BCS Insider

As we move through the final stretch of the school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible growth and accomplishments we’ve seen in our students—especially through the Work Exploration Program. This month, we celebrate the successful completion of the program for many of our students, whose dedication and hard work have left a lasting impression on our local business community.

The Work Exploration Program is a great example of what happens when schools and communities come together to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. By stepping into real-world job environments, our students are gaining something that textbooks alone cannot teach, firsthand experience in the workplace. From restaurants and retail stores to pet grooming businesses and automotive dealerships, students have been welcomed into a wide range of industries across Berkeley County.

These experiences allow students to explore career possibilities, develop workplace social skills, and build positive work habits that will serve them for a lifetime. The Work Exploration Program currently boasts 114 students and more than 80 participating businesses.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Joe Wilson, whose journey exemplifies the true spirit of this program. Read more about his growth and connection with the community below.

Our students’ successes would not be possible without the ongoing support of our business community, teachers, staff, and of course, the families who believe in the value of these real-world learning experiences. Your support helps bridge the gap between education and employment, especially for students with disabilities, by fostering independence and confidence.

To the students completing their placements this month, congratulations! You are taking important steps toward your future, and we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. To our local businesses, thank you for opening your doors and your hearts to our students. Together, we are preparing the next generation not just for jobs—but for meaningful lives in our community.

Yours in Education,
Dr. Ryan S. Saxe

By: Sarah Warner, Communications Coordinator

When Joe Wilson walks into a local business, his characteristic smile is contagious. Employees and customers alike can't help but smile back. The Musselman High School senior has become a local favorite through Berkeley County Schools' Work Exploration Program, where his friendliness and positive attitude leave a lasting impression.

Meeting new people is my favorite part of the program," said Wilson. "Talking to them is what I like best."

Now in his third year with the Work Exploration Program, Joe has gained experience at an impressive variety of local businesses, including Jersey Mike's, Tropical Smoothie, Cider Press, Pizza Oven, Rocks, Heritage Hall, DND Meat, Butler's Farm, and Connections Community Church. Among these diverse workplaces, Joe particularly enjoys Jersey Mike's, which he names as his favorite placement so far.

"His positivity is the biggest thing that he brings," explains his job specialist, Christine Brown. "Wherever he goes, he's always friendly and so happy to be there. He just lights up the room, and his positivity spreads. That helps other students because it gets them excited about going out too."

At Cider Press, Joe discovered he especially enjoys waiting tables—a duty that suits his outgoing personality and desire to connect with others.

"He definitely spreads happiness and positivity wherever he goes," added Brown.

When asked what advice he would give to students considering the Work Exploration Program, Joe doesn't hesitate: "It's fun!" he says with enthusiasm, encouraging others to join.

As graduation approaches, Joe already has his sights set on the future. He hopes to attend West Virginia University and live in a dormitory where he can continue building friendships. After college, he aspires to work at Chick-fil-A, combining his customer service experience with his natural talent for making everyone feel welcome.

With his optimism and genuine interest in others, Joe Wilson exemplifies how the Work Exploration Program helps Berkeley County students discover their strengths while making meaningful contributions to their community.

Join us for WVU Medicine's Sports Physicals & Health Fest event, where athletes and fine arts students can get FREE physical exams.

Registration opens at 5:00 pm. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay in top shape for the upcoming season!

WVSSAC Student Athletic Physicals are required for middle and high school sports. Download the WVSSAC Form or contact your school's athletic director for more information.

Robyn Lopez, Director of Assessment and Accountability, discusses the importance of the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) and the importance of students performing their best. Learn more about how this test prepares our students for the future and helps staff enhance their learning abilities.

Discover how to walk alongside your child through life’s challenges and support their emotional growth. Explore strategies to enhance your child’s emotional growth, including building emotional vocabulary, responding to emotional moments with empathy, and establishing a consistent home environment.

Learn how to foster resilience by acknowledging and praising emotional achievements. This newsletter offers valuable insights to enhance your child’s emotional development and equip them with tools to navigate challenges.

Shenandoah Community Health is offering a vaccination clinic for students entering kindergarten, 7th, and 11th grades.

📅 May 14th, 15th, and 16th

⏰8:00am to 4:30pm

📍99 Tavern Road, Martinsburg | Mobile Health Unit located outside

📞Call 304.263.4999 for questions or scheduling

The vaccination clinic is open to the community. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are welcome! Please bring an insurance card and current vaccination record.

At Berkeley County Schools, student health is a top priority. In compliance with House Bill 2354, also known as the food dye legislation, we are taking proactive steps to meet new requirements.

Even before this bill was signed into law by Governor Patrick Morrisey, which bans red dye #3 and #40, yellow dye #5 and #6, blue dye #1 and #2 and green dye #3 from school foods, our Office of Child Nutrition began removing foods with artificial dyes from our menus. Most of our foods already use natural colorings like fruit and vegetable extracts. By the start of the new school year, products like Doritos, strawberry milk, Lucky Charms cereal, and certain gelatin desserts will be fully phased out. While some of these are student favorites, we expect manufacturers to offer dye-free versions soon.

Starting August 1, 2025, a new USDA rule will limit added sugars in school meals, especially in cereals, yogurts, and flavored milk. We’ve already started removing high-sugar items and are working with our food and dairy partners to find healthier alternatives. Additionally, we’re already planning to offer more protein-rich breakfast options to meet future sugar guidelines while still serving meals students enjoy.

Thank you for your support as we work to keep our students healthy and well-nourished every day.

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!

It's the "may-gical" time of year when we celebrate achievements, honor our graduates, and count down to summer!

Here are your May calendar reminders:

May 18: BCS Baccalaureate Service

May 22: Spring Mills High School Graduation
May 26: Memorial Day – Schools and Offices Closed
May 27: Martinsburg High School Graduation
May 28: Hedgesville High School Graduation
May 29: Musselman High School Graduation
May 29: Last Day of School for Students