Welcome Back, Applemen!
Vol. 6 Issue 1
Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Applemen,
Now that we’re off and running for the 2026–2027 school year, I want to take a moment to simply say how good it is to have our Applemen back.
The beginning of a school year is always exciting, but I also know it can be a lot. New classes, new teachers, new expectations, changing friendships, busy schedules, and the pressure of figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming at times. Some of our students walked through our doors excited and confident, while others may still be trying to find their footing. Wherever they are, we are glad they are here.
Our theme this year is Apple Fam, and to me, it is so much more than a theme. It represents who we are and who we want to be as a school. Being part of the Apple Fam means that every student who walks through our doors matters. It means knowing our students by name, noticing when something seems different, celebrating their successes, and standing beside them when things are hard. It means creating a school where our kids know there are adults who believe in them, even on the days when they may have a hard time believing in themselves.
Most importantly, it means belonging. There is a place for everyone here. Whether a student finds that place in athletics, FFA, AFJROTC, band, theatre, show choir, Career and Technical Education, student leadership, community service, one of our clubs, or simply in a classroom where they connect with a teacher who believes in them, I want every Applemen to find something that makes Musselman feel like their school.
To our parents and caregivers, thank you for trusting us with the people who mean the most to you. I know you send us your very best every morning. I also know that parenting teenagers isn't always easy. There will be great days and difficult ones, and there may be times when we don't have all the answers. But please know that you are part of the Apple Fam, too, and we are in this together. Reach out. Ask questions. Tell us when your child needs something. We want to be your partner.
And to our Applemen, I hope you give this year everything you've got.
Show up. Work hard. Get involved. Be kind. Take care of each other. Ask for help. Give people second chances. Give yourself second chances. Celebrate the good days and keep going through the hard ones.
Most importantly, don't ever underestimate how much you matter to this school.
One day, much sooner than you think, you will walk out of Musselman for the last time as a student. When that day comes, my hope isn't only that you leave with a diploma. I hope you leave knowing that you belonged here. You mattered here. Someone believed in you here. And Musselman is better because you were part of it.
That's what it means to be Apple Fam.
We have a lot of school year ahead of us. There will be successes to celebrate, challenges to work through, memories to make, and probably a few bumps along the way. Through all of it, we will keep showing up for our kids and for one another.
Because that's what families do.
And at the end of the day, that's what matters most.
Students First. Always.
Apple Fam.
And, as always—
Once an Applemen, Always an Applemen!
Mrs. Alicia Riggleman
Principal
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:
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 News & email alert system (Berkeley County Schools)
🔄 Keep Your Contact Info Updated
Your child’s emergency card contact information is used to register you for alerts.
If your phone number or email changes, notify the school immediately.
📱 To learn more or manage your alert preferences, visit:
👉 https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/checklist-copy
🍔 Outside Food & Drink Policy
Outside Food & Drink Policy
🚫 Fast Food & Soda
In accordance with West Virginia Child Nutrition Policy, the following are not permitted.
Fast food from outside restaurants
Soda, soft drinks or energy 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- Wednesday, September 23rd & Wednesday, February 10th
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 3:30pm. Dates are subject to change. All meetings will be held in the MuHS LGI Room.
Meeting dates for the 26-27 School Year:
- Sept. 15, 2026- Election of Officers
- Sept. 29, 2026- First Meeting
- Nov. 10, 2026
- Jan. 26, 2026
- April 12, 2026
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:
Driving to Musselman High School?
All students who drive to school and park on campus are required to purchase a MuHS Parking Permit.
💲 PARKING PERMITS ARE $50
To receive a parking permit, students must:
- 🚘 Complete the parking permit application
- 💵 Pay the $50 permit fee
- 🪪 Provide a valid driver's license
- 📄 Provide current vehicle registration and insurance information
- 🅿️ Display the permit as directed and park only in designated student areas
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Students may not park on campus without a valid parking permit.
Parking on school property is a privilege. Please help us keep our campus safe by driving carefully, following traffic patterns, and respecting all parking expectations.
REPRESENT THE APPLE FAM!
Important Dates:
September
7- Labor Day- No School
8-11 Club Drive Week
15- LSIC Meeting @ 3:30- LGI Room
16- 2.5 Hour Early Dismissal for Students
17- Interim Reports Issued on Schoology
17- Berkeley County School Bullying Kickoff at War Memorial Park- 5pm- 7pm
23- High School Parent Teacher Conferences 5pm- 7pm
29- LSIC Meeting @ 3:30- LGI Room
October
5- Club Day
7- 2.5 Hour Early Release for Students
8- Picture Day for Grades 9, 10, 11
9- Picture Day for Grades 9, 10, 11
12- First Day of Homecoming Week
13- End of the 9 Weeks
14- No School for Students- Professional Learning Day for Staff
14- Powderpuff Game at 6:00pm
15- 8:00am Achieving Applemen- Students will receive invitations.
15- Student Bonfire
16- Homecoming Game
17- Homecoming Dance at the Randy Smith Center
20- PSAT Assessment- Required for Grades 9, 10, 11
20- Report Cards Issued
24- Haunted Trail- 2pm-11pm at Musselman High School
November
2- Club Day
3- No School- Election Day
10- LSIC Meeting @ 3:30- LGI Room
11- No School- Veterans Day
12- Picture Retakes
13- Interim Reports Issued on Schoology
23-27 No School- Thanksgiving Break