First Week Highlights! 🍎

Our teachers hit the ground running with engaging lessons and hands-on learning, while our Residential Life team welcomed students back with activities, support, and a home away from home. Whether learning in the classroom, reconnecting with friends, or making memories after the school day ends, our students are already off to an incredible start. 🤩

Swipe through to see some of our favorite snapshots from an unforgettable first week. We can't wait to share all that's ahead this school year! 📚

Here's to an amazing 2026–2027 school year! 💙

#FirstWeekOfSchool #WVSDB #ExperienceWVSDB
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Four students stand outside on a campus walkway holding hands and smiling near the residence hall on a cloudy day, enjoying time together between activities.
Student smiles while posing in a pink Hello Kitty outfit against a blue, gold, and white hallway wall on campus.
Two students enjoy lunch together at a table in the campus dining hall while other students and staff eat and socialize in the background.
Student laughs as water is poured over their head from a bright yellow bucket during an outdoor Residential Life activity.
Student stands proudly in the culinary classroom beside a baking tray filled with uncooked WVU-themed cookies, ready for the oven.
Student uses a slant board and large tactile learning materials while an intervenor observes and provides individualized instruction in a classroom.
Teacher works one-on-one with a young student using a digital display at a classroom table, guiding the student's hands during a literacy activity.
Music teacher leads a small group of students in choir rehearsal inside a large multipurpose room. Students stand in a semicircle singing while the teacher conducts beside a piano and laptop.
The School Year Is Just Getting Started... Make It One to Remember! 🎉

🚨Parents and guardians, there's still time to get your student involved!

Athletics, STEM clubs, and Scouting sign-ups are open through Friday, August 14, 2026, for day and residential students in grades 6–12.

Whether they're stepping onto the field, building a robot, launching a rocket, flying a drone, or making new friends through Scouting, there's a place for every Black Bear to belong. 🐻

🏅 Athletics
🤖 Robotics • Rocketry • Drones
🌲 Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts

These experiences help students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong memories.

➡️Don't miss the deadline; sign up by Friday, August 14, 2026!

#SchoolCommunity #WVSDB #BlackBearAthletics
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB Black Bears soccer player Raiden Haywood, wearing jersey number 43, poses while looking up at a soccer ball above. The graphic includes the player's name repeated in the background with bold blue and gold team colors.
As of August 4, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Registered Nurse
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurse
General Maintenance/HVAC Tech - 260 days
CTE Teacher - PCR and CWST
Substitute Aide II, III, IV Supv/Transportation
Substitute General Maintenance/Security
Substitute General Maintenance/Groundsman




Internal Only
EDC - Soccer - Head Coach
EDC - Soccer -Assistant Head Coach


To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
2 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
Occuptational Therapist working with student with We are Hiring banner and bear logo
Reminder: Black Bear Athletics & Clubs Information Meeting

WVSDB encourages all students interested in athletics or extracurricular activities, along with their parents and guardians, to attend the Black Bear Athletics & Clubs Information Meeting on Tuesday, August 11, from 4:30–5:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). A virtual attendance option will also be available.

The Athletic Director, coaches, and club advisors will share important information regarding participation expectations, eligibility requirements, and opportunities available throughout the 2026–2027 school year. Families will also receive an overview of the revised Athletic Handbook and learn about partial enrollment opportunities for eligible public-school students.

Information will be shared about WVSDB's athletic programs, including coed soccer, esports, goalball, girls' basketball, track & field, swimming, girls' flag football, and boys' volleyball, as well as robotics, rocketry, drones, and scouting.

We encourage all interested families to attend as we prepare for another successful year of Black Bear athletics and student engagement.

Thank you!
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
As of August 7, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Registered Nurse
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurse
General Maintenance/HVAC Tech - 260 days
Career and Technical Education Instructor – Personalized Career Readiness and Career and Work Skills Training (BM0510)




To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
2 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
Student working in the kitchen with bear logo and we are hiring banner
These Views Never Get Old. 🌿

The beauty of WVSDB goes far beyond the scenery; it's found in the people, the purpose, and the moments that unfold here each day. ✨

Tomorrow, we welcome back the educators, staff, and leaders whose passion fills these spaces with purpose every single day. 📚

Our campus is ready to come alive.

Here's to an incredible year ahead. 💛

#BackToSchool #WVSDB #WelcomeBack
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Large leafy tree in the foreground frames a Seaton Hall across an expansive grassy lawn under bright blue skies.
Wide view of the WVSDB campus on a sunny summer day, featuring a large green lawn, mature shade trees, the PE building, and forested mountains beneath a clear blue sky.
Concrete sidewalk leading through a green campus lawn toward the Sevigny building, bordered by trees on a bright summer day.
Open view of the WVSDB campus with a wide grassy field, greenhouse, gazebo, trees, and the Brannon building set against a clear blue summer sky.
As of August 4, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Registered Nurse
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurse
General Maintenance/HVAC Tech - 260 days



Internal Only
Program Assistant - Finance - 260 days (At Will)


To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
2 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
student reading braille with bear logo and we are hiring banner
This Isn't a Typo... We're Open Saturday! 👀

To celebrate the Summer Harvest Festival, Appalachia Provisions Café is opening for a special one-day event, and we hope you'll join us. 🌻

Menu: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coffee (16 oz) — $3
Iced Coffee (20 oz) — $4
Assorted Tea — $2
Iced Peach Tea — $3
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissant — $5
Raspberry Peach Bread Pudding — $5
Hard-Boiled Eggs — $2
Peach Strudel Focaccia — $5
Peach BBQ Pulled Pork on Ciabatta — $7
Chocolate Chip Cookies — $3
Assorted Drinks — $3

📍 301 East Main Street
🗓️Saturday, August 1 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

➡️This will be your last chance to dine at Appalachia Provisions Café before we close for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. We can't wait to welcome everyone back when school resumes, but we'd love to see you one more time before then!

This is your last bite of summer at Appalachia Provisions Café. Make it count. ☕

#RomneyWV #WVSDB #EatLocal
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Students in the Appalachia Provisions culinary program display freshly prepared grab-and-go meals at the student-operated café, where branded merchandise and a coffee service are featured behind the counter.
Adventure is Part of the WVSDB Experience! ✨

When students enroll at WVSDB, they gain access to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, including Boy Scouts. 🌲

This year's Jamboree was filled with unforgettable experiences:
🎣 Fishing
🛶 Kayaking
🏄 Paddle Boarding
🪢 Knot Tying
🧵 Rope Making
🪓 Hatchet Throwing
🦬 Primitive Frontier Tanning
🥾 An 8.5-mile hike
⛳ Golf
🔥 A campfire dinner sponsored by the Heinz Corporation

These aren't just activities; they're opportunities to build confidence, strengthen leadership, develop teamwork, and create lifelong friendships.

At WVSDB, learning doesn't stop when the school day ends. Through unique opportunities like Boy Scouts, students discover new passions, challenge themselves, and experience adventures they never imagined possible. ⭐

Adventure is waiting at WVSDB. 🐻

#ScoutingAmerica #WVSDB #WestVirginia
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB Boy Scouts, WVSDB staff members, and troop leaders stand together in front of their campsite tents during the National Scout Jamboree.
A WVSDB Boy Scout and a WVSDB staff member for a photo with the Scout dressed in a Heinz ketchup costume during a special campfire dinner sponsored by the Heinz Corporation.
WVSDB Boy Scouts and troop leaders pose for a group photo in front of the National Scout Jamboree entrance sign.
Two WVSDB Boy Scouts and their Troop Leader pause for a photo while crossing a long suspension bridge during an 8.5-mile hike at the National Scout Jamboree.
WVSDB Boy Scouts fish from a floating dock during the National Scout Jamboree while other Scouts cast their lines nearby.
A WVSDB Boy Scout proudly displays a handmade rope during a rope-making activity at the National Scout Jamboree.
A WVSDB Boy Scout and a WVSDB staff members dressed in frontier-era clothing pose together during a primitive tanning demonstration at the National Scout Jamboree.
Three WVSDB Boy Scouts paddle board across a calm lake while wearing life jackets during the National Scout Jamboree.
Bright fireworks light up the night sky above rows of camping tents at the National Scout Jamboree.
WVSDB Boy Scouts kayak and paddle board on a scenic lake as instructors and other Scouts participate in water activities.
Next Stop: Martinsburg Public Library! 📚

We had an incredible time at the Wood County Public Library, sharing stories, learning ASL, creating fun crafts, and connecting with families. Now we're excited to bring Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Story Hour to the Martinsburg Public Library! 🤟

Join us for an afternoon where stories come to life through language, creativity, and hands-on learning.

🌟 Interactive Storytelling
🤟 Learn ASL Signs
🎨 Hands-On Crafts
💬 Build Vocabulary
❤️ Fun for the Whole Family

📅 Friday, July 31, 2026
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Martinsburg Public Library

☎️ Registration is required. Contact the Martinsburg Public Library today to reserve your family's spot.

#DeafEducation #WVSDB #EarlyLiteracy
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A smiling student holds up a completed nature-inspired art project featuring dried flowers, leaves, and a blue paper design while sitting at a table in a library classroom with craft supplies nearby.
An adult sits on the floor beside a young child, helping them arrange dried flowers, leaves, and other natural materials on a small art project. Both are focused on the activity.

As of July 29, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift


Internal Only
EDC - Residential Care Specialist - Weekend Supervision (Female Only)
Program Assistant - Finance - 260 days (At Will)


To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369

3 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
Teacher helping student with brailler with bear logo and we are hiring banner
Well... This Is Exciting! 👀

Along with our regular café hours, Appalachia Provisions Café will also be OPEN Saturday, August 1, for the Sweet Summer Harvest Festival! 🌻

Here's what we'll be serving up all week AND on Saturday! ⬇️
☕ Coffee (16 oz) – $3
🧊 Iced Coffee (20 oz) – $4
🍵 Assorted Tea – $2
🥓 Bacon Breakfast Sammy – $5
🍞 Danish Bread Pudding – $5
🥚 Hard Boiled Eggs – $2
🍓 Strawberry Pecan Yogurt Parfait – $4
🥗 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – $12
🌯 Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap – $7
🥪 Peach BBQ Pulled Pork on Ciabatta – $7
🍪 Snickerdoodle or Chocolate Chip Cookie – $3
🍰 Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – $5
🥤 Assorted Drinks – $3

📍 301 East Main Street
🗓️Wednesday, July 29 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🗓️Thursday, July 30 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🗓️Saturday, August 1 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

The only thing missing from our menu is you! 😉

#RomneyWV #WVSDB #StudentSuccess
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Individual slices of cinnamon roll cheesecake topped with a thick cinnamon cream drizzle in clear dessert containers.
Close-up of a grilled chicken Caesar wrap filled with seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
Fresh cranberry pecan chicken salad with grilled chicken, spinach, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, hard-boiled egg, cucumbers, and candied pecan.
Strawberry pecan yogurt parfait layered with creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and crunchy granola in a clear to-go cup.
As of July 28, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift


Internal Only
EDC - Residential Care Specialist - Weekend Supervision (Female Only)


To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
3 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
teacher interviewing student with bear logo
Day 1 at the National Jamboree = Success! 🌲

Our Scouts wasted no time jumping into the action! From archery and crossbow safety training to earning their arrival badges and setting up camp, today was all about preparation for an incredible week ahead. 🤩

The tents are up, the gear is unpacked, and the adventure is just beginning! We can't wait to see what experiences, friendships, and memories this week will bring. 🏕️

#NationalJamboree #WVSDB #AdventureStartsHere
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Scouts and leaders gather with backpacks beside buses after arriving at the National Jamboree, excited to begin the week's adventures.
Scouts attend an archery and crossbow safety briefing at the National Jamboree as an instructor demonstrates proper technique inside an open-air pavilion.
Scouts browse and trade collectible patches with another participant during the National Jamboree.
Scouts work together to assemble bright red tents in their campsite on the first day of the National Jamboree.
Scouts sit outside their campsite in the evening, smiling as they trade patches and enjoy time together after a full day of activities.
Two Scouts stand side by side on the archery range, drawing recurve bows toward targets during National Jamboree activities.
A Scout smiles beside an archery target displaying a tight grouping of arrows after completing a round at the National Jamboree.
A Scout draws a recurve bow and aims toward the target during supervised archery practice at the National Jamboree.
A smiling Scout points to several arrows grouped near the center of an archery target after a successful round at the National Jamboree.
A Scout practices proper archery form while aiming a recurve bow during National Jamboree archery activities.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs. 💙

Recently, the café was buzzing with conversations in American Sign Language (ASL), laughter, and friendships, both old and new.

We were also delighted to welcome Commissioner See, who stopped by to visit, engage with attendees, and experience the welcoming spirit that makes our café such a special gathering place. 🌟

At Appalachia Provisions Café, everyone has a seat at the table. We're proud to foster a space where our community can come together, connect, and celebrate one another. 🤟

#CommunityConnections #WVSDB #InclusionMatters
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Two customers place an order at the counter while student employees assist them inside Appalachia Provisions Café during a Deaf Chat community gathering.
Attendees enjoy lunch and conversation around an outdoor patio table with umbrellas during a Deaf Chat gathering at Appalachia Provisions Café.
Four attendees smile for a group selfie while enjoying food, drinks, and conversation on the outdoor patio during a Deaf Chat event at Appalachia Provisions Café.
A visitor gives a thumbs-up while holding a dessert outside Appalachia Provisions Café in front of the café's wooden sign and accessible entrance.
Reminder from WVSDB Health Services! 📢

Health Services paperwork was mailed to families approximately two weeks ago. If you have not yet received your packet, please get in touch with Ms. Tonya Fields at (304) 822-4831 so we can ensure you receive the necessary forms.

Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe and healthy school year!
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
This Week's Appalachia Provisions Café Menu Just Dropped! ☕

What's Brewing This Week? ⬇️⬇️⬇️
☕ Coffee (16 oz) – $3
🧊 Iced Coffee (20 oz) – $4
🍵 Assorted Tea – $2
🥓 Breakfast Sammy – $5
🍎 Apple Strudel Focaccia – $5
🥚 Hard-Boiled Eggs – $2
🥣 Strawberry Pecan Yogurt Parfait – $4
🥗 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – $12
🌯 Chicken Cordon Bleu Wrap – $7
🥪 Horseradish Beef & Cheddar on Ciabatta – $7
🍪 Cookies – $3
🍫 Peanut Butter Brownies – $5
🥤 Assorted Drinks – $3

📍 301 East Main Street
🗓️Wednesday, July 22 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🗓️Thursday, July 23 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

P.S. While you're deciding between a cookie or a brownie... don't forget to check out our Café merch! ✨

#RomneyWV #WVSDB #StudentSuccess
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Freshly made peanut butter brownies topped with a thick layer of peanut butter frosting, packaged and ready for sale at Appalachia Provisions Café.
Chef Olden and a female culinary student prepare and package freshly made peanut butter brownies in the Appalachia Provisions Café kitchen.
Fresh cranberry pecan chicken salads topped with chicken, dried cranberries, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, and mixed greens, prepared for customers at Appalachia Provisions Café.
Black WVSDB ceramic coffee mugs displayed on a wooden shelf, featuring a white "WVSDB Est. 1870 Romney, WV" design.
Rows of freshly prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu wraps filled with chicken, ham, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and other fresh ingredients before being folded and served.
Join Us at Logan Public Library for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Story Hour! 📖

Stories come to life through language! Join us for an afternoon of interactive storytelling, ASL, crafts, vocabulary building, and family fun.

🌟 Interactive Storytelling
🤟 Learn ASL Signs
🎨 Hands-On Crafts
💬 Build Vocabulary
❤️ Fun for the Whole Family

📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Logan Public Library

☎️ Registration is required. Contact the Logan Public Library to reserve your family's spot today!

#DeafEducation #WVSDB #EarlyLiteracy
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Event flyer for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Story Hour at Logan Public Library featuring storytelling, ASL, crafts, and language activities. Thursday, July 23, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Registration required.
As of July 21, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Registered Nurse – Itinerant (220 days) - Evening
Residential Shift Supervisor (220 days) - Night
Substitute Teacher
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
General Maintenance/HVAC Tech - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Blind/Low Vision Assistive Technology Coordinator - 260 days - at will

Internal Only
EDC - Residential Care Specialist - Weekend Supervision (Female Only)


To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
3 months ago, Jonathan Nickleson
Join our team graphic over looking WVSDB campus
One of West Virginia's Outstanding Educators Is Right Here at WVSDB! 🎉

We're thrilled to share that Ms. Heather Hartman has been named a West Virginia Teacher of the Year Finalist! 🏆

Heather is the kind of educator who changes lives. She inspires curiosity, challenges students to reach their full potential, and creates meaningful opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through innovative, accessible instruction and unforgettable experiences, she empowers students to grow in confidence, independence, and achievement. 🔬

This recognition is a testament to the passion, excellence, and heart Heather brings to WVSDB every day. 🌟

Congratulations, Heather! Your WVSDB family is cheering you on every step of the way! 💛💙

#WVTeacherOfTheYear #WVSDB #ProudToBeWVSDB
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Heather Hartman, West Virginia Teacher of the Year Finalist and WVSDB science teacher, smiles for a portrait.
Five West Virginia Teacher of the Year finalists pose together in a meeting room. Heather Hartman of WVSDB stands second from the right.