In a year where nothing is normal, we are trying to make school as normal as possible. Those students who have chosen in-person learning have been coming to school, attending classes, and doing many of the things they would do in a normal year. As frustrating as this year has been, it is refreshing to see how resilient our students are. We are also watching out for those students who are having difficulty adjusting to our new schedule. If your student is having difficulty, please make sure you reach out to your child’s teacher. Keeping an open line of communication is critical.
Our central office is using this time to prepare for the future. One project involves evaluating our current website and our mobile app. Parents have expressed to me that our current setup can be confusing. Since the website was created several years ago, we are now able to take advantage of many advancements in software technology in developing a new website. We are currently looking at a solution that will integrate the website, the app and our social media so that, regardless of how you connect to Doddridge County Schools, you get the most up-to-date information delivered in a easy to read format.
We are also continuing to develop additional paths for our college bound students. We currently partner with Fairmont State University and West Virginia University-Parkersburg. Our students can gain college credit at these schools through a virtual classroom setting and enter college with additional credits.
Giving our students a jump start on their lives after high school is important for our students. Our new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building will enable students to enter the work force or the next level of training in an advanced position. Beginning in January we will have four new CTE Pathways available. Students will be able to take courses to become a completer in Diesel Technologies, HVAC, Plumbing and Engineering. Nationwide we are experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers. It is estimated that in the building trades industry alone, that there are more than 250,000 job openings. With these new pathways our students will learn skills that can lead to lifetime employment as a skilled tradesperson.
Public Education is not meant solely to prepare students for college, it is meant to prepare students for citizenship and for employment in the American economy. A four-year college education is not for all students. Our calling as public educators is to teach all students the skills to be successful after high school. Success will include an understanding of their role as a citizen in a democracy. It includes an understanding of American History, Civics as well as competency in math, science, and English. However, High School is also the time to learn skills for your career. We are now better prepared to teach those skills to students seeking jobs in the skilled trade industry.
Finally, we recently received our Education Accountability Report on accreditation from the State Department of Education. Each year the state board evaluates county school districts and measures eleven factors in the areas of Administration, Instruction and Student Health and Safety. I want to thank each employee for their hard work in achieving a 100% score on the Education Accountability Report. Due to the pandemic the State Department did not release Balanced Scorecards for county districts.
With the holidays approaching it might be more difficult for your child to focus on school. Please encourage them to do their very best. If you student is having difficulty focusing due to the stress of these times, please call our Mental Health Coordinator, Jeremy Waugaman, at 304-873-2300. We have a trained staff that is available to help.
Adam L. Cheeseman
