, resources, and highlights right here on our social media platforms. Together, we can ensure every student has the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive! 🌟
Stay tuned for Week 1 coming tomorrow! 👀
#SupportingStudents #StrongerTogether #EveryStudentEveryDay
Left to right: Kathy Eye, Melina Parsons, Jon Swecker, Adam Ruddle, Andy Moyers, Sam Harper, Dave Simon, Kevin Gonshor, Lynn Warner, Calvin Bailey, Wes Fleisher, Randal Smith, Ricky Bennett (Substitute), and David Traub. In the window is Chuck Miller, Transportation Supervisor.
Left to right: Steve Lambert, Jill Warner, Dianna Redman, and Lisa Raines.
Bobby Keesecker
Hi, I’m Ali Judy, high school counselor at PCMHS. I started this position in 2018. I enjoy building relationships with the students and helping them be successful in their academic, social/emotional and career goals. I am also a secondary handler for our therapy dog, Penny. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Hi, I’m PJ Combs, School Counselor at Brandywine Elementary School. I received my Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairmont State and taught P.E. before completing my Master’s Degree Counseling in Education from Liberty University. In my free time I assist with coaching football and weight training at PCMHS for the Wildcats.
Hi, I’m Kellee Waddell, School Counselor at North Fork Elementary School. I’ve worked for Pendleton County Schools since 2018 and love my job working with kids and their families. I have a Master’s Degree from Marshall University and am currently working towards becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Outside of work, I like spending time with my husband and daughter exploring the mountains and woods.
Hi! My name is Shelby Thomas, and I am the Community in Schools/ School Counselor for Pendleton County Middle School. I am currently enrolled at Liberty University for a master's program in School Counseling. I have recently been certified as a secondary handler for our therapy dog Penny and enjoy spending most of my days at school with her! When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with my dogs, especially my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Louie. This past summer I got to visit Disney for the first time in Florida with my sister-in- law and am looking forward to going back this October!
Hi, I’m Victoria Rhodes, the School Counselor at Franklin Elementary. This is my fifth year here, and I love being part of this wonderful community. I’m married, have five grown sons, and a sweet granddaughter. My youngest boys, Nick and Victor, are PCHS Class of 2025 grads. When I’m not at school, I enjoy making jewelry, playing poker, and spending time with my family whenever I can.
