A special election to author-ize continuation of levies will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013.

The annual amount set forth in the election is $11,773,982 and will cover the following fiscal years:

July 1, 2014

July 1, 2015

July 1, 2016

July 1, 2017

July 1, 2018

The Levy has been in

Schools received findings from its visit by the OEPA. These findings have been reviewed by the Board of Education and actions to address findings are being made.

I fully believe that we can work together to correct these find-ings and provide a safe and positive educational experi-ence for the students of Logan County Schools.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Doty, Superintendent

Another school year is com-ing to an end in Logan Coun-ty.

Hundreds of seniors donned caps and gowns for gradua-tions at Chapmanville Re-gional, Logan, and Man High Schools and are now begin-ning a new chapter in their lives.

I would like to congratulate all of our graduates and to recognize McGinnis Dalton, Sravya Pidaparthi , and Hay-ley Weese for receiving the honor of representing their schools as Valedictorian.

The 2014-2015 school calen-dar has been finalized and summer programs for stu-dents and teachers have been planned.

During the month of May, the Logan County Board of Edu-cation recognized individuals who have retired during this school year. These individuals have dedicated their careers to education, and their com-mitment and hard work is much appreciated. I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Recently, Logan County

From the Superintendent’s Desk

Logan County Seniors Graduate and Receive More Than

$3 Million in Scholarships

More than 430 students have completed their aca-demic careers in Logan County Schools. Chapman-ville Regional, Logan, and Man High Schools celebrat-ed the class of 2014 during graduation ceremonies.

On Thursday, May 22, 2014, 168 seniors graduated from Chapmanville Regional High School. The class has re-ceived $1,132,502 in schol-arship monies. Sravya Pi-daparthi, daughter of Sarma and Madhadi Pidaparthi, represented the class as its valedictorian.

Man and Logan High Schools both hosted gradu-ation ceremonies on Friday, May 23, 2014.

Volume 1 • Issue 9 • June 2014

LOGAN COUNTY

SCHOOLS MISSION

The mission of Logan County Schools is to provide a high-quality, world-class education that ensures success for every student through excellence in teaching and learning.

WE BELIEVE…

1. We believe all students can learn at high levels but in differ-ent ways and at different times when provided equal opportuni-ties.

2. We believe students must have direction, discipline, and a means to succeed. Their suc-cesses should be celebrated and recognized.

3. We believe teachers have the desire, ability, and responsibility to motivate and inspire each individual student to achieve his/her highest potential.

4. We believe classrooms will be organized, structured, safe, disciplined, welcoming, and student-focused to provide the proper environment for learning.

5. We believe curriculum should be prioritized, mapped, sequen-tial, multicultural, and diverse to provide students a quality learn-ing environment through active, enjoyable, fulfilling activities.

6. We believe education is a shared responsibility among the student, school, parent, family, and community.

Inside this issue:

Student Activities 1-3

Teacher News 4

BOE Updates 5

Scenes from 2014

Graduation

Ceremonies

6-7

Calendar of Events 8

The MHS class of 2014 consisted of 81 graduates. Students have received $478,900 in scholarships, and Hayley Weese was the class valedictorian. Hayley is the daughter of Bill and Lisa Weese.

LHS awarded 183 seniors with diplomas at its gradua-tion, and the students have been awarded $1,745,840 in scholarships. McGinnis Dalton, son of Sammy and Karen Dalton, was the class valedictorian.

Together, Logan County Seniors have received $3,357,242 in scholarships for future academic endeav-ors.

Top left: MHS Valedictorian

Haley Weese Top right: LHS Valedictorian

McGinnis Dalton Bottom left: CRHS Valedictorian

Sravya Pidaparthi

Page 2 LOGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS Page 2

Man Middle Hosts Spring Sing

Music was in the air during Man Middle’s recent Spring Sing 2014. The program brought together the school’s band, choir, hand bell choir, dance

team, and a student band for an evening of arts and entertain-ment.

Under the direction of Gregg Col-lins, the MMS band performed “March of the Toads” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The student-formed band Apocalyptic Revelations entertained guests with several original and cover songs. Members of Apocalyptic Revelations are Dylan Maynard, Brian Anderson, Dustin Maynard, Devin Gibson, and Chris Carroll.

The MMS hand bell choir pre-sented an arrangement of “Say Something” and the choir per-

Justice Students Distinguished in WESTEST 2

Four students at Justice Elemen-tary received the highest level of performance on several catego-ries for their 2013 WESTEST 2 scores. As third graders, Korbin Bostic, Mika Dalton, Chloe Harry, and Rosey Gillette all received distin-guished scores in math and lan-guage arts. Rosey Gillette also received distinguished scores in social studies. The third grade teacher at Jus-

tice Elementary is Mrs. Regina Howes. To receive a distinguished level of performance on the third grade WESTEST 2, the students must scoreda 623 or above in mathematics, a 487 or above in reading and language arts, and a 449 or above in social studies. Bostic, Dalton, Harry, and Gil-lette are currently in Mrs. Carrie Browning’s fourth grade class.

Left to right: Korbin Bostic, Rosey

Gillette, Mika Dalton, and Chloe Harry

Diesel Bryant, a third-grade student at Verdunville Elementary, was recently recognized by WV State Treasurer John Perdue for winning an essay con-test.

Bryant is one of 15 regional

winners in the 2014 SMART529

“When I Grow Up” essay con-test.

As one of the winners, he will receive $500 to be invested in a SMART529 college savings plan, and Verdunville Elemen-tary was awarded $500 to be used on items such as learning incentives or educational equip-ment.

Bryant will be recognized for winning at a statewide awards ceremony on September 18, 2014, in Charleston. He will also be eligible for a grand prize of

formed several vocal selections including a mash up of songs with lyrics written by Man Middle students.

The school’s dance team mem-bers demonstrated their talents during a routine to “Dance with Me Tonight” before the choir’s finale performance to “Let it Go.” Featured students for the finale included Skylar Copley, Lori Canterbury, Lynnzie Mitchell, Paige Maynard, Isabella Conn, Ashley Nelson, and Nijule Sharp.

Man Middle’s choir, hand bell choir, and dance team are di-rected by Lisa Anderson.

Verdunville Student Wins Essay Contest

$5,000 to be used in a SMART529 account.

This year’s contest saw more than 3,000 entries from stu-dents in kindergarten through fifth grade. Winners were cho-sen based on creativity, origi-nality, and the importance of post-secondary education.

Page 3

Students at Buffalo Elementary have been practicing their leadership skills throughout the 2013-2014 school year. The school has adopted Dr. Cov-ey’s The Leader in Me pro-gram and is encouraging the 7 habits of effective leaders to increase potential and achieve-

Buffalo Students Learn from Local Leaders

ment.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Buffalo Elemen-tary hosted a Leadership Day and learned from area representatives about the importance of leadership and educa-tion.

Professionals in medi-cine, politics, law en-forcement, education,

athletics, religion, and volunteer organizations participated in a discussion panel with the school’s third and fourth grade students.

Guests answered questions from students and emphasized how education has impacted their

careers and that being a leader is about making good decisions, having patience, and inspiring others.

School improvement consultant Suzette Cook also told students about the importance of team-work and leadership in schools. She praised Buffalo Elementary for coming together over the year, despite having a large number of new staff, and work-ing as a unit to accomplish goals.

Members of the Buffalo Ele-mentary leadership team are Caleb Blevins, Andrew Backus, Baylee Muncy, Alyssa Ellis, Jaxon Tipton, Destiny Hoosier, and James Scites.

LMS and LHS Team Up for Commitment to Graduate

The stage may have been decorated for the 2014 com-mencement, but it was the class of 2018 getting the focus on the morning of Friday, May 23, 2014, at Logan High School.

Logan Middle’s eighth- grade class filled the seats that would later be used by graduating seniors as they participated in a commitment to graduate ceremony. LHS and LMS teamed up for the new event in hopes to increase graduation rates and help students take a positive approach to high school.

LHS class presidents spoke to the incoming freshmen about life in high school and becom-ing involved in school activities and making new friends. McGinnis Dalton, senior class president, also encouraged students to ask for help when it is needed and the importance of having parents, teachers, and friends who will be sup-portive during the next four years.

LHS Principal Kelly Stanley em-phasized to students and their parents, “Today is the day that you have to begin to focus on graduation. Parent involvement is as vitally important in high school as it is in elementary school. Hold your children ac-countable for their actions, and encourage high academic achievement.”

She stressed the importance of attendance and finding an activi-ty or club that would make school more enjoyable. Stanley also told students, “Freshman year is a wonderful opportunity to become the student you wish to be.”

After taking a pledge to gradu-ate, students were individually recognized as they walked across the stage and received an invitation to the LHS Freshman Academy. The class of 2018 completed the ceremony by sign-ing graduation gowns that will be displayed throughout their four years at LHS to serve as a re-

minder for the commitment.

Page 4 LOGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Retiring personnel of Logan County Schools were honored at several recent events. On Tuesday, May 6, 2014, the Logan County Education Asso-ciation recognized its members for their years of commitment to education. The teachers recognized in-cluded Dabney Bryant, Dana Bowen, Linda Dingess, Roger Gertz, Mary Hawkins, Barbara Henson, Hester Hodges, Regi-na Howes, Kathy Meeks, Don-na Mullins, Lee Anne Rozzell, Theodric Murphy, Damon Spurlock, and Velma Work-

Bush Recognized as Arch Coal’s Teacher of the Year

Pamela Bush didn’t initially choose educa-tion as a ca-reer. As a teen-ager, life changes forced her to quit school and get married. And yet, Bush didn’t

let these circumstances get in the way of earning her GED and sub-sequently becoming a teacher.

“At the young age of 15, I became a mother and began teaching my daughter,” she said. “Teaching was fun as she learned how to recite and write the alphabet, identify colors, and learn how to write her name.

“Later I became a teacher at my church,” she continued. “That is when I fell in love with teaching. At last I felt as though I had found my place in the world. Some 22 years later, I decided to follow my dream and become a teacher. It is this love of teaching that moti-vates me each year to give my

Retirees Honored by BOE and Logan County Education Association

man. Combined, the teachers have more than 400 years of teaching experience. At its regular meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2014, the Logan County Board of Education honored teach-ers, professionals, and service per-sonnel that have or will retire in the 2013-2014 school year. Individuals recognized included the following: Alan Adkins, Debra Bias, Dabney Bryant, Rosemary Harvey, Mark C. Hatcher, Mary Hawkins, Martha Hinchman, Lorene Hodge, Hester Hodges, Regina Howes, Eliz-abeth Jones, Kathy Meeks, David Miller, Barbara Morris, Betty Mullins, Theodric Murphy, Kay Perovich, Lee

best to my students. I enjoy exposing them to new discoveries in West Vir-ginia history, as well as helping them think critically about issues that shape their world.”

As a result of Bush’s ability to connect with her students, she received statewide recognition today. She was one of only 12 teachers to receive a 2014 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. John W. Eaves, Arch Coal president and chief executive officer, made the announcement during a ceremony at the Clay Center in Charleston. He was accompanied by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and West Vir-ginia Education Association (WVEA) President Dale Lee. This is the 26th year the awards have been presented in West Virginia. It is the longest-running, privately funded teacher recognition program in the state.

“We’re honored to recognize the 12 outstanding West Virginia teachers who were selected as this year’s re-cipients of the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards,” Eaves said. “If a solid education is the foundation upon which an individual builds a successful life, then excellent teach-

Anne Rozzell, Merry Smith, Shanda L. Spears, Cecil Spry, Damon Spurlock, Mary White, Michael White, Velma Workman, and Vivian Zamow. Pictured are the retirees honored by the Logan County Education Association.

ers are the mortar that holds the founda-tion together. These 12 individuals are great examples of the many committed teachers who strive daily to educate our children and make West Virginia a stronger state.”

Bush teaches West Virginia history to eighth-grade students at Logan Middle School. She has eight years of teaching experience.

“My philosophy of teaching has always been to reach each child academically and morally,” she said. “I have found that a word of encouragement goes a long way. I believe in reaching their hearts before reaching their brains. The most important thing that I try to remember is that I am teaching students, not material.”

“Pamela Bush loves to teach, and she gives 100 percent to her craft each day,” Elizabeth Thompson, vice principal at Logan Middle School said. “She is a team player who strives to engage all her students while maintaining a class-room free from outside interferences, yet inviting to all students willing to be ‘present’ in the educational moment.

(see BUSH on page 6)

Logan County Board of Education Addresses OEPA Findings

Page 5

The Logan County Board of

Education passed action

items and addressed findings

from its OEPA report during

its May 27, 2014, meeting.

Mark Adkins, director of trans-

portation, gave a brief presen-

tation to the BOE concerning

the purchasing of new school

buses. Three companies are

being considered for the pur-

chase of the new buses. Ad-

kins said he and his staff are

considering each company’s

benefits and asking other

counties for feedback.

West Virginia School Board

Association representative

Howard O’Cull also spoke to

the BOE. O’Cull said the as-

sociation will be sending the

Logan County Board of Edu-

cation a formal invitation to

offer assistance in addressing

findings from the recent OEPA

report.

The board approved several con-

struction projects including con-

tracts for asbestos removal at

South Man and Logan High and

the demolition of the former

Whitman Elementary and Logan

Junior High.

All of the board members ad-

dressed concerns about the

OEPA report.

Mark McGrew stressed the im-

portance of working together as

a board and school system to

correct the findings and the need

to address East Chapmanville

Elementary. Bill Davis also

spoke about East Chapmanville,

saying building a new school is a

top priority.

Jim Frye said although he strongly

disagreed with some of the find-

ings and comments in the report,

he appreciated the work of the

OEPA and feels the report will

help the BOE to supervise and

direct the school system to provide

a high-quality education that pre-

pares students for life after gradu-

ation.

Superintendent Phyllis Doty said a

committee will begin revising the

county’s ten-year plan to address

a new building for East Chapman-

ville.

Doty also expressed her confi-

dence that given the time and op-

portunity, the necessary changes

will be made. She said the Board

of Education has begun to remedi-

ate the findings and will continue

to do so in the future.

2015 schools year, the state requires all schools to provide 180 days of instruction for stu-dents. The proposed final day of school for students will be Friday, June 5, 2015; however, school may be extended beyond that date because of closings due to weather and other emergencies. Currently, the last scheduled day for teachers is June 8, 2015. The calendar also includes a one- week Thanksgiving break

and two weeks off for the Christ-mas and New Year’s holidays. Spring break is scheduled for April 6-10, 2015. A copy of the new school calen-

dar is available at central office

for Logan County Schools.

The Logan County Board of Education and the West Vir-ginia Department of Educa-tion have approved the pro-posed calendar for the 2014-2015 school year. Much like in the past, the calendar will follow a traditional schedule with school beginning in mid-August. Teachers will report back to work on August 18, 2014, and the first day for students will be Thursday, August 21, 2014. Beginning in the 2014-

Logan County Schools Releases Calendar for 2014-2015 School Year

Page 6 LOGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Congratulations to the Class of 2014

2014 Logan County ABE Graduates

Jennifer Renee Bailey Richard Dale Browning Taylor Brooke Caudill Charles Gregory Cook

Jacob Ryan Copley Emily Rose Cresong

Kimberly Michelle Crum Richard Michael Dean David Michael Dillon Matthew Isaac Dillon Bech Nicole Earnest Kayla Danielle Ellis

Rachel Michelle Ellis Phillip Douglas Farley

Christina Rae Frye Gabrielle Alexandria Frye

Darrell Lee Gibson Stephanie Michelle Grimmett

Frank Charles Hairston Karen Lynn Hall Michael Lee Hall

Christine Ann Hopping Joshua Adam Johnson Miranda Dawn Jones Shawn Michael King

Paulas Marie Kirk Billie Jo Laws

Tommy Lee McCorrick Alisha Marie McNeely

Gregory Jordan Michney Stephanie Renee Mullins Sheila Gray Rainwater Brandon Parker Slone Denise Ann Spaulding Geneva Mae Speight Katey Madison Stech

Danny Ray Toler Betty Luann Tomblin Robert Allen Vance Gary Vannatter, Jr.

Nicholas Ray Webber Ancel Jeremy Williamson

Ashley Fay Workman Patterson Bryan Workman

Casey Edward Yowler Cristen Santana Yowler

Logan County Board of Education Addresses OEPA Findings

Page 7

2014 RRWCTC Option Pathway

Graduates

Michael Lane Dorton

Michael Jay Harvey

Donaven Dewey Adams

Matthew Haven Bradley

Samuel Caleb Browning

Anthony Ray Goodman

Nicholas Edward Sanner

Tyler Jay Parton

Don Arthur Manns, Jr.

Cayce Jay Mullins

Justin Tyler McDaniels

Mack Avery Osborne

Jacob Alexander Wiley

The 2014 Logan County ABE and RRWCTC Option Path-way Graduated were hon-ored during a commence-ment ceremony on May 15, 2014, at the Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center.

506 Holly Avenue PO Box 477

Logan, West Virginia 25601

Phone: 304-792-2060 Fax: 304-752-3711

June 6: Pre-K instructional make-up day

June 9: Universal Pre-K meeting at PRIDE

June 10: Last day of instruction for students

June 10: Logan Co. BOE meeting will be held at 4:00 PM at the Ralph R. Willis

Career and Technical Center

June 11: Last day for teachers

June 13: Summer Achievement Camp teacher training will be held at Ralph R. Willis

Career and Technical Center (Elementary 8:30 AM, Secondary 12:00PM)

June 16: First day of summer school

June 20: West Virginia Day: Schools and Central Office Closed

June 23: Energy Express and Summer Achievement Camp Begins

June 26: Logan Co. BOE meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Ralph R. Willis

Career and Technical Center

LOGAN COUNTY

SCHOOLS

where she leads the Children’s Church program and is a di-rector of the youth choir. She has coached Logan Middle School’s Academic Games team, which has competed in several national competitions, and oversees the eighth-grade students competing in the West Virginia Golden Horse-shoe Challenge, producing five state winners. She also sponsors the National Junior Honor Society and oversees the students’ many community activities including raising money for St. Jude’s Chil-dren’s Hospital, Pennies for Patients with leukemia and lymphoma, and sponsoring a shoe drive for children in Af-ghanistan. She resides in Whitman.

Teachers are nominated by the public, and a blue-ribbon panel of past awards recipi-ents selects the annual win-ners. Each Teacher Achieve-

She strives to make her les-

son meaningful and interest-ing as she leads her stu-dents through our great state’s history and culture.”

Bush earned an associate degree from Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, a bache-lor’s degree in elementary education from West Virginia State University, and a sec-ondary degree in social studiesfrom West Virginia State. She is pursu-ing a master’s degree in geography from Concord University through the West Virginia Geographic Alliance. She has attended the Teach-er Leadership Institute and served as a presenter on project-based learning at the Logan County Teachers Academy. She also is a member of the Teaching American History Project.

Bush is active in her church

ment Awards recipient is presented with a distinctive trophy, a classroom plaque and a $3,500 personal cash award. The West Virginia Foundation for the Improve-ment of Education, a foun-dation of WVEA, also pre-sents a $1,000 cash award to each recipient’s school for use with at-risk students.

The Teacher Achievement Awards are underwritten by the Arch Coal Foundation and are supported in pro-gram promotion by the West Virgin-ia Department of Education, the WVEA and the West Virginia Library Commission.

Submitted article

BUSH (continued from page 4)

Page 6

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We want to publish your sto-ries and photographs in the newsletter. Please submit your information to Erica

O’Briant by email. eobriant@access.k12.wv.us

IMPORTANT DATES FOR JUNE 2014

Board of

Education

Members

Phyllis Adkins, President Bill Davis Jim Frye

Mark McGrew Dr. Pat Joe White