This month's focus, self-direction.
3 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Capturing Kids’ Hearts Family Newsletter #3 titled “Think, Choose, Act — Lead yourself to who you want to be.” The one-page family resource focuses on developing self-direction by encouraging students to envision future goals, take intentional steps toward who they want to become, recognize the positive, and take responsibility for their choices. Self-Direct Newsletter (Primary… The newsletter features three family activities: Engage: Find the Good!, encouraging family members to share something good from their day; Empower: Make a Plan, suggesting students use a planner and meet weekly with family members to organize school events, activities, and due dates; and Excel: Affirm Daily, encouraging family members to give positive affirmations and thank or affirm someone each day. Self-Direct Newsletter (Primary… At the bottom, conversation starters ask children about being more responsible at home or school, something they want to improve, how they feel after completing a project, and something they would like to learn. The newsletter uses bright blue, red, and yellow accents with photos of families talking together and a planner.
Spanish-language Capturing Kids’ Hearts Family Newsletter #3 titled “Piensa, Elige, Actúa — Dirígete a quien quieres ser.” The one-page resource focuses on helping students develop self-direction by envisioning future goals, taking intentional steps toward who they want to become, celebrating positive moments, looking for the good in others, and taking responsibility for positive choices. Self-Direct Newsletter (Primary… The newsletter includes three family activities: “Captar: ¡Encuentra el Bien!”, encouraging families to share something good from their day; “Empoderar: Haz un Plan,” encouraging students to use a planner to manage their time, school events, family activities, and due dates; and “Emplear: Afirma Diariamente,” encouraging family members to share positive affirmations and thank or affirm others. Self-Direct Newsletter (Primary… At the bottom, “Iniciadores de Conversación” provides questions about responsibility at home or school, activities students want to improve, how they feel after finishing a project, and something they want to learn. The newsletter uses bright blue, red, and yellow accents with photographs of families talking together and a planner.
A special thank you to our custodians!
3 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools Custodian’s Day appreciation graphic in a bold red, black, gold, and parchment Pirate theme. The Paw Paw pirate mascot appears at the top with the message “Same Crew. Bigger Plays.” The center features photos of Mr. Bohrer and Mr. Jamison beneath the large headline “Custodian’s Day.” Cleaning supplies, a mop, treasure chest, rope, and nautical details decorate the poster. The message reads, “Thank You for Keeping Our School Ship Shape!” and “Your hard work makes a big difference every day!” A side message adds, “Clean Spaces, Brighter Futures.”
Pirate Pause 10/2/26
3 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Pirate Pause” weekly newsletter graphic with a parchment-style pirate theme in red, black, gold, and cream. The original black-and-white Paw Paw pirate mascot appears at the top beside the title and the message, “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” Sections provide the week’s breakfast and lunch menus, school and athletic activities, upcoming October events, year-to-date attendance data, and weekly attendance by grade level. Sixth grade is recognized for having the highest attendance of the week, while 12th grade showed the greatest improvement. Four classes improved their attendance. Pirate-themed decorations include a compass, ship wheel, anchor, treasure chest, rope, and map elements.
FAFSA Information
5 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools FAFSA reminder graphic featuring the Pirate mascot at the top and the Paw Paw Way compass at the bottom on a red-and-black background. The graphic reminds seniors and their parents that the FAFSA opens October 1 and encourages families to complete it as soon as possible. It explains that FAFSA may provide access to federal, state, college, and workforce-training grants, scholarships, and other financial aid. FAFSA is available not only for students pursuing bachelor’s or associate degrees but also for students entering short-term training programs for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers. Some financial aid is first-come, first-served. Families who need assistance completing the FAFSA are encouraged to contact Paw Paw Schools.

Dental Clinic Offered

7 days ago, Kacey Wolford
One-page Smile Programs “the mobile dentists” letter titled “Important Health Information.” The letter informs parents and guardians that the school has partnered with Smile Programs to provide dental care at school. In most cases, there is no cost for children insured through Medicaid/CHIP; private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available. Services provided by local, licensed dentists may include an exam, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride, sealants when necessary, and, in some cases, restorative care such as fillings. Families are encouraged to complete the school permission form or register online at MySchoolDentist.com. A QR code for registration appears near the bottom, along with a smiling cartoon tooth riding on a toothbrush.

A Belated but Very Heartfelt Thank You to Our PTO!

Saturday, September 26, was PTO Day, and while this recognition may be a little late, our appreciation certainly isn’t!

Paw Paw Schools is incredibly thankful for our PTO officers and all of the parents, families, and volunteers who give their time and energy to support our Pirates. A special thank you to our PTO leadership:

Misty Henderson – President
Stacy Smith – Vice President
Devin Abe – Treasurer
Rebecca Heath – Secretary

So much of what a PTO does happens behind the scenes—organizing, volunteering, fundraising, supporting activities, and finding ways to make school experiences even better for our students. Your willingness to step up and serve strengthens the connection between our school, families, and community.

We may have missed posting on the official day, but we never want to miss the opportunity to say THANK YOU!

8 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools PTO appreciation graphic in the school’s red, black, white, and antique-gold Pirate theme. A pirate mascot appears beside the headline “PTO Thank You! To Our Amazing PTO Officers!” The graphic recognizes Misty Henderson, President; Stacy Smith, Vice President; Devin Abe, Treasurer; and Rebecca Heath, Secretary. A heart-shaped message reads, “Support. Volunteer. Encourage. Make a Difference.” The post thanks the officers for their willingness to serve, organize, volunteer, and work behind the scenes to create opportunities for students and strengthen connections among the school, families, and community. The bottom reads, “Same Crew. Bigger Impact.” and “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.”
Paw Paw Schools Celebrates Dolly Parton Day!
10 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Celebrate Dolly Parton Day” social media template featuring a colorful country-inspired design in pink, black, white, red, and glittering gold. The Paw Paw Pirate mascot appears in the upper left beside the large headline, “Paw Paw Schools Celebrate Dolly Parton Day.” Five blank photo spaces—two across the middle and three along the bottom—are framed with pink and gold borders for adding celebration photos. Decorative elements include a sparkling pink cowboy hat, pink guitar, cowboy boots, butterflies, hearts, stars, musical notes, leopard print, and rustic wood textures. The design combines Paw Paw Schools’ Pirate identity with a fun, sparkly country-music theme.
Pirate Pause Sept. 25th
10 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Pirate Pause” weekly newsletter graphic in a red, black, gold, and parchment pirate theme. The newsletter includes the weekly breakfast and lunch menus; this week’s activities, including volleyball at East Hardy, volleyball vs. Hancock, the ASVAB test, School Custodian Day, and cross country at Romney; and upcoming events from September 28 through October 7. Attendance sections provide year-to-date county attendance and chronic absence data, along with Paw Paw’s weekly attendance by grade. Paw Paw Schools’ weekly attendance is 95.3595%, above the school goal of 95%. Sixth and eleventh grades are recognized for perfect attendance, sixth grade had the greatest improvement, and seven classes improved their attendance. Pirate-themed artwork includes the Paw Paw mascot, a compass with “Belonging” at its center, anchors, rope, a sailing ship, and the messages “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” and “Same Crew. Bigger Impact.”
Pirate Pride!
11 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “In the News!” social media graphic featuring the school’s red, black, white, and antique-gold Pirate theme. A pirate mascot appears in the upper left, with a “People. Purpose. Pirates.” compass in the upper right. Two newspaper clippings are displayed in the center. The first, titled “Paw Paw 6th grade learn about patriotism,” highlights sixth-grade students learning about patriotism, proper flag folding, the meaning of the flag’s 13 folds, and placing American flags in front of Paw Paw Schools in remembrance of 9/11. The second, titled “Pirates battle Cacapon: Paul and Clegg take on Berkeley Springs Invitational,” highlights Paw Paw cross-country runners Braylen Paul and Joah Clegg competing at Cacapon State Park. A Paw Paw Way compass featuring Belonging, Respect, Service, Purpose, Integrity, and Growth appears at the bottom left. The graphic concludes with “Proud of Our Pirates!” across a gold banner.
This month we are focusing on empathy.
12 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Connect with Heart” infographic in the school’s red, black, white, and antique-gold Pirate theme. A pirate mascot and “People. Purpose. Pirates.” compass frame the headline, “This month, we’re focusing on EMPATHY!” The message challenges Pirates to help everyone they interact with feel seen, heard, and valued. The center displays the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Connect with Heart family newsletter in both English and Spanish, featuring activities to celebrate differences, build a family social contract, and “Find the Light. Be the Light,” along with family conversation starters. The bottom highlights “Stronger Families,” “Kinder Community,” “Brighter Days,” and “Bigger Impact,” followed by the Paw Paw Schools message, “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.”

Happy Service Personnel Day!

12 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools Service Personnel Day appreciation graphic in red, black, white, and antique gold with a pirate theme. The center features a photo of a bulletin board reading “Thank You Service Personnel” with photos of nine staff members. A pirate mascot appears on the left beside the words “You support. You serve. You make a difference.” A compass graphic at the upper right reads “People. Purpose. Pirates.” A parchment lists custodians, bus drivers, cooks, cafeteria staff, aides, secretaries, maintenance, technology, and more, followed by “Every Role Matters!” Across the bottom, a gold banner reads, “Same Crew. Bigger Impact.” The headline says, “Paw Paw Schools Service Personnel Day — Thank You for All You Do!”
Dolly Parton Day - 9-25
12 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Colorful Paw Paw Schools Dolly Parton Day infographic announcing the celebration on Friday, September 25th. The pink, red, black, and gold country-themed design features glitter, western details, books, a pink guitar, cowboy hat, Paw Paw Pirate mascot, and school branding. Suggested attire includes Country Dolly—jeans and plaid; Rhinestone Dolly—sparkles, glitter, and sequins; Pink Dolly—all things pink; Country Music Dolly—jeans, denim, and boots; and 9 to 5 Dolly—business attire. A prominent reminder states that the school dress code is expected to be followed. The graphic includes the quote, “Be kind, Be curious, Be a bookworm. That’s how you change the world.” — Dolly Parton, along with messages celebrating reading, kindness, and brighter futures.

School Tomorrow!

14 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Important Update” graphic in a red, black, gold, and parchment pirate theme. The announcement states that Paw Paw Schools has confirmed with Potomac Edison that power will be available in Paw Paw and the previously planned power outages have been postponed. School will be held on its usual schedule, and students and staff should report at their regularly scheduled times. Families are encouraged to share the update. The design features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass with “Belonging” at the center, nautical ropes, lantern, anchor, and the messages “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters,” “Same Crew. Bigger Impact,” “Stronger Together,” and “Pirate Pride.”
Pirate Pride!
15 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools dress code infographic featuring male and female pirate students in coordinated black, white, red, and gold pirate outfits. A parchment sign lists dress code examples: school-appropriate shirts with no low-cut shirts, no inappropriate graphics, no visible undergarments, no bare midriffs, pants or jeans with no rips above the knee, and no shorts or skirts shorter than mid-thigh. Pirate-themed elements include a compass labeled “Belonging,” ship deck, ropes, treasure chest, lantern, anchor, and the messages “Same Crew. Bigger Impact,” “Pirate Pride,” “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters,” and “Good Choices Today. Brighter Voyages Tomorrow.”
Great Job!
15 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools Cross Country congratulatory graphic in red, black, gold, and white. The pirate-themed design features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass, three photo spaces, mountain and forest scenery, and silhouettes of cross-country runners. Text congratulates Braylen Paul and Joah Clegg for doing a great job at the Berkeley Springs Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 19th. Additional messages include “Run with Purpose,” “Stronger Today. Further Tomorrow,” “Discipline, Determination, Progress, Pride,” “Pirate Pride,” and “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.”

Great Job Volleyball!

15 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools Middle School Volleyball congratulatory graphic in red, black, gold, and white. The pirate-themed design features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass labeled “Belonging,” volleyball graphics, a volleyball player silhouette, and three photo spaces. Text congratulates Jade Blanque and Aubriana Paul for doing a great job at the WSMS Tournament on Saturday, September 19th. Additional messages highlight teamwork, effort, determination, growth, Pirate Pride, “Same Crew. Bigger Impact,” and “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.”

The power of reading

16 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools reading infographic in a red, black, gold, and parchment pirate theme. The header reads, “Readers Today. Stronger Tomorrow.” and “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” The graphic highlights the power of reading, including benefits for memory, stress reduction, well-being, brain development, attention, and problem-solving. Sections titled “Health and Cognitive Benefits” and “National Reading Trends” discuss brain structure, lifespan and cognition, early reading habits, declining reading scores, and digital distractions. Pirate-themed illustrations include the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass labeled “Belonging,” an open book, anchor, pirate ship, and stacked books labeled “Belong, Learn, Grow, Succeed.” The bottom reads, “Reading Builds Stronger Pirates — Stronger Minds • Brighter Futures • A Stronger Crew” and “Paw Paw Schools — Read • Belong • Achieve.
Pirate Pause
17 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “The Pirate Pause” weekly newsletter designed in a red, black, gold, and parchment pirate theme. The top features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass, and the motto “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” Sections include the weekly breakfast and lunch menus, this week’s athletic events, upcoming events, year-to-date attendance, and weekly attendance by grade level. The newsletter recognizes second grade for achieving 100% attendance and first grade for showing the greatest improvement, with seven classes improving their attendance for the week. Pirate-themed decorations include an anchor, rope, wooden signs, and the messages “Same Crew. Bigger Impact,” “Attendance Builds Brighter Tomorrows,” “Small Steps. Big Futures,” and “Attend • Achieve • Belong • Succeed.”
Dress like Dolly Day!
17 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Dress Like Dolly Parton Day” spirit-day graphic for Friday, September 25th. The red, black, gold, and bright pink pirate-themed design features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, compass, country-style female illustration, guitar, sparkling cowboy boots, and pink cowboy hat. The graphic encourages students and staff to celebrate with big hair, cowboy boots, glitter and fringe, bright colors, and Dolly-inspired looks. It includes the Paw Paw Schools motto, “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” and “Pirate Pride” at the bottom.
Weekly Newsletter
17 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “The Pirate Pause” weekly newsletter designed in a red, black, gold, and parchment pirate theme. The top features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass, and the motto “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters.” Sections include the weekly breakfast and lunch menus, this week’s athletic events, upcoming events, year-to-date attendance, and weekly attendance by grade level. The newsletter recognizes second grade for achieving 100% attendance and first grade for showing the greatest improvement, with seven classes improving their attendance for the week. Pirate-themed decorations include an anchor, rope, wooden signs, and the messages “Same Crew. Bigger Impact,” “Attendance Builds Brighter Tomorrows,” “Small Steps. Big Futures,” and “Attend • Achieve • Belong • Succeed.”