WVSDB Brings the Heat to ESDAA! 🔥

The WVSDB Track Team showed up and showed out at the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) Track Tournament hosted by Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD)! 🏃‍♀️

We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their effort and the way they represented our school on and off the track. 🐻

WVSDB didn’t just compete... we made our presence known. 💥

#ESDAA #WVSDB #BlackBearPride
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female athlete, Brooklyn, gets in position to throw a shotput during a field event.
A female athlete, Willow, dressed in a blue and yellow uniform runs as individuals in the background cheer for her.
A female athlete, Brooklyn, gets ready to throw a neon yellow softball during a field event.
A female athlete, Skylar runs and is getting ready to do the long jump and land in a sand pit.
Two athletes are running on a red-colored track.
A male athlete, Tristian, wearing a blue and yellow uniform runs hard on a red-colored track.
As of May 12, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Aide II, III, IV Supervisory / Transportation
Aide II, III, IV Supervisory / Transportation
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift
Substitute General Maintenance/Groundsman

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369
2 months ago, Melissa Stump
We are Hiring Banner
Celebrating Success Built Through Partnership! 🏆

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSDB) was honored to participate in the 2026 commencement ceremony at Eastern WV Community and Technical College. This celebration highlighted collaboration, achievement, and student success. 🎓

Superintendent Clayton Burch served as the commencement speaker, offering encouragement to graduates as they begin their next chapter. 🌟

During the ceremony, WVSDB was also recognized with the Apex Award, presented by Dr. Striplin, President of Eastern WV Community and Technical College.

We are especially grateful to WVSDB interpreters Ms. Jennifer Casto and Mrs. Shari Loar for their outstanding interpreting, helping ensure full access and inclusion throughout the ceremony. 🤟

Shine Bright, Class of 2026! ✨

#Classof2026 #WVSDB #Commencement2026
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Two female interpreters, Ms. Jennifer Casto and Mrs. Shari Loar stand alongside Dr. Striplin, who is dressed in graduation regalia. To his left, is Superintendent Burch who proudly holds the Apex award.
Out of Office: Café Edition ☕ Back One Last Time Next Week!

As our students prepare for testing, the Appalachia Provisions Café will be CLOSED May 13th & 14th, 2026! (They’re busy being brilliant, no interruptions allowed). 📚

🗓️ May 20–21, 2026 = FINAL Café days before summer break
➡️After that… we’re hitting pause until JULY 2026☀️

So basically:
👉 Come see us next week
👉 Or spend all summer thinking about what you should’ve ordered

We’ll be waiting for you one last time before break! 😉

#AppalachiaProvisionsCafé #WVSDB #SupportLocal
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Appalachia Provisions Café closure notice. The Blue and Gold Building is in the background with a black and white Appalachia Visions yard sign in the foreground. Text "Sorry we are closed, see you May 20, 2026!" The Appalachia Provisions logo is in the upper right-hand corner. The WVSDB logo is in the lower left-hand corner.
Join Us for May Deaf Social! 🤟

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM and enjoy an afternoon of fun, connection, and community! 🌟

✨ Activities Include:
🏓 Pickleball
🎯 Corn Hole
🎨 Crafts
🍪 Light Refreshments
🎁 Door Prizes

📍Hampshire County Pickleball Courts
301 East Main Street
Romney, WV

A HUGE thank-you to our amazing partners:
💙 WVSDB Outreach
💙 WVSDB CAP
💙 WV Hands & Voices
💙 WV Deaf Service Center

Everyone is welcome, whether you're fluent in ASL, learning, or want to connect with the Deaf community. Come hang out, meet new people, and have some fun!

#DeafSocial #WVSDB #DeafCommunity #ASL
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
May Deaf Social Flyer.
The Black Bears are Coming! 🔥

The WVSDB Track Team is headed to the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) Track Tournament at the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD), and our athletes are ready to compete and represent with pride! 🏆

These student-athletes have put in the work, and now it’s time to shine! 🌟

Let's Go, Black Bears! 🐻

#TrackTournament #WVSDB #ESDAATrack
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
The Co-Ed WVSDB Track team posing in two rows- a front row and a back row. They are wearing matching blue and yellow uniforms. Coach See and Coach Mongold are on either side of the athletes.
A Slice of Appreciation! 🍰

This week, we’ve been celebrating the heart of WVSDB, our incredible teachers and staff! 💙

We’re so grateful for community partners like The Bank of Romney, who go out of their way to make our staff feel celebrated and appreciated.

Your kindness made our week a little sweeter! 😊

#TeacherAppreciationWeek #WVSDB #CommunitySupport
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group of WVSDB staff members stand among Bank of Romney employees. A male Bank of Romney employee in the center of the group is holding a cake.
Discover what’s possible through the Career Academy for Postgraduates (CAP) program at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)! 🎓

Join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to learn how CAP supports Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) young adults as they build confidence, independence, and a plan for life after high school.

✨ Through CAP, students can explore:
🎯 College & career pathways
💼 Job readiness & real-world work experiences
🏡 Independent living & everyday life skills
🤝 Self-advocacy, confidence, and transition support

Choose the session that works best for you:
🗓 Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00–1:00 PM
🗓 Thursday, May 28 | 5:00–6:00 PM

➡️Open to students, families, educators, and service providers.

🔗 Register today: https://forms.office.com/r/BYDDiSUvMy

#PostSecondarySuccess #WVSDB #CareerReadiness
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
CAP Virtual Informational Session.
CAP Virtual Informational Session.
A Golden Moment at WVSDB! ✨

Congratulations to Khloe on earning the distinguished honor of becoming a West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Winner! 🏆

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding knowledge of West Virginia history, culture, and civics, and Khloe has represented WVSDB with excellence. 💙

We are proud to see your hard work being recognized at the state level. ⛰️

#WVGoldenHorseshoe #WVSDB #StudentExcellence
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Khloe Bennett, a female student sits on a white bench with her legs crossed and her hands sitting on her lap. There is a brick wall behind her.
Ready, Set, Drive - ASL Driver’s Prep Program. 🚗

Struggling with the written driver’s license test? This program is designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals (ages 15+) who use American Sign Language (ASL) and want extra support. NO age limit!

What’s Included:
➡️Instruction fully in ASL
➡️Practice questions with explanation
➡️Road signs, traffic laws, and test vocabulary
➡️Test-taking strategies in a supportive environment

📅 Options:
First-Time Test Takers: July 7–30 (Tuesday/Thursday)
Retake Prep: July 13–17 (Monday–Friday)

💻 Small-group sessions on Zoom

🔗: https://forms.office.com/r/zpgBPm2Nnh

📩 Contact Ms. Rachel Lanham
rachel.torrence@k12.wv.us | 304-822-4810
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2026 ASL Drivers Education Course Flyer.
Happy American Sign Language (ASL) Appreciation Day! 🤟 Behind so many moments of learning and connection are interpreters who make communication accessible for all. Today we celebrate the ASL interpreters whose work helps students thrive each day. 🤩 Thank you for the difference you make. 💙 #ASLInterpreter #WVSDB #ASL
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
“Happy Interpreter Appreciation Day” in white font. The word “interpreter” is finger spelled.
When State Leaders Visit, Great Things Happen! 🌟

We were proud to host West Virginia State Superintendent Michele Blatt and Associate Superintendent Jeff Kelly as they toured campus, explored recent upgrades, visited the Appalachia Provisions Café, and experienced the talent of our WVSDB Rock Band in rehearsal. 🎶

Days like today remind us of the powerful opportunities being created for our students every single day. 🤩

#CampusVisit #WVSDB #EducationalExcellence
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Superintendent Michele Blatt stands beside a female student, Bindi in the Appalachia Provisions Café.
Superintendent Michele Blatt and Associate Superintendent Jeff Kelly stand among WVSDB Rock Band members and Mr. Haza on stage in an auditorium.
Happy Nurse Appreciation Day to our incredible WVSDB Nursing Staff! 🎉

You are the everyday heroes who care, comfort, support, and uplift our students and staff in every situation, big or small. Your kindness and expertise make our campus a safer and healthier place.

Thank you for being the calm in the chaos, the helping hands, and the caring hearts of our school community. 💙

#NurseAppreciationDay #WVSDB #ThankYouNurses
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Nurse Appreciation Day. A group of five female nurse's photos side-by-side. The WVSDB Black Bear logo is in the upper left-hand corner.
Join Us for WVSDB 2026 Summer Camps! 🌟

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) is excited to offer two exciting summer camp experiences for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Low Vision (VI) students!

🏀 Sports Camp
📅 June 14–17, 2026

🔬 STEM Camp
📅 July 12–16, 2026

💥 Completely FREE to attend!
🚌 Transportation is PROVIDED via regional bus hubs
🏡 Overnight housing is AVAILABLE in WVSDB dorms

⏰ Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026

➡️We encourage interested students and families to register early to secure a spot.

🔗: Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/cW3jQ4uiHN

#Summer2026 #WVSDB #DHH #VI
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
2026 Sports Camp Flyer.
2026 STEM Camp Flyer.
Appalachia Provisions Café Has People Showing Up Early! ☀️

Here’s what’s stealing the spotlight this week: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
🥐Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant
Warm, buttery layers filled with all your breakfast favorites.
🍥Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, gooey, and covered in enough icing to make your dentist nervous.
🥗 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Tender chicken with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, trying its best to be “light” but still stealing the show.
🥪 Italian Ciabatta Sammy
Stacked with bold Italian flavor and zero passport requirements.
🌯 Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh fixings wrapped up like lunchtime perfection.
🍫 Peanut Butter Brownie
Rich, fudgy, peanut buttery… and yes, you’ve earned this.

📍 301 East Main Street
🗓️Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🗓️Thursday, May 7 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

First come, first served… and trust us, folks come fast. ⚡

#AppalachiaProvisionsCafé #WVSDB #RomneyWV
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female culinary student, Bray, sprinkles salt onto eggs cooking on a stovetop.
Chef Brian Olden and female student Bindi work together to ice chocolate brownies and package them.
Weekly Appalachia Provisions Café Menu.
Peanut Butter Brownies packaged in clear containers.
Buttery Croissants sitting on a sheet pan.
Chef Brian Olden looks down as he cuts chocolate brownies into large squares.
A Sweet Gesture of Appreciation! 🍩

Thank you to FNB Bank in Romney for your generous donation of donuts during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Your kindness helped us celebrate our incredible staff in the sweetest way possible.

We’re so grateful for community partners like you who help make a difference in the lives of those who serve our students every day. 🌟

Thank you for supporting our WVSDB family! 💙

#CommunityPartners #WVSDB #StaffAppreciationWeek
2 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A group of WVSDB staff stand side-by-side FNB Bank Employees. WVSDB staff members are holding boxes of donuts.

As of May 5, 2026, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year:

Aide II, III, IV Supervisory / Transportation
Aide II, III, IV Supervisory / Transportation
General Maintenance/Electrician II - 260 days
LPN - 210 days - Night Shift

To apply, please visit - https://www.applitrack.com/wvde/onlineapp/default.aspx?choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=47369

2 months ago, Melissa Stump
Aerial Photo of Campus with School Logo - Join Our Team Banner
The Heart Behind Our School Community. 💛

A great school starts with great leadership, and we are thankful for Mrs. Hesse. At the West Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), Mrs. Hesse leads with purpose, compassion, and a deep belief in every student’s potential.

Your leadership inspires those around you to do their best and to care deeply about the work we do together. 🌟

Happy School Principal Day! 💙

#SchoolPrincipalDay #WVSDB #SchoolPrincipal

3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Mrs. Hesse - WVSDB Principal.
Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🍎

Today, we celebrate the heart behind the meals at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), our amazing kitchen staff! 🍽️

You keep our students fueled, happy, and ready to learn, all with kindness and dedication.

We are so grateful for you! 💙

#SchoolLunchHeroDay #WVSDB #EverydayHeroes
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
The WVSDB Kitchen Staff. Three female cooks stand side-by-side smiling for the camera in front of a WVSDB Black Bear logo wall decal.
Student lunch tray consisting of chicken, fruit, green beans, a baked potato, and a cookie.
Up-close photo of a chicken filet on a biscuit.
Meet Day: Unleash the Black Bears! ⚡

The Black Bears are hitting the track TODAY, April 30, at the Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) and are ready to compete at the highest level! 🔥

Go out there and OWN it! 💥

Let's Go, Black Bears! 🐻

#TrackMeetDay #WVSDB #BlackBearNation
3 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A female track athlete wearing a blue and yellow uniform swings her arm back in preparation to throw a track and field discus.