Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration is Open April 10, 2026
Pre-K Application - https://raleigh.jotform.com/260574672002149
Kindergarten Application - https://raleigh.jotform.com/260666966393170

Do you have a picky eater that would still benefit from a no cost school meals? Let us help! You pack their favorites and we'll provide the rest for free! Students need to take 3 components to create a "meal".

Join us tonight at 6:00 PM as we celebrate our Outstanding Educators and honor the incredible impact they make. During the event, we will also select the Teacher of the Year who will represent Raleigh County.
Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/yogTxPPVbuw

Difference Maker Spotlight: Shannon Wilkerson — Shannon leads with purpose and consistency, investing in others and creating a ripple effect that strengthens people and elevates outcomes. Congratulations, Shannon, on being recognized as a true difference maker.

Congratulations to Difference Maker Award winner Rachel Goodwin of Beckley-Stratton Middle School! Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to students make a meaningful impact each day.

Congratulations to our Difference Maker winner, Melissa Long from Daniels Elementary! Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of students and our school community each day.


Congratulations to our outstanding students who earned top honors at the Regional and State Science Fairs. Your curiosity, analytical thinking, and commitment to scientific inquiry have led to exceptional achievement. We are proud to recognize the following students:
Levi Brumfield — Shady Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 2nd Place
Cash Boggs — Shady Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 3rd Place
Cole Shumate — St. Francis — Regional 1st Place, State 3rd Place
Reagan Vance — St. Francis — Regional 1st Place, State 3rd Place
Yashmit Panta — Park Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Trinity Clay — Park Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Lauren Byrd — Park Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Reagan Moore — Park Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Paisley Campbell — Trap Hill Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Phoebe Mollohan — Trap Hill Elementary — Regional 1st Place, State 1st Place
Maya Panta — Woodrow Wilson High School — Regional 1st Place, State 3rd Place
(Park Elementary and Trap Hill Elementary recognitions include group projects.)
Your work reflects a high level of academic excellence and innovation. You have represented your schools and community with distinction.







Congratulations to the students whose artwork was selected for the Beckley Water Company Calendar. Your creativity, talent, and effort have earned you this well-deserved recognition.
Kristin Bartoli — Liberty High School — Cover Artist
Kathleen Ashcraft — Shady Spring Middle School — January
Isabela Sanchez — Liberty High School — February
Kaliauna Dillon — Ridgeview Elementary School — May
Parker Milam — Independence Middle School — July
Keelie Workman — Liberty High School — August
Emily Garrison — Woodrow Wilson High School — October
Josie Stafford — Independence High School — November
Your artwork will be enjoyed by the community throughout the year, and each of you has represented your school with distinction.






Congratulations to the students whose artwork was selected for the Beckley Water Company Calendar. Your creativity, talent, and effort have earned you this well-deserved recognition.
Kristin Bartoli — Liberty High School — Cover Artist
Kathleen Ashcraft — Shady Spring Middle School — January
Isabela Sanchez — Liberty High School — February
Kaliauna Dillon — Ridgeview Elementary School — May
Parker Milam — Independence Middle School — July
Keelie Workman — Liberty High School — August
Emily Garrison — Woodrow Wilson High School — October
Josie Stafford — Independence High School — November
Your artwork will be enjoyed by the community throughout the year, and each of you has represented your school with distinction.






Congratulations to our outstanding Spelling Bee participants for their achievement, discipline, and academic excellence. The following students are recognized for their performance:
Aubrey Eskins — Hollywood Elementary School — Elementary School Champion
Benjamin Veramessa — Bradley Elementary School — Elementary School Runner-Up
Lily Simpson — Independence Middle School — County Champion
Derrick Mitchell — Beckley-Stratton Middle School — County Runner-Up
Your preparation, composure, and mastery of language are commendable. Each of you has represented your school with distinction.





🎉 We’re Ready for You, Raleigh County Pre-K! 🎉
The tables are set, the booths are ready, and we can’t wait to welcome our future Pre-K families tomorrow! 💛
📅 Tomorrow – April 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
If your child will turn 4 years old before July 1, 2026, it’s time to get started!
✨ Join us to:
✔️ Learn about Raleigh County Pre-K programs
✔️ Meet our amazing teachers & schools
✔️ Get your questions answered
✔️ Complete your Pre-K application
We are so excited to meet our future Pre-K students and families—see you there! 🎈
The tables are set, the booths are ready, and we can’t wait to welcome our future Pre-K families tomorrow! 💛
📅 Tomorrow – April 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
If your child will turn 4 years old before July 1, 2026, it’s time to get started!
✨ Join us to:
✔️ Learn about Raleigh County Pre-K programs
✔️ Meet our amazing teachers & schools
✔️ Get your questions answered
✔️ Complete your Pre-K application
We are so excited to meet our future Pre-K students and families—see you there! 🎈
What the Superintendent is Reading, March 2026
View Youtube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D36QWwmOGmA

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉
The Raleigh County Pre-K Expo is coming soon!
📅 April 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
If your child will turn 4 years old before July 1, 2026, they are eligible to apply for the 2026–2027 school year!
✔️ Learn about Raleigh County Pre-K programs
✔️ Get your questions answered
✔️ Complete your Pre-K application
Applications will be available at the Expo and online beginning April 10, 2026.
We look forward to seeing our future Pre-K students and families there! 💛
For more information, contact Michelle Blankenship
📞 304-256-4500 ext. 3305
📧 mblankenship@k12.wv.us
#RaleighCountySchools #PreKExpo #FutureLearners #ReadyForPreK
The Raleigh County Pre-K Expo is coming soon!
📅 April 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
If your child will turn 4 years old before July 1, 2026, they are eligible to apply for the 2026–2027 school year!
✔️ Learn about Raleigh County Pre-K programs
✔️ Get your questions answered
✔️ Complete your Pre-K application
Applications will be available at the Expo and online beginning April 10, 2026.
We look forward to seeing our future Pre-K students and families there! 💛
For more information, contact Michelle Blankenship
📞 304-256-4500 ext. 3305
📧 mblankenship@k12.wv.us
#RaleighCountySchools #PreKExpo #FutureLearners #ReadyForPreK

Raleigh County Schools
March Attendance Challenge
March Attendance Challenge

School Counseling Week is a timely reminder of the quiet, essential work happening in our schools every day.
This week, we recognize and thank our school counselors for the critical role they play in supporting students’ academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and future planning. Counselors are often the first to notice when a student is struggling—and the steady presence that helps them navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
From individual student support and crisis response to academic advising and career guidance, your work matters more than most people realize—and it truly changes lives.
If you see a school counselor today, take a moment to thank them.
Thank you to our school counselors for your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to students. Our schools are stronger because of you.
This week, we recognize and thank our school counselors for the critical role they play in supporting students’ academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and future planning. Counselors are often the first to notice when a student is struggling—and the steady presence that helps them navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
From individual student support and crisis response to academic advising and career guidance, your work matters more than most people realize—and it truly changes lives.
If you see a school counselor today, take a moment to thank them.
Thank you to our school counselors for your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to students. Our schools are stronger because of you.

Congratulations to Ronan Thomas, former Independence Middle School student and current Independence High School student, on achieving a perfect score on the writing portion of the General Summative Assessment. This exceptional accomplishment reflects Ronan’s strong writing skills, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. We are proud to recognize his hard work and celebrate this significant achievement, along with the continued support of his family and educators. We look forward to his continued success at Independence High School and beyond.


Head Football Coach, John H Lilly of Independence High School surpassed Coach Jerome Van Meter for the most Raleigh County high school football wins. Coach Van Meter's record stood at 180 wins in Raleigh County. On August 28th, 2025, Independence High School defeated Herbert Hoover, giving Coach Lilly 181 Raleigh County high football wins as a head coach. Coach Lilly now has 190 wins.


Congratulations to Ridgeview Elementary School on earning 1st Place in the Elementary School Division for the Most Beautiful Campus Award. This recognition reflects the pride, care, and dedication of the students, staff, and community who work together to create a welcoming and outstanding learning environment. Well done to everyone who contributes to making Ridgeview shine.

Congratulations to Independence Middle School on earning 1st Place in the Middle School Division for the Most Beautiful Campus Award. This honor is a testament to the pride, care, and commitment shown by your students, staff, and community. Your hard work continues to make IMS a place that reflects excellence in every detail.


