There is Something Powerful about Bringing Families Together. 💙

Our Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Family Weekend was a wonderful success! Families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing came together for a weekend filled with learning, support, and meaningful connections.

We were honored to have Superintendent Burch lead a special story hour with our families, while Dean Hesse shared about WVSDB and the many things that make our school community so unique and special. ✨

A special thank you to WVSDB Outreach and WV Hands & Voices for helping bring this incredible event to life. 💛

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community. 🤟

#FamilySupport #WVSDB #DHHFamilyWeekend #DeafEducation
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Superintendent Burch is seated while a female attendee wearing a yellow dress hands him a colorful painted butterfly.
Superintendent Burch is seated with a female interpreter to his left. Attendees are seated on bean bag chairs during story hour.
Dean Hesse smiles as she observes attendees participating in a crafting session.
Superintendent Burch holds up paper, red apples while a female attendee wearing a yellow dress holds up a green caterpillar. A female interpreter is to the left of them.
Dean Hesse laughs as she watches attendees craft while they are seated at a circular table with a blue tablecloth on top.
Superintendent Burch holds up a book to show attendees the illustration. A female attendee to his left holds up a green caterpillar.
Make a Difference Beyond the Bedside. 🩺

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) is currently seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our team.

What we offer:
✔ Competitive Pay and Benefits
✔ Paid Holidays and Leave
✔ Retirement and Insurance Options
✔ Students Who Will Change Your Life as Much as You Change Theirs

If you've been thinking about a change, this may be the sign you've been waiting for. Our students deserve exceptional care, and we'd love to welcome exceptional nurses to our campus. 💙

🔗: https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369

#NowHiring #WVSDB #JoinOurTeam
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Text "We're Hiring Nurses" in teal and black font. Four benefit options below: "Meaningful Work, Supportive Team, Growth Opportunities, Competitive Benefits." A medical professional holds a stethoscope on the right-hand side. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the lower right-hand corner.
The Results Are In....🚨

After 180+ days of learning, growing, and showing up, these students achieved something extraordinary...

100% PERFECT ATTENDANCE for the 2025–2026 school year! 🏆

🌟 Hunter Knotts
🌟 Tristian Randolph
🌟 Steshka Snyder

We are so proud of your achievement and the example you've set for others! 🎉

#PerfectAttendance #WVSDB #StudentRecognition
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Hunter Knotts.
Tristian Randolph.
Steshka Snyder.
Knighted for Excellence! 👑

Join us in celebrating Khloe Bennett, who was officially knighted during the 2026 Golden Horseshoe Ceremony in Charleston, WV! ⚔️

The Golden Horseshoe is among West Virginia's most prestigious academic recognitions, awarded to students who excel in their knowledge of West Virginia history. Earning this honor places Khloe among an elite group of students across the Mountain State. ⛰️

Your WVSDB family couldn't be prouder! 💙💛

#GoldenHorseshoe #WVSDB #WVProud
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Khloe Bennett, wearing a blue, floral dress smiles for the camera as Superintendent Michele Blatt "knights" her with a sword during the award ceremony. There are seated students in the background.
Adventure Was Calling, And Our Students Answered! 🌲

Our students wrapped up the school year with an unforgettable field trip to Evergreen Heritage Center in Mount Savage, Maryland, where they engaged in hands-on learning experiences that highlighted the importance of preserving history, protecting our environment, and understanding our individual impact on the world around us. 🌎

Field trips like these provide valuable opportunities for students to explore new interests, connect classroom learning to the real world, and create lasting memories with their peers.

We are grateful to Evergreen Heritage Center for helping make this educational adventure both meaningful and fun! 💚

#EvergreenHeritageCenter #WVSDB #EndOfYearFieldTrip
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Students are standing on a large tree stump while looking towards the camera and smiling. There are green, earthy trees in the background.
Students have their backs towards the camera as they look out at a green mountain range in the background with a clear, blue sky.
Group photo of students and chaperones stand on a wooden structure with an old, wooden barn in the background.
Students looking around a museum at the Evergreen Heritage Center.
Students standing on a large tree stump while a female speaks and teaches them about the Evergreen Heritage Center.
Students gathered in a group as they look at a female interpreter who uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate what the Evergreen Heritage Center is speaking about.
Group photo of students and chaperones pose silly while they stand on a wooden structure with an old, wooden barn in the background.
A male student, Wyatt, holds his cane in one hand and touches a wheel with his other hand. A male worker smiles and observes Wyatt.
A group photo of students and chaperones standing on a wooden structure with a green mountain range in the background.
Three Cheers for Mrs. Park's Class! 🎉

Mrs. Park's class celebrated in style with special end-of-the-year pennant flags, waving goodbye to one chapter and hello to summer adventures! ☀️

#EndOfTheYear #WVSDB #SummerTime
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Bryce, a male student seated in a wheelchair smiles and holds up a beige-colored pennant flag with black text "Last Day of School."
Landon, a male student holds up a green colored flag with white text "Last Day of 5th Grade."
Jayden, a male student, holds up a beige-colored pennant flag with black text "Last Day of School."
Dexter, a male student holds an orange flag with text "Last Day of 3rd Grade."
Ready, Set, Drive - ASL Driver’s Prep Program. 🚗

Need extra support with the written driver's license test?

This virtual program is designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals (ages 15+) who use American Sign Language (ASL) and want to build confidence before test day.
➡️NO AGE LIMIT!

✅ Instruction is fully in ASL
✅ Road signs, traffic laws & test vocabulary
✅ Practice questions with explanations
✅ Test-taking strategies that work

📅 Choose Your Path:
🚦 First-Time Test Takers
July 7–30 | Tuesdays & Thursdays

🏁 Retake Prep Boot Camp
July 13–17 | Monday–Friday

💻 Small-group Zoom sessions

🔗 Register today: forms.office.com/r/zpgBPm2Nnh

📩 Rachel Lanham
rachel.torrence@k12.wv.us
📞 304-822-4810

#DriverEducation #WVSDB #ASL
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2026 ASL Drivers Education Prep Program Informational Flyer.
The Best Part of What We Do? Celebrating Our Students! 🎉

Our End-of-the-Year Awards Ceremony honored the outstanding achievements of students who have gone above and beyond this year. 🏆

Congratulations to our award recipients, and thank you for making this year one to remember.

Keep reaching for the stars! 🌟

#CelebratingExcellence #WVSDB #StudentAchievement
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Mr. Haza, WVSDB Music Instructor, smiles and poses with a male student, Bryce, as Bryce holds up a certificate of achievement.
Mrs. Park's class stands beside one another holding up their certificates of achievement in front of a stage.
Male students, Nathan and Billy hold up trophies with Mrs. Youssef, standing and smiling behind them.
Tristian smiles for the camera as he holds up a painting of a duck.
The WVSDB Girls Basketball team holds their trophies. Coach Mongold is standing to the left of the team.
Mr. Smith poses with three male students with who are wearing medals of achievement around their neck.
A female student, Willow smiles and holds up a painting of a swan.
Mr. Haza stands next to WVSDB Rock Band members, Wyatt, Eli, and Hunter. The three band members are holding up their certificates of achievement.
As of June 9, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

General Maintenance/Carpenter II – 260 days
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Residential Care Specialist

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
3 months ago, Melissa Stump
Braille with Logo
A Climb to the Summit: Elevating Excellence in Educational Interpreting! 🏔️

As interpreters continue their climb toward professional excellence, the WVSDB Educational Interpreter Summit 2026 provides opportunities to build skills, expand knowledge, and connect with colleagues dedicated to supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students.

📅 July 22–23, 2026
📍 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston, WV

Who Should Attend?
✔️ Educational Interpreters
✔️ Sign Support Specialists
✔️ Interpreters serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
✔️ Interpreter Training Program Students
✔️ Other DHH education professionals (space permitting)

💲 FREE to attend

🗓️ Registration Open Now!
Registration closes June 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

🏨 Hotel accommodations may be available for participants traveling more than 40 miles from Charleston (subject to availability).

🍽️ Some meals will be provided.

🔗 Register today:
https://forms.office.com/r/CxHmdEdAdy?origin=lprLink

We look forward to welcoming you as we continue our climb to the summit together! 💪

#EducationalInterpreters #WVSDB #DeafEducation
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB Educational Interpreter Summit Informational Flyer.
Applications for the 2026–2027 CAP Program are now OPEN! 🎓

The Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) is designed to empower young adults with vision or hearing loss as they transition into productive employment, independent living, and postsecondary success.

Students in CAP can choose the pathway that best fits their goals:
📚 Educational Pathway — Explore college opportunities, strengthen academic readiness, and prepare for postsecondary education.
💼 Vocational Pathway — Build job readiness skills, explore career interests, and gain real-world work experience.

Through personalized support, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences, CAP helps students build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for the future.

🔗: https://www.wvsdb2.state.k12.wv.us/documents/cap-program/2026-2027-cap-application-packet/26629514
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Gold and blue-colored text "Admissions Open." The CAP logo is in the upper right-hand corner. Below the text is a "Discover your Path" roadmap. Below the roadmap is a program highlights section. In the lower right-hand corner, a female student irons clothes.
Prom 2026: The Pavilion Debut! ✨

For the first time, our students celebrated beneath the lights of our new outdoor pavilion, creating unforgettable memories in a space designed to bring our community together. 💃

Watching our students enjoy this beautiful new gathering space made the night even more special.

Here's to a memorable Prom 2026 and the many celebrations still to come under the pavilion! 💛

#Prom2026 #WVSDB #CreatingMemories
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB students dressed in formal attire in a line, dancing under the outdoor pavilion. Keller Hall is in the background.
As of June 2, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Residential Care Specialist
Residential Program Assistant - BLV - 260 days
Residential Program Assistant - DHH - 260 days
Residential Program Specialist - BLV - 260 days
Residential Program Specialist - DHH - 260 days

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
3 months ago, Melissa Stump
Music Teacher helping Student with piano
Ready, Set, Drive - ASL Driver’s Prep Program. 🚗

Need extra support with the written driver's license test?

This virtual program is designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals (ages 15+) who use American Sign Language (ASL) and want to build confidence before test day.
➡️NO AGE LIMIT!

✅ Instruction is fully in ASL
✅ Road signs, traffic laws & test vocabulary
✅ Practice questions with explanations
✅ Test-taking strategies that work

📅 Choose Your Path:
🚦 First-Time Test Takers
July 7–30 | Tuesdays & Thursdays

🏁 Retake Prep Boot Camp
July 13–17 | Monday–Friday

💻 Small-group Zoom sessions

🔗 Register today: forms.office.com/r/zpgBPm2Nnh

📩 Rachel Lanham
rachel.torrence@k12.wv.us
📞 304-822-4810

#DriverEducation #WVSDB #ASL
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Text: "Ready, Set, Drive!" in navy-colored text. A male individual uses American Sign Language (ASL) while he is seated in a blue-colored car. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the upper right-hand corner.
Congratulations to Our ESDAA Scholar Athletes! 🏆

We are proud to announce that Skylar Lanham and Carson Lawson have been selected as the ESDAA (Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association) WVSDB Scholar Athletes for the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉

⭐ Skylar Lanham
🏅 Tri-Sport Athlete
📚 3.69 GPA

⭐ Carson Lawson
🏅 Dual-Sport Athlete
📚 3.71 GPA

These student-athletes have proven that success isn't limited to the field or court; it happens in the classroom too!

Join us in celebrating these remarkable student-athletes! 🐻

#ESDAA #WVSDB #StudentAthletes
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Skylar Lanham. Skylar smiles at the camera. She is wearing a floral top with multiple colors. She is seated in front of a navy-colored backdrop.
Carson Lawson. Carson smiles for the camera. He is wearing black glasses and a black shirt with white text written on the shirt. He is seated in front of a navy-colored backdrop.
Today is the Day! 🎓

The moment we've been waiting for is finally here: Graduation Day for the Class of 2026! 💙

Today, we celebrate not only what they have accomplished, but who they have become. 🌟

Along the way, our graduates have grown in confidence, built lasting friendships, overcome challenges, and achieved remarkable success.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. No matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of the WVSDB family. 🐻

#GraduationDay #WVSDB #Classof2026
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
White text "We are so proud of you!" Below text is the 2026 graduates Braylin Baker, Madison Hall, Skylar Lanham, and Dakota Myers. Gold text "Congratulations on your graduation!" is below the graduates photos. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is at the bottom center.
Senior Spotlight: Dakota Myers. ✨

If you've spent time at WVSDB, chances are Dakota Myers has made you smile! He has been known for his infectious smile and ability to bring joy to both students and staff alike. 😄

Dakota, thank you for making WVSDB a brighter place. We're excited to celebrate you and all that's ahead! 🎉

#SeniorSpotlight #WVSDB #ClassOf2026
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Dakota Myers dressed in navy-colored graduation attire. Text below him "2026." WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the upper right-hand corner.
Senior Spotlight: Skylar Lanham. ✨

Throughout her journey here at WVSDB, Skylar has made the most of every opportunity. From competing as a multi-sport athlete to gaining valuable experience in the Building Maintenance & Operations Academy, she has shown leadership and determination every step of the way. 💙

We are so excited to see where life takes her next and know she has an amazing future ahead! 🎓

#SeniorSpotlight #WVSDB #ClassOf2026
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Skylar Lanham. Skylar smiles at the camera and is dressed in navy blue-colored graduation attire. Large text "2026" is below her photo. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the upper right-hand corner.
Senior Trip Adventure in Moundsville, WV! 🎓

Our seniors spent the day exploring some of West Virginia’s most fascinating historic sites, from the eerie halls of the West Virginia Penitentiary to the ancient mystery of the Grave Creek Mound and the incredible artifacts at the Archaeological Museum. 🏛️

This experience provided meaningful connections to West Virginia history, archaeology, and cultural heritage while allowing students to learn beyond the classroom.

Proud of our seniors for representing WVSDB so well and making the most of this experience! 🤩

#SeniorTrip #WVSDB #Classof2026
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Three WVSDB seniors, Bray, Madison, and Skylar stand side-by-side in front of the Grave Creek Mound.
Bray, Madison, and Skylar stand side-by-side with a large fossil in the background while visiting the Archaeological Museum.
Bray, Madison, and Skylar are seated at a booth inside of a restaurant.
WVSDB took the ballpark by storm! ⚾

Our students enjoyed every moment of a live Altoona Curve baseball game, cheering from the stands, soaking up the stadium atmosphere, and sharing a fun, energetic experience they won’t forget. 🎉

Needless to say, the day was filled with moments that brought everyone together. ⭐

#AltoonaCurve #WVSDB #TakeMeOutToTheBallgame
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A male student, Raiden smiles excitedly as he gets autographs from baseball players.
WVSDB students pose silly with Altoona Curve mascots. The baseball park is in the background.
Nurse Tonya, is seated beside a male student, Jayden. There are secondary students sitting behind them.
Three WVSDB students pose excitedly for the camera while they are seated in the stadium bleachers.
Female students pose with an orange Altoona Curve mascot that is wearing a white baseball jersey.
A male student, James is seated in the stadium bleachers, smiles for the camera.