Happy Buckwheat! Just a reminder that tomorrow, Thursday the 24th is a 2 Hour Early Dismissal, and there will be no school on Friday the 25th and the B.O.E. Offices will be closed. Students will not return until Tuesday the 29th, as Monday is a Professional Learning Day for Staff. We hope everyone has a safe, fun and Happy Buckwheat Festival.
Bus #75-16 in the Bruceton area - Shelly Wolfe
Bus #4-26 in the Aurora/Rowlesburg area - Michael Strawser
Bus #15-20 in the South area - Chip Biggins
Earlier today, the McGrew Society celebrated eight outstanding Preston County students who were the top performers from the county on the 2026 Golden Horseshoe Test, and were being honored as the newest members of the Order of the Rhododendron. Congratulations to these now Freshman students, previously 8th graders at the following schools: Ainsley Feathers of South Preston School, Alexis Atkins and Van Cooper of West Preston School, Vada Walsh of Terra Alta/East Preston School (not pictured), Myla Zinn of Central Preston Middle School, and Levi Cunningham(Not Pictured), Tyler Parks (Not Pictured), and Riley Hagedorn of Bruceton School! Maren Hardesty, 1st Grade Student at West Preston, had the honor of serving as Page for this year's ceremony, which was presided over by Susan Hardesty of the McGrew Society, with well-wishes given from Superintendent of PCS Brad Martin, State Senators Taylor and Smith, Delegate Street, and an amazing speech outlining the preservation of our Preston County History and the McGrew House from Rosemary Bernatowicz, the president of the Society for the Preservation of the McGrew House. We're proud of all of these students, their former teachers and administrators, thankful for each of their families, and so grateful to have a community and community organizations that support our students' learnings and achievements.
We are excited to celebrate eight outstanding Preston County students who have been selected for the Order of the Rhododendron! Congratulations to these now Freshman students, previously 8th graders at the following schools: Ainsley Feathers of South Preston School, Alexis Atkins and Van Cooper of West Preston School, Vada Walsh of Terra Alta/East Preston School, Myla Zinn of Central Preston Middle School, and Levi Cunningham, Tyler Parks, and Riley Hagedorn of Bruceton School! 🌟 Their accomplishments are certainly worth celebrating, and we invite our Preston County Schools family to join us in recognizing these exceptional students. The ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 19th at 11:30 a.m. at the McGrew House in Kingwood and will be live streamed on the Preston County Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PrestonCountySchools). 📣💙💛 Congratulations to our Golden Horseshoe Top 8—we are proud of you! Special thanks to the McGrew Society for this outstanding recognition of our hard-working students in Preston County.🌸
Today, Preston County Schools join communities across the nation in recognizing Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. In our public schools, this day provides an opportunity for students to learn about the document that established the framework of our government, shaped the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and continues to guide our democracy. Constitution Day is more than a look back at history—it is an opportunity to encourage civic understanding, thoughtful participation, and an appreciation for the principles that help shape our nation. Throughout Constitution Week, September 17–23, we are proud to help our students understand the importance of our Constitution and their role in our communities and our country. This year, all 8th graders will receive a pocket Constitution thanks to the 917 Society (https://www.917society.org/all-pocket-constitution-requests) and spearheaded by Tracy Friend.
Please be advised that iPads and laptops issued by Preston County Schools to South Preston School students will have internet access disabled nightly from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
October Lunch/Breakfast Menus
The first week of October, a survey will go out for students to fill out to continue to shape the menus for the remainder of the school year.
An up to date events calendar is located on the PCS App, and the Website. The county site includes dismissals, days off and board meetings. The most up-to-date calendar can also be found on the scrolling marquee on the PCS Website.
Many of us woke that morning and began an ordinary day by getting ready for work, heading to school, making plans, and going about our daily lives. Little did any of us know that before the day was over, our country and our understanding of the world would be changed forever.
Today, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage of the first responders and ordinary people who stepped forward in extraordinary ways.
May we never forget. May we always remember. And may we continue to rise from the ashes with strength, compassion, courage, and unity.
25 years later — We Remember.
The latest social media trend (hoax/scare tactic) is called “The Cat in the Hat” and uses AI, costumes and staged video of the popular Dr. Seuss character appearing in residential areas accompanied by unsettling music.
Some posts associated with the trend have included threats involving people, their homes, schools or other locations.
PCS has been made aware that we've had a few students who have been sent requests/messages, etc. from a similar account. If you or your student has come to you with what appears to be any localized messaging to the area of Preston County and/or Preston County Schools, please take that information to local law enforcement for further investigation, as well as contact Nick Schmidle, PCS Safety Coordinator, at nicholas.schmidle@k12.wv.us or Justin Hough, PCS Communications Director, at jhough@k12.wv.us.
More information on the trend can be found at the links below.
West Virginia covers false threats and fake emergency reports under several specific statutes depending on the nature of the claim, such as West Virginia Code §61-6-20 for false emergency reporting and West Virginia Code §61-6-24 for terroristic threats and hoaxes. These can result in misdemeanor and/or felony penalties, including steep fines and could carry a prison sentence.
https://www.wboy.com/news/ritchie/ritchie-county-sheriffs-office-warning-against-cat-in-the-hat-social-media-trend/
https://www.newsweek.com/schools-issue-warning-about-viral-cat-in-the-hat-trend-as-teen-arrested-12391002
