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

West Virginia summer student learning programs underway

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Summer SOLE (Student Opportunities for Learning and Engaging) programs kicked off this month with hands-on, interactive learning experiences taking place statewide for K-12 students. The programs are made possible through grants from the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).

With each round of federal pandemic relief dollars, the WVDE passed its allocation through to counties to benefit social-emotional, developmental and academic supports for students. The WVDE provided approximately $34 million to counties through its second round of Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds for summer enrichment programs. 

SOLE is designed to offer engaging summer programming to address students’ social-emotional needs and support their recovery from lost learning opportunities experienced during the school year. These programs offer in-person, research-based opportunities with free transportation and meals for all K-12 students.  

Research on effective summer learning suggests that a combination of academic interventions and engaging enrichment are the most effective practices for learning loss recovery. As a result, Summer SOLE programs are providing direct instruction in reading and math skills as well as opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, field trips and outdoor learning experiences that build knowledge and skills in all areas of learning. 

“We have 280 weeks of Summer SOLE programming being offered at 476 sites across the state, which represents 221 elementary, 140 middle school and 115 high school sites,” State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch said. “In addition, 36 members of a cross-office collaborative team at the WVDE will embark on technical assistance site visits to more than 253 of those locations. We are thrilled with the energy and engagement we’re already seeing among students and staff all over the state.” 

From students leading STEM and maker experiences for their peers, to authentic scientific investigations of West Virginia’s natural wonders with real-world experts, counties have planned outstanding programs for students this summer.  

“After a difficult year for everyone, one of the things we are looking forward to the most is giving the public the opportunity to hear from students about their experiences and accomplishments and to see the glow on their faces from being back together with teachers and friends while having their minds and bodies engaged in this important and rewarding work,” Superintendent Burch said. 

To learn more about Summer SOLE offerings, visit https://wvde.us/summer-sole/. To view the snapshot of the state’s funded recovery summer programs, visit https://wvde.us/county-recovery-plans/.  

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 15, 2025

It’s a busy week in Buckhannon, with the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in town all weekend!

Webb Grubb Day pays tribute to longtime Buckhannon law enforcement leader Virgil Miller

The eighth annual Webb Grubb Day honored the late Virgil Miller, former Buckhannon Police Chief and five-term Upshur County Sheriff, for his decades of dedicated law enforcement service to the community.

Klie Law Offices marks 20 years of fierce advocacy across West Virginia and Ohio

Klie Law Offices celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a small rural firm to a four-city legal advocate known for aggressive, client-focused representation in West Virginia and Ohio.

City of Buckhannon prohibits smoking and vaping at West Virginia Strawberry Festival

The City of Buckhannon has banned smoking, vaping and all tobacco use in public areas during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, with violators subject to fines.

Buckhannon reactivates emergency siren system, issues guidelines for use

The Buckhannon Fire Department, in partnership with local police and emergency management, has reactivated its fire siren system to warn downtown residents and visitors of emergencies such as severe weather or life-threatening incidents.

Denver Junior Carpenter

Denver Junior Carpenter, 80, a retired State Road worker and longtime Buckhannon resident known for his love of auctions and the outdoors, died May 14 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, survived by his wife and family.

Baseball Bucs shake off loss to Wheeling Park to stay alive in regional tournament with 5-4 win over John Marshall

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team survived elimination in the Region I tournament with a 5-4 win over John Marshall, overcoming a late rally and advancing to another must-win game against Wheeling Park.

Eight B-UMS track athletes headed to the “Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet”

Eight Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School track athletes qualified for the inaugural Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet in Huntington after standout performances and school record-breaking achievements during a successful season.

Buckhannon to host 18th annual Friendly Way Day honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen

Buckhannon will celebrate its 18th annual Friendly Way Day on May 16 by honoring retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen, adding their names to the city’s Red Wall and Buddy Bench for outstanding service.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jack Waggy and Avery Hamer

Jack Waggy, a senior track athlete, and Avery Hamer, a sophomore softball player, have been recognized as this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their standout performances representing Buckhannon-Upshur.

Tens of thousands expected for 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the fairytale-themed 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which organizers say brings significant economic benefits and community pride to Buckhannon.

Sentencing for former Buckhannon mayor delayed until June

The sentencing of former Buckhannon mayor David McCauley, who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography, has been postponed until June to allow further review of evidence by federal prosecutors.