The winners of the 2024 PBS Kids Writers Contest at West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) have been announced. Eighteen stories written and illustrated by children in grades K-5 were chosen out of more than 175 entries from across the state.
Charleston, WV – (April 4, 2024) The winners of the 2024 PBS Kids Writers Contest at West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) have been announced. Eighteen stories written and illustrated by children in grades K-5 were chosen out of more than 175 entries from across the state.
“This was another successful year of creativity for our annual PBS Kids Writers Contest. The children of West Virginia are excellent writers capable of captivating stories. Thank you to the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII) for sponsoring the event again this year,” said Maggie Holley, director of Education at WVPB.
“The Institute is pleased to sponsor this important event. We know that keeping kids safe and preventing them from using or misusing illicit and prescription drugs requires activities that keep youth engaged with positive and meaningful activities. Writing, much like sports, is one of of those protective factors,” said Dr. Susan Bissett, president of WVDII.
“As a winner of a writing contest when I was 10 years old, I also have a special place in my heart for this event,” said Bissett.
Winners will be contacted by WVPB with information about our awards ceremony in May held at the Culture Center in Charleston.
All participants will receive a prize pack mailed to them by WVPB and PBS Kids.
The PBS Kids Writers Contest at WVPB is an annual competition that encourages West Virginia children in grades K-5 to explore the power of creativity by writing and illustrating their own stories.
“Hope and Healing: A Discussion with West Virginia Youth” is a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII). Youth from West Virginia gathered for the project to talk about issues they face on topics including substance use disorder, bullying, social media, and mental health. The project will be screened on Tuesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Charleston’s Geary Auditorium. The screening is free and open to the public.
An eye-opening documentary illuminating teen struggles presented by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute
Charleston, WV – (April 1, 2024) – A video project with West Virginia youth talking about issues they face, ranging from social media to substance use disorder, will premiere at a public screening in April at the University of Charleston.
“Hope and Healing: A Discussion with West Virginia Youth” is a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII). Youth from West Virginia gathered for the project to talk about issues they face on topics including substance use disorder, bullying, social media, and mental health. The project will be screened on Tuesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Charleston’s Geary Auditorium. The screening is free and open to the public.
The project will broadcast statewide on WVPB Television on Monday, April 29, at 9 p.m. and will be available on all WVPB’s streaming platforms, including the PBS App, YouTube, and at wvpublic.org.
“These teens had very open and honest conversations about their struggles and of those around them to educate other teenagers and adults better,” said Heather McDaniel, WVDII’s vice president.
Filmed at the University of Charleston’s new downtown innovation center, the project underscores the importance of listening to youth voices and understanding their perspectives. It features candid discussions with middle and high school students in West Virginia. The youths express what they wish adults knew about navigating life in today’s world, from discussing their encounters in schools to offering advice on effective communication and prevention strategies. The participants engage in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion aimed at fostering empathy and awareness.
“We believe ‘Hope and Healing’ has the power to spark important conversations and drive positive change in our communities,” said Maggie Holley, WVPB’s director of Education.
The WVPB Education Department and the WVDII encourage guidance counselors in school systems throughout the state to use this video and accompanying activities as a resource.
Those interested in attending the screening at the University of Charleston on April 23 should RSVP to rhiannon@wvdii.org.
For more information about the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute, contact President Susan Bissett at susan@wvdii.org or Vice President Heather McDaniel at heather@wvdii.org.
For more information about West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s education programs, contact education@wvpublic.org.
Watch the promotional trailer for Hope and Healing using this link or click below.
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About the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute
Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the mission of the Drug Intervention Institute is to reduce opioid and drug-related deaths in Appalachia and the nation by (a) preventing substance use through education (b) reducing overdose through training and distribution related to naloxone and other opioid reversal agents, and (c) supporting harm reduction and other drug-response efforts.
About West Virginia Public Broadcasting
West Virginia Public Broadcasting is dedicated to Telling West Virginia’s Story through its state radio and television network and online platforms. WVPB’s mission is to educate, inform and inspire the people of West Virginia. WVPB is the Mountain State’s only source for national NPR and PBS programming.
Anne Farrow, a social studies teacher at Wheeling Park High School in Ohio County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
Anne Farrow, a social studies teacher at Wheeling Park High School in Ohio County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
Farrow was presented the award by WVPB’s Director of Education Maggie Holley during a surprise visit to her classroom. Farrow received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.
Farrow was nominated by fellow colleague Sarah Smith, whose classroom is a couple doors down from Farrow’s and sees first-hand how she goes above and beyond. Smith describes Farrow’s leadership, creativity in the classroom and community impact.
Farrow has shown leadership both inside and outside of the classroom by mentoring students through hardships, leading a professional community learning group at the school and providing valuable resources to other teachers. She also coaches the middle school girls’ basketball team and serves as an advisor to student council.
When asked about serving as an advisor to student council, Farrow stressed the importance of allowing every student to be heard and wanting to change any negative feelings they may have about school. She said that over the years, she’s realized the importance of creating a positive environment for the students who think they are overlooked or incapable when they just haven’t figured out what talents or skills they possess yet.
She said, “One of my goals as a teacher is to create that positive environment and safe space that is welcoming to each and every student that walks through my door.” Farrow goes on to say she participates in these different rolls in the school to make connections with different students with a variety of interests and backgrounds. “Those connections formed enable our students to understand we are rooting for them in academics and life!”
Farrow is glad to be involved in the community as a parent, teacher and girls’ basketball coach. She loves giving the girls’ goals and seeing growth in character in addition to being an athlete.
In the classroom, Farrow loves teaching about the Civil Rights Movement because of the courage, determination and perseverance it shows. “While they had many factors stacked against them, civil rights activists were able to keep so composed while using peaceful protests to make an impact on society and the laws within it. Historical figures can be great role models. I believe we all can learn a lot from those people who pushed for equality for all in America.”
Smith says that Farrow makes lessons engaging by having students design their own posters, showing them historical documentaries that include local heroes, and assigning a diary project that students must connect to historical events by telling the story through the perspective of someone living in that time.
Farrow has been teaching for about a decade. When asked what she loves most about teaching, she says there are plenty of perks that come with being a teacher. “I’d say what truly makes it worth it are the laughs that I share with my students each day. It’s the moments that they are having fun while learning that brings me the most joy.”
Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting partners with schools, organizations, libraries, colleges, etc., to offer various programs throughout the year. We facilitate workshops both in and out of the classroom, which can vary from 15 to 60 minutes. Currently, we are accepting requests for virtual and in-person programs.
Andrea Nelson, a fourth grade teacher from Lakewood Elementary in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for December 2023, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
Andrea Nelson, a fourth grade teacher from Lakewood Elementary in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for December 2023, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
Nelson was presented the award by WVPB’s Education Director Maggie Holley during a surprise assembly at Lakewood Elementary with the entire school and multiple family members in attendance. Vance received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.
Nelson was nominated by her mother, Leah Lewis, who was also an educator that taught music and show choir for 36 years. In Nelson’s nomination, her mother said her greatest skill is compassion. She shows it in her lessons, classroom management and with students throughout the school.
Andrea Nelson (right) stands next to her mother, Leah Lewis. Nelson’s mother nominated her for WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award.
Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Nelson is the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) coordinator for Lakewood and through that, she plans ways to support the social and emotional needs of both teachers and students throughout the year. Her many goals for the program include team building initiatives to build relationships between staff, provide leadership opportunities for students, and overall help create a positive school culture.
Nelson’s classroom has a unique approach on social-emotional learning by including music and playing ukuleles. They’ll learn songs and play for staff members and students. They’ve even tried song writing! Nelson got the inspiration from a summer classroom training and was especially invested with her mother being a music teacher. Nelson said, “My dream is just play my guitar and ukulele at all times while I am teaching!”
In addition to ukuleles, Nelson’s class created a “Treat Yourself Day” inspired by the show Parks and Recreation, in which they show the benefits of a “treat yo’self” day. When students would hit a goal, they earn a school appropriate treat for the day. The students wanted to expand outside the classroom with this idea, and they designed ideas for snacks and drinks for classes that include music playing when they visit. “They wanted to make others feel special, and I knew the opportunity was so great that I would do whatever possible to make it happen.”
The fun and creativity in Nelson’s classroom are endless. Like the ukuleles and treat cart, another idea had stemmed from the classroom but is now implemented schoolwide. This event is a lip sync concert that Nelson organizes the last week of school, and all students are allowed to participate. She said it is a great opportunity for students to support each other and practice coming out of their shell in front of their peers. Even the teachers participate!
Another special event at Lakewood is the Love Language Fair. Nelson said she thought of the idea after speaking with a community leader about giving students an opportunity to show love during Valentine’s Day that wasn’t your typical lesson. “I plan with students and my co-teacher on activities that help students understand their own love language and how they feel love. It’s a process of planning and organizing because the students run the activity based off their own love language interest. It’s open to everyone school wide and is one of the best days of the year!”
It’s not always music related with Nelson’s fourth grade class. They are also currently planning a wax museum with an American Revolution theme. Last year, the wax museum was with a play and the students were the historical figures from this time.
Not only does Nelson provide group activities for the students, but she also shows her compassion by eating lunches with individual students to better connect with them and provide a safe place. The students are always eager for their turn.
She also made a positive impact by having a morning Welcome Wagon at the end of the week to include all students and encourage them to start their day off right by telling each other good morning. You might even see teachers dancing in the hallway at this time, lifting spirits for everyone. “By doing things like this, it creates an aurora of happiness and unity that is indescribable. It creates a school that is a place where students and teachers look forward to things that are happening.”
“This is my 14th year teaching and I have enjoyed every second. There are many things I love about teaching, but I do believe it’s a package deal. The teachers, students and administration all go together to make it great for me. I work with amazing teachers who are so inspiring, and the students are eager to learn each day. To be able to teach in an environment where you can just be yourself and be loved for it, is a wish I wish for everyone.”
Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.
The WVPB Education Team and Clifford the Big Red Dog invite you to attend Pups & Pucks Night, Saturday, Feb. 3 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog Saturday, February 3 at 7:10 p.m. at the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling
The WVPB Education Team and Clifford the Big Red Dog invite you to attend Pups & Pucks Night, Saturday, Feb. 3 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia. The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. as the Wheeling Nailers take on the Orlando Solar Bears.
Attendees are invited to bring their dog to the game, designating Sections 312-316 as Puppy Seating. Kids of all ages can meet Clifford the Big Red Dog courtesy of WVPB. The WVPB staff will also have a table of giveaway items and educational materials.
Additionally, you can enjoy the On-Ice Puppy Parade during intermission and get your player autographs.
For tickets and more information, visit wheelingnailers.com and search Pups and Pucks Night.
