Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes a season of growth, new opportunities, and academic milestones. As we enter testing season, I encourage all students to put forth their best effort. Approach each exam with confidence, ensuring you are well-rested and prepared. Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly pay off.

Spring also means basketball season—and this year, a first-ever state title win for our Spring Mills Cardinals! The team was welcomed home and celebrated at Bedington Elementary, where they joined first-grade students in a STEAM activity. Congratulations to our 2025 WVSSAC Class AAAA State Champions!

This month, we are excited to highlight Musselman High School's Sweet Apple Café, a great example of how career and technical education can provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences. The café not only equips students with essential skills in business management, teamwork, and hospitality but also fosters leadership and personal growth. Plus, I have to say—the sandwiches and pastries were delicious! It’s inspiring to see students putting their skills into action in such a meaningful way.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school community a place of excellence and opportunity. Let’s embrace this season of learning and achievement together!

Yours in Education,
Dr. Ryan S. Saxe

By: Sarah Warner, Communications Coordinator

Esabeya Marks, a senior at Musselman High School, has stepped confidently into her role as the General Manager of the brand-new Sweet Apple Café.

The Sweet Apple Café serves as both a welcoming space for students and staff and a hands-on learning environment for aspiring young professionals. Marks oversees the café’s day-to-day operations; including planning menus, supervising her peers, managing inventory, and ensuring smooth operations.

“This experience has been incredible because it’s given me the chance to lead and really understand how much work goes into running a business,” said Marks. “I’ve learned so much about time management, working with people, and staying organized.”

Rachel Nauman, Baking and Pastry Teacher at MuHS, said Marks’ leadership is a testament to her hard work, maturity, and committment to excellence.

“Esebaya has a kindness and hospitality that make everyone feel welcome,” said Nauman. “Her leadership abilities and understanding of expectations and operations are unmatched. Having known her for four years, I trust her completely in this role.”

Marks is also balancing her culinary aspirations with long-term career goals.

“I’ve always loved baking and cooking, and I even started my own business, Beya’s Bakery,” said Marks. “I also plan to pursue a nursing career, so having this experience has really taught me how to balance my passions.”

Marks said she is grateful for the opportunity to learn business skills while also growing as a person and working with a great team.

The Sweet Apple Café is part of Musselman High School’s commitment to career-focused education, providing students with real-world skills before graduation. The café itself was a collaborative effort, with contributions from the building maintenance and operations program, which helped construct the space, and Matt Welch’s broadcasting class.

We're now accepting nominations for School Counselor of the Year! The School Counselor of the Year award honors exceptional school counselors who go above and beyond to support student success. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Eligibility for Consideration

• The nominee must be currently employed in Berkeley County Schools (BCS) as a full-time school counselor with at least three years of experience in BCS. At least one year must be at the level they are currently working.
• A BCS administrator, faculty/staff member, parent/guardian, fellow school counselor colleague or student may nominate the counselor.
• Nominees must demonstrate evidence of strong leadership and outstanding implementation of BCS Counseling Standards and BCS vision and mission statements which include ensuring students are prepared with the academic, career, and personal/social knowledge and skills necessary to successfully function in and be productive members of 21st century society.

Recognition Criteria

• Nominees must be counselors who: maintain the highest standards of personal conduct;
• strive to be model citizens of their community as well as the school counseling community and their broader professional community;
• deliver equitable, comprehensive, preventative and developmental counseling programs; demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and collaboration in their work;
• foster collaborative relationships with colleagues, students and their families, and the community to promote student achievement, and
• utilize data in order to drive decision making.

Submissions are due by April 11, 2025.

Plan ahead for the next two school years! BCS has released the academic calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027!

These calendars include key dates such as the first and last days of school, holidays, and scheduled breaks, helping families, staff, and the community stay informed and prepared.

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Virtual School enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! By June 30, 2025, students must be four (4) years of age to be eligible for Pre-K, and five years of age (5) to begin Kindergarten.

• Early entrance testing for Kindergarten is available for students who turn five (5) during the month of July only.
• Students currently enrolled in the BCS Pre-K Program will need to re-enroll for Kindergarten.

We're excited to welcome our newest learners to the BCS Family!

Elice Gregory, Director of Student Support Services, and Ja'Mauri Stewart, a senior at Martinsburg High School, join BCS Unplugged to discuss the impactful BCS Safety Presentations. Together, they share how these presentations are empowering students to make positive choices and lead healthy, balanced lives.

Spring into April with these Calendar Reminders!

• April 14-18: Spring Break
• April 21: Curriculum Development Day – No School for Students
• April 22: Faculty Senate Day – 2-Hour Delay

April marks National Stress Awareness Month, an important time to reflect on how stress impacts our lives as parents and caregivers. Stress is our body's natural reaction to changes or challenges, resulting in physical, emotional, and behavioral responses.

In this month's newsletter, read about how prolonged stress without relief can lead to significant health issues.

Construction has started on the new 3rd Grade Wing at Tomahawk Intermediate School, and we are seeing tremendous progress on the new Hedgesville Early Learning Academy, and the Martinsburg High School Fine Arts addition!

Watch the video below to see the work in progress!

Join us for an exciting, hands-on experience at the Berkeley County Schools Service Personnel Recruitment Event. You’ll have the opportunity to test-drive a school bus and explore various career opportunities within our district. Whether you’re interested in becoming a bus driver, custodian, aide, cook, or filling another service personnel role, this event is the perfect way to learn more.

You can stop by our career information tables between 8am and 11am to ask questions and get details about current openings, such as new positions for 3rd-grade classroom aides. Plus, you’ll have the chance to chat with current employees who will share their firsthand experiences. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with music from a local radio station and discover why Berkeley County Schools could be the right place for you.

To participate in the bus test drive, you must be 21 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and wear closed-toe, closed-back shoes. For other service personnel positions, applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to pass a background check.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore a fulfilling career in your community. Fill out the registration form below to secure your spot — we can't wait to see you there!

Email: info@berkeleycountyschools.org
Phone: 304-267-3500