West Carroll Elementary School continues to celebrate student achievement through its SOAR Awards program, which honors students who exemplify the school’s core values of Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect. The program recognizes students for academic effort, positive character, and meaningful contributions to the school community.
The Week 17 SOAR Award recipient was Trinity Scales, a fourth-grade student at WCES. Her teacher, Mrs. Beth Hysmith, shared, “Trinity is a wonderful example of how much students can grow when they have the motivation and determination to succeed. She is helpful to both her peers and her teacher and does her best each and every day. She has grown so much this year and has so much to be proud of.”
The Week 18 SOAR Award recipient was Austan Kelly, also a fourth-grade student. His teacher, Ms. Madison McClure, stated, “Austan is a dutiful and dependable student. He consistently completes his assignments on time and demonstrates an impressive work ethic. Additionally, his hard work to stay focused in class reflects his dedication to learning.”
Recognized for both Weeks 17 and 18 was Camilla Jenkins, a sixth-grade student who received the award through teacher nominations. Her math teacher, Mrs. Marcia Miller, praised Camilla, saying, “Camilla is truly deserving of this honor. She is well-behaved and demonstrates a strong motivation to learn, setting a positive example for those around her.”
West Carroll Elementary School congratulates these students on their achievements and thanks them for modeling the values that help make the school community a place where all students can thrive.
West Carroll High School’s annual Daddy Daughter Dance filled the gym with music and plenty of fun. Girls and their dads enjoyed the night with a bracelet-making station, photo backdrops for candids, and formal portraits by Ash Photography.
Coach Cobb and his wife, Anna, kept the playlist going, and Mrs. Rhonda kept the snack table stocked. Thank you to this year’s planning committee, Cindy and Courtney Smith, Gracie Cunningham, Elizabeth Hudgins, and Shelby Pierce, for making the evening run smoothly.
“The turnout was amazing. I appreciate everyone who came. It was a joy to see the girls having so much fun,” said Coach Cindy Smith.
We’re excited to kick off our very first Senior Sunday and begin highlighting members of the Class of 2026. Each week, we’ll be sharing their plans for the future, favorite memories, mentors, and dreams as they prepare for life after high school.
Seniors, if you’d like to be featured, check your Google Classroom and complete the Senior Sunday form. We want to celebrate every one of you this year.
📸: Amy Bratton Photography www.amybrattonphotography.com
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
Reminder: WCJSHS Cheer Tryouts Are Coming!
✨ Remaining Optional Conditioning Sessions: March 3, March 5, March 10, & March 12 from 3:00–4:00 PM at WCJSHS
Calling all 5th-11th graders interested in cheering on the War Eagles next year!! Get ready! Cheer tryouts are set for March 20, and now is the time to start preparing.
✨ Mandatory Clinics: March 16 & March 18 3:00–5:00 PM
📄 A current sports physical must be on file to participate in any cheer activity. Physical forms are available at your school’s front office.
We’re excited to see the energy, commitment, and spirit at tryouts. Let’s go, War Eagles! 🦅
We’re proud to celebrate five West Carroll seniors who recently graduated from the Carroll County Youth Leadership Class of 2026. This program brings together student leaders from across the county to strengthen leadership skills, build community awareness, and gain a deeper understanding of local government and business.
Throughout the year, students participated in leadership sessions, toured local industries, met with community leaders, and explored how Carroll County operates and grows.
Our 2026 graduates are: Kahli Baum, Kalee Coleman, Arlexis Perry, Chandler Rimmer, and Hayden Weaver.
We’re grateful to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce for providing this opportunity. We’re proud of these seniors for representing West Carroll so well and look forward to seeing how they continue to lead in the future.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
Students learned about service pathways, career training, leadership development, and the commitment required to serve. We appreciate our guests for taking the time to share information and answer questions as students explore their future options.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
📊 CTE Spotlight: Business Administration 📊
To wrap up CTE month, we want to share Ms. Erin Lewis and the Business Administration program at West Carroll, where students learn business by actually running one. Through West Carroll Apparel and the Spirit Box, students operate a real school-based enterprise and experience the full business cycle firsthand. From product design and pricing to marketing, inventory management, customer service, and financial tracking, students make real decisions that directly impact sales and profitability.
Students begin their journey in Intro to Business, where they learn foundational business concepts. As they progress through the program in Business Management and Work-Based Learning, students apply those concepts in real time, gaining practical experience that mirrors the modern workplace. Through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), students further develop leadership and career readiness skills by competing in events such as entrepreneurship, marketing, business math, and management. Students also take on officer roles, plan events, and participate in meaningful community service projects, including the Thanksgiving Meal in a Bag program.
“What’s most rewarding is getting to build relationships with students as they move through the program,” Lewis shared. “Being able to encourage their growth, watch their confidence develop, and eventually see them take ownership and step into leadership roles is incredibly meaningful.”
Teaching CTE in a small school allows students to be known, supported, and challenged. The Business Administration program helps students connect classroom learning to real-life skills and future career opportunities beyond high school.
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarrollCTE
The best week of reading is coming to town!
At West Carroll Jr./Sr. High, we proudly say,
It’s Read Across America Week—hooray, hooray!
We’ll have class competitions—who reads the most?
Trivia and drawings from coast to coast!
Dress-up days full of stripes and flair,
And Seuss-tastic spirit everywhere!
We’ll celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories and cheer—
So grab a good book and start reading right here!
The more that you read, the more you will know—
At West Carroll, watch our readers grow!
This lab connected chemical reactions, measurement, and critical thinking, giving students a clearer picture of atomic scale through real-world application. Learning chemistry looks a lot different when you can see it, test it, and calculate it for yourself. Thank you to our science department and Coach Cobb for providing awesome hands-on activities for our students!
#SmallSchoolBigOpportunities #WCSSD #WestCarroll
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
