West Teays Elementary School - Hurricane, WV

Our mission is clear. At West Teays Elementary, we have an uncompromising demand for academic excellence intertwined with a culture of caring and compassion. As we focus on career and college readiness, our goal is for students to take ownership of their learning so they are empowered for future success as passionate lifelong learners.

When students feel a sense of ownership, they are more actively engaged and able to persist when facing challenges. Choice and control foster motivation and self-confidence. Students learn to work collaboratively and view mistakes and setbacks as part of the growth process. They become equipped to solve problems and create solutions. As A.J. Juliani states, "Our job is not to prepare students for something. Our job is to help students prepare themselves for anything."

This is exemplified in our weekly fifth grade clubs. Through bringing in parents and community professionals to share their expertise, students can choose clubs including French, Art, Newspaper, Gardening, Literary Circles, Mathletes, Drama, Research, and Technology. Clubs function as remediation and enrichment, and they explore life lessons and career options.

This year in Art Club, students explored photography, building furniture, and creating a mural. The Newspaper Club created a fifth grade memoir and the Drama Club wrote and performed a play for our talent show. Students find true joy in tapping into their interests and pursuing new things in a fun, high-energy way. And they are realizing they are ready to dream big, tackle life with high aspirations, and change the world.