New programs, offerings coming for Lewis County (West Virginia) High students

“Right now, it’s 22 credits to graduate from Lewis County High School. Next year’s class will be required 23,” Assistant Principal Dustin Cogar said to Board of Education members. “Among our goals, we also want to increase proficiency ratings in reading, writing and math.”

A new grading policy is also being developed by a curriculum team as well as a student/teacher disciplinary handbook and cell phone policy.

“Starting with the freshman class next year, we’re hopeful that every member of the Class of 2028 graduates with some CTE or Fred W. Eberle Technical Center background. If college is not in the cards, they will have something to fall back on,” Cogar said. “We want to prepare them for that.”

Lewis County High offers nine programs of study currently. More than 620 students have taken at least one Career and Technical Education class, but Cogar said he wants that number to rise rather than fall.

“We’re trying to provide a place where people are safe and encourage each student to find and achieve their purpose,” Principal John Whiston said.

Administrators and teachers also continue to roll out the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support rewards program: RACE (Reliable, Accountable, Capable and Endurable) to be an ABLE Minuteman. A total of more than 200 students and teachers answered a school survey to showcase strengths and inspire improvement and course offerings.

“I think students will agree and tell you that we have a friendly environment here,” Cogar said. “Participation is getting better — there’s something going on for everybody.”

Administrators also highlighted the school’s community partners, supports for at-risk students and Communities in Schools efforts. Air Force Junior ROTC students also highlighted their schoolwide and community efforts and achievements.

Project Connect is also a resource available to students recognized through tobacco-related incidents rather than suspensions.

The first evacuation drill this decade was held during the past few months.

“There’s a lot of great stuff going on at Lewis County High,” Board of Education Member Dave Bush said. “Academically, athletically — the whole community is proud.”

There are 700 students this semester, a drop from the start of the school year. The largest group of students to be taught during the past eight years — 759 — was during the 2022-23 school year.