Season 1 · Episode 9 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Inspired Learning: The Arts in Wood County Schools

The arts are essential in public education, serving as a catalyst for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and holistic cognitive development. Beyond technical skills, engagement with the arts cultivates imagination, enabling well-rounded individuals to approach challenges with innovative perspectives. Arts education also fosters cultural awareness, promoting empathy among students with diverse backgrounds. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the arts play a vital role in preparing students for a future where adaptability, collaboration, and inventive thinking are essential. Integrating the arts in Wood County Schools enhances academic performance and contributes to the development of socially and emotionally intelligent individuals, laying the foundation for a more enriched and interconnected society.

Season 1 · Episode 8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It takes a village to keep our kids safe!

Please note: Due to a technical glitch, our podcast audio quality is substandard. We apologize for the sound quality but felt the information was too important to not share. Thank you for your understanding.

It's that time of year! Students are heading back to school and the academic year begins. This means changes from summer routines and driving patterns. Today's podcast looks at how the entire community can ensure the safety of our students whether riding a bus or walking to school. Whether you have a student in Wood County Schools or not, it's up to all of us to slow down and keep student safety as a priority. We are joined by WCS's Director of Transportation, Chad Bloss, and our Coordinator of Safety and Security, Don Brown, as we discuss simple ways to keep our students safe.

Season 1 · Episode 7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Teaching & Learning Academy a Success: Interviews with teachers, presenters, and organizers

The WCS Voices Podcast spent a week at Williamstown Middle High School for Wood County Schools' Teaching & Learning Academy. The podcast features interviews with teachers and administrators who attended sessions as well as with presenters from all over. We also speak with the organizers of the event and talk about all the behind-the-scenes work it takes to put the event together. Join us as we wrap up a successful week at the Teaching & Learning Academy!

Season 1 · Episode 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

To contribute to the museum, you have the option of donating via Give Local MOV or mailing your contributions to the following address: New Era One Room School, P.O. Box 340, Mineral Wells, WV 25150. Additionally, you can explore more of Jerry Rockwell's music and access the New Era School website.

Season 1 · Episode 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Part 2 of 2

WCS Teaching & Learning Academy - 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 second 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.

View the program guide · Get Registered · Map to Williamstown Middle High School

Season 1 · Episode 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Part 1 of 2

WCS Teaching & Learning Academy - 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.

View the program guide · Get Registered · Map to Williamstown Middle High School

Season 1 · Episode 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week - Join us with guests Christie Willis and Michael Erb

Christie Willis, Superintendent of Wood County Schools, and Michael Erb, communications coordinator, also of Wood County Schools, join the podcast to talk about first jobs, growing pains, memories from childhood, and to speak about the importance of public education teachers.

Season 1 · Episode 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summer Learning Opportunities at Wood County Schools

Join Wood County Schools this summer for a wide variety of summer learning opportunities. Ashlee Beatty, Candace Lewis, and Joanna Mulligan join Eric Murphy and Jimmy Stewart to discuss all of the options available this summer for students from pre-k to 12th grade.

Register your child at woodcountyschoolswv.com/summer2023.

Season 1 · Episode 1 · Trailer

Welcome to the New WCS Voices Podcast

Welcome to the new WCS Voices: Conversations on Education & Community podcast. Jimmy Stewart and Eric Murphy talk about how the podcast will showcase the talent in Wood County Schools with insightful discussions, expert insights, and inspiring stories.

There are several reasons why you should consider listening to a podcast:

1. Convenience: Podcasts are an incredibly convenient way to consume content because you can listen to them anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can listen while commuting to work, doing chores around the house, or even while exercising.

2. Variety of topics: Podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to entertainment, sports, science, technology, education, including big ideas at Wood County Schools, and much more. Whatever your interests, there's likely a podcast that covers it.

3. Expert insights: Many podcasts feature experts and thought leaders in their respective fields, providing you with insights and perspectives that you may not get elsewhere.

4. Engaging format: Podcasts often feature engaging hosts and guests who bring a conversational and personal touch to the content. This can make the listening experience feel more enjoyable and relatable.

5. Free: Many podcasts are available for free, making them an affordable way to consume content. This includes WCS Voices, which will always be free!

Overall, listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed, entertained, and learn something new.