The Short Line Girls’ Choir performs at the Oct. 17 Board of Education meeting.

The Wetzel County Board of Education was presented with entertaining and encouraging displays of student engagement at both Short Line School and Valley High School during their meeting held at SLS on Oct. 17. Also during the meeting the board approved several matters.

The board began their meeting with the Local School Improvement Council report from VHS. The LSIC cleverly presented their report in the style of Jeopardy with students acting as game show contestants. The students answered trivia questions regarding the school’s achievements from last year and its goals for the coming year. After the entertaining and informative presentation, William D. Hostutler, music teacher at SLS, led the girls’ choir in performing the popular song “Rolling in the Deep” by musical artist, Adele. Hostutler noted the school also has a boys’ choir and all the students are working hard for upcoming concerts.

Relatedly, during this meeting the board approved requests from Steven Jones and Donald Taylor to take the Paden City High School Band and the Valley High School Band, respectively, to Martins Ferry, Ohio, to perform at the OVAC Showcase of Bands on Oct. 22. This trip was funded through the Paden City Band Patrons and the Valley High School Band Boosters.

In addition to approving all personnel and routine matters, Superintendent Diane Watt noted Nov. 13-19 will be the National Education Association’s 90th annual American Education Week. She stated it was a time for the board to thank all who contribute to the education of children and specifically asked the board approve an early dismissal day on Dec. 23 as a gesture of thanks to county educators. As has been the practice over the years, the board approved the superintendent’s proposal.

The board also approved the treasurer’s request for payment of September bills and transfers and increases in the budget.

Lastly, the board will meet at 7 p.m. on the following dates and locations unless otherwise noted: Oct. 27, special meeting at the county office at 6 p.m.; Nov. 7, regular meeting at New Martinsville School; and Nov. 28, regular meeting at the county office.