📅 The 2026–2027 KCS School Calendar Is Official!
Thank you to everyone who reviewed the four proposed calendar options and shared feedback during the open comment period. Nearly 1,500 comments were submitted, and both KCS and the Board of Education are extremely appreciative of the community’s input.
After careful consideration, the KCS Board of Education approved Version 2 for the 2026–2027 school year.
✨ Key Dates:
➡️ First Day of School: August 19, 2026 (Wednesday)
➡️ Last Day of School: May 28, 2027 (Friday)
We’re sharing the full calendar graphic below. Tomorrow, we’ll also post an easy-to-read highlight version with important dates such as holidays, Professional Learning Days, and Spring Break.
Thank you for helping shape the school year!
🚍 New! Direct Bus Text Alerts Begin Tomorrow
Starting tomorrow morning, KCS Transportation will begin texting parents/guardians directly about any bus number or route changes. If your child’s bus is affected, you’ll receive a text—no sign-ups or apps required.
📲 What to know:
• All parents/guardians of current bus riders will receive a welcome message tomorrow morning
• You can reply STOP to this message to opt out
• If you receive a bus change in the future, it will come directly via text
• Bus changes will still be posted on the KCS website—click the “Bus Changes” link at the top of our homepage
• If you don’t receive a text tomorrow and your child rides a bus, please call KCS Transportation. They’ll provide a quick form to get you enrolled.
We hope this makes staying up-to-date on bus changes easier and more convenient for families. Thank you for your continued support of KCS! 💙💛
Starting tomorrow morning, KCS Transportation will begin texting parents/guardians directly about any bus number or route changes. If your child’s bus is affected, you’ll receive a text—no sign-ups or apps required.
📲 What to know:
• All parents/guardians of current bus riders will receive a welcome message tomorrow morning
• You can reply STOP to this message to opt out
• If you receive a bus change in the future, it will come directly via text
• Bus changes will still be posted on the KCS website—click the “Bus Changes” link at the top of our homepage
• If you don’t receive a text tomorrow and your child rides a bus, please call KCS Transportation. They’ll provide a quick form to get you enrolled.
We hope this makes staying up-to-date on bus changes easier and more convenient for families. Thank you for your continued support of KCS! 💙💛
🇺🇸 Reminder: All Kanawha County Schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country! ❤️🤍💙
🎅✨ Sensory with Santa: A Holiday Meet & Greet for Students with Disabilities ✨🎄
We’re excited to invite students and families to a special sensory-friendly holiday event designed just for them!
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 Edison Staff Development Center
157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, games, and crafts in a calm, welcoming environment where every child can experience the magic of the season. Families can also connect with helpful resources about IEPs, 504 Plans, preschool services, therapies, and more.
We’re excited to invite students and families to a special sensory-friendly holiday event designed just for them!
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 Edison Staff Development Center
157 2nd Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, games, and crafts in a calm, welcoming environment where every child can experience the magic of the season. Families can also connect with helpful resources about IEPs, 504 Plans, preschool services, therapies, and more.
📣 Calling all leaders!
KCS is forming a Student Leadership Team — a diverse group of middle, high, and career/technical school students ready to make a difference!
Each school will select 1–2 students who will:
💡 Lead projects that build belonging, wellness, and school pride
💬 Share student perspectives and ideas
🤝 Serve as ambassadors for their school community
See your school administrator for an application — due Dec 1!
🔗 Learn more about this new program on the KCS website
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2539016
KCS is forming a Student Leadership Team — a diverse group of middle, high, and career/technical school students ready to make a difference!
Each school will select 1–2 students who will:
💡 Lead projects that build belonging, wellness, and school pride
💬 Share student perspectives and ideas
🤝 Serve as ambassadors for their school community
See your school administrator for an application — due Dec 1!
🔗 Learn more about this new program on the KCS website
👉 https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/article/2539016
❄️🚨 Weather Update – Sunday, November 9, 9:00 p.m. ❄️🚨
After tonight’s 8:00 p.m. briefing with the Charleston National Weather Service, we’ve learned that the forecast has been downgraded — ground temperatures are warm, and the chance of snow sticking is low.
As of now, Kanawha County Schools plans to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Monday, November 10.
If the forecast changes overnight and a schedule change becomes necessary, we’ll send an update between 6:00–6:15 a.m. via callout, text, email, and on our social media pages.
After tonight’s 8:00 p.m. briefing with the Charleston National Weather Service, we’ve learned that the forecast has been downgraded — ground temperatures are warm, and the chance of snow sticking is low.
As of now, Kanawha County Schools plans to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Monday, November 10.
If the forecast changes overnight and a schedule change becomes necessary, we’ll send an update between 6:00–6:15 a.m. via callout, text, email, and on our social media pages.
The October edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3ruj2
Content includes:
🔬A forensics lesson at SCHS
📅 Important November events and reminders
🛠️ HVAC Levy Project Updates
... and more!
💙 Many of our schools operate food pantries to help students and families when extra support is needed. With more families seeking assistance right now, several schools are starting new pantries to meet the growing demand — and schools with existing pantries are continuing to accept donations.
If you’d like to help, please contact your local school—or the school you wish to support—to ask what items are most needed and where donations can be dropped off. Thank you, Kanawha County, for always supporting students. 💛
If you’d like to help, please contact your local school—or the school you wish to support—to ask what items are most needed and where donations can be dropped off. Thank you, Kanawha County, for always supporting students. 💛
🌟 Celebrating College Access & Success Champions! 🎓
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙
CFWV recognized three Kanawha County high schools as College Access and Success Champions for the 2025-2025 school year!
🔵 George Washington
🔵 Riverside
🔵 St. Albans
In total, 71 high schools in the state earned this recognition. This honor highlights schools that work hard to guide students through college and career planning, helping them take the next step after graduation.
We’re grateful for the educators, counselors, and families who make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping every student build a strong future. 💙
📣 We’re looking for the real MVPs of flexibility — Substitute Teachers! 🏫✨
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs
Like being called “Mr.” or “Ms.” by everyone in the room? ☕🍎
You might just be the substitute teacher we’re looking for!
Join KCS and help keep learning going strong while having fun along the way.
🔗: Apply Today ➡️ https://bit.ly/KCSSubs
Reminder: No school for students tomorrow — it's a Professional Learning Day for staff! See you Thursday, students!
🌟 KCS Student Spotlight! 🌟
We’re so proud to share the incredible achievements of two Kanawha County Schools students currently attending the Mountaineer Challenge Academy!
💪 Cadet Kaliee Peters, a St. Albans High School student, earned the Academic Most Improved Award — a testament to her hard work and commitment to growth.
🎖️ Cadet Ka’Lea Burkes, a Capital High School student, was selected as Assistant Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon — a role that reflects her leadership and drive to succeed.
Both students embody the determination and resilience that define our KCS family. Congratulations, Cadets Peters and Burkes — we’re proud of you! 👏❤️💛
We’re so proud to share the incredible achievements of two Kanawha County Schools students currently attending the Mountaineer Challenge Academy!
💪 Cadet Kaliee Peters, a St. Albans High School student, earned the Academic Most Improved Award — a testament to her hard work and commitment to growth.
🎖️ Cadet Ka’Lea Burkes, a Capital High School student, was selected as Assistant Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon — a role that reflects her leadership and drive to succeed.
Both students embody the determination and resilience that define our KCS family. Congratulations, Cadets Peters and Burkes — we’re proud of you! 👏❤️💛
🎃👻 THURSDAY — Trunk or Treat with KCS! 👻🎃
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
📣 Reminder for KCS Families
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
There will be no school for students on Monday, October 13th — it’s Parent/Teacher Conference Day! 🍎
Parent/Teacher conferences are a great opportunity to connect one-on-one with your student's teacher, learn more about how they’re growing, and hear ways you can support their success at home.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your student’s school or teacher to schedule your meeting. Every conversation helps strengthen the partnership that makes learning possible! 💬✨
🌟 Academic Support for Everyone
Every student deserves the tools to succeed.
Kanawha County Schools has launched a new webpage — Academic Support for Everyone — highlighting the ways we help students stay on track and graduate with their classmates.
From social and emotional learning and personalized education planning to mentoring, tutoring, career readiness, and dropout prevention — this page is your one-stop resource for student success.
If you’re a parent or guardian who simply wants to explore the built-in supports already woven into the KCS curriculum, this page also offers a great overview of what all students receive as part of their education.
Whether your student needs additional support, a mentor, or guidance for life after graduation, KCS is here every step of the way. 💙💚❤️ You can find the page by clicking the link below, or by going to the KCS website ➡️ click menu on the homepage ➡️ look under the Parents/Guardians section ➡️ click on Academic Support Opportunities.
🔗 Explore all available supports (including a list of certified KCS tutors):
https://bit.ly/KCSAcademicSupport
(This page will continue to grow as new programs and supports are added or expanded!)
🌟 Honoring Service, Supporting Students. 🇺🇸
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
In 2021—on Pearl Harbor Day—the West Virginia Department of Education and Common Ground Partners proudly recognized the first class of Purple Star Schools and Districts across the Mountain State. What began with 130 schools and 3 districts has now grown to 315 schools and 17 districts dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families. 💜
Kanawha County Schools is honored to be among them as a Purple Star District, continuing our commitment to helping students thrive—no matter where their family’s service takes them.
The Purple Star Award is one of many ways the Common Ground Partnership helps make West Virginia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. 🌄
The September edition of the KCS Monthly Newsletter is now available 👇
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h
Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
🔗: https://5il.co/3qi3h
Content includes:
🚗 A trip to Safety City
📅 Important October events and reminders
🛠️ Two Roofing Project Updates
... and more!
🎓✨ Today, 1,261 KCS juniors and seniors took their next steps toward the future at our annual KCS College Fair, hosted at the University of Charleston!
Students had the chance to connect with representatives from 52 colleges, universities, and post-secondary organizations across five states. From asking about majors and financial aid to exploring career paths, this event was all about discovering possibilities. 💡📚✈️
A huge thank you to our incredible school counselors and staff who prepared students to make the most of this opportunity, and to the organizations who showed up to support our students’ dreams. 👏
Together, we’re helping our students see just how many doors are open to them after graduation! 💙💚❤️
Students had the chance to connect with representatives from 52 colleges, universities, and post-secondary organizations across five states. From asking about majors and financial aid to exploring career paths, this event was all about discovering possibilities. 💡📚✈️
A huge thank you to our incredible school counselors and staff who prepared students to make the most of this opportunity, and to the organizations who showed up to support our students’ dreams. 👏
Together, we’re helping our students see just how many doors are open to them after graduation! 💙💚❤️
🎃👻 Trunk or Treat with KCS! 👻🎃
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
The KCS Office of Exceptional Students is excited to host a Trunk or Treat for all students with disabilities and their families! 🧡
📅 Date: Thursday, October 16th
📍 Location: Capital High School
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Come out for an evening of fun, candy, and community! 🍬✨ We can’t wait to see your costumes and celebrate together.
💡📘 Students out — teachers in.
At Herbert Hoover High School, teacher leaders and administrators from every school launched the brand-new KCS Instructional Playbook. This playbook has six “plays” (lessons) designed to boost student confidence, spark engagement, and get everyone involved in learning. These leaders will share the plays back at their schools on the next PL Day so all teachers can put them into action. 🙌 As the year goes on, more "plays" will be added to the playbook!
Meanwhile, our Student Support Services team met at South Charleston High School to collaborate on best practices and strategies that help ensure every KCS student has a healthy, safe, and successful education.
👩🏫👨🏫 PL Days are all about sharpening skills, sharing ideas, and building stronger schools — When our teachers grow, our students win. 💙💚❤️
📸 Check out today’s collaboration in action:
At Herbert Hoover High School, teacher leaders and administrators from every school launched the brand-new KCS Instructional Playbook. This playbook has six “plays” (lessons) designed to boost student confidence, spark engagement, and get everyone involved in learning. These leaders will share the plays back at their schools on the next PL Day so all teachers can put them into action. 🙌 As the year goes on, more "plays" will be added to the playbook!
Meanwhile, our Student Support Services team met at South Charleston High School to collaborate on best practices and strategies that help ensure every KCS student has a healthy, safe, and successful education.
👩🏫👨🏫 PL Days are all about sharpening skills, sharing ideas, and building stronger schools — When our teachers grow, our students win. 💙💚❤️
📸 Check out today’s collaboration in action:
