Final Reminder! 🚨

Today, August 29, 2025, is your last chance to register for the 2025 Fall Conference at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) in Romney, WV.

Don’t miss out on this amazing professional development opportunity! 🌟

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

#FallConference #WVSDB #ProfessionalDevelopment
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
"2025 Fall Conference" above the WVSDB Outreach and WVSDB Logos.
Snapshots of Residential Life 📸

Our residential students have been enjoying evening outdoor activities, exploring the town of Romney, visiting local businesses, and building connections beyond campus while creating memories together.

Residential life isn’t just where students live; it's where they learn and thrive together. 🤗

#DormLife #WVSDB #ResidentialLife
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
A male student goes to throw a brown football to another student outside of Keller Hall.
Two male students stand side by side one another and pose for the camera.
A female student sits in a patterned chair inside of a local coffee shop.
Two male students are seated on a green-colored metal bench.
A male student runs to hit the ball with a racket.
A male student throws a brown football outside of Keller Hall.
Students seated at a rectangular-shaped table playing an array of games.
Less than 2️ weeks until the WVSDB Soccer Team kicks off their season! ⚽️

Our players have been practicing hard and are ready to kick off their season opener on Monday, September 8th, 2025.

Get ready for an exciting season, our Black Bears are ready to shine on the field! 🐻

#SoccerSeason #WVSDB #LetsGoBlackBears
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Soccer players on a green field wearing blue and gold-colored jerseys.
A male player dribbles the soccer ball towards the net while a female player attempts to block the soccer ball.
WVSDB Soccer players wearing blue and gold-colored jerseys are practicing playing offense and defense.
A male player kicks the soccer ball to another player while a female player observes the play.
Rock the Brew with WVSDB! 🎸

The WVSDB Rock Band is bringing the music to Romney Brew Station! ☕

📅Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
📍 Romney Brew Station

Bring your friends, grab your favorite Brew Station treat, and experience the energy of WVSDB Rock Band live! ⚡

#SupportStudentMusicians #WVSDB #RomneyBrewStation
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Male WVSDB Rock Band musicians stand on a stage with their instruments alongside music teacher, Mr. Haza.
As of August 26, 2025, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind are accepting applications for the following vacancies:

Custodian III - Itinerant - 261 days
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
4 months ago, Sondra McKenery
Student stirring stockpot in ProStart kitchen with We Are Hiring banner
🌟 Discover Something New This October! 🌟

Discovery P.O.I.N.T. is a one-of-a-kind program for West Virginia students in grades 6–12 who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing (DHH), Blind, Low Vision (VI), or Deafblind.

Students will experience:
✅ Hands-on learning in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields
✅ Opportunities to connect with peers across WV
✅ A supportive, inclusive environment for DHH, VI, and Deafblind students
✅ Special activities like the Hunter’s Safety Course with WV DNR or the White Cane Day Celebration in Beckley

📅 October 14–19, 2025
🔗https://www.wvsdb2.state.k12.wv.us/forms/discovery-point-registration

Discover your Potential. ✨

#DiscoveryPOINT #WVSDB #WVStudents
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Discovery P.O.I.N.T. October Information and Registration Details.
The Culinary Magic of Appalachia Provisions ✨

Our Culinary ProStart Academy, Appalachia Provisions, brought their A-game, catering a West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) training right on campus! Under Chef Olden’s guidance, students prepped, cooked, and set up a delicious spread. 🍽️

Our students served treats from yogurt parfaits to beloved West Virginia pepperoni rolls. ⛰️

It’s safe to say no one left hungry!

#CTE #WVSDB #ProStart
4 months ago, Alyssa Hansrote
Chef Olden stands with three of his ProStart students in front of a table with freshly baked items.
Chef Olden stands across from a female student as they put various ingredients into dough.
Milee, a female student smiles for the camera as she holds up a yogurt parfait.
Bindi, a female student takes freshly mixed dough out of a large metal bowl.
Sierra, a female student puts a tray of muffins into the oven.
James, a male student mixes up citrus water that is full of oranges and lemons.
Chef Olden stands across from a female student as they brush on an egg wash onto pieces of pastry dough.
An up-close view of pumpkin muffins with a streusel on top.
An up-close photo of the yogurt parfaits in plastic containers with the black and white "Appalachia Provisions" logo.
Bindi, a female student sets up the yogurt parfaits into rows on top of a table.
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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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.