This Black History Month, we’re taking time across West Carroll Special School District to reflect on the history, leadership, and lasting contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation and continue to shape our communities.
Strong leadership and impactful contributions from black leaders isn’t only something we study. It’s something we experience through the people who serve our students with consistency and care. One of the best examples within our community and district is Mrs. Jackie Wester.
With many years of experience, she has guided generations of West Carroll students with wisdom and care. She stays closely connected to students, faculty, and staff, building a culture rooted in trust and respect. Her commitment to our students and to our community make her an invaluable asset to our district and a wonderful role model to the future leaders in our classrooms.
Our West Carroll Elementary students recently explored how the Super Bowl depends on agriculture. Thanks to Amanda Paschall from 4-H, our Eagles learned about everything from cowhide footballs to the turf on the field.
#smallschoolbigopportunities #wcssd #4h
If you were unable to attend Parent Teacher Conferences or have questions about your child’s grades, ParentVUE is the easiest way to stay informed.
Through ParentVUE, parents and guardians can check grades, track attendance, and stay connected with teachers all in one place. The platform can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone (app).
New to ParentVUE? You will need an activation key to get started. Please contact the school office or guidance department for assistance.
🌾 CTE Spotlight: Agriculture 🌾
Our next CTE feature goes to Mr. Noah Rogers and the Agriculture program at West Carroll. Through courses such as Introduction to Agriculture, Agriscience, Plant Science & Hydroculture, Landscape and Turfgrass Management, Greenhouse Management, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Power & Equipment, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Work-Based Learning, students explore multiple agricultural pathways with hands-on, real-world experiences.
The West Carroll Agriculture program prepares students in plant sciences and agricultural mechanics, with a growing number of students participating in FFA and completing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Students gain valuable skills in plant production, soil science, welding, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, mechanics, product sales and analysis, communication, and problem-solving—skills that extend far beyond the farm.
One of the most impactful experiences in the program is the junior and senior agricultural mechanics personal project, where students are given available materials, develop a project plan with measurements, and then build their project after approval. Students are encouraged to problem-solve, ask questions, and learn through hands-on challenges.
“There are so many vital skills learned in agriculture that go beyond farming,” Rogers shared. “I enjoy working with students from my community and teaching them skills and life lessons that will help them become successful adults.” Rogers is also a proud alumnus of the West Carroll FFA program and connects to our students through their shared experiences.
The Agriculture program continues to equip students with practical knowledge, confidence, and skills that prepare them for college, careers, and life after high school. To see the work going on within the Ag program first-hand, be sure to check out the upcoming annual FFA Plant Sale on April 18!
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarrollCTE
We are looking for a 5th Grade Math Teacher who wants more than a classroom. We want someone who wants to know their students, love their community, and feel the difference they are making every single day. If this sounds like you or someone you know, we would love to hear from you.
You may email your resume to angie.hartz@wcssd.org.
Applications may be found at www.wcssd.org/employment
🩺 CTE Spotlight: Health Science 🩺
We’re excited to highlight Health Science Instructor, Heather Martin, RN CNOR, and our Health Science program, which prepares students for careers in healthcare through courses including Health Science, Diagnostic Medicine, Anatomy & Physiology, Rehabilitation Careers, and Medical Therapeutics. Nurse Martin also serves as our West Carroll District Nurse along side her teaching duties.
Students develop strong foundations in anatomy, medical terminology, patient care, ethics, and professionalism, along with critical thinking and teamwork skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Hands-on learning includes working with real medical equipment, such as EKG machines, and soon, high-tech simulation mannequins that allow students to practice clinical skills in realistic settings.
Through HOSA, students engage in leadership and service opportunities, including community outreach experiences. This year alone, 34 students earned Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED certification, a nationally recognized credential that equips students with life-saving skills.
“Watching students grow in confidence and realize what they’re capable of is the best part of teaching,” Martin said. “Those moments make every day worth it.”
Her passion for students and commitment to real-world learning continue to open doors for future healthcare professionals at West Carroll.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
Submitted by Cindy Smith
WC Betas Anastin McAlpin and William McAlpin delivered care packages to the Carroll County Electric Department to thank the team for their hard work restoring power and responding to outages across our county.
Thank you, Carroll County Electric Department, for serving our community.
Thank you, Anastin and William, for showing great examples of service and leadership.
🍽️ CTE Spotlight: Human Services and Culinary Arts 🍽️
We’re proud to spotlight Mrs. Kristin Lindsey, Culinary Arts teacher and CTE Director, and the impact she has both in the classroom and behind the scenes at West Carroll. Through various Human Service courses, Culinary I–IV and Work-Based Learning, students gain hands-on experience preparing for careers in human services, culinary arts and restaurant management while building essential life skills like budgeting, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
One standout experience is the Food Truck Project, where students create and manage their own food truck business from concept to execution. Through FCCLA, students also develop leadership and public speaking skills while competing at the state level.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Lindsey works behind the scenes to support all CTE programs through grant writing, data coordination, industry partnerships, and certification opportunities that expand options for students across pathways.
“I love working with students and seeing the moment when something finally clicks,” Lindsey shared. “Helping them understand how these skills apply to life, not just the classroom, is what makes this work meaningful.”
Her leadership and dedication continue to strengthen CTE opportunities for students throughout the district.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
Last night, before our Homecoming basketball game, we took a moment to honor the life and legacy of Kevin Rigsby, known by so many as "West Carroll's biggest fan".
Kevin's support for our students and teams was constant and his presence in the stands was a familiar and meaningful part of athletic events at West Carroll. Prior to the game, his sister, Carol Morgan, was presented with flowers and a plaque, which will be permanently placed on Kevin's usual spot on the bleachers as a lasting tribute.
We are grateful for the love Kevin showed West Carroll over the years and we were honored to recognize him last night. He will always have a place here.
Current Focus: Maximizing every minute of instructional time.
West Carroll Faculty, Staff, and Community,
Welcome back. I hope all of you made it through that storm safely. That was one of the worst winter events I’ve ever seen, and I’m glad we’re all back and getting settled in again.
Thank you to everyone in West Carroll for helping our students, families, community, faculties, staffs, and campuses during the storm. Calling off school is never an easy task and I worry about everyone in the district when it has to happen.
As you know, our students missed quite a bit of instructional time, so it’s important that we jump right back into strong, bell-to-bell teaching. Getting students caught back up will take all of us being consistent and intentional with every minute of our day.
As of new information, the state may waive the 180-day instructional requirement for this year if we have exhausted all stockpile days. We applied for a waiver for the days we recently missed, and it was approved. If we have no more inclement weather, we will not have to make up any days at this point. In the event we do see more winter weather, we still have our virtual options remaining.
If you need anything or have any questions, we’re here to help.
Thank you for everything you do. Every single one of you matters to West Carroll Special School District.
Sincerely,
Preston Caldwell
📣 Counseling Meetings – February 17 📣
We’re hosting several important counseling meetings on Tuesday, February 17, and we encourage families to attend the session that applies to them:
FAFSA Night: 1:00–6:00 PM
Upcoming Senior Meeting: 5:30 PM
Freshman Meeting: 6:15 PM
These meetings will cover helpful information and next steps for planning ahead. We hope to see you there!
Tonight we honor our seniors and everything they’ve given to West Carroll! All their hard work, leadership, and dedication both on and off the court/field will be celebrated tonight! We’re proud of the example they’ve set and grateful for the memories they’ve helped create. Join us at 5:30 before the Lady War Eagles and War Eagles play the Central Tigers!
Join us as we celebrate this special milestone and recognize our seniors one last time at home.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
