Meet the WVSDB Staff! 🐻 Dr. Christine Lewis - Director of Student Life 🌟 With 20 years at WVSDB, she leads as the Director of Student Life, overseeing all aspects of residential programming. Dr. Lewis ensures students are supported academically and learn independent living skills through the state-approved expanded core curriculum. She designs activities to enhance fitness, social, emotional, and personal care skills, fostering independence and career-building skills. 🤩 Dr. Lewis bridges students' families and the school, making WVSDB a true home for residents. 🏠 She holds a BS in Psychology, an M.Ed. in School Guidance & Counseling, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. 🎓 Her goal is to improve students' quality of life and preserve their dignity. Outside WVSDB, she consults for advocacy groups supporting individuals with disabilities. #StudentLife #WVSDB #InclusiveEducation
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Professional photo of Dr. Christine Lewis. She smiles at the camera. Her title "Director of Student Life" is above her in white font. Her name is below her photo. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is at the bottom center.
Career Exploration Summer Camp! 🌟 We are excited to collaborate with 360 Degree Academy for an enriching Career Exploration Summer Camp! 🔍 Our campers are learning about various careers and developing essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving to prepare them for the future. In the evenings, they cool off with fun water activities, and indoor sporting games, and enjoy some tasty ice cream! 🍦 #SummerCamp #WVSDB #CareerExploration
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female interpreter is seated beside a female camp participant at a computer as the interpreter assists her with an assignment.
A male student sits at a computer and looks up information on the computer.
Two female camp participants are seated at computers filling out their assignments.
A female aide sits beside a female participant and assists her with the paper assignment.
A female 360 Degree Academy representative signs information to two female students.
Camp participants outdoors playing water games.
Camp participants in the gymnasium playing basketball.
Camp participants seated in a row playing water games where they dump water on the person seated behind them.
Camp participants seated at a circular table as they socialize and enjoy ice cream.
Olympic Literacy Summer Camp in Full Swing! 🏅 Campers are already immersed in books, Olympic-themed crafts, and expressing their creativity through storytelling. 📚 The Olympic spirit is alive as our young champions strive for gold in literacy! 🌟 #OlympicLiteracyCamp #WVSDB #ReadingChampions
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female teacher wearing a bright red shirt assists a female camper with making a paper torch. They are crinkling up orange tissue paper.
A female teacher wearing a bright red shirt. She is holding up a paper torch.
A female camp helper assists a student during the torch walk. She holds up the torch craft they made.
A female Outreach Specialist assists a male student during the torch walk. He smiles and holds his torch in the air.
The group of campers hold up their handmade paper torches up to a lamp post.
A female Outreach Specialist and male student smile as they do a literacy activity. There is a circular globe sitting in front of them.
A female camper and a female helper look down at a literacy activity and using a book to help look up information.
A group of students are sitting at a table with books in front of them. There are aides around them for assistance.
A female aide and a male camper are seated at a table. She is assisting him with an activity.
Two female campers are seated at a table while they watch a female Outreach Specialist present from a smartboard. There is a male interpreter to the right of the board.
Join us for an enchanting performance of Pinocchio by our talented campers! They've been working tirelessly to bring this classic tale to life. 🎭 📅 Date: Saturday, July 13th, 2024 📍 Location: Brannon Building Auditorium, WVSDB Campus 🕐 Showtimes: 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM Can't make it in person? No worries! We'll be live streaming the performance so you won't miss a moment. Come support our amazing young performers!✨
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Summer Camp students standing on stage while marching in place.
Three Summer camp students are sitting on the stage in a circle, while the older actors are standing behind them preparing for the performance.
Campers are standing on the stage looking towards one of the directors who is wearing a fake nose and dark wig with a red hat.
Campers are standing on stage practicing their lines.
The director is dressed up with a fake nose and dark wig. She is holding up her hand while two campers look towards her.
A summer camp student is looking towards the director who is dressed in a cape, fake nose, and dark wig.
The director who is dressed up is walking off the stage while two actors watch.
Actors are looking towards the dressed up director. They are practicing their lines and rehearsing.
Many Summer camp participants are standing on stage while rehearsing one of their songs to prepare for the final performance.
That's a wrap for Jurassic Literacy Camp 2024! 🦖 Our campers embarked on amazing adventures, from exploring the wonders of Smoke Hole Caverns to diving into exciting dinosaur-themed activities focusing on learning and literacy and soaking up the great outdoors. ☀️ A special thank you to everyone who made this camp possible—we couldn't have done it without your support! 💖 #JurassicLiteracyCamp #WVSDB #LearningAdventures
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Students, teachers, and aides exploring the caves at Smoke Hole Caverns.
A male student wearing a red shirt is swinging high on a blue and yellow swing set.
A female aide smiles and lifts up her hands while she is dressed in a dinosaur costume.
A female student wearing a gray shirt holds up the rocks she discovered during a mining activity.
A female interpreter wearing a purple shirt smiles and looks at the camera while a male student gives her a hug.
Campers are outside looking towards a female aide waiting for instructions for their activity.
A female aide assists a female student on a dinosaur coloring activity.
A female student wearing a striped shirt and yellow glasses is looking down and painting a dinosaur.
A female helper sits on the ground across from a male camper as he holds his cane.
A group of campers are gathered around one another and sitting in a circle while doing a water activity.
Meet the WVSDB Staff! 🐻 Dean of Students/Principal - Melanie Hesse! We are excited to introduce our dedicated Dean of Students. She has been with WVSDB for over 20 years, holding various key positions. Starting in 2003 at WVSDB Deaf Elementary, she became Director of Special Education in 2016, Director of Outreach in 2019, and now serves as Dean of Students. 📚 With a Bachelor's in Education from Fairmont State College, a Master's in Special Education from Marshall University, and certifications in DHH and VI. 🤟 Fluent in ASL and proficient in Braille, our Dean brings unmatched expertise and passion to our school. Join us in celebrating her incredible journey and commitment to our community! 🤩 #EmployeeSpotlight #WVSDB #SpecialEducation
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Melanie Hesse- Dean of Students photo in a circular frame. The phrase "Dean of Students" is in white font above her photo. Her name "Melanie Hesse" is below her photo, along with the WVSDB Black Bear logo.
We're incredibly thankful to Breezewood Adventures for their wonderful partnership with our Summer Camp! 🚣‍♂️🎣 Our campers are having a blast with evenings of fishing and canoeing, experiencing the joys of summer activities firsthand. ☀️ Breezewood's dedication to creating these opportunities is truly appreciated and makes a world of difference for our campers! 🌲🌊 #SummerCamp #WVSDB #BreezewoodAdventures
11 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group of students standing side-by-side in an outdoor setting for a group photo. There are canoes stacked high behind our campers.
Two campers are sitting in front of the canoe while a Residential Care Specialist sits in the back padding them.
Three campers are sitting in canoes. One female camper is holding a yellow paddle. They are all three wearing red life jackets.
A camper and RCS both hold up their paddles in the air and smile for the camera in a green canoe.
A group of campers and workers are standing together for a group photo in front of a pond where they went fishing.
A Breezewood Adventure employee wearing a red shirt and hat holds up a fish for two campers to look at.
A male camper looks and smiles at the camera while holding on to his fishing pole.
Two students are facing the pond while holding onto their fishing poles.
As of July 9, the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind is seeking qualified applicants for the following job opportunities: Licensed Practical Nurse - 210 days Substitute LPN Substitute Residential Care Specialist Substitute RN Teacher - English 05-AD/DHH PK-AD Teacher - Science 05-AD/Biology 09-AD WVTAC - IRC Program Specialist - 261 days See something of interest this week? Apply online, at - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=4736
11 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Classroom with chalkboard centered - WVSDB JOBS displayed
Missoula Theater Camp Presents: Pinocchio! 🎭 Our talented campers have been hard at work, rehearsing for their performance of Pinocchio! 🎉 Join us on Saturday, July 13th, at 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM in the Brannon Auditorium on the WVSDB Campus for a magical performance. Can't make it in person? No worries! We'll be streaming the performance live! 📸 Don't miss out on this incredible production by our young stars! 🌟 #MissoulaTheatre #WVSDB #Pinocchio
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female camp counselor holds the hand of a female student and walks with her across the stage.
A female student smiles and performs a skit on stage while fellow campers are seated in a circle around her.
A female camp counselor is seated in a chair on the stage while three campers are seated on the floor in front of her while they rehearse lines.
A female camp counselor and female camper stand on the stage rehearsing while holding the script.
A female camp counselor and two female campers are standing on stage looking at their scripts.
Campers and a female camp counselor are standing on stage rehearsing for the performance.
A female camp counselor stands on stage with three campers.
Jurassic Literacy Camp is in Full Swing! 🦖 Our young explorers are having a blast at the Jurassic Literacy Camp, and the adventure has just begun! 🦕📖 Here's what our campers have been up to: 🌍 Exploring Dinosaurs: Diving into the fascinating world of dinosaurs through stories and interactive learning. 🎨 Creative Crafts: Unleashing their creativity with dino-themed crafts and projects. 📚 Literacy Fun: Enhancing their reading skills with engaging, fun-filled activities. 🤝 Making Friends: Meeting new friends and sharing their love for reading and adventure. #JurassicLiteracyCamp #WVSDB #KidsCamp
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female camp teacher is doing a dinosaur activity with students. She is standing behind a table and students are seated in front of her at the table.
A male student wearing a green Mario Brothers shirt is smiling and seated at a table with a leaf craft laying in front of him.
A female aide wearing a white and blue top is assisting a male student with a sensory activity. They are both seated at a table.
A female aide us holding up the ASL sign for the letter "U" while a male student puts the alphabet in order.
A female Outreach Specialist assists a male student with a crayon as they color on a green sheet of paper.
A female student wearing a bright pink shirt looks down while putting the alphabet in order.
A female Outreach Specialist assists a female student stirring together a dinosaur-themed craft in a small cup.
A female aide laughs as she puts a dinosaur figure on the head of a male student.
A male student wearing a dark blue t-shirt smiles at the camera. There is a blue slide behind him.
A camp volunteer is assisting a female student with a dinosaur-themed craft.
🌟 Happy Fourth of July! 🌟 Let’s celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence today! As we enjoy the festivities with loved ones, let's honor the bravery and vision of those who made this day possible. May your day be filled with laughter, unity, and amazing fireworks! 🎆 #IndependenceDay #WVSDB #USA
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Fourth of July. Dark blue background with red, white, and blue fireworks. The WVSDB logo is at the top. The phrase "Happy Fourth of July" is in white and red font.
🚀 Exciting Announcement! 🚀 We are thrilled to introduce Discovery P.O.I.N.T., our groundbreaking mini-course series at The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind! 🌟 Open to students from counties across West Virginia who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Low Vision, and Deafblind, this program is designed to foster growth and independence through five key pillars: Potential, Opportunities, Independence, Network, and Toolbox. Here’s why you should be part of it: 🔑 Comprehensive Support Services: Opportunities for Support in ASL, Braille, and O&M to ensure all students excel. 🔧 Career Technical Education (CTE): Choose from courses like Building Maintenance & Operations, Personal Career Readiness, Culinary and Hospitality, Business Enterprise, and Music. 📅 Consistent Engagement: Held six times throughout the school year, offering continuous support and growth opportunities. Join us in empowering West Virginia County students with skills and confidence for a successful, independent future! 🌟 For more information, follow the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://wvsdb.edurooms.com/engage/west-virginia-school-for-the-deaf-blind/newsletters/discovery-p-o-i-n-t #DiscoveryPOINT #WVDE #WVSDB
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Discovery P.O.I.N.T. Potential, Opportunities, Independence, Network, and Toolbox. There are blue and yellow accents on each lower corner.
The phrase "Discover the Next Big Thing" in yellow and black font. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is at the bottom center with blue and yellow accents on each side.
A female student with red hair is putting sauce on breakfast sandwiches. She is wearing her white culinary jacket.
Two male students stand side by side holding large wooden outlines of West Virginia.
As of July 2, the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind is seeking qualified applicants for the following job opportunities: Licensed Practical Nurse - 210 days Professional Interpreter for Residential Program - 200 days (eve and wknd hrs) Professional Interpreter I, II Statewide Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Program Specialist (.6 FTE) Substitute Residential Care Specialist Substitute RN Teacher - English 05-AD/DHH PK-AD Teacher - Science 05-AD/Biology 09-AD WVTAC - IRC Program Specialist - 261 days See something of interest this week? Apply online, at - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=4736
12 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Hands touching newspaper headline HIRING
Meet the WVSDB Staff! 🐻 Superintendent Burch - An education leader with 25+ years of experience, including as the 32nd State Superintendent of Schools in WV. Since his arrival in Romney, he has: 🌟Modernized Campus 🌟Engaged Students with the Romney Community 🌟Boosted Student Safety A passionate advocate for our students, he is dedicated to their well-being, equity, and closing achievement gaps. 🎓 #EducationLeader #WVSDB #StudentAdvocate
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Superintendent Burch with a blue background behind him. The word "Superintendent" is above him in white. His name "Clayton Burch" is below his photo in white font. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is below his name.
Applying to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) is a straightforward 5-step process. ✅ Enrolling your child at WVSDB is a pivotal decision that offers unparalleled opportunities for their growth and development. Choosing WVSDB means giving your child access to an education that is specifically designed to meet their needs, empowering them to reach their full potential. 📚 For more information, visit our admissions page. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://www.wvsdb2.state.k12.wv.us/page/admissions #WVSDB #WVDE #WVEducation
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB School Admission process with blue and yellow accents. There is a photo of Deaf students signing ASL in the top right-hand corner. Below is a photo of the WVSDB campus in the Fall season.
Our WVDE TAC: WVOCDB Outreach Specialists recently attended the WVDE INVEST (Infuse, Network, Value, Engage, Support, Target) Conference and Math Workshop! 🎉 This event was an incredible opportunity for educators to participate in workshops centered around engagement, networking, and effective instructional practices. 🌟 Gaining insights from experts and staying updated on state initiatives and policies is invaluable. A big thank you to the Outreach team for being out in the state and representing our Center! #INVESTWVDE #WVOCDB #WVSDB
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Three females standing side by side while holding a cardboard photo cutout for the photo. The cutout is colorful with the phrase "INVEST Educational Symposium" in bold purple font.
Two females standing side by side behind a table that has a black tablecloth over it with the WVOCDB logo in the center.
Three females standing on either side of a WVOCDB banner.
Two females standing side by side behind a table that has a black tablecloth over it with the WVOCDB logo in the center
As of June 25th, the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind is seeking qualified applicants for the following job opportunities: Long Term Substitute Teacher - English 05-AD/DHH PK-AD Professional Interpreter for Residential Program - 200 days (eve and wknd hrs) Professional Interpreter I, II Statewide Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Program Specialist (.6 FTE) Substitute Residential Care Specialist Substitute RN Teacher - English 05-AD/DHH PK-AD Teacher - Science 05-AD/Biology 09-AD See something of interest this week? Apply online, at - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=4736
12 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Magnifying glass with "Looking for a great place to work?"
We're incredibly proud of Bindi, a student from The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, for participating in the inaugural cohort of the Governor's School for Tourism (GST)! 🏞️ So far, Bindi and fellow students have explored key locations across our beautiful state, gaining hands-on experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Recently, they visited Blennerhassett Island, toured the WV State Capitol, and even attended a Charleston Dirty Birds baseball game! 🏛️⚾️ Way to go, Bindi! 🌟 📸: Governor's School for Tourism #WVTourism #WVSDB #WVDE
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Male and female students and chaperones standing in front of a baseball field. They are smiling and facing the camera.
🌟This week is Deafblind Awareness Week! 🌟 ➡️On June 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the last week beginning June 24, as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week,” commemorating American author and educator Helen Keller’s birthday. Let's take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible resilience and strength of the deafblind community. Deafblindness, a unique combination of vision and hearing loss, affects many individuals worldwide. This week is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and advocating for the rights and needs of those who are deafblind. 🤗 #DeafblindAwareness #WVSDB #AccessibilityForAll
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A cartoon version of Helen Keller is in the center of the graphic. She is wearing a green and white stripe sweated. Above her is the phrase "Deafblind Awareness Week" in green font. Below her is the dates "June 24th-July 1st, 2024" in green font. Below the dates is the WVSDB Black Bear mascot. There are an array of different colored accents in each corner of the graphic.
🌟 Discover the Unique Benefits of The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind! 🌟 Are you searching for a supportive, inclusive, and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! Here's why you should consider enrolling your child: 📚Personalized Learning - Our dedicated staff tailor educational experiences to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring they reach their fullest potential. 👩‍🏫Expert Educators - Our team of highly trained teachers and support staff specialize in deaf and blind education, providing the highest quality instruction and care. ❤️Inclusive Community - At WVSDB, we foster a sense of belonging and community. Your child will build lifelong friendships and connections in a safe, supportive environment. 💻Cutting-Edge Technology - We utilize the latest assistive technology to enhance learning and independence, ensuring students can access the tools they need to succeed. Give your child the gift of an exceptional education and a bright future. Enroll them at The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind today! 🤩 ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://www.wvsdb2.state.k12.wv.us/page/admissions
12 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
One female student and one female student are seated at a table looking at a computer screen and signing ASL.
A male student looks down at sheets of Braille. There is a dark blue embosser to his right. He is wearing a long-sleeve white shirt.