Ritchie County students and families,
Today, on September 11, 2001, tragedy struck the United States, forever changing the nation and the world. Remembering 9/11 is an act of honoring the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It is also a time to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the first responders: firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel, who selflessly rushed toward danger to save others. Beyond mourning the horrific loss, honoring this day serves as a powerful reminder of unity, resilience, and the enduring strength of communities coming together in the face of immense adversity.
Today, on September 11, 2001, tragedy struck the United States, forever changing the nation and the world. Remembering 9/11 is an act of honoring the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It is also a time to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the first responders: firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel, who selflessly rushed toward danger to save others. Beyond mourning the horrific loss, honoring this day serves as a powerful reminder of unity, resilience, and the enduring strength of communities coming together in the face of immense adversity.
Ritchie County students and families,
Just a reminder that there is No School on Monday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday. Take time to enjoy time off with family and friends! See everyone on Tuesday, September 8th.
Just a reminder that there is No School on Monday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday. Take time to enjoy time off with family and friends! See everyone on Tuesday, September 8th.
Ritchie County students and families,
Just a reminder that there is No School on Monday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday. Take time to enjoy time off with family and friends! See everyone on Tuesday, September 8th.
Just a reminder that there is No School on Monday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday. Take time to enjoy time off with family and friends! See everyone on Tuesday, September 8th.
🐊👑 SURPRISE VISITORS ARE COMING TO HES! 👑🐊
We have some very special surprise visitors stopping by HES tomorrow!
They’ll be helping our students learn and practice our GATOR Expectations and what it means to be a GATOR throughout our school!
👑 Students are also invited to dress in their best royal attire for the special visit!
Who could our visitors be?! 🤔👑 Stay tuned!
We have some very special surprise visitors stopping by HES tomorrow!
They’ll be helping our students learn and practice our GATOR Expectations and what it means to be a GATOR throughout our school!
👑 Students are also invited to dress in their best royal attire for the special visit!
Who could our visitors be?! 🤔👑 Stay tuned!
Good evening Ritchie County students and families! The breakfast and lunch menu is now available for down on from the website (ritchieschools.com) or on the app under "Dining".
Look What’s Happening at HES!
September is full of exciting things at HES! Be sure to check out our September events and save the dates for our PTO meetings for the year.
We’re looking forward to a great month and a great school year! 💚🐊
September is full of exciting things at HES! Be sure to check out our September events and save the dates for our PTO meetings for the year.
We’re looking forward to a great month and a great school year! 💚🐊
Dear Ritchie County Community:
Ritchie County Schools is aware of misinformation circulating on social media regarding an alleged incident involving a weapon at our high school yesterday. There was no weapon discovered at the school, there was no evidence that a student brought a weapon to school, nor was there a threat involving a weapon. Additionally, no student was escorted from the school in handcuffs.
Unfortunately, inaccurate information about the situation was subsequently shared publicly on social media. Law enforcement is aware and reviewing those public comments.
We understand that reports involving school safety understandably cause concern for families and our community, and we have protocols which include communication. Ritchie County Schools takes every report or concern seriously and follows established procedures to investigate potential threats and involve law enforcement when appropriate. At the same time, sharing unverified information on social media can create unnecessary fear and confusion for students, families, employees, and the broader community.
Our schools are safe, and there is no known threat related to this matter. We encourage all parents, students, and community members who have concerns about school safety to contact school administrators or law enforcement directly rather than relying on or spreading unverified information on social media.
The safely and well-being of our students and employees remains our highest priority.
Sincerely,
April Haught
Ritchie County Schools would like to welcome our littlest scholars to Preschool at Creed Collins Elementary and Harrisville Elementary on Monday, August 24th.
Countless smiles, new friendships, hands-on learning, and fun adventures await as our little ones take their very first steps into school life.
Let's make this a wonderful school year!
Countless smiles, new friendships, hands-on learning, and fun adventures await as our little ones take their very first steps into school life.
Let's make this a wonderful school year!
Ritchie County Schools would like to welcome our littlest scholars to Preschool at Creed Collins Elementary and Harrisville Elementary on Monday, August 24th.
Countless smiles, new friendships, hands-on learning, and fun adventures await as our little ones take their very first steps into school life.
Let's make this a wonderful school year!
Countless smiles, new friendships, hands-on learning, and fun adventures await as our little ones take their very first steps into school life.
Let's make this a wonderful school year!
Safety Reminder for HES Families
At Harrisville Elementary School, the safety of our students and staff is always a top priority.
As a reminder, all parents/guardians must drop students off outside of the school building. Parents and visitors may not enter the building during morning drop-off.
We know mornings can be busy, and we appreciate your cooperation in following this safety procedure. These guidelines help us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone at HES.
Thank you for helping us keep our Gators safe! 🐊💚
At Harrisville Elementary School, the safety of our students and staff is always a top priority.
As a reminder, all parents/guardians must drop students off outside of the school building. Parents and visitors may not enter the building during morning drop-off.
We know mornings can be busy, and we appreciate your cooperation in following this safety procedure. These guidelines help us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone at HES.
Thank you for helping us keep our Gators safe! 🐊💚
Ritchie County Schools would like to thank our retiring teachers for your incredible dedication, passion, and decades of selfless service to our schools and community. Throughout your careers, you have done so much more than teach—you have inspired curiosity, shaped young minds, mentored future leaders, and provided a safe, encouraging space for generations of students to grow. The countless hours spent grading, lesson planning, and supporting students both in and out of the classroom have left an indelible mark on our school system that will be felt for years to come. Collectively, this groups has devoted over 161 years to our students, schools, and community! While your presence, wisdom, and daily encouragement will be deeply missed, we celebrate the well-deserved next chapter of your lives. We wish you endless happiness, relaxation, and fulfillment in your retirement! Congratulations Ellen Butcher, Debbie Sheets, Rachel Tallhamer, Dan Vanoy, Jennifer Weekley, and Jennifer Price!
🎉🏰 Join us for Harrisville Elementary's Open House – The Happiest School on Earth! 🐊✨
📅 Tuesday, August 11th
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
Meet your teachers, explore your classroom, enjoy our Gator Scavenger Hunt, enter for prizes, and have fun with the whole family!
We can't wait to welcome our Gator families back for a magical start to an amazing school year! 💚💛✨
📅 Tuesday, August 11th
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
Meet your teachers, explore your classroom, enjoy our Gator Scavenger Hunt, enter for prizes, and have fun with the whole family!
We can't wait to welcome our Gator families back for a magical start to an amazing school year! 💚💛✨
Good morning Ritchie County School district students and families! As our summer is coming to an end, here are the first days of school:
Grades 1st-12th: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Kindergarten: Monday, August 17, 2026
Preschool: Monday, August 24, 2026.
Open House will be August 11, 2026. Please watch for more information from individual schools.
We look forward to seeing all our students' smiling faces as we begin our new school year!
Grades 1st-12th: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Kindergarten: Monday, August 17, 2026
Preschool: Monday, August 24, 2026.
Open House will be August 11, 2026. Please watch for more information from individual schools.
We look forward to seeing all our students' smiling faces as we begin our new school year!
Making Memories at North Bend Outdoor Camp!
Our Ritchie County students have been busy exploring, learning, and growing at the North Bend Outdoor Camp! From hands-on nature activities to building team spirit, these students are making the most of their summer adventure.
We love seeing our students connect with the great outdoors and develop new skills that go far beyond the classroom. Take a look at some of the highlights from their time at camp! 🎒🦅✨
Our Ritchie County students have been busy exploring, learning, and growing at the North Bend Outdoor Camp! From hands-on nature activities to building team spirit, these students are making the most of their summer adventure.
We love seeing our students connect with the great outdoors and develop new skills that go far beyond the classroom. Take a look at some of the highlights from their time at camp! 🎒🦅✨
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Today, Ritchie County Schools joins our community and the entire nation in celebrating a historic milestone—**250 years of freedom, unity, and independence!** From the classrooms where our students learn about the foundations of our country to the bright futures they are building for tomorrow, we are proud to shape the next generation of American leaders, thinkers, and citizens.
Thank you to the educators, families, and community members who work every day to keep the American dream alive right here in Ritchie County.
We wish everyone a safe, happy, and spectacular 4th of July filled with family, friends, and fireworks! 🎆❤️🤍💙
Today, Ritchie County Schools joins our community and the entire nation in celebrating a historic milestone—**250 years of freedom, unity, and independence!** From the classrooms where our students learn about the foundations of our country to the bright futures they are building for tomorrow, we are proud to shape the next generation of American leaders, thinkers, and citizens.
Thank you to the educators, families, and community members who work every day to keep the American dream alive right here in Ritchie County.
We wish everyone a safe, happy, and spectacular 4th of July filled with family, friends, and fireworks! 🎆❤️🤍💙
Reminder: Tomorrow, May 27, 2026 is the last day of school for students!
We have officially crossed the finish line of another incredible school year! Ritchie County Schools would like to thank our wonderful students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making this year such a success.
We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished. Have a fun, safe, and relaxing summer vacation—we can't wait to see you back in August!
We have officially crossed the finish line of another incredible school year! Ritchie County Schools would like to thank our wonderful students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making this year such a success.
We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished. Have a fun, safe, and relaxing summer vacation—we can't wait to see you back in August!
Reminder:
No School- Tuesday May 12th, Election Day
No School- Tuesday May 12th, Election Day
Parents or Guardians, Students in grades 3 and 4 have been completing their GSA this week. If your child has completed Reading, Writing, and Math, those scores are now available in the "Parent Portal" (https://wv.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html). The access code has been sent to your child's school email address. Please keep in mind that your child has to complete both the Reading and Writing to receive an English Language Arts (ELA) score. Also, up to 5% of test scores are pulled to be hand scored by the West Virginia Department of Education.
If you need assistance access your child's school email, please contact the school office.
We would also like to thank all the parents and students for making testing a priority this week! We have had great attendance!
If you need assistance access your child's school email, please contact the school office.
We would also like to thank all the parents and students for making testing a priority this week! We have had great attendance!
📣 May Gator Gazette is here! 🐊
May is full of events—testing, field trips, Talent Show, Kona Ice, and more! 🎉
🚌 Attend all month for a chance to win an attendance basket!
May is full of events—testing, field trips, Talent Show, Kona Ice, and more! 🎉
🚌 Attend all month for a chance to win an attendance basket!
May the Scores Be With You!
Ritchie County Schools is sending a huge "Good Luck" to all of our 3rd-8th grade students as they begin GSA testing!
Remember, you have trained hard for this. Stay focused, trust your skills, and use the Force to show everything you’ve learned this year. You are the masters of your own journey, and we are so proud of your hard work and dedication.
Testing Tips for Young Jedis:
Get plenty of rest – A well-rested mind is a powerful one!
Eat a healthy breakfast – Fuel your body for the mission ahead.
Take your time – Read every question carefully.
Believe in yourself – We know you’re going to do great!
#RitchieCountySchools #GSATesting #MayThe4thBeWithYou #ExcellenceInEducation**
Ritchie County Schools is sending a huge "Good Luck" to all of our 3rd-8th grade students as they begin GSA testing!
Remember, you have trained hard for this. Stay focused, trust your skills, and use the Force to show everything you’ve learned this year. You are the masters of your own journey, and we are so proud of your hard work and dedication.
Testing Tips for Young Jedis:
Get plenty of rest – A well-rested mind is a powerful one!
Eat a healthy breakfast – Fuel your body for the mission ahead.
Take your time – Read every question carefully.
Believe in yourself – We know you’re going to do great!
#RitchieCountySchools #GSATesting #MayThe4thBeWithYou #ExcellenceInEducation**
