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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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.
As of May 6, 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 Substitute RN WVTAC/Outreach DHH & BLV Educator and Early Intervention Support Coordinator - 261 days 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 year ago, Sondra McKenery
Black bear photo w school logo - Become a Black Bear - Apply Now!
Happy National Nurses Day! 🩺🌟 Today, we honor and celebrate our incredible WVSDB School Nurses who go above and beyond every single day to care for our students. Your compassion, dedication, and commitment to keeping our campus healthy and safe do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the heart of healthcare at WVSDB! 💛💙 #NationalNursesDay #WVSDB #ThankYouNurses
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Yellow and white-colored medical supplies fill the graphic in front of a navy-colored background. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the bottom left-hand corner. The phrase "To Our Superheroes, Thank You School Nurses. It's National Nurses Day and we're grateful for all you do!" is in yellow and white-colored font.
🌟 Educator Spotlight: Mrs. Krystal Dosch! 🌟 Mrs. Dosch is our amazing American Sign Language (ASL) teacher for grades 6–12 and Career and Technical Education (CTE) ASL Interpreter Instructor. With creativity, kindness, and energy, she brings ASL to life through visual aids, games, and interactive lessons that make learning fun and meaningful. 💜 She goes above and beyond coaching the robotics team, tutoring after school, and mentoring students with heart and dedication. She also teaches ASL through Eastern WV Community & Technical College and plays a key leadership role statewide. Mrs. Dosch serves as Vice President of the Faculty Senate, is on the WVSDB Foundation Board, the WV DHH Advisory Committee, and the WV Family Engagement Team. She is a passionate advocate for student success, both in and out of the classroom. 🤟 #EducatorSpotlight #WVSDB #LeadershipInAction
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female wearing glasses with her hair pulled back smiles for the camera in front of a gray backdrop. She is wearing dangling earrings and a maroon-colored shirt with pink and white flowers.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎📚 At the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), we don’t just have great teachers, we have the BEST. 💙💛 Every day, our educators lead with heart, skill, and a commitment to helping every student shine. Whether Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or Visually Impaired, our students succeed because of YOU. This week, we’ll be highlighting WVSDB teachers who were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in and out of the classroom. Stay tuned for our daily Educator Spotlights and join us in recognizing their outstanding work! ✨ #TeacherAppreciationWeek #WVSDB #AchieveChallengeThrive
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A light beige-colored background with the phrase "We Are Extra Grateful For You" in different-colored font. There are white sparkles surrounding the phrase. There is a pencil in the middle of the graphic.
Happy Young Writers Day! 📚✍️ We’re thrilled to celebrate Bryleigh and Eli, students from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), who were recognized today at the University of Charleston for their exceptional writing skills! 🏅 🩰 Bryleigh’s submission, “Dancing Queen.” 🧠 Eli’s submission, “The Unseen Struggle of Constant Expectations." We are so proud of their creativity and hard work! 💙 #YoungWriters2025 #WVSDB #WVDE
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
One female student wearing a royal blue-colored dress stands beside a male student wearing a black shirt and jeans stand in front of the WV State Capitol building.
Happy Principal’s Day! 🍎 Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Melanie Hesse, our amazing Principal and Dean of Students, on Principal’s Day! 💙 Mrs. Hesse began her journey at the West Virginia School for the Deaf (WVSD) as a Teacher of the Deaf, and through her passion, dedication, and commitment to student growth, she has become an inspiring leader for our entire school. Her deep understanding of our students’ needs and her heart for education make a lasting impact every day. Thank you, Mrs. Hesse, for two decades of excellence, heart, and leadership. We’re so grateful for all you do! 🌟 #PrincipalsDay #WVSDB #WVDE
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female with short brown hair smiles proudly at the camera. She is wearing a maroon-colored shirt and is standing in front of a light grey backdrop.
🌟2025 Golden Horseshoe Award Recipient! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Charlie Wood has been honored as a 2025 Golden Horseshoe winner! 🏅​ Charlie’s achievement highlights her incredible knowledge of West Virginia history and her commitment to academic excellence. Way to represent, Charlie - your WVSDB community is proud of you! 🤩 #GoldenHorseshoe2025 #WVSDB #WVDE
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female student wearing a dark gray shirt with "ASL" finger spelling on the front smiles for the camera in front of a dark blue banner that has the WVSDB Black Bear logo at the top center with the phrases "Achieve, Challenge, Thrive" in white-colored font.
Dear WVSDB Parents and Guardians, As we prepare to begin the next part of the school year, please remember that all residential students are to return to campus on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Classes will officially resume on Monday, April 28, 2025. We appreciate your attention to this schedule and look forward to having our students back on campus!
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
You're Invited to Our Spring Deaf Tea Chat! 💐 ➡️Mark your calendars for 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 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Spring Deaf Tea Chat flyer, includes details of event with a border of colorful flowers. The title and details are in orange and green-colored font. There are colorful butterflies surrounding the title. The partners logos are on the bottom right-hand corner..
🌟 Happy Administrative Professionals' Day! 🌟 Today, we spotlight the incredible secretaries who keep us organized, supported, and always moving forward. Their smiles greet us, their work empowers us, and their dedication inspires us. With heartfelt thanks, we recognize: ✨ Ms. Zamara Carr ✨ Mrs. Chasity Clower ✨ Ms. Kendra Keith ✨ Mrs. Skylar Moreland ✨ Ms. Janet Cheshire ✨ Ms. Amy Hicks You are the backbone of our school, and we are so grateful for all that you do. 💛 Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 💐 #AdminProsDay #WVSDB #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A beige-colored background with red and blue-colored polka dots at the top and bottom. A stack of colored books with an apple on top is on the left-hand side. Four females are in circular frames in the center of the graphic. Above them is the phrase "You Brighten Up The Workplace" in red-colored font. Below is the phrase "Happy Administrative Professionals' Day" in blue-colored font.
April is National Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉 A special shoutout to Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jasmine for all your amazing work at WVSDB! 🐻 Your dedication and hard work tremendously impact our students' lives, helping them develop skills that will benefit them both now and in the future. We appreciate everything you do to support their growth and independence. 🤩 #OTMonth #WVSDB #ThankYou
about 1 year ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Two females in the center of the graphic in front of a blue and yellow swirl background. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is at the top center. Below the logo is the phrase "Occupational Therapy Month".