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Randolph approves blended calendar

ELKINS — Following direction provided by the West Virginia State Board of Education, Randolph County Schools officials approved a blended calendar for students this week. Throughout the remainder of January and the entire month of February, students in Randolph County will follow a blended calendar, attending school in person two days per week. The Randolph County Board of Education voted 4-1 on Thursday evening to approve the blended calendar through February. Officials will make decisions about the remaining months in the school year at a later date, taking into account changes ...

Teachers union to file injunction on school reentry

PARKERSBURG — A statewide teachers union is planning to file an injunction regarding the return of students to in-person schooling next week. The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia announced Thursday that it plans to file an injunctive action against the West Virginia Board ...

No march due to COVID, but MLK to be honored in Elkins

ELKINS — As has been the case with so many annual events during the past 11 months, the Martin Luther King celebration and march will not be offered in downtown Elkins this year due to COVID-19 concerns. However, organizers have put together an alternative form of celebration. “Every ...

State BOE passes remote learning motion

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Education school board unanimously passed a motion Wednesday that would prevent county school systems from opting for remote learning after Jan. 19 and adopted in-person instructions for West Virginia schools. Virtual learning through the statewide virtual option, West Virginia virtual platform, or local county online-only programs will remain, however, as according to state superintendent Clayton Burch those programs suit the needs of actually teaching the students the information away from the school as the platform was originally ...

School sports overlap may cause issues

ELKINS — Gov. Jim Justice’s recent decisions regarding the start of winter and spring sports has created a dilemma for high school athletic directors and coaches around the state. Unfortunately, the student-athletes could now face tough choices as well in the spring when their respective seasons get underway. Justice originally announced back in November winter sports would be delayed until Jan. 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That date was pushed back again on Dec. 30 to March 1. On Wednesday, the WVSSAC announced winter sports practices can begin Feb. 15 and games on March ...

Justice makes vaccine available to residents 70 and older

CHARLESTON — Two major announcements came out of Gov. Jim Justice’s pandemic briefing Wednesday morning. The governor announced effective Wednesday the age for vaccinations will drop from 80 and older to 70 and older with the goal to get to 65 and older as soon as possible, maybe next ...