We’re committed to supporting every child’s success! This edition includes:
✅ Child Find – Learn how we identify and support students with disabilities ages 3–21.
✅ Eligibility Committee & IEPs – Understand the process and your role as a parent.
✅ Spotlight on Dyslexia & ADHD – Learn how these conditions are supported in schools.
✅ Parent Tips for Home – Strategies for routines, communication, emotional support, and resources.
✅ IEP vs. 504 Plan Comparison – Know the difference and what’s best for your child.
📞 Need help or have questions?
Contact the Special Education Office at 304-354-7011 ext. 310 or email jlbennett@k12.wv.us.
📄 Alt Text for Accessibility:
Page 1: Overview of Child Find, parent roles, EC meetings, IEPs, and disability supports.
Page 2: Tips for supporting children with disabilities at home and a comparison of IEPs vs. 504 Plans.
🔗 Learn more and access resources: ParentGuidance.org
🚨 Calhoun County Schools Needs YOU! 🚨
Be the driver that makes a difference every day. Your route to a meaningful job starts here!
Now Hiring:
✅ Full-Time & Substitute School Bus Operators
Calhoun County Schools is seeking dedicated, safety-conscious individuals to help transport students to and from school safely each day.
Why Drive With Us?
Competitive pay
Benefits for full-time positions
Training for CDL licensing
Supportive team environment
Flexible scheduling for substitutes
Make a positive impact on students’ lives!
📍 Location: Calhoun County Schools
540 Alan B. Mollohan Drive, Mt. Zion, WV 26151
📞 Phone: (304) 354-7011
📠 Fax: (304) 354-7420
🌐 Apply Online: https://boe.calhoun.k12.wv.us
📧 Questions? Email: opaxton@k12.wv.us
2025-2026 Calhoun High School Homecoming Court
Miss Karlee Nelson (not pictured) the 9th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Shannon Nelson of Chloe, WV and Amanda Elmore of Spencer, WV; Escorted by Trevor Mayle son of Travis and Deborah Mayle of Chloe, WV.
Miss Addison Collins the 10th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Okey and Katherine Collins of Grantsville, WV; Escorted by Gavin Hicks son of Scott and Mandy Hicks of Chloe, WV.
Miss Madison Jones the 11th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Kenny and Debbie Jones of Grantsville, WV; Escorted by Mr. Robert Davis son of Dan Wright and Terri Nestor of Joker, WV.
Miss Holly Carper the 12th grade princess, she is the daughter of Sheldon and Amie Carper of Arnoldsburg, WV, Escorted by Mr. Jacob Boggs son of Robert and Natasha Boggs of Orma, WV
2025 Homecoming Queen Miss Hallie Mace is the daughter of Wade and Kim Mace of Millstone, WV
2025 Homecoming King Mr. Landon Hardway is the son of Jeremy and Jessica Hardway of Mt. Zion, WV
Miss Lana Laughlin the 12th grade princess, she is the daughter of Chas and Alisha Laughlin of Arnoldsburg, WV; Escorted by Mr. Joe Nelson son of Aaron and Racheal Nelson of Grantsville, WV.
Miss Laney Arnold the 11th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Jason Arnold of Mt. Zion, WV and Teresa Arnold of Orma, WV; Escorted by Orion Swearingen son of Jason Swearingen of Chloe, WV and Alicia Swearingen of Grantsville, WV.
Miss Caydence Moss the 10th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Jeremy and Whitney Moss of Arnoldsburg, WV; Escorted by Duke Persinger son of Andy Persinger of Arnoldsburg, WV and Keri Jarvis of Orma, WV
Miss Olivia Sarratori the 9th grade Princess, she is the daughter of Jeff Sarratori of Seneca Falls, New York and Jenn Smith of Orma, WV; Escorted by Cohen Blankenship son of Cam Blankenship of Ojai, California and Lori Cottrell of Orma, WV.
Not pictured: The flower girl Miss. Charlotte Bain, she is the daughter of Tyler and Kayla Bain of Millstone, WV. The crown bearer is Mr. Brier Arnold; he is the son of Jason and Maria Arnold of Mt. Zion, WV.
October Theme:
Responsibility
October is all about taking ownership of your future. Whether you're setting academic goals, planning for college, or organizing your study habits, responsibility is the key to success.
Save the Date:
10/10 - FASFA Workshop (1-5p.m.)
10/13- No School
10/23- Pumpkin Patch Field Trip (4-6p.m.)
10/29- Coffee with the counselors (9-11p.m.)
News
Goal setting tips:
Break big goals into smaller manageable steps.
Write your goals down and review them weekly.
Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
College and career readiness:
Responsibility means preparing for life after high school. This month, we're focusing on:
FASFA completion: Seniors don't miss the FASFA workshop on 10/10 to get help with your financial Aid applications.
College planning: start researching colleges, majors, and scholarship opportunities.
Organization and study skills
Being responsible also means managing your time and materials effectively. Try these strategies:
Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and deadlines.
keep your study space tidy and distraction-free.
Practice active study techniques like summarizing notes, teaching others, or using flashcards.
For questions Contact us at:
Board of Education:(304)-354-7011
Calhoun Gilmer Career Center: (304)-354-6151
Calhoun Middle/High School: (304)-354-6148
Pleasant Hill Elementary: (304)-354-6022
Arnoldsburg Elementary: (304)-655-8616
October 10th @ CMHS 1:00-5:00 in the College & Career Room
Families are invited to come in and work with our partners at Glenville State University to get one on one help with completing their child's FAFSA. The FAFSA allows students to receive financial assistance to the college or Career and Technical Center of their choice through grants, scholarships, and loans.
Please bring your 2024 tax returns, and guardian/child social security numbers.
Please contact Ms. Sampson with any questions.
brsampson@k12.wv.us
304-354-6148 ext 214
For nearly 20 years, the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office has brought personal financial education to life for middle/high school students across the state through its innovative Get a Life budget simulation.
The simulation places students in a future scenario where they’ve graduated high school and are working full-time jobs. Some have families, but all must manage monthly expenses like housing, transportation, food, and more. As they visit each station, students make purchasing decisions and learn how to balance needs versus wants.
One of the most impactful features of the simulation is the chance to “Level Up” by pursuing higher education. Students who choose to attend college or trade school see how increased education can lead to higher earnings and improved financial stability.
Local community volunteers play a vital role in guiding students through the stations, offering advice and sharing real-world perspectives. Their support helps students connect classroom learning to everyday life.
CMHS is proud to participate in this meaningful program that empowers students with essential financial literacy skills and prepares them for a successful future.
Dust off your dancin’ shoes...we can’t wait to see you all dressed up and ready to hit the dance floor! (Photo information will be given at a later date) REMEMBER, this is a formal dance—so leave the jeans, boots, and casual wear at home and bring your best looks!
🎉 Calhoun High School Homecoming Week! 🎉
Join us as we celebrate Victory Over Valley with a fun-filled Spirit Week! Here’s the schedule:
📅 Monday, October 13 – No School
Sleep in and recharge. Enjoy your day off!
📅 Tuesday, October 14 – Tired Tuesday
Wear your pajamas, hoodies, and cozy socks! Don’t forget blankets, slippers, and your favorite sleeping accessories.
📅 Wednesday, October 15 – What Do You Meme It’s Wednesday
Dress as your favorite meme and bring the laughs to school!
📅 Thursday, October 16 – Country vs. Country Club
Kick up the dust or polish up your style—show your pride!
📅 Friday – Red Devil Pride!
Paint the school red, black, and white! Wear school colors, shirts, hats, face paint, and spirit gear. Let’s finish the week strong!
⚠️ Reminder: Outfits must be school-appropriate. Students are not allowed to wear masks or hoods.
These colorful magnets are coming home with your child this week! 🧲 They're packed with all the key dates for the 2025–2026 school year — including breaks, parent-teacher conferences, grading periods, and no-school days. Stick it on your fridge so you never miss a beat!
✅ ADA Compliance Note: For accessibility, here is a text version of the magnet content:
🎓 Calhoun County Schools – Missing School = Missing Out
📅 2025–2026 School Year Highlights
Breaks:
🍂 Fall Break: Nov 24–28
❄️ Winter Break: Dec 23–Jan 2
🌸 Spring Break: Mar 30–Apr 3
🏁 Last Day of School: May 29
No School for Students:
Oct 13 – Professional Learning Day
Nov 10 – OS Day
Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day
Dec 22 – Professional Learning Day
Jan 2 – Professional Learning Day
Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Feb 13 – OS Day
Feb 16 – Professional Learning Day
Apr 6 – Professional Learning Day
May 11 – OS Day
May 12 – Election Day
May 25 – Memorial Day
Parent-Teacher Conferences:
🏫 Elementary: Oct 28 & Mar 24
🏫 CMHS: Oct 30 & Mar 26
Grading Periods:
Semester 1:
• Term 1: Aug 14–Oct 16
• Term 2: Oct 17–Dec 22
Semester 2:
• Term 3: Jan 5–Mar 17
• Term 4: Mar 18–May 29
🎓 Graduation – Calhoun High School: May 22, 2026
📍 CMHS Cafeteria
🗓 Wednesday, October 1st
🕔 5:00 PM
We are proud to partner with Communities In Schools, Westbrook Health Services, Minnie Hamilton Health System, and Brother Up to support our students and families.
🛠️ Our Services Include:
Attendance Support
Social Emotional Learning & Developmental Guidance
Individual & Group Counseling
Preventive Education
Behavioral Analysis & Plans
Advocacy
Intervention & Trainings
FAFSA Assistance
Linkage & Referrals
Intellectual & Academic Testing
Health Care
Suicide Prevention & Erin's Law
Clothing, Food & Hygiene Closet
Parent Trainings
Prevention Education
Volunteer Training
📞 Important Numbers:
Emergency: 911
MHHS Behavioral Health: 304-354-9244
Westbrook Health Services: 304-927-5200
Children’s Crisis Line: 1-800-579-5844
State Police (Report Incidents): 304-558-7778
WV Children’s Crisis & Referral Line (HELP4WV): 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498)
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
Suicide & Crisis Support (24/7): Call or text 988
💻 Online Resource for Parents/Caregivers: https://parentalguidance.org
👥 Meet Our Team:
Jeannie Bennett-Yoak, Assistant Superintendent/COO Student Services – jlbennett@k12.wv.us
Dr. James Mullins, Psychologist – jemullins@k12.wv.us
Patricia Homberg, Dean of Students, CMHS – phomberg@k12.wv.us
Cheri White, Executive Secretary – cheri.white@k12.wv.us
Brittany Parsons, Coordinator of Student Services/Lead CIS Facilitator – brittany.parsons@k12.wv.us
Destiney Montgomery, Psychosocial Coordinator at MHHS – destiney.montgomery@k12.wv.us
Amy Cottrell, Counselor – amy.b.cottrell@k12.wv.us
Brandi Hardway-Sampson, Counselor – brsampson@k12.wv.us
Kevin Boak, CIS Facilitator at CMHS – kboak@k12.wv.us
Carrie Collins, CIS Facilitator at PHE – carrie.collins@k12.wv.us
Jessica Hardway, CIS Facilitator at AES – jessica.hardway@k12.wv.us
Jo Lynn Wilson, CIS Facilitator at CGCC – jlnwilso@k12.wv.us
Nekka Poore, Title I Aide at AES – nekka.poore@k12.wv.us
Tiffany Mace, Title I Aide at PHE – tiffany.mace@k12.wv.us
Trudi Anderson, Nurse BSN RN NCSN – tm.anderson@k12.wv.us
Autumn Lilly, Nurse RN CCHP – autumn.lilly@k12.wv.us
💬 We’re here to help. Reach out anytime!
Tuesday, October 28th, 1:00-6:00, GSU will be available to assist families in completing their child's Free Application for Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA allows students to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Also, applications for the Communication Disorder Department’s early assurance program for high school students opens September 15. We are excited to find the best and brightest future speech language pathologists. This program provides conditional acceptance to the Communication Disorder Master’s Degree program for select high school seniors.
Please join us for our Parent Family Engagement night at the Pumpkin Patch.
🎃 Join Us for a Fun-Filled Family Night at the Pumpkin Patch! 🎃
Date: 10/23/25
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Calhoun Middle High School Baseball Field
We’re excited to invite all families to a special evening of fall fun, learning, and connection! Come explore the pumpkin patch and enjoy a variety of engaging booths and activities designed for all ages:
Pumpkin Patch Family Engagement Event
🍂 Story Walk – Enjoy the telling of “Skeletons for Dinner”
🎃 Pumpkin Picking – Choose your perfect pumpkin to take home
🍪 Snacks & Drinks – Refreshments for the whole family
👻 Costume Contest – Dress to impress for a chance to win!
🎯 Games & Door Prizes – Fun challenges and exciting giveaways
🎨 Art Station – Get creative with seasonal crafts
💬 Social Emotional Learning Booth – Activities to support your child’s well-being
📚 Informational Vendors – Resources for families and students
📈 Attendance Session – Learn how attendance impacts student success
TOPIC: Parent Guidance. org
50 Underwood Circle Drive, Mount Zion, WV 26151
brsampson@k12.wv.us
amy.b.cottrell@k12.wv.us
Request a book and family activity calendar using the Forms link below. Students and families can build a love for reading and make precious memories by reading a few chapters together each day.
https://forms.office.com/r/SN1WtWrr1B
On Saturday October 18, 2025 join in on a fun, literacy filled day at the Calhoun County Park from 12:00-3:00. There will be a story walk and many activities for our families to enjoy.
Image: Book cover that contains author, EB White's name. Young girl and pig.
