Registration for the 2025 Fall Conference is officially OPEN! 🍂

📅 When: Thursday, September 25 – Friday, September 26, 2025
📍 Where: West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) campus, Romney, WV

This event is perfect for educators and professionals across West Virginia and nearby areas.

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow! 🧠

🔗 Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/dXbBJsFcrf
🌐 More info: https://www.wvsdb2.state.k12.wv.us/page/2025-fall-conference

#2025FallConference #WVSDB #DHH #VI
25 days ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2025 Fall Conference Registration Announcement.
Creating Pathways, Building Futures: CAP is Back! 🎓

We’re thrilled to relaunch the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program, the ONLY transition program in West Virginia designed specifically for Deaf, Hard of Hearing (DHH), and Visually Impaired (VI) students!

Under the leadership of Rachel Lanham, WVSDB Transition Coordinator, our first cohort of students is already paving the way toward success. With CAP, students can customize their journey by choosing a vocational or educational track. 🛠️📚

Special thanks to our outstanding partners for helping us make this possible:
💛Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
💙Potomac State College of West Virginia University (WVU) + Office of Student Accommodations (OSA)
💛 West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

The future is brighter than ever for our students, and it’s happening here at WVSDB! 🎉

#CareerAcademyForPostgraduates #WVSDB #WVTransitionProgram
26 days ago, Alyssa Hansrote
CAP cohort students lined up on steps for a group photo.
Rachel Lanham, WVSDB Transition Coordinator poses for a photo with two CAP students standing on either side of her.
A male CAP student stands between his parents for a photo in his dorm room.
A male CAP student stands outside his dorm room for a photo.
A female CAP student holds open her dorm room door while she poses for the camera.
A male CAP student smiles at the camera as a bowl of cereal sits on the kitchen counter in front of him.
Two male CAP students are seated at a circular table as they work together to put together a puzzle.
Staged CAP dorm room featuring a bed with a white comforter and white WVSDB bag with the Black Bear logo.
Overview of a staged CAP dorm room.
Staged CAP dorm room featuring a wooden desk and chair with a green plant on top of the desk. A sign above the desk reads "Don't forget to call mom."
Every Day in School Matters! 🍎📚

➡️Chronic absenteeism impacts 1 in 5 students nationwide, putting them at risk of falling behind academically and socially.

At the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), we believe every day counts. That’s why we’ve created an Attendance Policy 1-pager to help families and students understand how we can work together to improve attendance.

Our Attendance Policy 1-pager explains:
✅ What counts as being “present” in school
✅ How chronic absenteeism is defined (missing 10% or more of school days)
✅ How attendance is tracked and reported

📄 Check out the Attendance Policy 1-pager here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2618/WVSDB/5947366/WVSDB_Attendance_Policy_One-Pager.pdf

#AttendanceMatters #WVSDB #StudentSuccess
27 days ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Chronic Absenteeism Infographic.
🚨 Career Tech in Action! 🚨

It's the second week of school, and our ProStart students are already back in the kitchen with Chef Olden.

They’re sharpening their knife skills and gearing up for an exciting catering event later this week. 🔥

Stay tuned! 🍽️

#ProStartCTE #WVSDB #CTEAcademy
28 days ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Chef Brian Olden demonstrates how to properly cut a yellow lemon on top of a green-colored cutting board to a female student.
A male student looks down as he cuts yellow lemons on top of a green cutting board.
Chef Brian Olden stands across from a female student as he demonstrates the proper way to cut fruit.
A male student looks down as he cuts yellow lemons on top of a green cutting board.
As of August 19, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies:

General Maintenance/Painter - 261 days
LPN - 210 days
Professional Interpreter I, II
Substitute General Maintenance/Plumber II

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
28 days ago, Sondra McKenery
Hands fingerspelling WVSDB with We're Hiring Apply Now!
Our 2025 Soccer Schedule is HERE! ⚽

This season is all about pride and community. Let’s come together, fill the stands, and make every game one to remember. 🙌

Check the schedule, save the dates, and get ready to cheer on your Black Bears! 🐻

#SoccerSeason2025 #WVSDB #BlackBearPride
29 days ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2025 WVSDB Soccer Schedule.
Your Second Home, But Cooler! 😎

The first week of school is behind us, and our students are already feeling at home. Our Residential Life Program provides a welcoming environment where evenings are filled with fun, meaningful activities that help students connect and grow.

Our dedicated Residential Life staff are at the heart of this program. They provide guidance, encouragement, and support, creating a safe environment where students feel valued and understood. 🤗

Here, every evening is an opportunity for students to grow and discover who they are, supported by staff who care like family. It’s more than a dorm; it’s a home away from home. 🌟

#ResidentialLife #WVSDB #DormLife
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Students playing a game of basketball outdoors.
Students playing a game involving dumping buckets full of water on one another.
Students racing to get the orange and purple basketball.
Students seated while they use bright colored buckets that are filled with water to dump onto one another.
Students seated at a wooden table with cupcakes and ice cream. One student stands and holds up a birthday sign for one of their fellow students who is seated.
A female Residential Care Specialist assists a female student with an art activity. They are coloring a spaceship.
A female Residential Care Specialist assists a male student with an art activity. They are drawing colorful flowers and hearts.
Students seated at a long, rectangular table full of art supplies as they work on their art activity.
Students seated at a long, rectangular table full of art supplies as they work on their art activity.
Two finished art activities sitting on a table for display. The art on the left is a camping trip with a tent and starry night, while the art on the right is a green alligator.
The First Week of School is in the Books! 🎉

Here’s a snapshot of the 2025-2026 WVSDB calendar, all the important dates, on-campus weekends, and holiday breaks for families, students, and staff. 📅

Stay organized and let's make the most of the year ahead! 💛💙

#ImportantDates #WVSDB #SnapshotCalendar
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2025-2026 WVSDB Calendar Snapshot
🌟 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! 🌟

What is a co-treatment? 🤔
It’s when two therapists, like a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and an Occupational Therapist (OT), work together in the same session. This lets them combine their skills, so students get support in multiple areas simultaneously.

💬 SLP: Builds language skills and helps students use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to communicate.
🖐️ OT: Supports posture, motor access, fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily living tasks.

Together, they ensure our DHH and VI students can access their devices and communicate effectively, helping them thrive daily! 🤩

Thank you to Ms. Ashley and Ms. Jasmine for their excellent collaboration! 💛

#CommunicationMatters #WVSDB #EmpowerStudents
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Ms. Jasmine Morgan, Occupational Therapist helps a male student in a wheelchair use his hands to stretch a pink toy.
Ms. Jasmine Morgan, Occupational Therapist helps a male student in a wheelchair use his hands to stretch a pink toy.
Ms. Jasmine Morgan, Occupational Therapist smiles while assisting a male student who is in a wheelchair.
Ms. Ashley Suddath, Speech Language Pathologist, Ms. Jasmine Morgan, Occupational Therapist sit on either side of a male student in a wheelchair during his session.
Ms. Ashley Suddath is seated with a book on her lap as she smiles at a male student in a wheelchair.
Ever wondered what makes the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) so special? 🤩

Now’s your chance to find out!

Our 2025 “About Us” booklet is here, your inside look at WVSDB and all the opportunities we offer to students, families, and educators across the Mountain State. ⛰️

🏠 Residential Life - Students build independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships while enjoying sports, clubs, events, and nonstop support from our caring staff.
🌐 Outreach Team - serving students, families, and educators in every corner of West Virginia with resources, training, and specialized support.
🎓 Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) Transition Program - helping young adults with vision and/or hearing loss step confidently into college, careers, and independence.

It’s bold. It’s inspiring. It’s WVSDB! 🐻

⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2618/WVSDB/5946541/WVSDB_Booklet__2___1_.pdf

#WVStudents #WVSDB #DeafEducation #BlindEducation
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
WVSDB "About Us" Booklet cover featuring blue and yellow-colored accents and the WVSDB Black Bear logo in the center.
As of August 12, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies:

LPN - 210 days
Professional Interpreter I, II
Substitute Custodian
Substitute General Maintenance/Plumber II
Substitute LPN

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
about 1 month ago, Sondra McKenery
CTE Instructor and student at workbench with We Are Hiring and school logo
WVSDB Students Return with Big Smiles and Big Wins! 🤩

The first day of school at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) was nothing short of AMAZING!

Our students crushed their previous General Summative Assessment (GSA) scores, so we celebrated big time! 🎉

From silly string and pies to egging and an epic ice bucket challenge on Mrs. Hesse, an unforgettable way to celebrate our students’ remarkable accomplishments.

What a way to start the year strong! 💛

#StudentSuccess #WVSDB #CelebrationTime
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A male student in a wheelchair holds a sign that says "First Day of School."
A female student holds up a red inflatable sign that says "Back to School."
A female student stands in front of a blue and yellow stripped wall holding a sign that says "First Day of School."
Students seated at their desks listening to their teacher.
Students standing side by side as they hold cans of silly string.
Mrs. Hesse sits in a chair as a male student cracks open an egg on her head.
A male student excitedly throws a plate of pie in Mrs. Hesse's face. A crowd of students observe in the background.
A male student gets ready to smear a plate of pie in Mrs. Hesse's face.
A female student smashes a plate of pie on Mrs. Hesse's head.
Mrs. Hesse smiles at the camera as she is seated in a chair.
📚✨ Back to School at WVSDB! ✨📚

We're so excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with our amazing students and families!

🏠 Residential Students return: Sunday, August 10, 2025
🏫 First Day of School: Monday, August 11, 2025

🧳 Student Checklist:
✅ Backpack (preferably not full of last year’s crumbs)
✅ Glasses / Hearing devices (yes, both pieces. And yes, charged.)
✅ Clothes (school-appropriate... no, pajama pants don’t count)
✅ Attitude set to “Let’s do this!”

📝 Parent Checklist:
✅ Fill out the digital forms
✅ Actually... just that one thing
(You thought we forgot? We never forget the forms.)

Let's make this year AWESOME! 🤩

#BackToSchool #WVSDB #WVSchools
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A male student smiles and holds up a heart shape with his hands. Above the student is "Back to School" in white-colored font. Below the student is a blue and yellow-colored banner that says "We've missed you." The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the upper right-hand corner.
Student Center Update! 📢

We’re getting so close to unveiling the brand-new Student Center inside the historic Blue & Gold Building! 💙💛

This space is being designed as the ultimate hangout for students, a place to connect, unwind, and feel at home. Most importantly, it’s being created with accessibility in mind, making sure our Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Visually Impaired (VI) students feel fully included and supported.

Stay tuned... It’s going to be worth the wait! 👀

#StudentLife #WVSDB #CampusLife
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A dark gray air hockey table with red accents and the letters "ESPN" in white font sits on gray and blue-colored flooring. There are blue couches behind it. Blue chairs and tables to the left of the air hockey table and windows to the right of the air hockey table.
Tables and blue chairs line the center of the updated student center. There is gray and blue-colored flooring and blue and yellow-colored ceiling tile. There are windows around the perimeter of the student center.
A large rectangular-shaped desk and three blue chairs sit up against a white wall and windows.
A large blue couch sits on gray and blue-colored flooring. Above the couch is blue and yellow ceiling tiles. Behind the couch in the background is the foosball and air hockey tables.
An overview of the student center. Rectangular and circular-shaped tables with blue chairs fill the room sitting on top of gray and blue-colored flooring. In the background there is tan-colored cabinets and a vending machine.
Today was Opening Day at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), and we’re officially kicking off the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉

Our amazing staff returned ready to dive into educational meetings and sessions, all focused on one goal: giving our students the BEST experience possible. 📚

Of course, we added some fun to the mix with a photobooth that captured plenty of smiles! 📸

We’re ready, let’s go, WVSDB! 🐻

#BackToSchool #WVSDB #OpeningDay
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Yellow balloons that spell out "Welcome Back" in gold, surrounded by red-colored smiling apple balloons.
Superintendent Burch stands behind a microphone as he delivers opening remarks. A male is standing on the stage behind him interpreting for him.
A male individual stands in front of a blue backdrop holding a pencil photobooth backdrop that says "First Day of School."
The WVSDB Outreach staff is seated around a large table discussing the plans for the upcoming school year.
An overview of teachers and aides seated at tables as they participate in a meeting.
Two female aides make silly faces to one another as they participate in the photobooth activity in front of a blue backdrop.
A female administrator stands in front of a blue backdrop holding many photobooth props in her hands as she smiles for the camera.
Two female teachers pose for a photo in front of a blue backdrop. The teacher on the left is holding a large inflatable pencil, while the teacher on the right holds an inflatable apple.
A group of three administrators stand in front of a blue backdrop, posing and smiling for the camera.
An overview of teachers and aides seated at tables as they participate in a meeting.
🌟WVSDB Campus Renovations Update! 🌟

We’re making great progress on our new pavilion and greenhouse, soon to be welcoming spaces for students and staff to gather and learn together! 🌿

These updates are part of our Campus Renovations Series, making WVSDB an even better place for EVERY student.

We can’t wait to share more updates as these spaces come to life! 🤩

#CampusRenovations #WVSDB #DHH #VI
about 1 month ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Steel beams make up the pavilion. Orange construction tape surrounds the perimeter of the pavilion. Keller Hall is in the background.
Construction site of the new greenhouse. Dirt and piles of gravel are spread out. There is a concrete slab in the background where the greenhouse will be.
As of August 5, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies:

LPN - 210 days
Professional Interpreter I, II
Substitute Aide
Substitute Cook III
Substitute Custodian
Substitute General Maintenance/Plumber II
Substitute LPN

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
about 1 month ago, Sondra McKenery
Student playing keyboard with teacher accompanying - Join our Team! banner and school logo
That’s a wrap on our Summer Camp series! ☀️

We ended the series with our American Sign Language (ASL) & Braille Bootcamp, where students came together to build their skills in ASL and Braille through hands-on activities.

The ASL side got creative by combining art and sign language, using paint and expression to bring signs to life in colorful and imaginative ways! 🎨

Braille students explored tactile literacy and toured the Instructional Resource Center (IRC), a statewide hub located on the WVSDB campus that provides accessible educational materials to students who are Blind or Visually Impaired across West Virginia. 📚

At WVSDB, we celebrate all forms of communication, signed, spoken, written, and tactile. Our school reflects our mission to support every learner and every voice. 💛

A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who made this Summer possible! 🤩

#CommunicationMatters #WVSDB #ASL #Braille
about 2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Group of ASL camp participants stand in a group, proudly holding up their art activities of ASL signs.
Group of Braille camp participants sitting in front of a large fish tank.
A male camp volunteer assists camp participants in an art project where they are painting on their hands.
A male camp participant wearing a galaxy-themed shirt touches a piece of paper that is embossed with Braille.
Group of ASL camp teachers, interpreters, aides, and volunteers stand together for a photo as they stand side by side one another.
A female camp participant wearing a dark gray-colored shirt and pink-colored glasses touches a white piece of paper that is embossed with Braille.
A female camp participant and female ASL teacher sign the word "apple." There is a large green-colored apple on the smartboard behind them with the word "apple" in black-font beside of the apple.
A male camp participant wearing a blue-colored polo and glasses looks down closely at a clear cup with light, brown-colored seeds inside of the cup.
A female camp participant smiles for the camera as she holds out her arm that she painted a pink flower on during the ASL art activity.
A group of camp participants seated around a table concentrate on reading Braille through touch.

Shoutout to our AMAZING Summer Camp volunteers - Alyssa, Eli, and Kade! ☀️

These three made a big impact at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), helping create unforgettable memories for our campers while gaining valuable experience themselves. 🌟

They spent the Summer building connections, supporting students, and expanding their American Sign Language (ASL) skills.

You made a difference! 💛

#VolunteerSpotlight #WVSDB #Leadership

about 2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Camp volunteers, Cade, Alyssa, and Eli stand next to Superintendent Burch in front of a scenic, green background.
Our elementary campers had a blast during Pirate Week! 🏴‍☠️

From crafting treasure maps and hunting geocaches to navigating with compasses and learning cardinal directions. 🧭

Campers showed off their creativity with handmade pirate flags, shiny gold medallions, newspaper hats, and even baked their own pirate bread ships! 🍞🚢

#CampAdventure #WVSDB #ElementaryExplorers
about 2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Three male camp participants are seated at a wooden picnic table as they paint white-colored Styrofoam plates the color "gold."
Two female camp participants seated at a circular shaped table pose excitedly with their pirate ship shaped bread.
A male camp participant seated at a circular shaped table smiles for the camera with his pirate ship shaped bread.
A male camp participant touches a white tactile figure.
A female camp participant searches a wooden cubby for a geocache.
A male camp participant holds a bag full of beige-colored dough mixture.
Two female aides assist a male camper with reading and understanding the WVSDB campus map.
A male camp participant sits on the ground with his legs crossed. He looks down and concentrates on making his newspaper pirate hat.
A male camp participant looks down and smiles at his pirate ship shaped bread creation.