George Washington High

KCS families, here’s some calendar news!

Kanawha County Schools has been granted a waiver by the West Virginia Department of Education for the 180-day instructional requirement.
❄️ Snow days that happened between:

August 15th, 2025 - March 16th, 2026 will NOT need to be made up this school year.

🗓️ That means, as of today (3/16), the last day of school will remain Friday, May 29.

If the district experiences another full districtwide closure between now and the end of the school year, the calendar could change. If that happens, we will share an update with families.

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

KCS has been granted a wavier from the WVDE for the 180 day instructional requirement. As of March 16th, no snow days will need to be made up and the last day of school for this year is May 29th, 2026.

🔬✨ Big results for GWHS Science at the West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair! ✨🔬

Seven GWHS students competed on March 9 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center and every single one placed in the top 3 of their category 🏆🤍

🥉 Shrija Malkaram - 3rd place in Biomedical and Health Sciences
🥈 Hope Wu - 2nd place in Mathematics
🥈 Henry Davis & Ian Osborne - 2nd place in Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics
🥈 Manvitha Sanjaya & Charvitha Sanjaya - 2nd place in Cellular and Molecular Biology
🥇 Iqraa Zaman - 1st place in Translational Medical Sciences

And the celebration does not stop there 🚀🧪
Iqraa Zaman was named a finalist for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and will represent West Virginia in Phoenix, Arizona this May! 🌟✈️

We are so proud of these incredible Patriots for showing their talent, hard work, and dedication on the state stage ❤️‍🔥🔬

#HailGW | #patriotpride | #lifeonthehill | #ScienceFair | #STEMExcellence

7 months ago, George Washington High School

Final Side Quest 🎯

Think back on your week.

What did you try?
What did you enjoy?
What surprised you?

Today’s secret word is CHANGE.

Now put all five words together.

Comment the full sentence to unlock ...The Final Step!

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

student holding his hand up to show off a lanyard he received. Behind him, another student is showing off her lanyard to a friend that is not in the picture.

Side Quest #4 🎨

Create something from nothing.

✍️ Draw
🧑‍🎨 Paint
🧑‍🍳 Cook
💭 or anything else you can dream up!

Secret Word: Big
#KCSSideQuest

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

Student sitting at an art table. He is painting a white sheet of paper that is sitting in front of him. He is dipping his sponge brush into paint that has been squirted on to a paper plate.

Side Quest #3 🤝

Send a message of appreciation to someone who has made a difference in your life.

📝 Write a letter
📱 Send a text
☎️ Call

Secret Word: Make
#KCSSideQuest

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

student sitting at his desk with his hands together looking at the camera.

Side Quest #2 💥

⛹️‍♀️ Move for 20 minutes.
🛝 Anywhere.
🛹 Anytime.

Secret Word: Steps

#KCSSideQuest

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

A young student is clapping his hands. He is wearing a gold medal around his neck. The medal has the number 1 on it. Behind him adults are clapping and other students are wearing medals.

Side Quest #1 ✅

Try something new today.
Doesn't have to be big.
Just different.

🤫 Secret Word: Small

#KCSSideQuest

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

student yelling in celebration after learning what house he will be in for the school's reward system. In the background, the school principal has her hands up in celebration as well.

☀️ Quick Spring Break challenge.

Spring Break is here.

Which means two things:

⏰ No alarms.

💨 🐢 Time somehow moves both fast and slow at the same time.

So instead of letting the week just… disappear… we’re trying something simple.

Not homework.
Not a packet.
Not a 47-step challenge.

Just five small Side Quests.

One per day.
Quick. Doable. Anywhere.

Elementary, middle, high...everyone can play.

Each weekday we’ll post:
🔵 One Side Quest
🔵 One secret word
🔵 Zero pressure

Collect all five words and on Friday you’ll unlock the Main Quest.

No prizes.
No sign-ups.
Just bragging rights… and maybe a feature.

Spring Break starts Monday.

Let’s see who’s playing.

We’re also sharing a Side Quest Bingo board. Complete just one square or go for bingo and see how many you can check off this week. Which one will you try first?

Tag a friend, classmate, or family member who should try a Side Quest with you.

#KCSSideQuest

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

🎒✨ Kindergarten starts with moments like this.

A little curiosity.
A little creativity.
And sometimes… a little mess.

If your child will be starting kindergarten this fall, Transition to Kindergarten Day is the perfect first step. Students and families will have the chance to visit their school, meet teachers, and start getting excited about the year ahead.

📅 Each elementary school has its own date and time.
Find your school’s Transition Day using the link in the comments.

✨ Tag a family getting ready for Kindergarten 2026!

7 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

A young student sitting at her school table, smiling at the camera, and has both of her arms in the air. Her arms and table are covered in shaving cream that was used for a writing lesson.

🎨✨ GW Artists Are Making Their Mark!

Big congratulations to our George Washington High School artists who were recognized in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition – District 1 👏

🏆 Karman Raja — 1st Place
🥈 Gabrielle Chugha — 2nd Place

🇺🇸 Karman’s winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for an entire year — an incredible honor!

🖼️ GW artists juried into the exhibition:
Erin Brunton
Maisie Bishop
Lauren Smith
Jenna VonCrist
Ricky Thompson
Emma Miller
Sara Berry
Makenna Hancock
Valeria Herrera
Laila Tully

Their artwork will be on display at the WV Cultural Center for the next two months, and the exhibit is free and open to the public through April.

✨ Stop by, support our student artists, and celebrate their creativity!

#HailGW #patriotpride #lifeonthehill #StudentArt #CongressionalArtCompetition

7 months ago, George Washington High School

🧠📊 GW Math Team Shines at Regional Math Field Day! 📊🧠

George Washington students delivered an incredible performance at the Regional Math Field Day held on Monday at the University of Charleston.

🏆 GW had the top three 9th graders and the top two finishers in the 10th–12th grade division!

9th Grade Division
🥇 Hope Wu – 1st Place
🥈 Shrija Malkaram – 2nd Place
🥉 Vibhu Haricharan – 3rd Place

10th–12th Grade Division
🥇 Ben Smith – 1st Place
🥈 Isaiah Vellaithambi – 2nd Place
• Anshu Haricharan – 9th Place
• Isaac Franck – 11th Place (Top Sophomore in the Region)

GW Competitors
9th Grade
• Vibhu Haricharan
• Shrija Malkaram
• Hope Wu

10th–12th Grades
• Isaac Franck
• Anshu Haricharan
• Saja Huggi
• Ben Smith
• Isaiah Vellaithambi

📈 The top three 9th graders and the top ten 10th–12th graders advance to the State Math Field Day in April.

Big congratulations to our entire team for representing GW with excellence and #PatriotPride! 🧠✨

#HailGW #patriotpride #lifeonthehill #GWMathTeam #AcademicExcellence

7 months ago, George Washington High School

Thank you Ms. Combs for supporting our students and families every day 🤍🩶

During National School Social Worker Week, we’re grateful for the care and support she brings to our school community. From helping students overcome challenges to supporting attendance, connecting families with resources, and creating a safe space for students to grow, her work makes a difference across GW.

We appreciate all you do for our Patriots! 💬✨

#HailGW #patriotpride #lifeonthehill #SchoolSocialWork #StudentSupport

7 months ago, George Washington High School

🏀🔥 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒 & 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎 🔥🏀

🎟 All Regional Boys & Girls Basketball Game Tickets
💲 $8.00 per ticket
📲 Tickets sold ONLY on GoFan
🚫 NO Cash will be accepted

Let’s show up loud and proud for our Patriots 💪🔥

#HailGW #gwcommunity #patriotpride #lifeonthehill #gw2526
#GWAthletics #PatriotStrong

7 months ago, George Washington High School

🥇📚 GW 1st Place Energy at KCS Social Studies Fair 👏✨

GW students showed up and showed OUT at the Kanawha County Social Studies Fair - earning First Place honors and representing #PatriotPride at the highest level 🤍🩶

✨ Holden Osborn
✨ Charvitha Sanjaya
✨ Olivia Hodges
✨ Ella Krason
✨ Addison Elkins
✨ Pranav Ponugupati
✨ Emily Claire Swingle
✨ Dharani Thangasamy

Research skills. Presentation power. Academic excellence on full display 💼📖🔥

This is what learning looks like on the Hill 💪✨

#gw2526 #HailGW #lifeonthehill #gwcommunity #patriotpride
#GWAcademics #AcademicExcellence

7 months ago, George Washington High School

🌟🏛️ GW NHS Takes Washington, D.C.! 🏛️🌟 Our National Honor Society officers are representing George Washington High School at the National NHS Conference in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸✨ 👏 Shoutout to our outstanding student leaders: Adelyn Sirbu Charlotte Ward Emily Miller Gabby Chugha Jaxson Richmond Kaileigh Bock Katherine Dent Oriah Allen Owen Anderson Vihaan Kakani Leadership. Service. Scholarship. Character. 🤍🩶 We are so proud of these Patriots for taking #PatriotPride all the way to our nation’s capital and bringing back inspiration to #LifeOnTheHill 🌟 #gwcommunity #HailGW #gw2526 #patriotpride #lifeonthehill #NationalHonorSociety #StudentLeaders

8 months ago, George Washington High School

📸 Senior Tux & Drape - FINAL Studio Date!
We have opened our last available date at the Cross Lanes studio for senior tux/drape pictures.
At the studio, seniors can:
✨ Take formal tux/drape photos for the yearbook
✨ Change into casual outfits
✨ Choose from multiple backgrounds
✨ Enjoy a more personalized photo experience
📍 Location: 802 Cross Lanes Dr., Cross Lanes, WV 25313
🗓 Date: Friday, March 6
⏰ Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🔗 Use the link below to schedule your session.
https://local.prestigeportraits.com/wv/cross-lanes/802-cross-lanes-drive.html

8 months ago, George Washington High School

Growth worth celebrating 📈🍎

We recently recognized several of our secondary teachers whose students showed the most growth on mid-year benchmark testing, and that growth doesn’t happen by accident.

Our teachers are always refining lessons, trying new strategies, and finding what works best for their students. Walk into classrooms across the county and you’ll see learning that’s active, engaging, and focused on helping every student move forward.

Elementary teachers and service personnel will be recognized at an upcoming meeting, too. When our whole school community works together, students grow. 💙

👩‍🏫 A full list of the teachers who were recognized is on our website. The link is in the comments!

8 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

A group picture of all the teachers who were recognized.

A teacher is smiling after receiving his certificate of recognition.

A teacher is walking up the aisle to receive his certificate of recognition.

A wide shot of the board meeting where teachers were recognized. The picture is taken from the back of the room, behind all of the audience seating. Most of the seats are full. In front of the audience, the teachers are lined up. In the middle of the teachers is KCS Superintendent, Paula Potter, Asst. Superintendent of Secondary Gene Smith, and Deputy Superintendent, Missy Ruddle.

A teacher is walking up the aisle at the board meeting to receive her certificate of recognition.

🎶✨ 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ✨🎶 Earlier this month, Emily Claire Swingle and Jayden Stanley auditioned and earned the opportunity to sing in the WV High School All-State Chamber Honor Choir with the West Virginia American Choral Directors Association 🤍🩶 They performed in concert on February 7, 2026, representing some of the top vocalists across the state 🎼🌟 And on February 14, Emily Claire Swingle earned a Superior Plus Performance Rating at the West Virginia Music Educators Association Solo & Ensemble Festival — the highest rating possible. 🎤🏆 Period. Harmony. Dedication. Patriot Pride. 🎶🇺🇸 #HailGW #patriotpride #gwcommunity #lifeonthehill #gw2526 #GWChoir #AllStateChoir

8 months ago, George Washington High School

🎶✨ MARSHALL HONOR BAND REPRESENT! ✨🎶 Huge congratulations to these talented Patriots who were selected for the Marshall University Honor Band 🤍🩶 🎵 Ella Yosuico 🎵 Zoe Graley 🎵 Ophira Ronen 🎵 Sarah Duncan 🎵 Eva Gooding 🎵 Isaac Franck Being chosen for Honor Band is a BIG deal 🎺🥁 — it takes dedication, skill, and serious musical talent 🎼🔥 We are so proud of you for representing GW at the next level! Keep making that Patriot Pride LOUD 🎶✨ #gw2526 #patriotpride #HailGW #lifeonthehill #gwcommunity #GWBands #MarshallHonorBand

8 months ago, George Washington High School

Next level: unlocked. 🎮🐺

Each month, students at West Side Middle School who show growth on the GSA and middle of the year benchmark tests score an invite to the Wolf Den for the monthly Level Up Party.

The Wolf Den is the school's game room. Students who level up receive personalized Level Up cards engraved by students at Carver, lanyards, and other special perks. When students level up, they wear their progress proudly.

Leveling up is about progress, not perfection. At WSMS, hard work isn’t just recognized — it unlocks the next level. 💙📚

8 months ago, Kanawha County Schools

Four students taking a break from playing the arcade games to smile at the camera for a picture.

Three students are standing around a table playing jenga. Two students are watching as the third student is placing one of the wooden blocks on top of the stack of blocks.

A huge group of students is sitting around a table in the Wolf Den posing for a picture. There are snacks and drinks sitting on the table.

The school principal is playing arcade like mini basketball game with a student trying to see who can make more baskets in a period of time. A third student is standing to the side of the game watching.

Three girls are doing Karaoke. One student is holding the mic and signing and the other two are dancing.

Two students are playing a game of pool on a mini pool table. A third student standing to the left of the pool table, is also holding a pool cue and smiling while one student lines up for a shot.

Three students sitting at an arts and crafts table, and one student standing up behind the three sitting down. They are working on an art project and there are beads and glitter covering the table.

Students playing basketball on a mini basketball hoop in the game room.

Five arcade games lining the wall in the game room at west side middle school. These are the old school, 90s era, type arcade games.

A student sitting at an arts and crafts table that is covered in glitter. She is holding up a dream catcher that she designed with glitter and beads.