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For more than 400 Lewis County middle school students, class is now in session at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill.
Students who were set to attend Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston returned to the classroom Tuesday, September 8, in a nontraditional setting at the historic Jackson’s Mill campus.
Following severe floods across Lewis and Upshur counties in July, the university and WVU Extension partnered with Lewis County Schools to temporarily relocate the middle school to Jackson’s Mill for the 2026-27 academic year.
“We wholeheartedly welcome Robert L. Bland’s staff and students to WVU Jackson’s Mill,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said. “While we know this is not the way anyone in Lewis County planned to start the new school year, WVU will work to ensure the best educational experience possible for those affected by ongoing flood recovery. Communities across the Mountain State can count on us to be there for them in challenging times.”
In addition to using the facilities, teachers from the middle school have also engaged the educational programming team at Jackson’s Mill to take advantage of history, STEAM and outdoor education activities that are already offered.
“This partnership is an example of ‘Extension 101.’ Our community has a problem, and we provide the resources of the University to help bear that problem and find a solution,” said David Snively, director of WVU Jackson’s Mill.
“The school has been so great to work with, and we’re lucky that we have a large resource like the Mill to offer to help maintain that sense of community for the students.”
This school year will be especially unique for the eighth-grade class, since students will be studying West Virginia history from one of the most historic properties in the area.
“Jackson’s Mill is a campus of the people. We’re accustomed to hosting students from across the state for 4-H camps and educational field trips, so it’s a natural fit for us to share this incredible facility with our local community when they need it most,” said Jorge Atiles, associate vice president and dean, WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement.
“Extension professionals are educational first responders, and we’re grateful for new opportunities to serve our state and carry out our land-grant mission.”
The Jackson’s Mill property was largely spared from the floodwaters, allowing it to quickly become a source of community support after the water receded.
Across the property, the West Virginia State Fire Academy hosted the American Red Cross and its temporary service center for Lewis County, cottages at the Mill are serving as home base for volunteer teams working on recovery efforts, and even before plans were made to relocate the school, Snively had welcomed local sports teams to use the open lawns for soccer and football practices.
“We are excited to finally get in-person learning started for our middle school students. The administration, teachers, and staff have worked very hard to make this first day a success and set us up for a productive school year to follow,” Lewis County Schools Superintendent Carolyn Long said.
“We are so grateful to WVU, President Benson, Dave Snively, and the Jackson’s Mill staff for their efforts, work, and dedication to help prepare this location for our students. It truly has been a partnership. We look forward to a wonderful, challenging, and educational school year.”
While Lewis County Schools officials determine long-term plans for the flood-damaged school building, these students are on track to have a school year they’ll never forget.
“Jackson’s Mill is truly a special place that’s full of opportunity. This will be such a unique school year for students, not just because of where they’re having classes, but also because of all the neat learning experiences they can have here,” said Emma Gardner, WVU Extension STEM specialist at Jackson’s Mill.
