Senior Shoutout: Isabella "Bella" Patterson! 🎓 Bella has had an incredible senior year! She represented WVSDB on the Girls Goalball team, was actively involved in our EmpowerEd Academy, and successfully balanced high school with college through dual enrollment. 📚 After graduation, Bella will continue her journey with us through the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) Program while staying dual-enrolled at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. We’re so proud of you, Bella! Keep reaching for the stars! 🌟 #SeniorShoutout #WVSDB #2025Graduate
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Isabella Patterson. A female student dressed in a navy-colored graduation cap and gown smiles for the camera in front of a dark, blue backdrop. The phrase "Congratulations Isabella Patterson, Class of 2025" is in black-colored font to the right of her photo. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the bottom right-hand corner.
As of May 27, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following opportunities: Professional Interpreter I, II - Residential Program (eve/wknd hrs) Substitute Cook III Substitute General Maintenance/Carpenter II Substitute General Maintenance/Groundsman Substitute General Maintenance/Locksmith Substitute General Maintenance/Plumber II Substitute LPN To apply for any of the positions listed above, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
7 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Aerial view of campus with We Are Hiring - Join Now and school logo
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and there's no better time to celebrate our incredible Audiologist, Dr. Melanie Ashworth! 👂 Dr. Ashworth’s journey in Audiology began with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology (1989) and a master’s degree in Audiology (1991), both from West Virginia University (WVU). In 1992, she joined the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) as a staff Audiologist and has served Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (DHH) students, families, and educators ever since. 🌟 In 2007, she completed her Doctor of Audiology degree from Salus University, and claims it came with a messy, completely official doctor’s signature! 🖋️ Outside of her professional life, Dr. Ashworth is a Charleston native and the 9th of 10 siblings. She’s a proud aunt to 22 nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews (with two more on the way!). Her happy place? Fall weekends in Morgantown surrounded by family, friends, and Mountaineer football! 🏈 Thank you, Dr. Ashworth, for over 30 years of service and for being a true champion for the students of West Virginia! 💛💙 #NationalSpeechLanguageHearingMonth #WVSDB #AudiologistAppreciation
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Dr. Melanie Ashworth. A female with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses smiles for the camera proudly in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing a dark blue floral top and a navy cardigan over top.
West Virginia Tourism in Action! ⛰️ Students from Appalachia Provisions, our Culinary/Hospitality Academy, recently explored the heart of #AlmostHeaven in the Thomas/Davis area of West Virginia! From hiking scenic trails and dining at local favorites to shopping at small businesses, students gained a firsthand look at how WV tourism supports communities and fuels careers in hospitality. 🍽️ This experience wasn’t just about exploring new places, it was about discovering how their future roles in culinary and hospitality can help share the best of West Virginia with the world. 🌎 #AlmostHeaven #WVSDB #WVTourism
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group of students and a male instructor pose for a "selfie" in front of waterfalls in the background.
A group of students and a male instructor stand side by side on a wooden structure. There are green mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.
A female student with red hair climbs on a climbing rock exhibit.
Three females pose for a "selfie."
Students and a male instructor walk on a hiking path in the middle of the wilderness.
Students and a male instructor climb on rocks.
A male student is seated between large rocks.
A male student assists a female student with climbing on the rocks.
Students and a male instructor stand side by side on a wooden walking structure with green wilderness in the background.
🌟Awards Program Highlights! 🌟 We are so proud of all our students who have thrived this school year! 🤩 Your dedication to academics and athletics has truly stood out, and we celebrated your amazing achievements at our Awards Program. 📚 Your hard work and commitment inspire us all. 🏆 Keep shining and reaching for the stars! #StudentSuccess #WVSDB #StudentAchievement
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group of students and two coaches stand together in a group. A male student proudly holds up a large trophy with a golden soccer ball.
Three male students and a male instructor stand side by side. The male students hold up their certificates.
Students standing together in a group. They are all wearing medal awards around their neck.
Two female students and a male teacher stand side by side smiling for the camera. The two female students hold up their certificates.
Three male students and a male coach stand in a group holding up a large golden trophy.
Students stand in a line wearing their medals proudly. Two males on the right-hand side hold up the "I love you" sign in ASL.
Students standing in a group proudly hold up their certificates.
Two male and two female students stand in a group holding up their awards.
Students standing in a group and holding up their trophies.
Students are in a line posing for the camera and holding up their small golden trophies.
Senior Shoutout: Earl McKinney! 🎓 Earl has been an incredible part of our school community, contributing his talents across multiple sports as a member of the soccer, basketball, and swim teams. 🏀 Beyond athletics, Earl is thriving in our Building Maintenance and Operations Academy, where he’s gaining hands-on skills and real-world experience. Looking ahead, Earl plans to enroll in our Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program, focusing on the Vocational pathway. This next step will provide him with advanced training and help him transition smoothly into the workforce after graduation. 🛠️ We’re proud of all Earl has accomplished and excited to see what’s next on his journey! 🤩 #SeniorShoutout #WVSDB #2025Graduate
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Earl McKinney. A male student wearing a navy-colored graduation cap and gown smiles for the camera in front of a dark, blue-colored backdrop. The phrase "Congratulations Earl McKinney, Class of 2025" is in black-colored font to the right of his picture. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the bottom right-hand corner.
✨Prom Highlights ✨ Students stepped into a Hogwarts Magical Night, where floating candles lit the way to a dance floor full of laughter and lasting memories. 🕯️ Our students truly brought the magic to life! 🔮 #Prom2025 #WVSDB #HogwartsNight
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Male students and Residential Care Specialists make funny faces to the camera.
A group photo of female prom attendees and two female Residential Care Specialists in front of a red, gold, and yellow balloon arch. They are all dressed in formal attire.
Three female prom attendees stand for a group photo together in front of a red, gold, and yellow balloon arch. The female on the left-hand side is wearing a red dress. The female in the middle is wearing a blue dress with sparkles, and the female on the right is wearing a dark blue dress with sparkles.
A male and female stand close together in front of a red, gold, and yellow balloon arch.
Two female students stand close together in front of a red, gold, and yellow balloon arch.
Female students stand in a group together blowing kisses at the camera.
Two male students stand side by side smiling for the camera. The male on the left is wearing black and gray and the male on the right is wearing black and maroon.
A male and female students stand side by side with sashes and crowns on their heads.
Students pose for a group photo in front of a red, gold, and yellow balloon arch. They are making funny faces at the camera.
A female student wearing a red dress smile for the camera as she holds up a sign that says, "Have you seen this wizard?"
Senior Shoutout: Audrey Mattingly! 🎓 Let’s give a big congratulations to Audrey Mattingly, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! 🐻 Audrey has been a shining example of leadership and determination throughout her time here. She served as an active member of the Student Council, competed as an athlete on the Goalball team, and excelled in our EmpowerEd Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy, where she built career skills that will serve her well in the future. Audrey is not slowing down after graduation! She plans to dual-enroll at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (WVU) and our Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) Program. 📚 With her goal set on a future in law, Audrey is ready to continue challenging herself and making a difference. 🤩 We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished, Audrey, and can’t wait to see the incredible future ahead of you! 💛💙 #SeniorShoutout #WVSDB #2025Graduate
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Audrey Mattingly. A female wearing a navy-colored graduation cap and gown smiles for the camera in front of a dark blue-colored backdrop. The phrase "Congratulations Audrey Mattingly, Class of 2025" is to the right in black-colored font. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the lower right-hand corner.
As of May 20, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following opportunities: Professional Interpreter I, II - Residential Program (eve/wknd hrs) Substitute Cook III Substitute General Maintenance/Carpenter II Substitute General Maintenance/Groundsman Substitute General Maintenance/Locksmith Substitute General Maintenance/Plumber II Substitute LPN To apply for any of the positions listed above, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
7 months ago, Sondra McKenery
ASL for work with WVSDB logo and We're Hiring text
🌟Track Tournament Highlights! 🌟 The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind's (WVSDB) Track & Field team recently competed in the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) Track Tournament, hosted by the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD)! 🥇 Our student-athletes showed up with heart and determination in every event they competed in. We are so proud of their accomplishments and how they represented WVSDB with drive and sportsmanship. 🐻 #ESDAA #WVSDB #LetsGoBlackBears
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group photo of track athletes in matching blue and gold-colored uniforms. Their female track coach is on the far left-hand side. The track is in the background along with trees and greenery.
Track members running on the red track. There are participants in the background watching the runners.
Track members running on the red track. There are participants in the background watching the runners.
A female track team member wearing a blue and gold-colored uniform gets ready to start her race.
A male track member wearing a blue and gold-colored uniform jogs on the red track.
Three female track participants run on the red-colored track.
Track participants watch as a male participates in the shotput event.
Track participants watch as a male in a blue and gold-colored uniform throws his discuss.
Celebrating Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Day! 🎉 A huge thank you to Ms. Ashley and Ms. Kelsey, our wonderful Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! 💛💙 Their passion and dedication help our students find their voices, build confidence, and communicate with the world around them. Every day, they make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives. 💬 We’re so grateful for all that you do, Ms. Ashley and Ms. Kelsey! 💖 #SLPDay #WVSDB #ThankYouSLPs
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Ms. Ashley Suddath. A female with dark long hair smiles for the camera in front of a gray-colored backdrop. She is wearing an orange and brown shirt with designs.
Ms. Kelsey Heavener. A female with dark shoulder-length hair smiles for the camera in front of a gray-colored backdrop. She is wearing a green knit sweater.
Butterfly Magic in Mrs. Shoemaker’s Class! 🦋 Mrs. Shoemaker’s elementary class had an unforgettable experience learning about Painted Lady butterflies! After watching them grow, the class released 11 butterflies into our pollinator garden. 🌼 The students loved every moment of it! 🤩 #HandsOnLearning #WVSDB #ElementaryScience
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female teacher and a male ASL interpreter stand at the front of the room in front of two male students seated at their desks.
Students standing side-by-side as they sign the ASL word for "butterfly."
Students and a female teacher and aide are looking through the green pollinator garden.
Students hold out their hands for a chance to hold one of the butterflies.
A female teacher carefully gives a male student a butterfly to hold.
A male student looks slightly nervous as a butterfly crawls up his arm.
May Reminders - The Final Countdown! 🌟 We’re already halfway through the month. Here are some important dates to keep in mind as we head into the final stretch! 🎓 ➡️May 22nd - Awards Program @ 9:30 A.M. ➡️May 26th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL ➡️May 27th - 6th Grade Move-Up ➡️May 28th - Senior Picnic @ 5:00 P.M. ➡️May 29th - Signing Day @ 10:00 A.M. ➡️May 29th - Graduation @ 2:00 P.M. We’re proud of everything our students, staff, and families have accomplished this year. Let’s finish strong! 💛💙 #MayEvents #WVSDB #GraduationSeason
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
May Calendar Reminders. A light blue transparent background with students throwing their graduation caps into the air. The phrase "May Calendar Reminders" is in white and yellow-colored font. There are 3 rows of reminders in order. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the bottom center of the graphic.
Hogwarts Magical Night! ✨ Prom 2025 will be held on Saturday, May 17th, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the Rankin Hall Auditorium in the Brannon Building. Get ready to experience a magical evening filled with unforgettable memories, no unforgivable curses, and unforgettable fun! 🔮
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Prom 2025. "Hogwarts Magical Night"
Senior Shoutout: Rachelle Hill! 🎓 Join us in celebrating our outstanding 2025 Salutatorian, Rachelle Hill! 🎉 Throughout her time at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), Rachelle has shown what it means to be a dedicated student and well-rounded leader. She competed on the goalball team, excelled in college courses through Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, and pursued her passion for healthcare through the nursing program at Hampshire High School (HHS). 🏥 Rachelle’s journey is far from over! This Fall, she will be dual-enrolled at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (WVU) and our very own Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program. 💛💙 Rachelle, we are beyond proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and even more excited to see the amazing things ahead! 🤩 #SeniorShoutout #WVSDB #2025Graduate
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Rachelle Hill. A female student dressed in a navy-colored graduation cap and gown smiles for the camera in front of a dark, blue-colored backdrop. The phrase "Congratulations Rachelle Hill - Class of 2025" is to the right in black-colored font. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the lower right-hand corner.
Our Spring Deaf Tea Chat is Quickly Approaching! 🌸 ➡️ Mark your calendars for THIS Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Join us for an afternoon of connection and fun with ASL games, crafts, a build-your-own ice cream bar, and light refreshments. 🍦 This is a great opportunity to socialize and engage with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in a relaxed setting. 🎉 Big thanks to our amazing partners: 💛WVDE TAC – WV Outreach Center for the Deaf and the Blind 💛WV Hands & Voices 💛WV Deaf Service Center 💛WV Association of the Deaf #DeafTeaChat #WVSDB #ASLEvent
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Spring Deaf Tea Chat flyer. An ombre white and pink background with various flowers and butterflies. The phrase "Spring Deaf Tea Chat" is in orange and green-colored font. The partner logos are in the lower right-hand corner.
As of May 13, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following opportunities: Professional Interpreter I, II Professional Interpreter I, II - Residential Program (eve/wknd hrs) Substitute LPN To apply for any of the positions listed above, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
7 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Chef and student preparing food in ProStart kitchen w WVSDB logo and Join Our Team
Senior Shoutout: Makaylee Casteel 🎓 Congratulations to Makaylee, a proud member of the Class of 2025! 💙💛 We’re so proud to celebrate Makaylee and all the hard work she’s put in throughout her time at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB). 🐻 Her journey is just beginning, and we know she’s headed for great things. Way to go, Makaylee! 🤩 #SeniorShoutout #WVSDB #ClassOf2025
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Makaylee Casteel. A female student with blonde and hair and glasses is dressed in a navy-colored graduation cap and gown in front of a dark blue backdrop. The phrase "Congratulations Makaylee Casteel, Class of 2025" is to the right in black-colored font. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the bottom right-hand corner.
✨Happy School Communicators Day! ✨ Hi, I'm Alyssa Hansrote, the Public Relations and Communications Specialist at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! 🐻 I graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) with my Bachelor's in 2021 and my Master's in 2023 - Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer! Today is a special day to recognize the people who work behind the scenes to tell a school's story, and I am honored to be one of them. 💛💙 My favorite part of my job? Highlighting student success. Whether it's an academic achievement, a new learned skill, or a student reaching a personal milestone, sharing those stories is what drives me. I'm also lucky to work under a leader like Superintendent Clayton Burch, who values communication and the impact it has on our school community. 🌟 #SchoolCommunicatorsDay #WVSDB #WVUGrad
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Alyssa Hansrote. A female with short blonde hair smiles for the camera in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing a white turtleneck with a navy-colored blazer over top.
Students wearing blue and gold-colored soccer uniforms gather around a female with a filming tripod.
🌟 Educator Spotlight: Ms. Jen Biddle! 🌟 Ms. Biddle brings energy, creativity, and heart to the elementary hallway! She champions her students through hands-on learning, explores new ideas alongside them, and isn’t afraid to try something new, like coaching the Rocketry team this year! 🚀 She’s also bringing STEM to life with Project Lead the Way and a massive 125-gallon aquarium that her students help care for daily! 🐠 Beyond the classroom, she serves as a Mentor Teacher and Faculty Senate President. Thank you, Ms. Biddle, for inspiring students every day! 💙💛 #EducatorSpotlight #WVSDB #ThankATeacher
7 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Ms. Jen Biddle. A female with short blonde hair and glasses smiles for the camera in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing a black-colored shirt.