Live Feed | West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

BLACK BEARS ARE FLYING HIGH! 🚁

The Black Bears Aerial Drone Team showed up ready to compete and brought home the Judges' Award for the SECOND time this season! 🏆

From strong piloting to impressive coding skills, this team continues to raise the bar at every competition. Their hard work, teamwork, and determination truly set them apart, earning not only top finishes but also recognition for outstanding leadership! 🐻

Huge shoutout to Coach Epperly and the entire team for representing WVSDB in such an incredible way! 👏

#DroneTeam #WVSDB #DroneTournament

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Group photo of the WVSDB Drone team with Coach Epperly.

A male drone team member wearing safety glasses looks out at the drone course.

A drone team member sits on the ground with a laptop sitting to the right of them. They have their back away from the camera as they look out towards the drone course.

A male drone team member looks out to the drone course that features green and red-colored obstacles.

Drone team members wearing safety goggles hold their controllers in their hands as they compete in the competition.

Two male drone competitors stand alongside one another, both holding controllers as they compete against one another.

A green and black trophy in the shape of an "X" with the text "Aerial Drone Competition." and "Judges Award" at the bottom engraved in silver.

Duck, Duck… Spring Break! 🐥🌷

Our WVSDB staff had some special travel buddies this year, rubber ducks! These little adventurers tagged along everywhere, from the beaches of Puerto Rico to the sights of Washington, D.C. 🌎✈️

Not all ducks flew far, though! Some enjoyed Spring Break right here at home, popping up at Easter dinners, doctor’s appointments, track meets, and local favorite restaurants 🍽️

So… where did your Spring Break take you? 🐣

#SpringBreak #WVSDB #SchoolCommunity

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

A blue and yellow rectangular sign with a black outline of a black bear on the left-hand side and white text "The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind" on the right-hand side. There are two rubber ducks sitting on top of the sign.

A female, Mrs. Hesse faces a computer screen and points to the screen with her right hand and holds up a rubber duck with her left hand.

Two females are seated side-by-side in an airplane. The female on the left-hand side holds up a rubber duck.

A rubber duck sits on a blue seat inside of a metro train.

Two females stand side-by-side smiling at the camera while both are holding up rubber ducks.

A black and white dog sits on the backseat of a car with a rubber duck sitting to the left-side of the dog.

A purple rubber duck sits on top of a restaurant menu. Menu items are in black font.

Male track athletes wearing matching blue attire stand side-by-side while all holding a rubber duck.

A rubber duck sits on the counter in a doctor's office. Someone is holding a wooden stick to its beak.

A female custodian wipes off a table while looking down and smiling at her rubber duck.

Join Us for WVSDB 2026 Summer Camps! 🌟

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) is excited to offer two exciting summer camp experiences for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) students!

🏀 Sports Camp
📅 June 14–17, 2026

🔬 STEM Camp
📅 July 12–16, 2026

💥 Completely FREE to attend!
🚌 Transportation is PROVIDED via regional bus hubs
🏡 Overnight housing is AVAILABLE in WVSDB dorms

⏰ Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026

➡️We encourage interested students and families to register early to secure a spot.

🔗: Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/cW3jQ4uiHN

#Summer2026 #WVSDB #DHH #VI

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

What’s Next After High School? Discover CAP! 🎓

Here’s another exciting opportunity to learn more about the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program!

Join us for an upcoming virtual info session to explore how CAP at WVSDB supports Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) young adults as they transition into adulthood.

🎯 Through CAP, students gain:
➡️ College exploration opportunities
➡️ Career readiness & real-world work experiences
➡️ Skills for independence and everyday success

📅 Choose a session that works for you:
✨ Thursday, April 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Open to students, families, educators, and service providers

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/BYDDiSUvMy

#CAPProgram #WVSDB #CollegeAndCareer

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

CAP Virtual Session Informational Graphic.

Hi friends! ☕

We’re taking a short Spring Break here at Appalachia Provisions Café.… and honestly, it’s a little too quiet without you. 🤫

➡️We reopen on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, at 7:30 AM.

What do you think will be on the menu when we return?! 👀

We’ve loved reading your suggestions, you may just find your idea on one of our upcoming weekly menus! 🍽️

#AppalachiaProvisionsCafe #WVSDB #RomneyWV

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

The exterior of the Blue and Gold building with a black and white Appalachia Provisions yard sign in the front of the building.

As of April 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 :

LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute Cook III
WVOCDB - Blind/Low Vision Educator & VI Support Coordinator – 260 days

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

5 months ago, Sondra McKenery

We had an incredible visit from the West Virginia University (WVU) EcoCAR team, in partnership with the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources! 🚗

They introduced our Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students to an innovative, accessibility-focused vehicle designed to support DHH drivers. One standout feature allows drivers to detect and understand the direction of emergency sirens, helping make driving safer and more accessible.

Our students loved learning about how engineering and innovation can break barriers and create real-world solutions. 💡

Thank you to the WVU EcoCAR team for inspiring the next generation! 👏

#EcoCAR #WVSDB #WVU #DHH

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Students gathered around a blue-colored vehicle. There are students inside of the car. The male student in the driver's seat uses ASL to communicate with someone outside of the car.

WVU representatives gather around Mrs. Hesse as they all hold up the WV state flag. The blue-colored ECOCar is behind them in the background.

Students gathered around a blue-colored vehicle as they observe the vehicle and its features.

ECOCar tablecloth with computers and laptops sitting on top of the tablecloth.

A female student in the backseat of the ECOCar smiles at the camera.

Two students are seated in the drivers and passenger seats of the ECOCar.

Students look inside of the ECOCar while a male student is in the driver's seat of the vehicle.

What’s Next After High School? Discover CAP! 🎓

Here’s another exciting opportunity to learn more about the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program!

Join us for an upcoming virtual info session to explore how CAP at WVSDB supports Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) young adults as they transition into adulthood.

🎯 Through CAP, students gain:
➡️ College exploration opportunities
➡️ Career readiness & real-world work experiences
➡️ Skills for independence and everyday success

📅 Choose a session that works for you:
✨ Thursday, April 9 | 6:00–7:00 PM
✨ Thursday, April 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Open to students, families, educators, and service providers

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/BYDDiSUvMy

#CAPProgram #WVSDB #CollegeAndCareer

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parents' Day Program and Boy Scouts Court of Honor Award Ceremony on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM.

The event will be held in the MPR in the Sevigny Building on the WVSDB Campus. We would truly love to have you join us in person as we celebrate our students and recognize their achievements.

If you are unable to attend in person, we warmly welcome you to join us virtually using the provided Zoom link.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87257154767?pwd=vtXcfMxj8A7hE0KaPEpGspyQJShF9s.1

We look forward to celebrating together!

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Exciting things are happening at WVSDB! 🌟

We’re excited to share that WVSDB is looking into adding a Girls Intramural Flag Football Team to our growing list of student opportunities! 🏈

At WVSDB, we’re always striving to create new ways for students to get involved, stay active, and experience the power of teamwork and school spirit. This is just one of the many ways we continue to grow and support our students. ✨

More great things are on the horizon. Stay tuned! 👀

#StudentOpportunities #WVSDB #StudentLife

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

A female student wearing matching black shorts and top gets ready to catch a football.

Two female students wearing a black top and shorts stand side-by-side. The female on the left gets ready to throw a football.

A female student wearing a gray shirt and pink shorts reaches up to catch a football.

A female coach throws a football while a group of female students run to receive the football.

A group of female students wearing matching black tops and shorts stand in a group passing around a football.

Two female students wearing matching black outfits rush to catch a football.

A group of female students rush to grab a football.

Hey friends! ☕️

We’re taking a little pre–Spring Break… break. Closed this week, then Spring Break next week. 🌸

📅 Back at it on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026.

Try not to miss us too much! 😏

While you survive without us, what should we add to the menu when we get back? 👀

#RomneyWV #WVSDB #SpringVibes

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Hands Up, West Virginia! Season 2 - Episode 6👐

📅TONIGHT, March 31, 2026

6:00 PM

Jump into real-world communication with the Deaf community through live American Sign Language (ASL) demonstrations, interactive activities, and a lively Q&A you won’t want to miss. ⛰️

👉 Fully accessible with live captions
👉 ASL & spoken English interpretation provided
👉 Fun, engaging, and welcoming for ALL

Tune in and get your Hands Up, West Virginia! 🤟

🔗: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84540081655?pwd=VVacqExsddUraMXWamTraCGXq4hfMa.1

#HandsUpWV #WVSDB #WVSDBOutreach

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

As of March 31, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year :

Substitute General Maintenance/Electrician II
Blind/Low Vision Educator & VI Support Coordinator

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

5 months ago, Sondra McKenery

Shamrock Party & Social! 🌈

Our Shamrock Party & Social was a great mix of fun, connection, and community spirit! Residents had the chance to build interpersonal skills while enjoying a laid-back, festive atmosphere.

🎶 Musical chairs brought the laughs
🎮 Games kept everyone engaged
💚 And the best part, spending time together

We love seeing our Residential Life community grow stronger while making memories like these. Feeling lucky to share these moments together! 🍀

#ResidentialLife #WVSDB #LuckyToBeHere

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

A male student sits on a red bean-bag chair and smiles for the camera.

Students in the Blue and Gold Student Union are seated on burgundy-colored chairs as they play musical chairs.

Students seated on a blue-colored couch as they eat snacks and play video games. A female in the foreground sticks out her tongue at the camera.

Students participating in a game of musical chairs.

A male student and a female individual are seated on a blue-colored couch. The female flashes up the "I love You" sign in ASL.

Two male students are seated on a blue-colored couch facing and smiling at the camera.

A female and a male student are seated at a gaming station. They look behind them to smile for the camera.

A group of female students are seated at a table with a green and white patterned tablecloth.

Congratulations to our 2026 Excellence in Education Winners, Ms. Heather Hartman and Mrs. Joanna Gilbert! 🎉

We are proud to recognize Ms. Hartman, an exceptional educator, and Mrs. Gilbert, a dedicated Autism Mentor, for the incredible impact they make each day. Their commitment to student success truly sets them apart.

WVSDB is incredibly fortunate to have such inspiring individuals on our team. This recognition is so well deserved and a true reflection of all they do to support and uplift those around them. 💛

Join us in celebrating these amazing individuals on this well-earned achievement! 🏆

#ExcellenceinEducation #WVSDB #CelebratingSuccess

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Learning Beyond the Classroom with Residential Life! 💡

Our Residential Students took on a real-world challenge: find items needed for employment and interviews…on a budget! 💼

During a recent Walmart trip, students practiced:
🛒 Smart shopping for job/interview needs
💳 Using debit cards & Cash App
💵 Budgeting & counting money
🗣️ Self-advocacy
✔️ Self-checkout skills

Even more impressive? Their self-advocacy skills and independence were on full display!

Now THAT’S what we call real-world learning! 🙌

#RealWorldSkills #WVSDB #ResidentialLife

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

A group of students stand side-by-side, along with WVSDB representatives in a toy aisle at Walmart.

Male students and a male WVSDB representative look back for the camera as they shop.

A female WVSDB representative smiles and holds onto a shopping cart while male students hold products they plan to purchase.

A female WVSDB representative smiles and observes two female students. One student puts items in a shopping cart while the other female student waits to push the cart.

A female WVSDB representative assists a female student use the self-checkout.

A male student is standing at the checkout. He has his wallet open to pay the cashier.

Students waiting in the self-checkout line in Walmart.

A female student smiles and holds up the "peace" sign with her hand. There are two females behind her smiling for the camera.

Female students and a female WVSDB representative smile for the camera.

Female students and a female WVSDB representative smile and pose with an Easter holiday toy.

What’s Next After High School? Discover CAP! 🎓

Here’s another exciting opportunity to learn more about the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program!

Join us for an upcoming virtual info session to explore how CAP at WVSDB supports Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) young adults as they transition into adulthood.

🎯 Through CAP, students gain:
➡️ College exploration opportunities
➡️ Career readiness & real-world work experiences
➡️ Skills for independence and everyday success

📅 Choose a session that works for you:
✨ Thursday, April 9 | 6:00–7:00 PM
✨ Thursday, April 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Open to students, families, educators, and service providers

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/BYDDiSUvMy

#CAPProgram #WVSDB #CollegeAndCareer

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Midweek Magic at Appalachia Provisions Café! ✨

Bold flavors, fan favorites, and homemade magic, right here in Romney, WV. 😋

🌽 Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad – Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, this isn’t your average salad
🍕 Pepperoni Rolls – Cheesy, savory, and baked golden, pepperoni perfection in every bite
🔥 Fan Favorite: Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Spicy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with our creamy HOMEMADE ranch
🥓 Chicken Bacon Caesar Ciabatta – Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, fresh romaine, and Caesar dressing on soft ciabatta
🍫 Turtle Cheesecake – Rich, decadent, and the perfect sweet ending to any meal

📅Wednesday, March 25 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📅Thursday, March 26 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 301 East Main Street, Romney, WV

Come get it! 👀

#RomneyWV #WVSDB #AppalachiaProvisionsCafé

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote

Hands Up, West Virginia! Season 2 - Episode 5👐

📅TONIGHT, March 24, 2026

Jump into real-world communication with the Deaf community through live American Sign Language (ASL) demonstrations, interactive activities, and a lively Q&A you won’t want to miss. ⛰️

👉 Fully accessible with live captions
👉 ASL & spoken English interpretation provided
👉 Fun, engaging, and welcoming for ALL

Tune in and get your Hands Up, West Virginia! 🤟

🔗: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84540081655?pwd=VVacqExsddUraMXWamTraCGXq4hfMa.1

#HandsUpWV #WVSDB #WVSDBOutreach

5 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote