Breaking News
Local News

Wood County schools showcase student projects, programs at LSIC event at Parkersburg High School

By Gwen Sour 3 min read

Students and educators from across Wood County filled Parkersburg High School this week for a Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) showcase highlighting academic programs, extracurricular achievements and school initiatives from throughout the district.

The event brought together elementary, middle and high schools to share projects and accomplishments from the school year, offering the community a look at student learning and school innovation.

At the high school level, speech, debate and theater students showcased a year of performance and competition. Lori Zyla, who teaches speech, debate and theater, said the program staged "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" this year, opting for a smaller cast with the show's original six characters and a small ensemble.

"We had a lot of fun with it," Zyla said. "I go a little darker generally, but this was something different."

Zyla also pointed to the program's competitive success, noting the team earned a state championship in public forum debate and multiple top placements.

"We just finished our season in March with our state championship," she said. "We're taking six kids to the national competition in Washington, D.C., next month."

Elementary schools highlighted both academic initiatives and building-level changes. At Madison Elementary, Principal Jeanna Plumly said the school's theme of being "under construction" reflects both ongoing facility renovations and program development.

"We're literally under construction at our school this year," Plumly said. "Even though it was difficult, everybody had a smile on their face because they're excited about the new addition."

Students described the school's "Mustangs" reward system, a positive behavior program where students earn tokens for meeting expectations.

"If we follow the rules, that's how we earn a Mustang," said fifth grader Rose Casto. "Then we can buy things from the cart."

Casto said she's focused her Mustang spending on slime and other tactile toys while another student, Abraham Diaz, said he has used his rewards for smaller items.

"Right now, I've been just getting notepads and stuff," he said.

Madison also recently reintroduced breakfast in the cafeteria, creating a social space for students to start their day.

"It's a social thing for them," Plumly said. "The kids are allowed to sit, hang out, talk."

At Hamilton Middle School, displays featured a range of STEM-based learning, including DNA-based family projects, coding exercises, 3D printing and medical mystery problem-solving activities.

"We do different things for sixth grade, seventh grade and eighth grade so they're not doing the same kind of project every year," said Heather Perkins, an aide at Hamilton and an LSIC leader. "It's really fun for them to build those skills."

Perkins also highlighted a planned outdoor learning and recreation space designed to be accessible for all students.

"This is completely ADA compliant so our wheelchair-accessible students can get in there," she said. "That project means a lot to us."

Jefferson Elementary emphasized community partnerships alongside student work. Administrators highlighted collaborations with organizations such as the Wood County Public Library and local groups.

"It's just a lot of networking, utilizing our community partners," said Jefferson Principal Tina Lowers. "Whatever the need is, our community partners step forward."

Projects on display included science and social studies fair entries, writing and art work, and STEM activities like drone demonstrations during a recent family engagement event.

"We had a really, really good year," Jefferson Elementary Assistant Principal Cindy Oxender. "Lots of exciting things going on."

Starting at /week.