Applemen September Updates
Vol. 5 Issue 1
Dear Applemen Families,
We are now entering our third week of school, and I want to take a moment to thank you for the positive energy and support you have brought to the start of our year. Our Applemen are settling into routines, engaging in learning, and beginning to take advantage of the many opportunities Musselman High School has to offer.
At Musselman, we live by our motto: Roots Down. Rise Up. This means we stay grounded in our traditions, values, and community while striving each day to rise to new challenges, opportunities, and successes.
A few highlights and reminders as we move forward:
Engagement in Class – We are emphasizing a focus on learning without the distraction of cell phones. Thank you for reinforcing at home the importance of being present, connecting with classmates, and fully engaging with instruction.
School Spirit – Our fall sports and activities are well underway, and it has been wonderful to see our community show up to cheer on our Applemen. We are proud of the way our students represent Musselman with pride, respect, and determination.
Support Systems – We are excited to share that we are adding additional social workers this year to better support the needs of our students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your student needs support—academic, social, or emotional.
Upcoming Dates – Please keep an eye on Schoology, our website, and weekly messages for important announcements about upcoming events, spirit week, and parent meetings.
We have had a strong start, and I look forward to watching our students grow as they put their roots down here at Musselman and continue to rise up to their fullest potential.
With Applemen Pride,
Mrs. Alicia Riggleman
Principal, Musselman High School
We want your input! Vote for Homecoming Theme 2025!
Leadership wants your input! Please vote for your favorite Homecoming theme using this QR code!
This QR code is also posted throughout the school hallways, in the cafeteria, across all Musselman Maniacs social media accounts, and will be posted at the football game tonight!
Link to post on Schoology: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxhnhFxlRjRMU04naTtjlh40ZpvvZgs_wgipDUoQIA0N0Xhw/viewform
Statewide WV Goes Gold- September 16th
BCS Bullying Prevention Community Kick-Off Event- Sept. 18th 5-7pm
Our annual Berkeley County Schools Bullying Prevention Community Kick-Off event is quickly approaching! The event will be held on Thursday, September 18 at War Memorial Park from 5-7pm (flyer attached).
Powderpuff Game- Sign up by Sept. 19th
Free After-School Tutoring Starts September 22nd
Free after-school tutoring will begin next week, starting on Monday, September 22. Please share this information (attached flyer) with your students over the next week and, in particular, with any families you might communicate with at Parent-Teacher Conferences on September 24. If you can post this flyer in your Schoology class, that would be great! A printed flyer will be given to you at a later date once received from the Print Shop.
Tutoring will be offered for Math and SAT/ACT Prep only this school year. If students require tutoring for other subjects, this can be requested through the Counseling Office and will be accommodated if at all possible. All tutoring will occur from 2:45-3:45 PM in the designated classroom and no sign-up is required - students just show up. TutorWV is also an online tutoring resource that is free for students in WV to use (link on the flyer).
Financial Aid Night at MuHS- Sept. 24th @ 5:30pm
Join us for Financial Aid Night at Musselman High School on Wednesday, September 24 at 5:30 PM! All students and families are welcome to sign up for this informational session to learn more about the financial aid process, including the FAFSA, federal and state aid, and other grants and scholarships. Stop in the Counseling Office for more information.
Jostens @ MuHS- Sept. 24th- 5pm-7pm
Academy Day- Sept. 27 @ 2pm
Senator Shelley Moore Capito will be hosting Academy Days for students interested in attending a US Service Academy or ROTC program after high school. Save the Date for Saturday, September 27 at 2 PM at Jefferson High School!
Regional College Fair @ Shepherd University- Deadline to Register Sept. 29
Attention Juniors and Seniors! Would you like to attend the Regional College Fair at Shepherd on Tuesday, October 7? Musselman will be taking 11th and 12th grade students by bus to visit the college fair. Over 60 colleges and military recruiters will be in attendance, so don't miss this opportunity to prepare for your next step after high school! Permission slips can be picked up in the Counseling Office and are due by September 29 at the latest. Don't wait, space is limited!
Homecoming Outside Guest Forms- Due Friday, Oct. 3rd
Homecoming Bonfire- October 9th @7pm
We’re excited to announce that this year’s Homecoming Bonfire will take place on Thursday, October 9th! Along with the fire, s’mores, music, and the joy of coming together, we’d love to add some extra fun through club-hosted table activities.
Contact & Emergency Information Update
Keeping contact and emergency information current is vital for your student’s safety and well-being. As part of the Annual Forms & Information Updates, families are required to review and update all emergency contacts, phone numbers, and addresses.
This ensures that the school can quickly reach parents or guardians in case of an emergency or urgent situation. Accurate information helps staff respond effectively and provides peace of mind knowing your child is supported at all times.
The primary and secondary parent/caregiver listed on the Annual Forms & Information Updates are automatically signed up to receive NTouch alerts for attendance and important updates from the district and your student's school.
Click Here:
Class of 2026 Informaton
Lunch Menus
All school meals are free again this year thanks to our Board of Education. Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be viewed on Nutrislice. It is recommended that you download this app on your phones so that you have easy access.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures:
Arrival Time:
Students should arrive between 7:15 AM and 7:30 AM.
Students arriving after 7:30 AM will be considered tardy and must sign in at the tardy table, located near the front office and PLC. After first period, all late arrivals or early dismissals must be processed through the front office.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up (Parent/Caregiver):
Parent and caregiver drop-off and pick-up takes place in the student parking lot on the south end of the building (gym side). Please follow all posted signs and arrows to ensure a safe and orderly flow of traffic.
Bus Riders:
Buses will load and unload on the north side of the building (library side).
If your student needs to ride a different bus home than their regular route, a written note must be submitted to the front office each morning for all students involved in the bus change. A school secretary will verify the note by phone before a student is allowed to ride a different bus.
Early Dismissals:
If a student needs to leave during the school day:
Only individuals listed on the student's emergency card may sign out the student without prior approval.
If the student is a driver, they must bring a signed note from a parent or guardian to the front office in the morning. The note should include the time and reason for dismissal. A secretary will call to verify the note before the student is released.
Bus Assignments:
Click Here to Find your Bus:
Strive for Less than 5- Attendance Matters!
🕒 Attendance Expectations
Berkeley County Schools | Musselman High School
🎯 Our Goal: Every Student, Every Day
Regular school attendance is essential to academic success—from kindergarten through graduation. Berkeley County Schools’ Department of Attendance is committed to helping every student attend school on time and every day.
Even as students grow more independent, families play a crucial role in ensuring they get to school safely and consistently.
🚫 When Absences Happen
We understand some absences are unavoidable due to illness or emergencies. However, frequent or unexcused absences—no matter the reason—can impact a student’s academic progress and overall success.
✅ Your Role as a Partner in Attendance
Help support your child’s academic growth by making attendance a priority:
📅 Ensure your student arrives on time and attends school daily.
🎓 Encourage participation and focus on academic progress.
🗣️ Talk about the importance of attendance regularly. Let your child know you value their education and expect them to be in school.
📞 Stay in close communication with the school. Monitor grades, attendance, and address concerns as they arise.
Click Here to Submit an Absence Note: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/bcs/page/absencenote
Dress Code
We want everyone focused on learning and feeling comfortable at school! Here’s the quick version of our dress code:
- Cover up: Shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses must fully cover your back, midriff, and undergarments.
- Length check: Shorts/skirts should reach mid-thigh or longer.
- Shoes on: Wear secure shoes—no slippers.
- Hats off: No hats, hoods, or sunglasses in class (unless approved).
- Keep it kind: No clothing with profanity, weapons, drugs, or hateful messages.
- Safe accessories: No spikes, heavy chains, or anything that could cause harm.
Read our dress code policy: http://bit.ly/3HAqd73
Let’s keep our classrooms safe, respectful, and distraction-free!
Personal Devices
- No personal devices are permitted during instructional time. Phones and EarPods are silenced and away.
- Students are issued a Chromebook. They are not permitted to bring personal computers and connect to the school network.
🚪 Early Dismissals & Late Arrivals
Leaving During the School Day:
All students must sign out at the front office.
Only individuals listed on the student’s emergency card may sign out a student without prior approval from a parent/guardian.
If you are picking up a student, please bring a photo ID to allow the front office to verify your identity.
Student Drivers:
Students who drive and need to leave during the day must bring a parent-signed note to the front office in the morning.
The note should include the time and reason for dismissal.
A secretary will verify the note by phone before the student is released.
Late Arrivals:
All late arrivals must enter through the front office.
Before 8:00 AM – Sign in at the Tardy Table.
After 8:00 AM – Sign in at the Sign In/Sign Out Desk in the front office.
If arriving late due to a doctor’s appointment or other excused reason, please bring a note so the absence can be marked excused.
Sign In / Sign Out Procedures:
🚪 Leaving During the School Day
All students must sign out at the front office before leaving campus.
Only individuals listed on the student’s emergency card may sign out a student without prior parent/guardian approval.
If you are picking up a student, please bring a valid photo ID for identity verification.
🚗 Student Drivers – Early Dismissal
Students who drive and need to leave early must bring a parent-signed note to the front office before school begins.
The note should include the student’s name, dismissal time, and reason for leaving.
A secretary will call to verify the note before the student is dismissed.
⏰ Late Arrivals
All students arriving late must enter through the front office.
Before 8:00 AM – Sign in at the Tardy Table (by the front office/PLC).
After 8:00 AM – Sign in at the Sign In/Sign Out Desk in the front office.
If late due to a doctor’s appointment or excused reason, please bring a note so the partial absence can be excused.
📬 Home–School Communication
At Musselman High School, we believe that strong partnerships between families and the school are essential to student success. Positive, ongoing communication helps us support your child both academically and personally.
📞 When to Reach Out
If you have questions, concerns, or information that may help us better support your child, please:
Email your child’s teacher
Or call the school office to leave a message for a specific teacher.
🧑🏫 How to Find Contact Info
Visit our website and click About Our School > Meet Our Staff for a full staff directory
Teacher email addresses are also found on:
Course syllabi
Classroom websites
Schoology courses
📲 Using Schoology
Schoology will be main form of Communication
It is vital that you set up your parent account. All parents will receive an individualized code to set up your student's account if you aren't already connected.
Schoology is also where you can stay involved with your child's academics. You will be able to see your child's grades, missing assignments and assignments that are due.
If you are new to Schoology, this google handbook can help you with everything you need to know. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1w9BxtwoxTJRVXrEj1Tme5SWEkEN5Uq2SyrfW0ya7xZQ/preview?slide=id.g8e952e3ece_0_3
Click Here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/bcs/page/schoology
Use your Schoology account to check grades, assignments, and message teachers directly.
If you need help accessing your Schoology account, contact the school for assistance.
Emergency School Closings Be Prepared — Stay Informed
Weather conditions or unexpected emergencies may require early school closings. It is essential that every family has a plan in place to ensure student safety.
🏡 Make a Family Plan
Talk with your child about what to do if school closes early.
The school cannot call individual families during an emergency.
Please do not include “wait for a call” in your plan.
Our phone lines must remain open for emergency coordination.
📣 Stay Informed
School closings, delays, and early dismissals will be announced via:
Local radio and television stations
Cable channels
The NTouch text & email alert system (Berkeley County Schools)
🔄 Keep Your Contact Info Updated
Your child’s emergency card contact information is used to register you for NTouch alerts.
If your phone number or email changes, notify the school immediately.
📱 To learn more or manage your alert preferences, visit:
👉 www.berkeleycountyschools.org/ntouch
🍔 Outside Food & Drink Policy
Outside Food & Drink Policy
🚫 Fast Food & Soda
In accordance with West Virginia Child Nutrition Policy, the following are not permitted in the school cafeteria:
Fast food from outside restaurants
Soda or soft drinks
Students are welcome to bring lunch and drinks from home, but these items must comply with state nutrition guidelines.
📦 No Deliveries During School Hours
To minimize disruption and maintain a secure school environment:
Food deliveries (DoorDash, GrubHub, pizza, etc.)
Gift deliveries (flowers, balloons, etc.)
are not allowed during the school day.
Thank you for your cooperation in supporting a healthy and distraction-free learning environment!
🗓️ Scheduled Conferences
Musselman High School will host two formal Parent/Teacher Conference Nights during the school year.
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Teachers will be available in their classrooms.
These meetings are intended for brief check-ins and progress updates.
📆 Need More Time?
If you need a longer conversation about your child’s academic progress, behavior, or educational needs:
Please contact the teacher directly to schedule a separate meeting.
Teachers are available before school or during their planning time, as needed.
🤝 Open Communication is Key
We value your partnership and look forward to working together to support your child’s success!
📚 What to Bring to School
Students should bring only items needed for schoolwork.
⚠️ Responsibility and Distractions
The school is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen personal items at school or on the bus.
Items that make noise or cause distractions in class will be confiscated and sent to the office.
Confiscated items must be picked up by a parent/caregiver during school hours.
🤝 Local School Improvement Council (LSIC)
The LSIC is a collaborative group made up of administrators, teachers, service personnel, parents, community members, and students. Together, we meet several times a year to plan and support projects that improve student life at Musselman High School.
Past LSIC projects have included:
Providing snacks for SAT testing
Installing bottle filling stations
Creating the Applemen Clothing Closet
All LSIC meetings are open to the public and will start at 4:00pm. Dates are subject to change. All meetings will be held in the MuHS LGI Room.
Our first meeting date:
Sept. 11, 2025
If you’re interested in joining the LSIC and helping make a positive impact, please contact our principal:
Mrs. Alicia Riggleman
📧 Email: arriggleman@k12.wv.us
Parking Permits:
Important Dates:
September
17 2HR Delay for Students- Prep Time for Teachers
18 Interims Issued
22 LSIC @ 4pm- LGI Room
24 High School P/T Conferences 5-7pm
October
1 2HR Delay- Faculty Senate
6-11 Homecoming Week
8 Power Puff Football Game
9 Bonfire
10 Homecoming Football Game
11 Homecoming Dance
13 End of the 9 Weeks
14 PSAT Assessment
15 No School for Students- PD Day for Teachers
20 Report Cards Issued
November
3 Club Day
6 Picture Day
11 Veteran's Day- No School
12 Teacher Prep Time- 2 HR Delay for Students
14 Interims Issued on Schoology
24-28 Thanksgiving Break- No School
Do you want to volunteer at Musselman High School?
Do you want to be a volunteer at Musselman High School? You must be a Level 1 approved volunteer. Meghan's Law video must be done annually. Secure Volunteer is good for 2 calendar years. Complete these ASAP to volunteer.
Click here for directions: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/bcs/page/volunteers-chaperones
