The Marshall County Board of Education will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income for the 2025-26 school year under the Community Eligibility Option. Extra milk costs 35 cents and a second lunch is $1.70, payable in cash at the time of purchase, while accommodations for students with special dietary needs are available at no additional charge (contact your school and submit a physician-completed Special Dietary Needs Medical Statement). The district’s Wellness Policy promotes nutrition, physical activity, and student health — get involved by contacting Robert Chavanak at 304-843-4448, ext. 338 — and explore menus, nutrition info, and resources, including monthly email sign-ups, at www.mcsbefit.com.

Transitioning to transportation, families can now prepare for the school year ahead.

Information for the 2025-2026 Marshall County Schools transportation routes is now available, ensuring families are ready for the new academic year. Visit boe.mars.k12.wv.us, navigate to the “Links” tab, and select “Transportation” followed by “Bus Routes” to download a schedule by choosing your child’s bus number. If you’re unsure which bus your child should take, contact the Marshall County Schools Transportation Department at 304-843-4422 for assistance. To keep things running smoothly, please have your child at the bus stop at least five minutes early, and note that students may only ride their assigned bus unless prior approval is granted by the transportation department. Building on this support, the district is also enhancing community engagement through educational programs.

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Marshall County Schools is excited to offer the Lawyer in the School program, a monthly legal clinic held at the Board of Education office, providing free, brief legal information and advice to eligible parents and caregivers of public-school students. Thanks to Legal Aid of West Virginia, this service supports students by addressing legal questions in a convenient setting. For more details or to schedule a session, contact the program coordinator at 304-232-1260, ext. 3223.

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Marshall County Schools and the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library are teaming up for the third annual Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Day this Saturday, celebrating literacy and a love of reading. The event kicks off with a special story hour where Superintendent Shelby Haines reads “Corduroy” by Don Freeman, after which children will receive teddy bear stuffed animals, markers, bear masks, bracelets, and snacks. Declared by former Gov. Jim Justice in 2022 to honor Dolly Parton’s visit, Aug. 9 highlights free DPIL access for kids aged five and under — register at imaginationlibrary.com/usa/ to receive a free book monthly. Supported by the state legislature, the WVDE, the June Harless Center, and local businesses, the program has delivered 624,000 books annually to 52,000 West Virginia children, with 245 million books reaching 3 million kids nationwide since 1995.

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Shifting to community gatherings, the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce invites you to the AM Connect networking breakfast at 8 a.m. Aug. 12, hosted at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, where community members can connect over coffee and conversation. This month’s guest speaker, Katie Dantrassy, principal at Central Elementary School, will share insights on the upcoming school year, offering a chance to learn and engage with local education leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and support our community–mark your calendars and join us for a morning of connection and inspiration. RSVP at chamber@marshallcountychamber.com. Later this month, another event awaits to foster connections.