BCS Insider

During this season of giving, I'm reminded of the power of compassion, service, and community. It's a time to think about what we give to others and what that means for our students and the great community in which we live.

Across our district, students are demonstrating what it means to embody empathy, leadership, and commitment through service projects. One example that stands out is several of our schools working together to lead a remarkable effort supporting those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Read more about how Tomahawks Intermediate's third-grade class spearheaded hurricane relief efforts.

Students, staff, and organizations have been collecting essential supplies, raising funds, and volunteering their time to bring relief to affected families. This initiative reflects the heart and soul of what service is all about—turning care into action and connecting with those in need.

This is just one example of the countless ways our students engage in community service year-round. From mentoring younger peers and participating in food drives to beautifying neighborhoods and raising awareness for social causes, our students are learning to lead by giving.

In every act of service, they are not only making a difference in the lives of others, but they are also discovering what it means to be leaders and role models. Speaking of role models, this month we had the first meeting of our student advisory committee, consisting of representatives from all our middle and high schools. Read more about how they are making an impact across the district and in our community.

These experiences don’t just build resumes; they build character. They teach our students how to listen and lead, inspire and collaborate, dream and accomplish. By engaging in service, they deepen their investment in the world around them and find their voices as change-makers.

We are proud of every student who steps forward to give back, and we thank every family, teacher, and volunteer who supports these efforts. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community, one act of kindness at a time.

Let’s continue to celebrate and encourage our young leaders as they learn to make a difference. Thank you for joining us in the spirit of giving, not just this season, but every day. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Yours in education,

Dr. Ryan S. Saxe

by Sarah Warner, Communications Coordinator

Mrs. McKenna Flohr’s third grade class at Tomahawk Intermediate School turned a classroom discussion into a mission to help families impacted by Hurricane Helene.

After learning about the devastation in North Carolina and contrasting it with preparedness efforts in Florida, students were inspired to take action.

“They couldn’t believe how hard it was to clean water. It made them realize how much they need help.” This led the class to brainstorm ways to meet other critical needs, asking, “What else do these families need, and how can we help?," said Flohr.

This curiosity became action. With support from Hedgesville Elementary, Potomack Intermediate, Spring Mills High School’s National Honor Society, and local churches and organizations.

“The kids wanted to take action after learning about the hurricane’s effects,” explained Flohr. "By involving other schools and community groups, we created a ripple effect of kindness."

Students collected blankets, bedding, and toiletries, sending all donations to Davidson River School in North Carolina, a trauma-informed school hit hardest by the disaster.

“Helping kids so they aren’t cold and have clean bed sheets—that’s been my favorite part," said Alex Sourbier, a third grade student at Tomahawk Intermediate.

“I’ve learned how to organize everything to get it to those who need it quickly," said Caitlyn Foltz, a third grade student at Tomahawk Intermediate.

Flohr says the effort is a hands-on lesson in empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility.

“They’re learning that when we come together, we can truly make a difference,” said Flohr.

Winter is almost here, which means inclement weather may cause closings or delays. Please make sure your family has a plan in place!

Information about weather-related closings or delays will be communicated to all BCS families by 5:30 a.m. Download the BCS app and subscribe to district push alerts to stay up-to-date on the latest information. You may also subscribe to our community list for text messages and email alerts.

Look out for Stormy the Weather Pup on social media to keep you updated when the weather gets "ruff!"

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee is a group that includes three students from each 8th-grade middle school and a 10th, 11th, and 12th grader from each high school, totaling 30 participants. These students come together to share feedback and insights from their respective schools, fostering a collaborative dialogue to improve the educational experience for all.

The 2024-25 committee held its first meeting on November 1st, and it proved to be an engaging and productive session. Students participated in activities designed to strengthen relationships, foster respect for diverse perspectives, and encourage meaningful discussions. These exercises highlighted both the unique strengths and shared challenges faced within their schools, setting a strong foundation for the group's work.

Thank you to these students for their active participation and thoughtful contributions. Their voices are vital to the continued growth and success of our schools, and we are excited to see the positive impact they create this year!

The BCS Department of Communications is excited to announce the launch of our school district's new and official podcast, BCS Unplugged! Hosted by Tyler Hawn, Assistant Director of Communications, this monthly podcast will take a deep dive into important educational topics and keep you connected with everything happening in our schools!

Our first episode features the C.A.R.E.S. Academy. where we speak with Dr. Tyler Long, principal of Tuscarora Elementary School, and Melissa Hollen, Pupil Services Coordinator, about a recent grant awarded to the C.A.R.E.S. Academy that is providing students identified as needing additional support in the classroom with the tools they need for success in and out of the classroom.

BCS Unplugged is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Download it now!

We want to tell you about some changes to the attendance rules for all public schools in West Virginia. The state has a new policy, called Policy 4110, that explains how important it is for students to be in school every day and what happens if they miss too many days.

BIG CHANGE: The WVDE has eliminated Leave of Educational Value for things like vacations or 4-H activities under the new law. Please review the full policy at the link below.

AI is shaping the future, and your student is part of it! With powerful tools like ChatGPT and Gemini just a click away, there’s no better time to learn how AI can support students’ success and safety.

Learn more with Dr. Saxe and SmartSocial in the podcast below.

We're almost at the halfway mark of the school year! Make sure you mark down these important calendar reminders, as we approach the end of the first semester and Winter Break. Happy Holidays!

• Monday, December 2, 2024 - Faculty Senate Day - 2 HOUR DELAY
• Friday, December 20, 2024 - 2nd Nine Weeks Ends
• December 21, 2024 - January 2, 2025 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
• Friday, January 3, 2025 - Professional Learning Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

This month's newsletter from the Cook Center for Human Connection focuses on Chronic Absenteeism: How it Affects Your Child. Check it out for tips on how to avoid absences and more.

We have seen remarkable progress on our bond projects this month! Drywall installation is underway at the Tomahawk Intermediate addition. Ground has been broken on the new Hedgesville Early Learning Academy and the footers have been installed for the new Martinsburg High School Fine Arts addition.

View all the progress in this month's edition of BCS Bond Briefs below!

Click the link to check out the progress! Bond Tracker

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