🎉 Hillsboro Elementary December Character Trait: Integrity 🎉
This month, our focus was on Integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching. These outstanding students were chosen by their teachers for consistently demonstrating this important trait.
👏 Congratulations to our December Integrity Stars! 👏
We are so proud of your honesty, responsibility, and strong moral character. Keep shining bright! 🌟
#HillsboroElementary #CharacterCounts #Integrity
This month, our focus was on Integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching. These outstanding students were chosen by their teachers for consistently demonstrating this important trait.
👏 Congratulations to our December Integrity Stars! 👏
We are so proud of your honesty, responsibility, and strong moral character. Keep shining bright! 🌟
#HillsboroElementary #CharacterCounts #Integrity
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce an important update regarding elementary basketball opportunities in Pocahontas County. Beginning this year, Pocahontas County will transition the 4th and 5th grade basketball teams from a school-run program to a county-wide youth basketball league.
County Boards of Education are structured to operate instructional programs and activities that fall within recognized educational and interscholastic frameworks. In West Virginia, formal athletic governance begins at the middle school level (grades 6–8) and continues through high school under the oversight of West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). Elementary athletics (including 4th and 5th grade basketball) do not fall under WVSSAC authority, which is why there are no sanctioned elementary athletic seasons and no WVSSAC eligibility, insurance, or disciplinary structures for elementary athletics. Because elementary sports are not part of the interscholastic athletic system, county boards of education are not structured to operate or govern them long term.
For the reasons listed above, the elementary basketball program will transition to a community-based program.
The newly formed Pocahontas County Youth Basketball League (PCYBL) will be a community-led organization, supported by volunteers, parents, and community members. Pocahontas County Schools will assist with the transition but will no longer operate or govern the program once the league is established.
Parent & Community Interest Meeting
To launch the league, we will be hosting an interest and planning meeting to establish:
*The PCYBL Board (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Scheduling Coordinator, Referee Coordinator, and School Liaisons)
*Grade levels
*League rules and expectations
*The season start date and season schedule
*Volunteer needs (coaches, scorekeepers, gate workers, etc.)
*Uniform/equipment transition procedures
*Operating guidelines for finances, concessions, and communication
Meeting Details:
Date: January 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: PCHS Auditorium
Parents, community members, and anyone interested in supporting youth sports in our county are encouraged to attend.
Why the Change?
*Transitioning to a youth league will:
*Align elementary athletics with appropriate governance structures.
*Provide equal opportunities for athletes.
*Increase community involvement and volunteer leadership.
*Build a long-term developmental program that prepares students for middle school athletics.
How You Can Help
We truly want this to be a county-supported effort. If you are interested in volunteering, coaching, serving on the board, or assisting with game-day operations, your help will make a tremendous difference.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and their growth—both on and off the court. We look forward to building a strong youth basketball program together!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Schaffner 304-799-6551 / chloe.bland@k12.wv.us
Mrs. Jordan 304-456-4865/ melissa.k.jordan@k12.wv.us
Mrs. Spencer 304-653-4221/ raspencer@k12.wv.us
On behalf of Pocahontas County Schools
We are excited to announce an important update regarding elementary basketball opportunities in Pocahontas County. Beginning this year, Pocahontas County will transition the 4th and 5th grade basketball teams from a school-run program to a county-wide youth basketball league.
County Boards of Education are structured to operate instructional programs and activities that fall within recognized educational and interscholastic frameworks. In West Virginia, formal athletic governance begins at the middle school level (grades 6–8) and continues through high school under the oversight of West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). Elementary athletics (including 4th and 5th grade basketball) do not fall under WVSSAC authority, which is why there are no sanctioned elementary athletic seasons and no WVSSAC eligibility, insurance, or disciplinary structures for elementary athletics. Because elementary sports are not part of the interscholastic athletic system, county boards of education are not structured to operate or govern them long term.
For the reasons listed above, the elementary basketball program will transition to a community-based program.
The newly formed Pocahontas County Youth Basketball League (PCYBL) will be a community-led organization, supported by volunteers, parents, and community members. Pocahontas County Schools will assist with the transition but will no longer operate or govern the program once the league is established.
Parent & Community Interest Meeting
To launch the league, we will be hosting an interest and planning meeting to establish:
*The PCYBL Board (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Scheduling Coordinator, Referee Coordinator, and School Liaisons)
*Grade levels
*League rules and expectations
*The season start date and season schedule
*Volunteer needs (coaches, scorekeepers, gate workers, etc.)
*Uniform/equipment transition procedures
*Operating guidelines for finances, concessions, and communication
Meeting Details:
Date: January 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: PCHS Auditorium
Parents, community members, and anyone interested in supporting youth sports in our county are encouraged to attend.
Why the Change?
*Transitioning to a youth league will:
*Align elementary athletics with appropriate governance structures.
*Provide equal opportunities for athletes.
*Increase community involvement and volunteer leadership.
*Build a long-term developmental program that prepares students for middle school athletics.
How You Can Help
We truly want this to be a county-supported effort. If you are interested in volunteering, coaching, serving on the board, or assisting with game-day operations, your help will make a tremendous difference.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and their growth—both on and off the court. We look forward to building a strong youth basketball program together!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Schaffner 304-799-6551 / chloe.bland@k12.wv.us
Mrs. Jordan 304-456-4865/ melissa.k.jordan@k12.wv.us
Mrs. Spencer 304-653-4221/ raspencer@k12.wv.us
On behalf of Pocahontas County Schools
We are currently experiencing phone issues at HES, MES, PCHS, and MMS. A ticket has been opened with Frontier, and we will update you as soon as the problem is resolved.
In the meantime, we have a temporary workaround you may use:
Call the Central Office at 304‑799‑4505, then dial the extension of the person you need to reach at your school.
Below are the extensions for principals and secretaries at each school:
Hillsboro Elementary School (HES)
Secretary: 3237
Principal: 3239
Marlinton Elementary School (MES)
Secretary: 2235
Principal: 2236
Marlinton Middle School (MMS)
Secretary: 6237
Principal: 6243
Pocahontas County High School (PCHS)
Secretary: 5221
Principal: 5227
Assistant Principal: 5228
In the meantime, we have a temporary workaround you may use:
Call the Central Office at 304‑799‑4505, then dial the extension of the person you need to reach at your school.
Below are the extensions for principals and secretaries at each school:
Hillsboro Elementary School (HES)
Secretary: 3237
Principal: 3239
Marlinton Elementary School (MES)
Secretary: 2235
Principal: 2236
Marlinton Middle School (MMS)
Secretary: 6237
Principal: 6243
Pocahontas County High School (PCHS)
Secretary: 5221
Principal: 5227
Assistant Principal: 5228
🎉 Congratulations to our 2025/2026 County Math Field Day Winners and Participants! 🎉
🏅 Grade Level Winners:
4th Grade: Daniel (1st), Noah (2nd), Joseph (3rd), Lincoln (4th), Kenneth (5th)
5th Grade: Joseph (1st), Mason (2nd), AJ (3rd), Michael (4th), Tyrell (5th)
6th Grade: Isaac (1st), Victor (2nd), Brayden (3rd), Braxton (4th), Rufus (5th)
7th Grade: Madelyn (1st), Levi (2nd), Hunter (3rd), Jonathan (4th), Lucas (5th)
8th Grade: Jarrell (1st), Hunter (2nd), Ryan (3rd), Autumn (4th), Ace (5th)
9th Grade: Eli (1st), Zara (2nd), Joey (3rd), Levi (4th), Hailey (5th)
🃏 Krypto Tournament Winners:
High School: Eli, Kaidence, Levi
Middle School: Hunter, Colton, Penelope
Elementary: Joseph, Michael, Madison
🎉Shoutout to our upperclassman supports:
Seniors: Wade, Allison, Ramona, Joey, Cammi
Juniors: Riyan, Kaidence, Damien, Cash
Sophomores: Nadiya, Willa
A Message from PCS Math Coach Joanna Burt-Kinderman:
We would like to offer a huge congratulations to all our county math field day winners. Thanks to all the teachers who volunteered to proctor, and to our awesome upperclassmen who make the entire day run well for us – serving as mentors, facilitators, cheerleaders and graders. Our seniors, Wade, Joey, Allison, Cammi and Ramona are pictured in all the winner photos. Thanks as well to Hardy Law Firm and Casey Griffith for providing prizes for our famous Krypto Tournament! We dedicate all the good energy from our day to some of our favorite matheletes, Tristan and Duncan Sizemore and family with all our hopes for good outcomes and good health for Tristan. We miss you guys, and missed you a little extra at math field day!
🎉 Door Decorating Contest Winners! 🎉
After all those snow days, we are excited to finally announce the winners of our holiday door decorating contest!
🏅 3rd Place: Mrs. Campbell
🥈 2nd Place: Ms. Amy
🥇 1st Place: Ms. Boback, Ms. Tabby, and Ms. Paulena for their incredible collaboration on a festive Gingerbread House! 🍬🏠
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our halls merry and bright! 🌟
After all those snow days, we are excited to finally announce the winners of our holiday door decorating contest!
🏅 3rd Place: Mrs. Campbell
🥈 2nd Place: Ms. Amy
🥇 1st Place: Ms. Boback, Ms. Tabby, and Ms. Paulena for their incredible collaboration on a festive Gingerbread House! 🍬🏠
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our halls merry and bright! 🌟
Venue Reminder:
📣 Pocahontas County Board of Education Meeting
📅 Tonight
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pocahontas County High School – Media Center
All are welcome to attend!
📣 Pocahontas County Board of Education Meeting
📅 Tonight
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pocahontas County High School – Media Center
All are welcome to attend!
December 16th -19th Events
📢Please Spread the Word! We are having difficulty with our calling system. Please spread the word to your friends, neighbors and fellow community members that we are on a Non-Traditional Instruction Day, Monday December 15th. Students will complete Day 1 of Snow Packets from home. They can use the 10 am to 12 pm virtual office hours to reach out to their teachers via email or Teams. Additionally, please note Math Field Day will be Tuesday, December 16th if schools are on a regular schedule.
Contact your teacher via teams links or email 10:00-12:00.
❄️☃️Non-traditional Learning Day🥶❄️
Set up for the Merry and Bright Trail will begin Tuesday right after school, if you are interested in helping.
🎄 Final Week Before Christmas Break at Hillsboro Elementary! 🎄
Let’s make this week festive and fun! Here’s what’s happening:
🎅 Monday: Santa is Coming to Town! Wear your favorite holiday hat or headband.
❄️ Tuesday: Winter Wonderland! Dress in blue and white.
🧣 Wednesday: Baby, It’s Cold Outside! Bundle up with scarves, earmuffs, and boots.
🎁 Thursday: Best Christmas Outfit Day! Show off your best holiday look.
🌙 Friday: Night Before Christmas Break! Wear school-appropriate pajamas.
✨ Other Events This Week:
📅 Dec. 16: PCB Bank at School
📅 Dec. 18: School Science Fair & Christmas Concert at 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM
📅 Friday: Progress Reports go home
🎉 We return to school on January 5th!
Let’s finish the year strong and celebrate the season together! ❤️💚
Let’s make this week festive and fun! Here’s what’s happening:
🎅 Monday: Santa is Coming to Town! Wear your favorite holiday hat or headband.
❄️ Tuesday: Winter Wonderland! Dress in blue and white.
🧣 Wednesday: Baby, It’s Cold Outside! Bundle up with scarves, earmuffs, and boots.
🎁 Thursday: Best Christmas Outfit Day! Show off your best holiday look.
🌙 Friday: Night Before Christmas Break! Wear school-appropriate pajamas.
✨ Other Events This Week:
📅 Dec. 16: PCB Bank at School
📅 Dec. 18: School Science Fair & Christmas Concert at 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM
📅 Friday: Progress Reports go home
🎉 We return to school on January 5th!
Let’s finish the year strong and celebrate the season together! ❤️💚
🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Education!
At the December 2nd Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting, board members and Superintendent Dr. Leatha Williams proudly recognized Hillsboro Elementary School for achieving the “Exceeds Standard” performance level in Academic Progress for Mathematics on the 2025 West Virginia Balanced Scorecard.
👏 Congratulations to the students, staff, and community for this outstanding accomplishment! Your hard work and dedication to academic success truly shine.
#PocahontasCountySchools #AcademicExcellence #MathSuccess #WVScorecard #PCStrongerTogether
At the December 2nd Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting, board members and Superintendent Dr. Leatha Williams proudly recognized Hillsboro Elementary School for achieving the “Exceeds Standard” performance level in Academic Progress for Mathematics on the 2025 West Virginia Balanced Scorecard.
👏 Congratulations to the students, staff, and community for this outstanding accomplishment! Your hard work and dedication to academic success truly shine.
#PocahontasCountySchools #AcademicExcellence #MathSuccess #WVScorecard #PCStrongerTogether
📢 Important PCS Math Field Day Update!
Math Field Day is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16th, provided schools are operating on a regular schedule.
Stay tuned for any changes!
#MathFieldDay #PCSUpdate #PocahontasCountySchools
Math Field Day is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16th, provided schools are operating on a regular schedule.
Stay tuned for any changes!
#MathFieldDay #PCSUpdate #PocahontasCountySchools
❄️❄️Closure Alert❄️❄️
☃️❄️Delay Alert☃️❄️
❄️☃️Attention Pocahontas County students and families. Snow packet completion is for days 6-10; therefore, it is not necessary to complete them tomorrow. ❄️☃️ Stay safe and enjoy the snow! ❄️❄️
❄️☃️Closure Alert☃️❄️
Due to potentially hazardous weather conditions, Pocahontas County Schools will dismiss two hours early on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. All after-school activities and events are canceled. Individual schools will contact parents with updated dates and times for rescheduled events. Buses will depart from the high school at 1:21 p.m. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate winter weather conditions.