📬 February 2026 Newsletter
Shared from the Cook Center for Human Connection via ParentGuidance.org.
Check out the latest resources and information below.
Shared from the Cook Center for Human Connection via ParentGuidance.org.
Check out the latest resources and information below.
🎓 Sharing for one of our Community Partners!
The Doddridge County FRN is offering support through their Graduation Closet Project.
If you need assistance with a cap and gown, please contact them directly.
More details are available on the flyer below.
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
The Doddridge County FRN is offering support through their Graduation Closet Project.
If you need assistance with a cap and gown, please contact them directly.
More details are available on the flyer below.
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
🎉 National School Counseling Week 2026 | Feb. 2–6 🎉
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and recognize the essential role school counselors play in helping students succeed in school and prepare for the future.
School counselors support students in more ways than you may realize—from building academic achievement strategies and managing emotions to developing interpersonal skills and planning for postsecondary and career options.
💛💚 Every student deserves a school counselor.
📣 Take a moment this week to thank your local school counselor(s) for the incredible impact they make every day.
Learn more about the vital role of school counselors: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/role
#MissionInMotion
#UntiedToMakeADifference
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and recognize the essential role school counselors play in helping students succeed in school and prepare for the future.
School counselors support students in more ways than you may realize—from building academic achievement strategies and managing emotions to developing interpersonal skills and planning for postsecondary and career options.
💛💚 Every student deserves a school counselor.
📣 Take a moment this week to thank your local school counselor(s) for the incredible impact they make every day.
Learn more about the vital role of school counselors: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/role
#MissionInMotion
#UntiedToMakeADifference
🌟 A New Wellness Resource Is Coming to Doddridge County High School! 🌟
Doddridge County Schools is proud to bring West Virginia’s first Student-Athlete Wellness Portal to Doddridge County High School through a partnership with GameChanger, St. Andrew Development, and REAL Prevention.
While initially developed with student-athletes in mind, this prevention-focused program supports ALL students — athletes and non-athletes alike — by helping them build healthy decision-making skills for today and the future.
The digital, self-paced portal provides age-appropriate education focused on:
✔️ Medication safety
✔️ Substance misuse prevention
✔️ Healthy choices and overall wellness
📅 DCHS students will participate in this program during homeroom on January 21, 2026.
This program also helps schools meet the requirements of Laken’s Law, which mandates fentanyl and opioid prevention awareness education for all students in grades 6–12.
GameChanger is a student-powered substance misuse prevention movement dedicated to building supportive school environments, reducing drug use, and empowering youth to make healthy, informed choices as future leaders.
🔗 To learn more about GameChanger, visit: www.gamechangerusa.org
We applaud our district leadership for prioritizing student well-being and proactive prevention education. Doddridge County Schools continues to show leadership by investing in early prevention education that helps students make healthier choices now and in the future.
Doddridge County Schools is proud to bring West Virginia’s first Student-Athlete Wellness Portal to Doddridge County High School through a partnership with GameChanger, St. Andrew Development, and REAL Prevention.
While initially developed with student-athletes in mind, this prevention-focused program supports ALL students — athletes and non-athletes alike — by helping them build healthy decision-making skills for today and the future.
The digital, self-paced portal provides age-appropriate education focused on:
✔️ Medication safety
✔️ Substance misuse prevention
✔️ Healthy choices and overall wellness
📅 DCHS students will participate in this program during homeroom on January 21, 2026.
This program also helps schools meet the requirements of Laken’s Law, which mandates fentanyl and opioid prevention awareness education for all students in grades 6–12.
GameChanger is a student-powered substance misuse prevention movement dedicated to building supportive school environments, reducing drug use, and empowering youth to make healthy, informed choices as future leaders.
🔗 To learn more about GameChanger, visit: www.gamechangerusa.org
We applaud our district leadership for prioritizing student well-being and proactive prevention education. Doddridge County Schools continues to show leadership by investing in early prevention education that helps students make healthier choices now and in the future.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doddridge County Schools Launches “SpeakUp for Safety” Tipline to Support Student Wellness
Doddridge County Schools is proud to announce a new partnership with school safety technology company Gaggle to launch the SpeakUp for Safety tipline. This new resource will help students easily and confidentially report concerns such as bullying, threats of violence, peers in crisis, or other situations that impact student well-being and school safety.
The SpeakUp for Safety tipline is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round by trained Gaggle safety professionals.
• Non-life-threatening tips are quickly shared with designated school or district staff.
• Serious concerns are immediately escalated to district contacts for action.
• In the most urgent situations, when a student is in immediate danger and district contacts cannot be reached, law enforcement will be notified to help ensure safety.
The tipline integrates directly with Google Workspace for Education, which our students already use daily. There is no app to download and no phone number to memorize. Instant replies include a phone number students can use to text or call if needed, making it simple and accessible.
This partnership reflects Doddridge County Schools’ continued commitment to creating a safe, supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to speak up and look out for one another.
Together, we’re taking another important step toward protecting our students and supporting their overall wellness.
📣 January is National School Board Appreciation Month!
We’re proud to continue recognizing our board members by honoring Vice President Reverend Denver Burnside as a Mission Maker. Serving Doddridge County Schools since July 2002, his decades of steady leadership, commitment to Career and Technical Education, and dedication to students and community needs help keep our Mission in Motion every day.
Thank you, Rev. Burnside, for your many years of faithful service to Doddridge County Schools.
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
We’re proud to continue recognizing our board members by honoring Vice President Reverend Denver Burnside as a Mission Maker. Serving Doddridge County Schools since July 2002, his decades of steady leadership, commitment to Career and Technical Education, and dedication to students and community needs help keep our Mission in Motion every day.
Thank you, Rev. Burnside, for your many years of faithful service to Doddridge County Schools.
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
January is National School Board Appreciation Month!
We’re proud to kick off the new year by recognizing Board President Chad Evans as a Mission Maker. His steady leadership, commitment to student safety, and focus on student success help keep our Mission in Motion every day.
Thank you, Mr. Evans, for your dedicated service to Doddridge County Schools.
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
We’re proud to kick off the new year by recognizing Board President Chad Evans as a Mission Maker. His steady leadership, commitment to student safety, and focus on student success help keep our Mission in Motion every day.
Thank you, Mr. Evans, for your dedicated service to Doddridge County Schools.
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
🎓 Professional Development Day at Doddridge County Schools 🎓
Friday, December 19, 2025, we welcomed our dedicated staff for our final Professional Development Day before a well-deserved Christmas and New Year break. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment, care, and hard work our educators and staff provide every day—our students thrive because of you.
We were honored to host Dr. Jim Harris as today’s presenter. Dr. Harris is the owner of Opportunities Consulting Services, the Director of Marshall University’s Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Center, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work.
With extensive experience in health and human services, Dr. Harris has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on topics such as trauma-informed practices, behavioral intervention, and positive behavior support. His work includes collaboration with organizations like the Fred Rogers Company, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Friday’s session focused on how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma impact adults’ ability to co-regulate with students, as well as the broader effects of trauma on students, educators, and society. It was a meaningful and timely conversation as we continue to support the whole child—and one another.
Thank you, Dr. Harris, for sharing your expertise, and thank you to our Doddridge County Schools staff for all that you do. Wishing everyone a restful and joyful holiday break! 🎄✨
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
Friday, December 19, 2025, we welcomed our dedicated staff for our final Professional Development Day before a well-deserved Christmas and New Year break. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment, care, and hard work our educators and staff provide every day—our students thrive because of you.
We were honored to host Dr. Jim Harris as today’s presenter. Dr. Harris is the owner of Opportunities Consulting Services, the Director of Marshall University’s Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Center, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work.
With extensive experience in health and human services, Dr. Harris has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on topics such as trauma-informed practices, behavioral intervention, and positive behavior support. His work includes collaboration with organizations like the Fred Rogers Company, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Friday’s session focused on how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma impact adults’ ability to co-regulate with students, as well as the broader effects of trauma on students, educators, and society. It was a meaningful and timely conversation as we continue to support the whole child—and one another.
Thank you, Dr. Harris, for sharing your expertise, and thank you to our Doddridge County Schools staff for all that you do. Wishing everyone a restful and joyful holiday break! 🎄✨
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
Community Partnership Brings Holiday Support to Doddridge County Families
The Doddridge County Schools Holistic Child Department, in partnership with Feed My Lambs Food Pantry, prepared and distributed food boxes to 34 families to help support them over the two-week holiday break.
Food insecurity is a real concern in our community, and there are several local resources available to help families in need. Our recent partnership with Feed My Lambs Food Pantry has allowed us to provide additional meal items to better support families within our school community,” said Jeremy Waugaman, County Mental Health Coordinator with Doddridge County Schools.
These meal boxes included fresh apples, oranges, pears, potatoes, and carrots, along with canned pears, ready-packaged meals, canned goods, hazelnuts, raisins, and shelf-stable yogurt and milk.
Our hope is that this extra support helps ease the burden on families during the holiday season. We are grateful for our community partners who make this possible and for the opportunity to serve our students and families. 💚💛
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
The Doddridge County Schools Holistic Child Department, in partnership with Feed My Lambs Food Pantry, prepared and distributed food boxes to 34 families to help support them over the two-week holiday break.
Food insecurity is a real concern in our community, and there are several local resources available to help families in need. Our recent partnership with Feed My Lambs Food Pantry has allowed us to provide additional meal items to better support families within our school community,” said Jeremy Waugaman, County Mental Health Coordinator with Doddridge County Schools.
These meal boxes included fresh apples, oranges, pears, potatoes, and carrots, along with canned pears, ready-packaged meals, canned goods, hazelnuts, raisins, and shelf-stable yogurt and milk.
Our hope is that this extra support helps ease the burden on families during the holiday season. We are grateful for our community partners who make this possible and for the opportunity to serve our students and families. 💚💛
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
❄️ ATTENTION Bulldogs! ❄️
Snow is falling, temperatures are low,
So safety comes first — it’s time to take it slow.
Doddridge County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, December 15th.❄️
Staff: Code C
Stay warm, stay safe, enjoy the snow,
And we’ll see our Bulldogs when conditions are safe to go!
📣 KVI Holiday Tournament Update 🏀
Tonight’s KVI Holiday Tournament games will be played as scheduled!
However, Saturday’s games have been postponed due to expected winter weather. A makeup date will be announced at a later time — stay tuned for updates.
Can’t make it to the gym tonight? No problem! 🎥
👉 Tune in to WVRC Doddridge County to watch LIVE and catch all the play-by-play action.
Let’s go, Lady Bulldogs! 💚💛
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
📣 KVI Holiday Tournament Update 🏀
Tonight’s KVI Holiday Tournament games will be played as scheduled!
However, Saturday’s games have been postponed due to expected winter weather. A makeup date will be announced at a later time — stay tuned for updates.
Can’t make it to the gym tonight? No problem! 🎥
👉 Tune in to WVRC Doddridge County to watch LIVE and catch all the play-by-play action.
Let’s go, Lady Bulldogs! 💚💛
#MissionInMotion #UnitedToMakeADifference
❄️ ATTENTION PARENTS ❄️
Doddridge County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay, Thursday, December 11th.
Staff - Code B.
Stay safe, Bulldogs! 💚💛
Doddridge County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay, Thursday, December 11th.
Staff - Code B.
Stay safe, Bulldogs! 💚💛
📢 Doddridge County Schools Announces 24/7 Student Crisis Line Through New Partnership with Gaggle ReachOut
Doddridge County Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Gaggle ReachOut, bringing a 24/7 student crisis line to our district. This important resource includes both a phone hotline and live chat, offering students immediate access to trained, caring professionals—anytime, anywhere.
Today’s students value personal connection, and the Gaggle ReachOut service provides just that. Whether a student is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply needs someone to talk to, help is available at the very moment it’s needed most.
Parents and guardians can also call the crisis line to share concerns or work through an issue, ensuring that families have support when navigating challenging situations.
This partnership also helps the district better support our students. Regular, anonymous usage reports will give us meaningful insight into the challenges our student community is facing, allowing us to respond proactively and effectively.
For more information about the Gaggle ReachOut crisis line or other student support services offered by Doddridge County Schools, please contact:
Jeremy Waugaman
County Mental Health Coordinator
📞 304-873-2300
Because no student—or family—should ever feel alone. Help is always within reach. 📞💬
Doddridge County Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Gaggle ReachOut, bringing a 24/7 student crisis line to our district. This important resource includes both a phone hotline and live chat, offering students immediate access to trained, caring professionals—anytime, anywhere.
Today’s students value personal connection, and the Gaggle ReachOut service provides just that. Whether a student is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply needs someone to talk to, help is available at the very moment it’s needed most.
Parents and guardians can also call the crisis line to share concerns or work through an issue, ensuring that families have support when navigating challenging situations.
This partnership also helps the district better support our students. Regular, anonymous usage reports will give us meaningful insight into the challenges our student community is facing, allowing us to respond proactively and effectively.
For more information about the Gaggle ReachOut crisis line or other student support services offered by Doddridge County Schools, please contact:
Jeremy Waugaman
County Mental Health Coordinator
📞 304-873-2300
Because no student—or family—should ever feel alone. Help is always within reach. 📞💬
Snooze those alarms and rest with ease,
Winter’s on the way with a chance of freeze. ❄️
Bulldogs, no need to hurry or go,
We’re calling a 2-hour delay—just so you know!
All staff should report on Staff Code B. 💚💛
Winter’s on the way with a chance of freeze. ❄️
Bulldogs, no need to hurry or go,
We’re calling a 2-hour delay—just so you know!
All staff should report on Staff Code B. 💚💛
✨ Holiday seasons can be joyful—yet overwhelming.
The Cook Center’s latest Mental Health Newsletter dives into the real pressures many face this time of year and offers practical, compassionate strategies to cope with holiday stress, support your mental health, and care for those around you.
From managing expectations to setting healthy boundaries, this month’s issue is full of tools to help you navigate the season with more peace and balance.
Let’s continue supporting one another and prioritizing wellness—because no one should struggle alone. 💛💚
#UnitedToMakeADifference
#MissionInMotion
The Cook Center’s latest Mental Health Newsletter dives into the real pressures many face this time of year and offers practical, compassionate strategies to cope with holiday stress, support your mental health, and care for those around you.
From managing expectations to setting healthy boundaries, this month’s issue is full of tools to help you navigate the season with more peace and balance.
Let’s continue supporting one another and prioritizing wellness—because no one should struggle alone. 💛💚
#UnitedToMakeADifference
#MissionInMotion
Bulldogs Advance to the Semifinal Round! 🏈💚💛
Doddridge County is headed back to postseason action this Friday as our Bulldogs take on the defending state champion Frankfort Falcons at Frankfort Stadium in Fort Ashby, WV.
All tickets must be purchased in advance through GoFan using the link below or the QR code in the comments. No paper tickets will be sold at the gate. 📱
More coverage details to come—stay tuned, Bulldog Nation!
#UnitedToMakeADifference #MissionInMotion
https://gofan.co/app/school/WVSSAC
Doddridge County is headed back to postseason action this Friday as our Bulldogs take on the defending state champion Frankfort Falcons at Frankfort Stadium in Fort Ashby, WV.
All tickets must be purchased in advance through GoFan using the link below or the QR code in the comments. No paper tickets will be sold at the gate. 📱
More coverage details to come—stay tuned, Bulldog Nation!
#UnitedToMakeADifference #MissionInMotion
https://gofan.co/app/school/WVSSAC
Attention Parents:
Due to traffic delays experienced during the return of DCMS from today’s Education Day trip, all buses will be running approximately 15 minutes behind schedule.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to get all students home safely. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of Doddridge County Schools!
This week’s Mission Maker shines bright during National School Psychologists Week — congratulations to Lisa Stafford, the 2025–2026 West Virginia School Psychologist of the Year!
📢 Important Announcement: Community Food Distribution Event
Doddridge County Schools would like to share information about an upcoming food distribution event! 🍎🥫
📅 Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (or until supplies last)
📍 Location: Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department
The Greenwood VFD will be handing out food boxes to community members. Supplies are limited, so please plan to arrive early.
A big thank you to the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department and the West Virginia National Guard for supporting our community! 💛💚
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference
Doddridge County Schools would like to share information about an upcoming food distribution event! 🍎🥫
📅 Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (or until supplies last)
📍 Location: Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department
The Greenwood VFD will be handing out food boxes to community members. Supplies are limited, so please plan to arrive early.
A big thank you to the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department and the West Virginia National Guard for supporting our community! 💛💚
#MissionInMotion
#UnitedToMakeADifference