BCS NTouch MSG
July 9: More Info Provided by the WV Dept. of Education
IN THIS ISSUE:
- What I know at this point...
- WV Schools Re-entry Toolkit
- Congrats to Mr. Knepper, Finalist for WV Teacher of the Year
- Healthy Berkeley Challenge
BCS Parents/Caregivers, Students and Staff:
Since early April, our district has been working and planning on how we provide a high quality education for all learners while maintaining safety as a top priority when school opens for 2020-2021. Today I want to provide an update of information received from the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), and while there are still many details to complete, I want to assure you that we want our students back in school, in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and conducive to both learning and thriving socially and emotionally.
Governor Justice announced yesterday that the first day of school for students would be September 8th. Today we learned that the last day of instruction for students will be no later than June 1, 2021. We are working to adjust the school calendar to include 180 days of instruction during this time and staff still meeting their contractual days of employment. Today, we received the WV Schools Re-entry Toolkit from the WVDE. It is a guidance document for decision making and building procedures and protocols for our students and staff. I have included a link to this document below.
I know you have questions about returning to school and we are working and planning for multiple scenarios in a rapidly changing environment. We all recognize the emotional challenges in our lives today and strive to reach a place that enables us to make more definite plans for delivering educational services to your student. Join me on Monday, July 13th at 6pm as I provide an update via Zoom to our Board of Education regarding next steps in moving forward. The link to the Zoom meeting will be located on our website.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding. I want you to know that all of us want the same goal, in creating the best path forward for your family, our staff and this community. Please continue to provide us with constructive feedback. We are all here to care for our children and to provide the best educational resources and tools for their future success.
Be well, stay safe.
Patrick K. Murphy, Superintendent of Schools
Michael Knepper Named Finalist for WV Teacher of the Year!
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has announced five educators as finalists for the prestigious West Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. All finalists serve their counties as the 2020 County Teacher of the Year and include elementary, middle, high school and career technical education educators from across the state.
Michael Knepper teaches band to students in grades 9-12 at Musselman High School. A National Board Certified teacher, he received his B.A. in Music Education from West Virginia University, and his M.S. in Music Education from Florida International University. Knepper has worked with the West Virginia State Commissioner of Arts, Culture, and History and with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to replace outdated instruments and old equipment to every middle school band. To date, all Berkeley County middle schools have received more than thirty thousand dollars in new instruments and equipment, and he continues to work to elevate music education and provide instruments to children throughout the eastern panhandle and the state.
The winner will be announced in the Fall and we congratulate Mr. Knepper for this honor. Good luck!
Healthy Berkeley Challenge - Starts July 15th!
Berkeley County Schools
Berkeley County Schools, now 19,600 students strong, and growing, boasts a diverse population recognized statewide for great success in academics, the arts and athletics.
Email: info@berkeleycountyschools.org
Website: berkeleycountyschools.org
Location: 1453 Winchester Avenue, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: 304-267-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berkeleycountyschools/
Twitter: @berkcoschoolswv