by Kate Shunney
Paw Paw junior Jocelyn Smith was recognized by the Morgan County Board of Education last Tuesday, September 16 for her work improving her community through a variety of efforts, including grant-funded public art and gardens.
“We’re here to celebrate all the amazing things you’ve done,” said Superintendent David Banks. He praised Smith for her high grade point average, her two-time state track qualification, plus previous achievements including competition in the state science fair.
Most recently, Smith, spearheaded an effort to paint an uplifting mural on a retaining wall in Paw Paw along with the Empower U group in the schools. She pursued a grant to pay for artistic assistance, paint and supplies to make the mural and to create public gardens near an apartment complex there.
“Not every student has your ambitions,” Banks told Smith.
“I always wanted to give back to the town. The town has always given to me,” Smith said from the podium at the school board meeting. She said she started by cleaning up trash and looking for other ways to brighten Paw Paw.
School board member John Rowland, who is active with track athletics, said he got to know Jocelyn during the state track meet and he was impressed with her composure and commitment to the town.
“She had to leave the meet to get back to Paw Paw for the parade,” he said.
Smith’s family said they are very proud of her.
“That, classes, track – she’s doing it all,” said her mother.
School board president Aaron Close said he would like to start off every board meeting recognizing the positive work of students.
Strategic Goals & Plan
Superintendent Banks briefed the board on a 125-page strategic goal and plan put together for the year ahead.
He reported that the first goal is for Morgan County Schools to improve the academic achievement of students, as measured by reading and math test scores, by 10% by June of 2026.
A second goal is to reduce chronic absenteeism of students to fewer than 15% by June of 2026.
A third goal is to improve the Morgan County Schools 4-5 year senior graduation rate to 96% by June of 2026.
Banks shared some of the highlights of many actions steps the school board and staff will take to achieve the ambitious goals for the coming academic year, including increased engagement with families, additional staff training and use of additional personalized teaching and evaluation tools for student learning.
“It’s important to have a culture of high expectations,” Banks said. “I think we can do it – our kids, our families, our staff.”
In other business, Banks said interviews of four architects are done for the Berkeley Springs High School Building A roof project. One will be chosen to take the project forward.
Banks said the care of school grounds has also continued. There is a need for better or more speakers on the football field at Berkeley Springs, he said. There is also an ongoing need for volunteers to work at the football game assisting with play clocks and announcing.
“We’re looking for the voice of the Indians,” Banks said.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the games can contact Athletic Director Chad Brinegar.
Banks also said the school system is in “desperate need” for substitute nurses. He said some students with medical needs require a nurse availability all day, and he is worried about what happens when nursing staff has to take off.
“Our nurses are phenomenal,” Banks said.
