Halloween Dress Up
about 8 hours ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools Halloween Parade announcement featuring three friendly cartoon ghosts in red, green, and white. The flyer invites families to celebrate Halloween on Friday, October 30, and provides a schedule of activities. At 12:00 PM, parents may arrive to help students with costumes while teachers distribute treat and book bags in classrooms. The Halloween parade begins at 1:00 PM. At approximately 1:30 PM, the PTO will provide snacks in the cafeteria. Beginning at 1:45 PM, parents may take their children home if they wish. The announcement expresses excitement about seeing students in their costumes and welcomes families to attend the parade.

Paw Paw Schools – Attendance Update

As we close out the first quarter of the school year, we want to thank our students and families for their continued commitment to making attendance a priority!

As we begin the second quarter, we will be reviewing each student's first-quarter attendance to establish a starting point for measuring growth and improvement.

This quarter, we will also be celebrating improved attendance! While perfect attendance is certainly something to be proud of, we also recognize that progress matters. Students who make positive changes and demonstrate improved attendance deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Our goal is to encourage every student to take ownership of their attendance, build positive habits, and understand that every school day provides another opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Whether a student is working toward perfect attendance or simply striving to miss fewer days, every improvement is a step in the right direction!

At Paw Paw Schools, we believe that growth is about progress, not perfection. Together, we can make the second quarter even stronger than the first!

Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters!

Same Seas. Higher Goals. Stronger Pirates!

about 9 hours ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools pirate-themed infographic titled “Every Day Counts!” announces a renewed focus on student attendance for the second quarter. The poster features the Paw Paw Pirate mascot, a compass, treasure chest, pirate ship, and nautical imagery in the school’s red, black, and gold colors. The message thanks students and families for making attendance a priority during the first quarter and explains that the school will review individual attendance records and begin recognizing and rewarding improved attendance during the second quarter. Four sections highlight the importance of celebrating perfect attendance, recognizing progress, acknowledging every improvement, and building better attendance habits. The poster emphasizes that growth is about progress, not perfection, and that every student has an opportunity to improve. The infographic includes the motivational phrases “Same Seas. Higher Goals. Stronger Pirates!” and “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters!”
Good afternoon, due to traffic from an accident, the first bus run will not be until 3:30-3:40. We appreciate your patience.
3 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Wear Pink Tomorrow!
4 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Pink Out Volleyball Game” awareness poster featuring a bold pink, black, and white Pirate theme. The black-and-white Paw Paw pirate mascot appears in the upper left, alongside pink volleyballs, a volleyball net, hearts, and large pink breast cancer awareness ribbons. The poster encourages students and staff to “Wear Pink All Day Tomorrow” in support of breast cancer awareness during the school day. It also invites the school community to attend tomorrow night’s Pink Out Volleyball Game to show their support. A pink heart reads, “Together We Can Make a Difference!” The bottom highlights the words “Support, Awareness, Strength, Community,” emphasizing unity and encouragement for those affected by breast cancer.
Pirate Pause October 19 - 23
4 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Paw Paw Schools “Pirate Pause” weekly newsletter featuring a red, black, and antique gold pirate theme with a parchment background, compass, black-and-white Pirate mascot, pirate ship, treasure chest, and ocean waves. The newsletter includes breakfast and lunch menus for Tuesday through Friday, with no school for students on Monday due to a Professional Learning Day. This Week: Tuesday—Volleyball at Union; Wednesday—Unity Day, wear orange; Thursday—Dental Clinic and home volleyball game at 5:00 p.m.; Friday—Report cards issued. Upcoming Events: October 27—Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3:30–5:30 p.m.; October 28—Regional Volleyball Round 1; October 30—Halloween Parade; October 31—Cross Country at Cabell Midland High School; November 3—Election Day, no school; November 4—School Picture Day and Regional Volleyball Round 2; November 10—Veterans Day Program; November 11—No school for Veterans Day. The bottom section, titled “School Zone,” features a large pirate-themed “SLOW DOWN—SCHOOL ZONE” sign. Families and community members are reminded to obey posted school zone speed limits, remain alert, avoid distractions, watch for pedestrians, and allow extra time during arrival and dismissal. The newsletter concludes with the message: “Every Pirate. Every Day. Every Voyage Matters. Let’s work together to keep our Pirates safe!”
Fall Festival
4 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Black-and-white Fall Festival Games flyer featuring decorative autumn leaves, pumpkins, a jack-o’-lantern, bats, a crescent moon, and Halloween-themed illustrations. The flyer announces the schedule of activities for the Fall Festival, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Scheduled events include a Mummy Wrap contest at 2:00 p.m., where participants use toilet paper to create the best mummy; a Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest at 2:30 p.m., where participants eat as much pie as possible within a set time; and Costume Judging at 3:00 p.m., featuring categories such as coolest, funniest, scariest, and fairest costume. Additional activities, including Chubby Bunny, tug-of-war, and cake walks, will take place throughout the day. The flyer is decorated with playful Halloween characters, a wagon filled with pumpkins, and a slice of pie, creating a festive autumn atmosphere.

Fall Festival

5 days ago, Kacey Wolford
Fall-themed flyer for the Paw Paw PTO Fall Festival, featuring a background of colorful autumn leaves in shades of orange, yellow, and brown. The festival will take place Saturday, October 17, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Paw Paw School Gym, 60 Pirate Circle, Paw Paw, WV 25434. Admission is $7 per child and free for adults and vendors. The event promises family fun, including food, vendors, cake walks, hayrides, games, a bake sale, and more. A yellow banner reads “Fun for the Family!” The flyer features a cream-colored center panel with bold brown lettering and decorative fall leaves.

A big shoutout to Mrs. Helmick at Paw Paw Schools for creating opportunities for students to think, collaborate, and learn together!

As students explore the novel Wonder, they’re strengthening their ability to make inferences, support their thinking with textual evidence, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers.

We love seeing Instructional Empowerment in action as students take an active role in their learning, share ideas, and build understanding together!

Keep up the great work, Mrs. Helmick and students!
#instructionalempowerment
#deeperlearning

7 days ago, Morgan County Schools
Students collaborate on Wonder, sharing ideas and supporting their thinking with textual evidence.
Students collaborate on Wonder, sharing ideas and supporting their thinking with textual evidence.
Students collaborate on Wonder, sharing ideas and supporting their thinking with textual evidence.
This month's focus, self-direction.
17 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!
17 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
17 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
19 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

21 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!

22 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!
24 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
24 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!
25 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.
26 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!

26 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
26 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.