Mineral County Schools has joined the Communities in Schools Network

Mineral County Schools joined the Communities in Schools network as of July 1, 2023. The Communities in Schools program is a national program and is located though out every county in West Virginia. In the 2021-2022 school year, over 3,000 sites were in place across the nation which resulted in reaching over 1.8 million students-- reducing barriers, empowering students, and engaging families.

The first three schools in our MCS Communities in School program are located in the Keyser area. We have now expanded this program to Frankfort Elementary School. These are grant funded programs and we need support from our community to serve our students. We continue to seek grant funds both locally and nationally and we also accept donations to our program. You can donate to a specific site or to the program as a whole. Each of our sites work with all students enrolled in that school and the feeder schools. Students have access to a student care closet where food, clothing, personal care, and school supplies may be obtained. If your organization is interested in partnering with our program, please contact us for more information. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.

To reach any of our sites or for more information on how you can help, please contact:

(L to R:) Stacey Huffman, KPS; Lynne Staggs, KHS; Jennifer Jones, KMS; Shannon Westover, FES, and Goldie, KMS Therapy Dog

Keyser Middle School Students and Staff Welcome GOLDIE to the Tornado Family

The students, staff, and members of our community were on hand to welcome the newest member our Communities in Schools team: GOLDIE. Goldie is a 10 month old yellow Labrador Retriever. She will be joining as our therapy dog from the Friends With Paws Program. Goldie's team includes his primary handler, Mrs. Jennifer Jones and the rest of her team: Mrs. Lyons, Dr. Collins, and Mr. Bolyard (all from KMS). Goldie was delivered to Keyser Middle School by her trainer from Ultimate Canine, LLC. Thirty-three schools in WV have therapy dogs on site as part of their Communities in Schools Programs. The Friends With Paws School Therapy Dog Program and the Communities In Schools Program are both programs that First Lady Cathy Justice is very proud of and has championed for the students of West Virginia.

In addition to her handlers, Goldie also have a team of supporters from our community:

  • Tractor Supply Company has donated basic supplies like pet beds, bowls, and treats.

  • Susan's Downtown Pet Salon is donating monthly bath and nail trims.

  • Country Roads Mobile Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Micah Piraino will be Goldie's vet care team.

  • Burgess Farm Service, Timmy and Whitney Nester, have donated a crate for Goldie and are supplying her food.

We are very thankful to each member of Goldie's team for ensuring that she is provided for and loved! Our students were so excited to meet her at our PUP rally on September 16, 2024. If you are interested in donating toward Goldie's care, please reach out to our Communities in Schools staff members.

Goldie with her team and LadyJustice

Goldie with her team from Burgess Supply and Lady Justice

Goldie with the CIS Team and Lady Justice

Landis Office donation to KMS

Our Mission

At Communities In Schools® (CIS®), we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.