All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

U.S. Secretary of Education names junior llementary a 2019 Green Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Junior Elementary School (JES) in Barbour County is among the 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.

Junior Elementary was nominated for this award by the West Virginia Department of Education for its innovative practices surrounding health and wellness, environmental impact and sustainability education.

Each class at JES plans an annual field trip, where students enjoy the beauty and scope of their home state, with each child experiencing at least six West Virginia adventures before moving on to middle school.

The school also participates in an Adopt-A-Highway project each spring and students take a leadership role in collecting and disposing properly of trash and litter along the roadway between the river and the school.

Students participate in “brain breaks” to keep their focus during classroom instruction. Teachers have started a “Daily Mile,” pausing classroom instruction for 12 minutes to take students away from their seats to refresh so they return to instruction more focused and ready to learn.

In January of this year, Junior Elementary was awarded a West Virginia Sustainable Schools grant that facilitated the purchase of a class set of mountain bikes, two staff bikes, and tricycles. The bikes are used for brain breaks, recess and physical education classes. Families can check the bikes out after school to ride with their children.

“We are so proud of the students, teachers and administration at Junior Elementary School for achieving this national honor,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. “Junior Elementary is a leader in sustainability education and can serve as a model for other West Virginia schools.”

Across the country, 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions are being honored as Green Ribbon Schools for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 28 states. The selectees include 25 public schools, including three magnet schools and two charter schools, as well as 10 nonpublic schools. Thirty-six percent of the 2019 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here. A report with highlights on the 53 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found here.

For more information, contact Kristin Anderson at the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications at 304-558-2699 or Kristin.Anderson@k12.wv.us.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Upshur County resident faces felony marijuana charge following traffic stop

An Upshur County man was arrested and charged with felony possession with intent to deliver marijuana and misdemeanor meth possession after a traffic stop allegedly revealed drugs and cash.

Fred Brooks Garden Club announces state poetry and sculpture winners

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School students Payton Wilt and Dominic DiStefano won state awards in the National Garden Club’s poetry and sculpture contests and will advance to the national level for further judging.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Braylon Oldaker and Cate O’Neill

Braylon Oldaker led the Buccaneer lacrosse team in goals during two victories, while Cate O’Neill excelled at No. 1 singles and doubles for the Lady Buccaneer tennis team, earning them Hank Ellis All-Star honors.

Upshur County man admits to firearms charge, faces up to 15 years in prison

A French Creek man pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm after police responded to a shooting involving his neighbor’s dog and found multiple firearms at his home, despite his prior convictions.

Free eight-week parenting class begins May 6 in Buckhannon

Mountain CAP Family Support Center in Buckhannon is offering a free eight-week parenting class starting May 6, 2025.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: May 1, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will review a scheduled agenda during its upcoming meeting on May 1, 2025.

Glenn Christian Ludwig

Glenn Christian Ludwig, 52, a beloved father, Star Wars enthusiast, and dedicated restaurant worker, passed away April 27, 2025, with family and friends invited to celebrate his life on May 3 in Buckhannon.

Baseball ‘Cats get swept by Glenville State in twin bill

Glenville State swept West Virginia Wesleyan in a doubleheader at Hank Ellis Field, building early leads in both games and staving off late Bobcats rallies to win 6-2 and 8-6.

WVWC’s Navalgund, Elmer earn All-MEC Lacrosse honors

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Raveena Navalgund received MEC honorable mention while Nyah Elmer was named to the All-Freshman Team as the Mountain East Conference announced its 2025 women’s lacrosse all-conference honorees.

Wesleyan misses out on MEC Softball Tournament as seeds and pairings announced

Wesleyan failed to qualify for the 2025 Mountain East Conference Softball Tournament, as the seeds and first-round matchups were announced for the championship beginning this week in Salem, Virginia.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan softball ends year with doubleheader loss to Glenville State

West Virginia Wesleyan softball ended its season with a pair of road losses to Glenville State, struggling offensively against standout pitching by Kylie Burdick, who threw two complete games including a shutout.

Wesleyan men and women both draw Fairmont State in opening round of MEC Tennis Tournament

Both the West Virginia Wesleyan men’s and women’s tennis teams will face Fairmont State in the semifinals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament this weekend.