BCS Insider

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable winter break, filled with time for relaxation, family, and fun. As we begin the second semester, I want to express my excitement for the learning, growth, and opportunities ahead.

I also want to take a moment to congratulate the South Middle Robotics Team for their incredible work in helping launch a brand-new robotics team at the West Virginia School for the Deaf & Blind. Their dedication, collaboration, and passion for STEM have not only strengthened their skills but have also created opportunities for others to explore the world of robotics. This is a great example of how learning extends beyond the classroom and how students can make a real difference in their communities. Read more about their experience in our spotlight article below.

Programs like robotics, coding, engineering, and other STEM-related activities are more than just extracurriculars—they are pathways to creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Whether you are interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, these programs help develop critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance—skills that will benefit you in any future career. If you haven’t explored STEM opportunities, I encourage you to give them a try! Whether through robotics, science clubs, coding workshops, or engineering challenges, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Our schools offer a variety of ways for students to get involved, and I urge you to take advantage of these exciting programs. Who knows? You might discover a new passion!

As we kick off this new semester, I challenge each of you to set new goals, embrace new opportunities, and continue striving for excellence. I look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the months ahead.

Let’s make it a great semester together!

Yours in Education,

Dr. Ryan S. Saxe

By: Sarah Warner, Communications Coordinator

Martinsburg South Middle’s robotics team is breaking barriers by empowering students at the West Virginia School for the Deaf & the Blind to unlock their potential in the STEM field. The team recently traveled to Romney in December to help launch a new VEX IQ robotics team at the school.

Led by coaches Cindy Evarts and Sharon Mason, the South team worked alongside WVSDB students and staff to explore the essentials of a robotics competition, including coding, building, teamwork, and setting up an engineering notebook.

“It was a really fun experience, and I enjoyed helping them,” said Kolton Cole, the team’s chief engineer. “I learned that if you are willing to do something, even with boundaries, you can achieve it if you put your mind to it.”

Students also learned and practiced sign language during the visit, allowing them to learn a new language and communicate with WVSDB students effectively.

“It was inspiring to see how excited the WVSDB students were,” said Evarts. “Our team adapted their communication styles, which helped them realize how valuable interpersonal skills are in STEM and beyond.”

Students say their participation in robotics prepares them for career options in a field that will define the future.

“I plan to use my experience in robotics to improve my communication and presentation skills, which will help in any career,” said Olive Bird, a driver and builder.

The WVSDB students impressed the South team with their eagerness to learn.

“I learned that if you are truly interested, exceptionalities like being deaf or blind do not matter, and you start to learn from one another,” said Olivia Campbell.

Coach Mason was proud to watch her students exemplify teamwork and sportsmanship while also providing the next generation of scientists with a learning opportunity they will remember for a lifetime.

“They’ve realized that success isn’t just about having the best robot or coding but also about their identity as a team,” said Mason.

The Mechanical Maniacs will continue to mentor the WVSDB team through messages and emails. Both teams hope to see each other at regional and state competitions in Fairmont this March, solidifying a partnership built on mutual learning and a shared passion for robotics.

We recently made some changes to the BCS Volunteer Chaperone Process. Those wanting to become a Level I (Unsupervised) or Level II (Supervised) volunteer must complete the following steps.

Offered by the Berkeley County Schools Parent Engagement Resource Center (PERC), PREP is a free, 6-week program designed to support parents and caregivers of 3-year-olds in fostering developmental growth and school readiness.

Program Highlights:

📍 Location: Burke Street Elementary School, 422 West Burke Street, Martinsburg, WV
📅 Schedule: Tuesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. | Next session begins March 4

👩‍🏫 Hands-On Learning: Led by experienced Pre-K teachers, sessions demonstrate engaging activities to enhance children’s development at home.
📚 Full Participation: Families commit to attending all six classes for the best experience.
🔢 Limited Spots: Early registration is encouraged! Referrals are welcome—simply complete the registration form.

PREP builds strong foundations for lifelong learning while empowering families with skills and confidence. Secure your spot today and to help your child start their educational journey on the right foot!

The Pupil Services Department continues to pursue initiatives designed to enhance safety, beginning 2025 with the addition of two new Safety Officers at our middle schools. Both officers recently retired from distinguished careers in law enforcement and bring valuable experience to BCS.

Scott See joins Spring Mills Middle School, having previously served as the head of the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force with the WV State Police.

Chris Dove joins Mountain Ridge Middle School, following a long career with the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

With their arrival, every BCS middle school now has a full-time Safety Officer on-site, reinforcing our commitment to a secure and supportive learning environment.

Only the primary and secondary parent/caregiver listed on the student's emergency card are eligible to sign up. For more information, click on the link. below or call the Transportation Department at (304) 267-3575.

Leah Daniel, Adolescent Health Coordinator at EPIC, and Brandon Wagoner, a health teacher at Mountain Ridge Middle School, explain how a new vaping prevention program called Catch My Breath is guiding BCS middle school students to make good decisions. BCS Unplugged is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download it now!

It’s going to be a feb-ulous month—don’t miss a thing!

• February 6, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Intermediate Schools)
• February 7, 2025: Interim Reports Issued
• February 12, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences (High Schools)
• February 17, 2025: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
• February 18, 2025: Faculty Senate Day (2-Hour Delay)

Construction is well underway on many bond projects! The block wall and the interior demolition of the auditorium at Martinsburg High School is in progress. In addition, foundation work is in progress at the new Hedgesville Early Learning Academy.

Watch the video below to see the work in progress!

1. Visit BCS Careers Page
2. Search for Jobs – Use the search bar at the top to enter keywords related to the position you’re looking for (e.g., "teacher," "substitute," "custodian").
3. Filter Results – Use the available filters (such as job category, grade level, or location) to narrow down the listings.
4. View Job Details – Click on any job title to see a detailed description, including qualifications, responsibilities, and application instructions.
5. Apply Online – If interested, click the "Apply for this job!" button and follow the steps to submit your application.
6. Create a School Spring Profile - You will need to create an account on School Spring or log in to complete the process and create a new profile.
7. Complete application – Apply for the job and complete the necessary fields not answered from your profile page.
8. Check Application Status – If you have an account, log in to track your submitted applications and any follow-up steps.

For additional assistance, call 1-877-974-7437.

Email: info@berkeleycountyschools.org
Phone: 304-267-3500