Congratulations to Allysa Murphy!🏆🎨
Upshur County Schools is proud to celebrate our own Allysa Murphy, 8th Grade Art Teacher, for being named the West Virginia Art Education Association's Middle School Art Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Murphy's passion for art, creativity, and commitment to her students is evident every day. Through her innovative lessons, encouragement, and dedication, she inspires students to think creatively, take risks, and express themselves through their artwork. Her classroom is a place where talent is nurtured, confidence is built, and students are empowered to achieve their best.
This prestigious recognition is a reflection of the positive impact she has on our students, our school, and the entire Buckhannon-Upshur community.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Murphy on this well-deserved honor!
The role of a principal extends far beyond the front office. Across Upshur County Schools, principals are active instructional leaders who engage directly in the learning process, working alongside students and supporting teachers to ensure high-quality, rigorous instruction. By maintaining a strong presence in classrooms, school leaders help cultivate a culture where excellent teaching flourishes and every student is challenged to achieve their full potential.
Pictured here, Principal Yocum works one-on-one with a student at Washington District Elementary School, providing individualized academic support while remaining closely connected to classroom learning. These moments reflect a commitment to student-centered leadership and a continuous focus on academic rigor, instructional excellence, and meaningful learning opportunities for every child.
Pictured here, Principal Yocum works one-on-one with a student at Washington District Elementary School, providing individualized academic support while remaining closely connected to classroom learning. These moments reflect a commitment to student-centered leadership and a continuous focus on academic rigor, instructional excellence, and meaningful learning opportunities for every child.
Hard work doesn't always make headlines, but it happens every day at Upshur County Schools. 👷♀️
👀 Take a look at Tennerton Elementary School, from close reading and critical thinking to practicing essential academic skills, our students are putting in the effort that leads to real growth. The achievements we celebrate are built one lesson, one assignment, and one challenge at a time.
Learning isn't about shortcuts. It's about showing up, staying focused, and doing the work.
When children and teens regularly attend school in person, they’re more likely to develop their whole selves—personally, socially, academically, and emotionally. They’re routinely able to connect with friends and adults, collaborate and problem-solve, make decisions, think critically, be creative, and engage in hands-on learning. In other words, showing up matters!
Great schools don't just develop students academically. They join with families to develop complete human beings.
In Upshur County Schools, students benefit from dedicated gymnasiums and regular physical education experiences that encourage movement, teamwork, resilience, and healthy lifestyles. Physical activity helps students learn to regulate themselves, work with others, overcome challenges, and develop habits that support success in the classroom and beyond.
An education should prepare students for life, not just a test. That's why providing opportunities for students to stay active, engaged, and healthy remains an important part of our mission every day.
In Upshur County Schools, students benefit from dedicated gymnasiums and regular physical education experiences that encourage movement, teamwork, resilience, and healthy lifestyles. Physical activity helps students learn to regulate themselves, work with others, overcome challenges, and develop habits that support success in the classroom and beyond.
An education should prepare students for life, not just a test. That's why providing opportunities for students to stay active, engaged, and healthy remains an important part of our mission every day.
🎃📏🔬 Pumpkins, Predictions, and Problem Solving! 🎃📏🔬
These 5th graders put their math and science skills to work with a hands-on pumpkin investigation! Before making any measurements, students made predictions about their pumpkin's weight, circumference, height, number of ridges, and even how many seeds were hiding inside.
Then came the real challenge: measuring, weighing, counting, comparing data, and analyzing results to see how close their estimates were. Activities like this bring classroom learning to life by showing students how math and science work together to help us explore and understand the world around us.
From estimation and measurement to data collection and critical thinking, these future problem-solvers were learning far more than what's inside a pumpkin! 🎃📊🧮
These 5th graders put their math and science skills to work with a hands-on pumpkin investigation! Before making any measurements, students made predictions about their pumpkin's weight, circumference, height, number of ridges, and even how many seeds were hiding inside.
Then came the real challenge: measuring, weighing, counting, comparing data, and analyzing results to see how close their estimates were. Activities like this bring classroom learning to life by showing students how math and science work together to help us explore and understand the world around us.
From estimation and measurement to data collection and critical thinking, these future problem-solvers were learning far more than what's inside a pumpkin! 🎃📊🧮
🧡 National Bullying Prevention Month is a great time to learn how we can support children facing bullying. This free resource from ParentGuidance.org offers expert guidance for families on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying.
📐 Every great builder, welder, nurse, mechanic, electrician, engineer, business owner, and problem-solver starts with math.
In one of today's lessons at French Creek Elementary, students are doing more than finding answers. They're building the reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that tomorrow's workforce depends on. From managing budgets and measuring materials to analyzing data and operating technology, math is a foundation for success in nearly every career.
At Upshur County Schools, we're helping students develop the skills they'll use for a lifetime, one problem at a time. Our community's investment in our schools is an investment for community tomorrow.
In one of today's lessons at French Creek Elementary, students are doing more than finding answers. They're building the reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that tomorrow's workforce depends on. From managing budgets and measuring materials to analyzing data and operating technology, math is a foundation for success in nearly every career.
At Upshur County Schools, we're helping students develop the skills they'll use for a lifetime, one problem at a time. Our community's investment in our schools is an investment for community tomorrow.
At Upshur County Schools, everyone shows up for kids.
Whether it's a classroom teacher, counselor, or principal, our team is committed to supporting student success wherever the need exists. This week at Union Elementary School, School Counselor Ashley Woody led students in an important lesson on Halloween trick-or-treat safety, while Principal Brown took time to work directly with a student during classroom instruction.
In Upshur County Schools, helping children learn, grow, and stay safe isn't limited to a job title. It's a shared commitment that can be found in every classroom, every day.
Whether it's a classroom teacher, counselor, or principal, our team is committed to supporting student success wherever the need exists. This week at Union Elementary School, School Counselor Ashley Woody led students in an important lesson on Halloween trick-or-treat safety, while Principal Brown took time to work directly with a student during classroom instruction.
In Upshur County Schools, helping children learn, grow, and stay safe isn't limited to a job title. It's a shared commitment that can be found in every classroom, every day.
Staff Spotlight: TeLenna Bender! 🌟
For 10 years, TeLenna has been a vital part of the Upshur County Schools Maintenance Department, helping manage student records, coordinating deliveries, supporting custodial and food services, and keeping warehouse inventory organized. Her dedication and commitment help keep our schools running smoothly every day.
TeLenna says the best part of her job is the relationships she has built with coworkers, vendors, drivers, and contractors. When asked what she loves most about Upshur County Schools, the answer was simple: "The people I work with, they are my family!"
For 10 years, TeLenna has been a vital part of the Upshur County Schools Maintenance Department, helping manage student records, coordinating deliveries, supporting custodial and food services, and keeping warehouse inventory organized. Her dedication and commitment help keep our schools running smoothly every day.
TeLenna says the best part of her job is the relationships she has built with coworkers, vendors, drivers, and contractors. When asked what she loves most about Upshur County Schools, the answer was simple: "The people I work with, they are my family!"
➗ Math is more than getting the right answer. It's about understanding the "why."
A 5th-grade student at Hodgesville Elementary demonstrates problem-solving strategies while working through a multiplication challenge on the classroom interactive smart board. As these classroom displays age, maintaining access to modern learning technology remains an important district priority.
When students explain their thinking, defend their reasoning, and share their approach with classmates, they aren't just learning math facts. They're developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
At Upshur County Schools, we want students to be active participants in their learning, building confidence as they tackle complex problems and discover multiple pathways to a solution.
A 5th-grade student at Hodgesville Elementary demonstrates problem-solving strategies while working through a multiplication challenge on the classroom interactive smart board. As these classroom displays age, maintaining access to modern learning technology remains an important district priority.
When students explain their thinking, defend their reasoning, and share their approach with classmates, they aren't just learning math facts. They're developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
At Upshur County Schools, we want students to be active participants in their learning, building confidence as they tackle complex problems and discover multiple pathways to a solution.
School Bus Safety Week Tip #5
🛑 When the school bus stops, so should you. It is the law.
In West Virginia, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Whether students are boarding or heading home, those few moments are among the most dangerous parts of the school day. Slow down, stay alert, and never pass a stopped school bus. Violators can face fines of at least $500, possible jail time, and will have the driver license suspended for no less than 30 days.
Every stop matters. Every child matters.
🛑 When the school bus stops, so should you. It is the law.
In West Virginia, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Whether students are boarding or heading home, those few moments are among the most dangerous parts of the school day. Slow down, stay alert, and never pass a stopped school bus. Violators can face fines of at least $500, possible jail time, and will have the driver license suspended for no less than 30 days.
Every stop matters. Every child matters.
School Bus Safety Week Tip #4
🚸 Crossing the road? Follow the driver's lead.
Students should always wait for the bus driver to signal before crossing in front of the bus. Never cross behind a bus, and always make eye contact with the driver when possible. These simple habits help everyone get to and from school safely.
Safe habits today become safe routines for life.
🚸 Crossing the road? Follow the driver's lead.
Students should always wait for the bus driver to signal before crossing in front of the bus. Never cross behind a bus, and always make eye contact with the driver when possible. These simple habits help everyone get to and from school safely.
Safe habits today become safe routines for life.
📚 Words matter. Learning matters. Engagement matters.
Ms. Cutlip's students aren't just memorizing vocabulary words. They're building the language, comprehension, and critical thinking skills that help them succeed across every subject area.
Through active discussion, collaborative learning, and high-quality instruction, students are strengthening the reading skills that serve as the foundation for future success. Every question, every response, and every new word learned is another step toward becoming confident, capable learners.
At Upshur County Schools, great teaching and engaged students create powerful learning opportunities every day.
Ms. Cutlip's students aren't just memorizing vocabulary words. They're building the language, comprehension, and critical thinking skills that help them succeed across every subject area.
Through active discussion, collaborative learning, and high-quality instruction, students are strengthening the reading skills that serve as the foundation for future success. Every question, every response, and every new word learned is another step toward becoming confident, capable learners.
At Upshur County Schools, great teaching and engaged students create powerful learning opportunities every day.
While the world is full of distractions, Mrs. Mouser's students at French Creek Elementary School are focused on something far more important: learning to read. 📚
Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, and classrooms like this are where that foundation is built. Through explicit instruction, active participation, and daily practice, students are developing the skills that will empower them for a lifetime.
School Bus Safety Week #3
⚠️ The most dangerous place around a school bus is outside the bus.
The "Danger Zone" includes the areas directly in front of, behind, and alongside the bus where drivers may have difficulty seeing students. West Virginia transportation officials encourage students to stay visible and follow driver instructions at all times.
If you can't see the driver, the driver may not be able to see you.
⚠️ The most dangerous place around a school bus is outside the bus.
The "Danger Zone" includes the areas directly in front of, behind, and alongside the bus where drivers may have difficulty seeing students. West Virginia transportation officials encourage students to stay visible and follow driver instructions at all times.
If you can't see the driver, the driver may not be able to see you.
School Bus Safety Week Tip #2
📱❌ Distracted driving and school buses don't mix.
Many illegal school bus passings happen because motorists are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention. Before reaching a school bus stop or seeing flashing yellow lights ahead, put the phone away and focus on the road.
The text can wait. A child's safety can't.
📱❌ Distracted driving and school buses don't mix.
Many illegal school bus passings happen because motorists are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention. Before reaching a school bus stop or seeing flashing yellow lights ahead, put the phone away and focus on the road.
The text can wait. A child's safety can't.
🥩 The connection between our schools and community extends all the way to the lunch tray.
Through our Child Nutrition Program, Upshur County Schools recently procured 38 forty-pound cases of ground beef from Shorts Family Farm, bringing locally sourced food directly into our cafeterias. Partnerships like these support local agriculture, strengthen our local economy, and provide students with quality meals made possible by the people who call Upshur County home.
Through our Child Nutrition Program, Upshur County Schools recently procured 38 forty-pound cases of ground beef from Shorts Family Farm, bringing locally sourced food directly into our cafeterias. Partnerships like these support local agriculture, strengthen our local economy, and provide students with quality meals made possible by the people who call Upshur County home.
Learning you can taste!
Tim Derico stopped by Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School today to check out Mrs. Orr’s home economics class, where students were busy making homemade apple butter. Students aren’t just following a recipe. They’re building practical life skills, learning the value of hard work, and creating something to share with their families.
And yes, they get to take some home!
Tim Derico stopped by Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School today to check out Mrs. Orr’s home economics class, where students were busy making homemade apple butter. Students aren’t just following a recipe. They’re building practical life skills, learning the value of hard work, and creating something to share with their families.
And yes, they get to take some home!
School Bus Safety Tip #1
⏰ The safest bus stop is a calm bus stop.
Families can help by making sure students arrive at the bus stop at least five to ten minutes early. Rushing, running, or crossing roads at the last second creates unnecessary risks.
A few extra minutes can make a big difference in keeping mornings safe and stress-free.
⏰ The safest bus stop is a calm bus stop.
Families can help by making sure students arrive at the bus stop at least five to ten minutes early. Rushing, running, or crossing roads at the last second creates unnecessary risks.
A few extra minutes can make a big difference in keeping mornings safe and stress-free.
