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
24 days 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
25 days 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
26 days 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
26 days 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
27 days 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
28 days 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
30 days 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
about 1 month 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! 🔮
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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.
WVSDB Shines at the Special Olympics! 🌟 We are incredibly proud of our students who competed in the Special Olympics! 🏅 Their determination and enthusiasm made the day unforgettable. 💙 A special shout-out to Lynzie and Connie for placing in their events! A big thank you to Hampshire High for hosting such an inspiring event and to everyone who came out to support our amazing athletes! 🐻 #SpecialOlympics #WVSDB #LetsGoBlackBears
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A male wearing a yellow shirt jumps in a yellow and blue-colored bounce house.
A male is seated in a wheelchair while he holds a yellow-colored soccer ball.
A female wearing a neon-colored shirt stands on the podium with a medal around her neck.
A male student in a wheelchair smiles. He has a black cat painted on his cheek.
A female aide wearing a blue shirt assists a male student wearing a neon green shirt throw a frisbee.
Participants gathered on a green turf field as they participate in a game with a frisbee.
A male student wearing a neon green shirt standing on green-colored turf throws an object.
A female student holds a blue ball to throw at red and white bowling pins.
A female wearing a neon-colored shirt stands on the podium with a medal around her neck.
🌟 Educator Spotlight: Ms. Melissa Hensel! 🌟 Ms. Hensel leads our Super Senior Program with heart and dedication. 🍎 She goes above and beyond to prepare students for life after school, meeting them where they are and helping them grow academically and personally. Her student-first approach brings out the best in everyone she works with. From adapting materials to fit individual needs to finding real-world learning opportunities, she’s always one step ahead. Ms. Hensel also leads awesome school-wide initiatives like Recycling and Thirsty Thursday, creating meaningful ways for students to connect and contribute. 🌍 She’s a role model and a leader in our school community. 🏫 Thank you, Ms. Hensel, for everything you do! 💛 #EducatorSpotlight #WVSDB #ThankATeacher
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Ms. Melissa Hensel. A female educator with short hair and glasses smiles at the camera in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing a bright yellow shirt with a navy-colored jacket over top.
Dear Parents and Guardians, This is a reminder that there will be NO school on Monday, May 12, 2025. Residential students will return to campus on Monday, May 12, 2025, and classes will resume on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact us. Thank you!
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
🌟 Educator Spotlight: Ms. Heather Hartman 🌟 Meet Ms. Hartman, our passionate and dedicated 7th–12th grade science teacher who sets high expectations both academically and socially for her students! With a strong background in teaching students who are Blind or have Low Vision, she goes above and beyond to create accessible assessments and classroom experiences. 🔬 She also teaches students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and is committed to growing her American Sign Language (ASL) skills by taking classes and collaborating closely with staff. It's not uncommon to find her working through lunch with an interpreter to ensure her lessons are clear and meaningful for every student. 🤟 Though she’s only been back with us for one school year, Ms. Hartman’s years of experience in the Blind/Low Vision community make her an incredible asset to our team. We’re lucky to have her! 💙💛 #EducatorSpotlight #WVSDB #ThankATeacher
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Ms. Heather Hartman. A female educator wearing a striped sweater with the colors gray, white, and red smiles for the camera in front of a dark blue backdrop.
🌟 Educator Spotlight: Mrs. Cassie Park! 🌟 Meet Mrs. Cassie Park, one of our incredible Elementary teachers who brings creativity, compassion, and leadership to everything she does! 🍎 Mrs. Park creates a supportive classroom where every student can thrive, using innovative strategies tailored to individual learning needs. Her dedication to both academic growth and student well-being is unmatched. 📚 She’s also a true team player, mentoring staff, leading the Social Committee, stepping up as Faculty Senate Treasurer, and always lending a hand. From tech tips to behavior strategies, Cassie is the go-to for her colleagues. Thank you, Mrs. Park, for leading with heart and impacting our school community! 💙 #EducatorSpotlight #WVSDB #ThankATeacher
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female educator with short brown hair and glasses smiles for the camera in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing a lilac-colored shirt with blue, pink, and white accents. She has a circular gold necklace around her neck.