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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 year 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 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.