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Education

Preston County teacher’s new book helps children manage anxiety in the classroom

“Under the twinkling lights of Starbrook Elementary School, happy laughter bubbled up from room 241. This was Mrs. Pickleberry’s 4th-grade classroom,” begins South Preston teacher Danielle Albright’s recently self-published children’s book, "Marigold Worries." The book tells the story of Marigold, a fourth-grade student who struggles with anxiety surrounding classroom activities like timed tests or presentations. Marigold and her teacher, Mrs. Pickleberry, work together to establish resources and strategies to help manage this anxiety, helping Marigold feel more comfortable ...

Too many students missing classes

BY JARETT LEWIS CHARLESTON — Public schools in West Virginia are dealing with a problem of chronic absenteeism. In other words, students too often are not showing up for class. Recent information released from the state Department of Education said 28% of students in West Virginia public schools missed 18 or more days of school last year. Those students were labeled chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of their school days in the 180-day year. West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee said there are too many students who are missing way more than ...

28% of schoolkids chronically absent

CHARLESTON — Twenty-eight percent of West Virginia public school students missed 18 or more days of school last year and labeled chronically absent. The numbers are part of the state Department of Education’s Balanced Scorecard that was released last week. A chronically absent student is one who misses 10% or more days. If a student is enrolled for the entire 180-day calendar that would be 18 days. State Department of Education Data Analysis and Research Director Georgia Hughes-Webb said the top reason for absences last school year is listed as unexcused absences. “An ...

BOE prez sounds off on student suspension law in state

BY CARRIE HODOUSEK CHARLESTON — State Board of Education President Paul Hardesty said he has concerns about a new law that would require school principals to suspend a student if they’ve been removed from a classroom more than three times within a month. “This is a train wreck waiting to happen,” Hardesty recently told members of the state Board of Education. HB 2890, which modifies student discipline in the classroom, was approved by state lawmakers earlier this year. The law requires students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are removed from the classroom for ...