This is a reminder that KES will hold its annual Title I Stakeholder meeting this afternoon at 5PM. Our first PTA meeting of the year will follow at 6PM. ALL interested stakeholders--guardians, community members, business organizations, and staff--are welcome to attend! Partner with us: Become informed and stay involved to help improve outcomes for our students!
Just a reminder that this Wednesday, September 16th, is a 2 Hour Early Dismissal for Students for Staff Data Team Meetings. The next planned 2 Hour Ealy Dismissal is on Buckwheat Thursday, the 24th. The attached image is our term calendar, as well as planned 2 Hour Early Outs, and Professional Learning Days for Staff (No Students in buildings).
An up to date events calendar is located on the PCS App, and the Website. The county site includes dismissals, days off and board meetings. The most up-to-date calendar can also be found on the scrolling marquee on the PCS Website.
An up to date events calendar is located on the PCS App, and the Website. The county site includes dismissals, days off and board meetings. The most up-to-date calendar can also be found on the scrolling marquee on the PCS Website.
KES: Our annual Title I Stakeholder meeting will be held TOMORROW evening at 5PM. PTA will follow in the library at 6PM. ALL ARE WELCOME! Hope to see you there!
Today, Patriot Day 2026, marks the 25 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Twenty-five years later, we pause to remember September 11, 2001 — the day that changed our nation forever.
Many of us woke that morning and began an ordinary day by getting ready for work, heading to school, making plans, and going about our daily lives. Little did any of us know that before the day was over, our country and our understanding of the world would be changed forever.
Today, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage of the first responders and ordinary people who stepped forward in extraordinary ways.
May we never forget. May we always remember. And may we continue to rise from the ashes with strength, compassion, courage, and unity.
25 years later — We Remember.
Many of us woke that morning and began an ordinary day by getting ready for work, heading to school, making plans, and going about our daily lives. Little did any of us know that before the day was over, our country and our understanding of the world would be changed forever.
Today, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage of the first responders and ordinary people who stepped forward in extraordinary ways.
May we never forget. May we always remember. And may we continue to rise from the ashes with strength, compassion, courage, and unity.
25 years later — We Remember.
🖤🦌 TATTOO THE TEACHER! 🦌🖤
Well… KES students have officially left their mark! 😂
Today, our staff proudly sported tattoos chosen especially for them and purchased by our students as part of the KES PTA Tattoo the Teacher Fundraiser! And judging by these pictures, our students have some pretty interesting ideas when it comes to staff body art! 🤣
But this fundraiser was about so much more than tattoos…
💰 About $800 raised for student activities, experiences, and materials at KES!
😂 Lots of laughter and smiles throughout the day!
💬 Conversations and connections between students and staff!
❤️ Relationships strengthened through a little fun!
A HUGE THANK YOU to our KES families for supporting this fundraiser and to our amazing KES PTA for making it happen!
The tattoos may wash off, but the smiles, conversations, and connections are something we hope stick around! 🧡🖤
This is what happens when we have a little fun, support our students, and come together as a school community!
#KESPride #TattooTheTeacher #KESPTA #ItTakesAVillage #StompKES 🦌
Well… KES students have officially left their mark! 😂
Today, our staff proudly sported tattoos chosen especially for them and purchased by our students as part of the KES PTA Tattoo the Teacher Fundraiser! And judging by these pictures, our students have some pretty interesting ideas when it comes to staff body art! 🤣
But this fundraiser was about so much more than tattoos…
💰 About $800 raised for student activities, experiences, and materials at KES!
😂 Lots of laughter and smiles throughout the day!
💬 Conversations and connections between students and staff!
❤️ Relationships strengthened through a little fun!
A HUGE THANK YOU to our KES families for supporting this fundraiser and to our amazing KES PTA for making it happen!
The tattoos may wash off, but the smiles, conversations, and connections are something we hope stick around! 🧡🖤
This is what happens when we have a little fun, support our students, and come together as a school community!
#KESPride #TattooTheTeacher #KESPTA #ItTakesAVillage #StompKES 🦌
There are 658 Principals in WV Schools. Preston County's and Kingwood Elementary's very own, Samantha Peaslee, this evening, was recognized as being in the Top 5. Her and her school's accomplishments speak for themselves, and although, not the State Principal of the Year recipient this evening, Preston County Schools couldn't be happier with the hard work and dedication of this amazing educator. Top 1% in the state isn't too shabby. Congratulations to all of this year's state recognitions and winners.
Good Luck tomorrow to Mrs. Peaslee, Principal of Kingwood Elementary School, as she travels to Charleston to represent herself, the Stags, Preston County Schools, and hard-working principals throughout our system, as she vies for the title of WV Principal Of the Year. No matter what, you're already "Our" Principal of the Year, and we couldn't be more Preston Proud of the work you and your team does for your students.
Just a reminder that there is No School on Monday, September 7th, and the BOE Offices will be Closed for Labor Day. We hope all of our students, staff, and families have a nice, extended weekend. We'll see you all on Tuesday the 8th.
Parents/Families Beware of Ongoing TikTok/Social Media Trends:
The latest social media trend (hoax/scare tactic) is called “The Cat in the Hat” and uses AI, costumes and staged video of the popular Dr. Seuss character appearing in residential areas accompanied by unsettling music.
Some posts associated with the trend have included threats involving people, their homes, schools or other locations.
PCS has been made aware that we've had a few students who have been sent requests/messages, etc. from a similar account. If you or your student has come to you with what appears to be any localized messaging to the area of Preston County and/or Preston County Schools, please take that information to local law enforcement for further investigation, as well as contact Nick Schmidle, PCS Safety Coordinator, at nicholas.schmidle@k12.wv.us or Justin Hough, PCS Communications Director, at jhough@k12.wv.us.
More information on the trend can be found at the links below.
West Virginia covers false threats and fake emergency reports under several specific statutes depending on the nature of the claim, such as West Virginia Code §61-6-20 for false emergency reporting and West Virginia Code §61-6-24 for terroristic threats and hoaxes. These can result in misdemeanor and/or felony penalties, including steep fines and could carry a prison sentence.
https://www.wboy.com/news/ritchie/ritchie-county-sheriffs-office-warning-against-cat-in-the-hat-social-media-trend/
https://www.newsweek.com/schools-issue-warning-about-viral-cat-in-the-hat-trend-as-teen-arrested-12391002
The latest social media trend (hoax/scare tactic) is called “The Cat in the Hat” and uses AI, costumes and staged video of the popular Dr. Seuss character appearing in residential areas accompanied by unsettling music.
Some posts associated with the trend have included threats involving people, their homes, schools or other locations.
PCS has been made aware that we've had a few students who have been sent requests/messages, etc. from a similar account. If you or your student has come to you with what appears to be any localized messaging to the area of Preston County and/or Preston County Schools, please take that information to local law enforcement for further investigation, as well as contact Nick Schmidle, PCS Safety Coordinator, at nicholas.schmidle@k12.wv.us or Justin Hough, PCS Communications Director, at jhough@k12.wv.us.
More information on the trend can be found at the links below.
West Virginia covers false threats and fake emergency reports under several specific statutes depending on the nature of the claim, such as West Virginia Code §61-6-20 for false emergency reporting and West Virginia Code §61-6-24 for terroristic threats and hoaxes. These can result in misdemeanor and/or felony penalties, including steep fines and could carry a prison sentence.
https://www.wboy.com/news/ritchie/ritchie-county-sheriffs-office-warning-against-cat-in-the-hat-social-media-trend/
https://www.newsweek.com/schools-issue-warning-about-viral-cat-in-the-hat-trend-as-teen-arrested-12391002
🦌🚌 STOMP EXPECTATIONS: ON THE BUS, TOO! 🚌🦌
At KES, our STOMP expectations go EVERYWHERE our students go—including the school bus! Each year, our students learn to:
🦌 S — Show Respect
🦌 T — Take Responsibility
🦌 O — Overcome Problems
🦌 M — Motivate to Learn
🦌 P — Prepare for Success
Today, our students had the opportunity to practice their STOMP expectations on the school bus! 🚌🦌 From the moment their hooves hit the pavement to the moment they climb aboard, students are learning how to make safe, respectful, and responsible choices.
Because positive behavior to and from school matters! When students STOMP their way to school with positive choices, they are preparing to be socially successful and ready for a day of learning. And when they STOMP their way home, they are helping create a safe and positive ride so everyone can arrive home ready for an evening of relaxation. ❤️
We are so thankful for our partnership with the Preston County Schools bus drivers! Your patience, care, and commitment to our students make a difference every single day. We couldn't do this without you! 👏🚌
A special THANK YOU to Preston County Schools Transportation Director John Harris for coordinating today's bus visit and helping us give students the opportunity to practice these important expectations!
So remember, Stags: STOMP doesn't stop at the school doors!
🦌 Let your hooves lead the way—Show Respect, Take Responsibility, Overcome Problems, Motivate to Learn, and Prepare for Success EVERYWHERE you go!
At KES, our STOMP expectations go EVERYWHERE our students go—including the school bus! Each year, our students learn to:
🦌 S — Show Respect
🦌 T — Take Responsibility
🦌 O — Overcome Problems
🦌 M — Motivate to Learn
🦌 P — Prepare for Success
Today, our students had the opportunity to practice their STOMP expectations on the school bus! 🚌🦌 From the moment their hooves hit the pavement to the moment they climb aboard, students are learning how to make safe, respectful, and responsible choices.
Because positive behavior to and from school matters! When students STOMP their way to school with positive choices, they are preparing to be socially successful and ready for a day of learning. And when they STOMP their way home, they are helping create a safe and positive ride so everyone can arrive home ready for an evening of relaxation. ❤️
We are so thankful for our partnership with the Preston County Schools bus drivers! Your patience, care, and commitment to our students make a difference every single day. We couldn't do this without you! 👏🚌
A special THANK YOU to Preston County Schools Transportation Director John Harris for coordinating today's bus visit and helping us give students the opportunity to practice these important expectations!
So remember, Stags: STOMP doesn't stop at the school doors!
🦌 Let your hooves lead the way—Show Respect, Take Responsibility, Overcome Problems, Motivate to Learn, and Prepare for Success EVERYWHERE you go!
KES: Don't forget! Tattoo the Teacher sales will begin TODAY, September 2nd! Small tattoos are $1. Large tattoos are $5.
🦌🧡 ATTENDANCE KICKOFF WEEK — DAY #2! 🧡🖤
KES Stags who showed up ready to learn today got a special surprise… 🎉
🌟 15 EXTRA MINUTES OF RECESS! 🌟
Because good things happen when you SHOW UP—ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to make the most of every school day! 📚✨
We’re having so much fun celebrating the importance of being at school all day, every day! 🙌
And tomorrow… 👀
Who knows what fun awaits?! 🎁🎉
Keep showing up, KES! We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning! 🧡🖤
🦌 ON TIME = READY TO SHINE!
KES: Where the Stags are always Stomping! 🦌
KES Stags who showed up ready to learn today got a special surprise… 🎉
🌟 15 EXTRA MINUTES OF RECESS! 🌟
Because good things happen when you SHOW UP—ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to make the most of every school day! 📚✨
We’re having so much fun celebrating the importance of being at school all day, every day! 🙌
And tomorrow… 👀
Who knows what fun awaits?! 🎁🎉
Keep showing up, KES! We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning! 🧡🖤
🦌 ON TIME = READY TO SHINE!
KES: Where the Stags are always Stomping! 🦌
September Dates to Remember
🦌🧡 DAY 1 OF ATTENDANCE KICK-OFF WEEK = A HUGE SUCCESS! 🧡🖤
What a STOMP-tastic way to start our Attendance Kick-Off Week at KES! 🎈✏️🦌
Our PreK–4th grade students were greeted this morning by balloons, smiling community stakeholders, and a special pencil to take into their classrooms! ✏️🎈 We are so thankful to the amazing people in our community who helped us remind our students that being at school every day matters!
And the fun didn’t stop there! 😍 Later in the day, Stomper made a special appearance during lunch to greet our students, spread some smiles, and celebrate a great first day! 🦌🧡
⭐ We are OFF TO A GREAT START! ⭐
KES families, let’s keep the momentum going! Tomorrow morning, we’ll see you at 7:35 AM—ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to STOMP into another great day! 👣🦌
ON TIME. EVERY DAY. READY TO SHINE! ✏️📚✨
What a STOMP-tastic way to start our Attendance Kick-Off Week at KES! 🎈✏️🦌
Our PreK–4th grade students were greeted this morning by balloons, smiling community stakeholders, and a special pencil to take into their classrooms! ✏️🎈 We are so thankful to the amazing people in our community who helped us remind our students that being at school every day matters!
And the fun didn’t stop there! 😍 Later in the day, Stomper made a special appearance during lunch to greet our students, spread some smiles, and celebrate a great first day! 🦌🧡
⭐ We are OFF TO A GREAT START! ⭐
KES families, let’s keep the momentum going! Tomorrow morning, we’ll see you at 7:35 AM—ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to STOMP into another great day! 👣🦌
ON TIME. EVERY DAY. READY TO SHINE! ✏️📚✨
🦌🧡 KES STUDENTS… TATTOO THE TEACHER IS HERE! 🧡🦌
Ready to give your favorite KES staff member a little extra flair? 😎✨
Our KES PTA Tattoo Sale is happening THIS WEEK! 🎉
💰 $1 or $5 per tattoo
🎯 YOU choose the staff member who will wear it!
Want to see your teacher rocking a unicorn? 🦄
A little KES Stag spirit? 🦌🧡
You pick the tattoo AND the staff member!
Even better… 100% of the proceeds support KES students by helping fund student projects, activities, and special experiences throughout the school year! 📚🎨🎉
So, KES Stags… WHO ARE YOU TATTOOING?! 👀😂
🦌 Have fun. Support our school. Tattoo a teacher!
Ready to give your favorite KES staff member a little extra flair? 😎✨
Our KES PTA Tattoo Sale is happening THIS WEEK! 🎉
💰 $1 or $5 per tattoo
🎯 YOU choose the staff member who will wear it!
Want to see your teacher rocking a unicorn? 🦄
A little KES Stag spirit? 🦌🧡
You pick the tattoo AND the staff member!
Even better… 100% of the proceeds support KES students by helping fund student projects, activities, and special experiences throughout the school year! 📚🎨🎉
So, KES Stags… WHO ARE YOU TATTOOING?! 👀😂
🦌 Have fun. Support our school. Tattoo a teacher!
🦌🧡 ATTENDANCE KICK-OFF WEEK IS HERE! 🧡🦌
📅 August 31–September 4
Our Second Grade Team has a message for all of our KES Stags… 👀
🎉 Something FUN is happening all week long! 🎉
We’ve got a special morning greeting planned for tomorrow, and that’s just the beginning! You might see some surprise costume appearances, enjoy extra recess, bust a move at a dance party, or even score some fun prizes! 🕺💃🎁
But there’s one important catch…
⏰ YOU HAVE TO BE HERE TO EXPERIENCE IT! 👏
You never know WHEN a surprise will happen, so make sure you’re:
✅ Present
✅ On time
✅ HERE ALL DAY
✅ Ready to learn AND have some fun!
Let’s kick off the school year by showing up, being part of the action, and making every school day count!
🦌 BE HERE. BE READY. BE A STAG! 🦌
KES Attendance Kick-Off Week
📅 August 31–September 4
You can’t win the surprise if you’re not here! 😉🎉
📅 August 31–September 4
Our Second Grade Team has a message for all of our KES Stags… 👀
🎉 Something FUN is happening all week long! 🎉
We’ve got a special morning greeting planned for tomorrow, and that’s just the beginning! You might see some surprise costume appearances, enjoy extra recess, bust a move at a dance party, or even score some fun prizes! 🕺💃🎁
But there’s one important catch…
⏰ YOU HAVE TO BE HERE TO EXPERIENCE IT! 👏
You never know WHEN a surprise will happen, so make sure you’re:
✅ Present
✅ On time
✅ HERE ALL DAY
✅ Ready to learn AND have some fun!
Let’s kick off the school year by showing up, being part of the action, and making every school day count!
🦌 BE HERE. BE READY. BE A STAG! 🦌
KES Attendance Kick-Off Week
📅 August 31–September 4
You can’t win the surprise if you’re not here! 😉🎉
🦌🧡 IT TRULY TAKES A VILLAGE! 🧡🖤
What better way to kick off a new school year than by bringing our KES families, staff, and community together?! 🎉
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the incredible community stakeholders who joined us for the KES Back to School Block Party last week! Your presence, support, and willingness to connect with our families made the evening extra special. 🧡
Together, we:
✨ Connected families with valuable community resources
🤝 Strengthened relationships between our school and community
🎉 Created opportunities for families to play, laugh, and celebrate together
📚 Started the school year surrounded by people who are invested in the success of our students
Our students are incredibly fortunate to have a community that shows up for them—and you showed up BIG! When schools, families, and community partners work together, we create a stronger foundation for our kiddos to learn, grow, and thrive.
When we PLAY together, WORK together, the SKY is the limit! ☀️🚀
Thank you for being part of the KES family and for helping us make the start of this school year one to remember! 🦌🧡🖤
What better way to kick off a new school year than by bringing our KES families, staff, and community together?! 🎉
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the incredible community stakeholders who joined us for the KES Back to School Block Party last week! Your presence, support, and willingness to connect with our families made the evening extra special. 🧡
Together, we:
✨ Connected families with valuable community resources
🤝 Strengthened relationships between our school and community
🎉 Created opportunities for families to play, laugh, and celebrate together
📚 Started the school year surrounded by people who are invested in the success of our students
Our students are incredibly fortunate to have a community that shows up for them—and you showed up BIG! When schools, families, and community partners work together, we create a stronger foundation for our kiddos to learn, grow, and thrive.
When we PLAY together, WORK together, the SKY is the limit! ☀️🚀
Thank you for being part of the KES family and for helping us make the start of this school year one to remember! 🦌🧡🖤
🦌🧡 WHAT A WEEK, KES! 🧡🖤
Our first week of school is officially in the books, and what a wonderful way to kick off a new year! 📚✨
One of the highlights of the week was our PTA Back to School Block Party! 🎉 Families and students enjoyed an evening filled with free food, games, laughter, and connections with community resources—all while spending time with the amazing staff members who make KES such a special place to learn and grow!
A HUGE thank-you to our KES PTA, community partners, families, and staff for helping make the evening such a success! When we come together, great things happen for our kiddos. 🧡
And just look at that sunshine! ☀️ It feels like the perfect preview of what’s ahead: a year filled with learning, growth, new friendships, big accomplishments, and plenty of reasons to STOMP! 🐾
We hope our KES families are having a wonderful weekend and taking some time to rest, recharge, and celebrate a fantastic first week!
We’ll see you Monday morning, Stags! 🦌🧡🖤
Our first week of school is officially in the books, and what a wonderful way to kick off a new year! 📚✨
One of the highlights of the week was our PTA Back to School Block Party! 🎉 Families and students enjoyed an evening filled with free food, games, laughter, and connections with community resources—all while spending time with the amazing staff members who make KES such a special place to learn and grow!
A HUGE thank-you to our KES PTA, community partners, families, and staff for helping make the evening such a success! When we come together, great things happen for our kiddos. 🧡
And just look at that sunshine! ☀️ It feels like the perfect preview of what’s ahead: a year filled with learning, growth, new friendships, big accomplishments, and plenty of reasons to STOMP! 🐾
We hope our KES families are having a wonderful weekend and taking some time to rest, recharge, and celebrate a fantastic first week!
We’ll see you Monday morning, Stags! 🦌🧡🖤
One week down...
The image may be humorous, but our mission is not.
At Preston County Schools, we understand that when families send their children through our doors each day, they are placing tremendous trust in us. We do not take that responsibility lightly. We remain dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments where every student can succeed.
As we continue through the next 175 days of the school year, we will remain focused on what matters most - the students and families we serve. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust.
The image may be humorous, but our mission is not.
At Preston County Schools, we understand that when families send their children through our doors each day, they are placing tremendous trust in us. We do not take that responsibility lightly. We remain dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments where every student can succeed.
As we continue through the next 175 days of the school year, we will remain focused on what matters most - the students and families we serve. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust.
KES: Eddie's Shaved Ice will be at the Block Party! Upon signing in, each STUDENT will receive a ticket for a free small, shaved ice! Other family members/attendees (parents, older or younger siblings, etc.) may purchase a shaved ice for $2 each. See you tonight!
