Criss Elementary

***Storm Delays*** Good morning! This is Christie Willis, Superintendent of Wood County Schools. Buses are running their routes this morning. However, due to storms there are several buses delayed or unable to cross low lying creek areas. The following buses will be delayed: 49, 149, 154, 157, 162, 163, 172, 173, 175, 192, 199, 205, 210, 214, 216, and 236. No tardies will be issued today due to weather. Please be cautious on the roads and be safe!

Students return to school tomorrow! Safety will be top of mind. What can you do as a member of the community to ensure that our students arrive safely to school? Listen to our newest WCS Voices podcast episode featuring WCS Director of Transportation, Chad Bloss, and our Coordinator of Safety & Security, Don Brown, as we discuss simple strategies for making sure our students arrive safely at school. https://woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcsvoices

SCREENING FOR CHILDREN ENTERING SCHOOL - Screening will be conducted by school nurses and other professionals during regular school hours in Wood County Schools for students entering school for the first time. In addition, students entering parochial or other non-public schools will be screened. Screening will be done to identify problems in the following areas: language, speech, hearing, and vision. Parents of public school students who do not wish to have their child participate in this screening should inform the principal of the school attended by the child. For more information, contact Wood County Schools Special Education Office at (304) 420-9655.

Now Available: Explore the rich history of Wood County Schools through New Era School: A dialogue with Esther Carroll A one-room school building located on the Mineral Wells Elementary School campus serves as a connection to our past. This building, known as New Era school, has been transformed into a museum that showcases the educational community of the nineteenth century. Within the museum, there is an extensive collection of carefully selected materials that chronicle the history of schools in Wood County. The museum is accessible to the general public, offering both individual and group tours, including school trips. In the latest episode of the WCS Voices Podcast, Esther Carroll, a retired library media specialist from Wood County Schools, shares her insights. Ms. Carroll oversees the museum's operations and is responsible for curating historical primary sources and various media. Accompanying the podcast is the melodious mountain dulcimer music performed by Jerry Rockwell. https://www.woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcsvoices

Have you signed up for this summer’s Teaching & Learning Academy? Sessions are filling up quickly. Join guests Jessica Linville, Lisa Buckley, Jessica Espinosa, Jody Carder-Hamilton and Kezia Parsons as they discuss their upcoming sessions in episode 5 of the WCS Voices podcast. Listen now 🎧 Have you signed up for this summer’s Teaching & Learning Academy? Sessions are filling up quickly. Join guests Jessica Linville, Lisa Buckley, Jessica Espinosa, Jody Carder-Hamilton and Kezia Parsons as they discuss their upcoming sessions in episode 5 of the WCS Voices podcast. Listen now 🎧 https://woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcsvoices

Criss Families: Friendly reminder that tomorrow is our 2nd annual color run for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Please send your child in a white t-shirt and clothes that can get dirty. Don't forget that permission silp! Students must have signed form from a parent or guardian to participate.

WCS Teaching & Learning Academy - Summer 2023 - Learn about all the amazing sessions and keynotes this summer! The Teaching and Learning Academy by Wood County Schools is all set to commence this July, offering a remarkable week of professional development and featuring noteworthy keynote speakers. In this first part of a two-part series, educators from Wood County Schools provide insights into the upcoming academy, outlining the highlights of their sessions and giving a sneak peek into what to anticipate this summer. The academy is scheduled to take place from July 17th to the 21st at Williamstown Middle High School. https://woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcsvoices

Field Day will be Monday May 22nd with the rain date May 23rd. Please send your child that day in play clothes that can get dirty, tennis shoes (no sandals), and sunscreen. You may also send a towel and a change of clothes since we will have water activities. We want to remind parents and guardians that for several years now, parents have not attended field day and that will continue this year. This is a celebration day for students and staff. Wood County Schools’ top priority is the safety of our students. With a schoolwide field day, it is too difficult to monitor doors, all the parents at once, as well as it is very congested in the station areas and parking. We love having parent volunteers, as well as fun times interacting with our student’s families, during other events. Looking forward to next year, we want to remind you of all the opportunities you have to be an important part of Criss Elementary. Volunteer opportunities so far for next year: WV Read Aloud (read to classes), 2 week-long bookfairs, Secret Santa, PTA events. Events to attend with your child include Halloween Party (will be like the St. Patrick’s Day party this year), St. Patrick’s Day Party, Christmas programs for both primary and intermediate, Pastries with Parents, end-of-the year grade level recognition, and skating parties. We also have several other events in the works. If you would like to be a volunteer, please make sure you get your background check. This will be MANDATORY for all volunteers. You can go to https://securevolunteer.com/WOOD-COUNTY-SCHOOLS/choose-screen, to apply for a background check and be ready to get started next year. Let’s have a safe and wonderful end to the 2022/2023 school year! We look forward to seeing you at our grade-level recognitions at the end of the month.

Second Grade: Discovery World part 2

Second Grade: Discovery World pics part 1

WCS Voices - Episode 3: Christie Willis and Michael Erb join the podcast to talk about first jobs, growing pains, memories from childhood, and to speak about the importance of public education teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. https://woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcs-voices

Administrators today were made aware of a possible online threat at Criss Elementary School. Police were notified and administrators immediately investigated and determined there was no credible threat. Wood County Schools takes all threats seriously and works with state and local authorities to investigate every report. Student and staff safety is our top priority.

Today we revealed the results of our "Name the Mascot Contest". . . . Meet Kyle the Cougar! Congratulations to our winner and her family who will receive a Family Pass to Discovery World.

4/21 Super Students

4th Grade - hatching chicks part 2

4th Grade - Holding the chicks that just hatched

This morning we released the top 5 names for our new mascot. Students will be voting to choose the winner!

Parents & Caregivers: Considering signing your child up for our summer learning? Listen to our WCS Voices podcast to learn more about all the exciting opportunities available this summer. Also, learn how to register. Listen now... https://woodcountyschoolswv.com/wcs-voices

Arbor Day presentation for 4th grade

4/14 Super Students