The Wetzel County Board of Education May 18 unanimously consented to defer this year’s student recognition Night of Excellence and resume it next year at several Local School Improvement Council meetings with the board and at the high schools’ four senior nights.

The change came in response to a recommendation by the county’s eight school principals, who hoped to find dates during the year that would increase opportunities for attendance by students and families, especially seniors.

Previously, the board’s Night of Excellence has been scheduled at it’s last meeting of the school year, after commencement exercises. It also was after the last day of school, so each student’s achievements could be assembled completely and accurately.

By that time, though, students were beginning summer jobs, athletic activities, relaxing at the beach, or leaving on vacations with their families, making it difficult to attend a single “Night of Excellence”. This year’s recognition was scheduled for June 15.

The move to the LSIC and senior night venues met with immediate approval from Board Vice President Bob Patterson and Willie Baker, who said he would prefer “to bring this recognition of excellence to the communities where students live and go to school.”

Traditionally, the board has gone on the road four times a year to meet at different schools throughout the county and with their LSICs. All students except seniors will be recognized at these meetings, while seniors will be honored at each high school’s senior night.

The board voted to approve a request from Sandra L. Durrah for her son to attend Magnolia High School for the 2009-10 school year, pending release from Marshall County schools.

The board approved a similar request from Doug and Tammy Wayman for their two children to attend MHS and New Martinsville School, also pending reciprocal approval from Marshall County schools.

The board authorized several out-of-state trips, including one from Anita Howell, Pam Shockley, and Alan Miller to take NMS students to the Sardis Dairy Bar May 29. That trip will be paid by NMS.

Martha Rogers’ request to take Short Line School students who met their advanced reading goals to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh was approved. The trip will be funded by a PPG grant and school fund raiser.

Sue Morgan will take SLS seventh graders to Pittsburgh May 28, where they will visit the museum and the Pittsburgh Zoo. The trip will be paid by the SLS PTA and student fees.

The board also okayed a request from Joni Yoho to take 28 sixth graders from Long Drain School to Kennywood Park on June 2, paid from the LDS Sixth Grade Account.

The board also approved a request from Hundred High School Senior Class President Chelsea Kuhn for the senior class to travel to King’s Island in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 29. HHS teachers William Ferrell and Bonnie McGlumphy will chaperone the trip, paid through student fund raisers.

Finally, the board added Stacey Eddie to the list of approved chaperones/volunteers at LDS School for the 2008-09 school year.