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**

Today we celebrate School Principal Appreciation Day!
At Ritchie County Schools, we are incredibly fortunate to have a team of dedicated leaders who go above and beyond every single day. Their vision, heart, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff make our schools a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Please join us in showing some extra love and appreciation to our fantastic principal:
Laura Snodgrass
Thank you for your leadership, your late nights, and your passion for education. You are the driving force behind our success!
#PrincipalAppreciationDay #RitchieCountySchools #LeadByExample #ThankAPrincipal
At Ritchie County Schools, we are incredibly fortunate to have a team of dedicated leaders who go above and beyond every single day. Their vision, heart, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff make our schools a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Please join us in showing some extra love and appreciation to our fantastic principal:
Laura Snodgrass
Thank you for your leadership, your late nights, and your passion for education. You are the driving force behind our success!
#PrincipalAppreciationDay #RitchieCountySchools #LeadByExample #ThankAPrincipal

Beep beep! It’s School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the dedicated professionals who are the first to greet our students in the morning and the last to see them safely home.
Our drivers navigate early hours, all types of weather, and miles of winding roads to ensure our kids get to school ready to learn. They are more than just drivers; they are mentors, friendly faces, and a vital part of our Ritchie County Schools family.
Please join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to our incredible bus drivers! Drop a comment below to shout out your favorite driver or share a story of how they’ve made a difference for your family.
#SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #RitchieCountySchools #SafetyFirst #ThankADriver
Our drivers navigate early hours, all types of weather, and miles of winding roads to ensure our kids get to school ready to learn. They are more than just drivers; they are mentors, friendly faces, and a vital part of our Ritchie County Schools family.
Please join us in saying a huge THANK YOU to our incredible bus drivers! Drop a comment below to shout out your favorite driver or share a story of how they’ve made a difference for your family.
#SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #RitchieCountySchools #SafetyFirst #ThankADriver

Happy Administrative Professional's Day! Today, we want to extend a huge thank you to the incredible team that keeps everything running smoothly at Ritchie County Schools.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking:
Teresa Bumgardner, Rita Morton, Amanda Hayes, Kayla Sellers, Johni O’Dell, Mindy Jones, Becky Boley, and Crystal Freed
Their hard work, dedication, and smiling faces are the heartbeat of our offices. We truly appreciate everything you do for our students, staff, and community every single day!
#AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #RitchieCountySchools #ThankYou #SchoolCommunity
Please join us in celebrating and thanking:
Teresa Bumgardner, Rita Morton, Amanda Hayes, Kayla Sellers, Johni O’Dell, Mindy Jones, Becky Boley, and Crystal Freed
Their hard work, dedication, and smiling faces are the heartbeat of our offices. We truly appreciate everything you do for our students, staff, and community every single day!
#AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #RitchieCountySchools #ThankYou #SchoolCommunity


Happy Earth Day, Ritchie County!
Today, Ritchie County Schools is celebrating the beauty of our Mountain State and the importance of protecting the environment for our future generations of Rebels!
From our classrooms to our playgrounds, our students are learning that small actions lead to big changes. Whether it’s starting a recycling project, planting a tree, or simply keeping our beautiful hills litter-free, every effort counts.
Join the Celebration!
We want to see our students and families in action. Are you planting a garden today? Going for a hike at North Bend? Cleaning up your neighborhood?
**Drop a photo in the comments below showing how you’re celebrating Earth Day!
"The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth."
Let’s lead by example and show our Rebel Pride by taking care of our home. Happy Earth Day! #RitchieCountySchools #EarthDay2026 #RebelPride #WildAndWonderful #SustainableFuture
Today, Ritchie County Schools is celebrating the beauty of our Mountain State and the importance of protecting the environment for our future generations of Rebels!
From our classrooms to our playgrounds, our students are learning that small actions lead to big changes. Whether it’s starting a recycling project, planting a tree, or simply keeping our beautiful hills litter-free, every effort counts.
Join the Celebration!
We want to see our students and families in action. Are you planting a garden today? Going for a hike at North Bend? Cleaning up your neighborhood?
**Drop a photo in the comments below showing how you’re celebrating Earth Day!
"The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth."
Let’s lead by example and show our Rebel Pride by taking care of our home. Happy Earth Day! #RitchieCountySchools #EarthDay2026 #RebelPride #WildAndWonderful #SustainableFuture

🚨 Reminder! 🚨
Pepperoni Rollers will be here on Monday, April 20th!
📦 Pick-up Time: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
⚠️ Please note: The front loop will not be available during parent pick-up and bus times.
If this time doesn’t work for you, please call the school to make other arrangements.
Pepperoni Rollers will be here on Monday, April 20th!
📦 Pick-up Time: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
⚠️ Please note: The front loop will not be available during parent pick-up and bus times.
If this time doesn’t work for you, please call the school to make other arrangements.

Reminder: Spring Break is from March30th-April 6th. Take time to recharge and make memories with the family this week. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, April 7th.

🌸📚 April Gator Gazette is Here! 🐊🌞
We have a busy and exciting month ahead at Harrisville Elementary!
We have a busy and exciting month ahead at Harrisville Elementary!

