🐾📰 Introducing the VERY FIRST Bobcat News! 📰🐾

A huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Mara Wren, our BES Communities in Schools Liaison, for creating our brand-new Bobcat News! 💙💛

This newsletter is a wonderful way to keep our BES families connected and informed about all the exciting things happening at Belmont Elementary—from important dates and attendance reminders to staff spotlights, upcoming events, and highlights from around our school! 📚✨

We are so excited to share the first edition of Bobcat News with our families! 🐾💙

Thank you, Mrs. Wren, for helping us build connections, share information, and keep our Bobcat community in the know! 💙

We hope you enjoy the first edition! 📰🐾

#BobcatNews #BelmontElementary #BESBobcats #CommunityInSchools #BelmontBobcats 💙💛
about 3 hours ago, Belmont Elementary School
Belmont Elementary’s August 2026 Bobcat News newsletter. The front page features photos of the school’s new playgrounds and an article celebrating the new equipment. It also includes a “Principal’s Corner” message from Mrs. Spitzer, a “Welcome Back Bobcats!” section, and information about Communities in Schools and Belmont Elementary.
Page 2 of Belmont Elementary’s August 2026 Bobcat News. The page includes information about why school attendance matters, attendance tips, ways for families to stay in touch with the school, important September dates including Picture Day, Book Fair, and a PTO meeting, and introductions to BES staff members.
Recognizing Lori Mendenhall, Belmont Elementary, First Grade Teacher!
about 11 hours ago, Eric Croasmun
Miss Mendenhall is always so sweet to the students and takes her time to get to know one individually! She always gets down to their level and explains to them what they may have done wrong and why they had that consequence. She always praises them when it is needed and lets them know how special, important, and loved they are. I admire her for that! -Submitted by a fellow staff member
Lunch menu update for today
1 day ago, Belmont Elementary School
lunch menu update - fish patty
🎉 Playground Ribbon Cutting! 🎉

Today was a special day at Belmont Elementary as we celebrated our brand-new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds! ✂️🎈

Our students had the BEST time exploring the new equipment, and their excitement made this day even more special! 🛝💙

A huge THANK YOU to all of the individuals, organizations, and community members who helped make our new playground a dream come true. We are so grateful for your support of our students and our school! ❤️

Here’s to many years of fun, laughter, and memories on our new playgrounds! 🥰🛝✨
2 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
Photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration at Belmont Elementary School for the new Pre-K and Kindergarten–4th Grade playgrounds. Students are pictured exploring and enjoying the new playground equipment with excitement and smiles. The celebration highlights the new playgrounds and the community support that helped make the project possible.
📸✨ BES PICTURE DAY IS COMING! ✨📸

It’s almost time to smile, BES! 😁📷

🗓️ Tuesday, September 8, 2026
🏫 Belmont Elementary School

Families can order pictures online through mylifetouch.com using our Picture Day ID:

🔑 EVT4NQ3V7

💻 Online orders can be placed before Picture Day, and students may also bring their order form and payment to school on Picture Day.

We can’t wait to capture those BIG BES smiles! 💙💛📸

#BESPictureDay #BelmontElementary #PictureDay
2 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Three images provide information about Belmont Elementary School’s Fall Picture Day on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The first shows the LifeTouch picture package options and prices, including online ordering information. The second provides details about picture packages, specialty products, backgrounds, and ordering through mylifetouch.com. The third is a BES Picture Day reminder graphic with the online ordering website, Picture Day ID EVT4NQ3V7, and a reminder that parents may also send money and an order form on Picture Day.
Three images provide information about Belmont Elementary School’s Fall Picture Day on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The first shows the LifeTouch picture package options and prices, including online ordering information. The second provides details about picture packages, specialty products, backgrounds, and ordering through mylifetouch.com. The third is a BES Picture Day reminder graphic with the online ordering website, Picture Day ID EVT4NQ3V7, and a reminder that parents may also send money and an order form on Picture Day.
Three images provide information about Belmont Elementary School’s Fall Picture Day on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The first shows the LifeTouch picture package options and prices, including online ordering information. The second provides details about picture packages, specialty products, backgrounds, and ordering through mylifetouch.com. The third is a BES Picture Day reminder graphic with the online ordering website, Picture Day ID EVT4NQ3V7, and a reminder that parents may also send money and an order form on Picture Day.
📚✏️ BES 3rd & 4th Grade Beginning of Year Assessments

Our 3rd and 4th grade students will soon be participating in their beginning-of-year assessments. These assessments help us understand each student's learning needs so we can provide the best possible support throughout the school year.

Families can help by:
✅ Making sure your child is at school on time each testing day.
✅ Ensuring they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
✅ Encouraging them to do their best—we believe in every one of our students!

Assessment Schedule:
📅 Tuesday, August 25 – Math
📅 Thursday, August 27 – ELA
📅 Monday, August 31 – Writing

Thank you for your partnership and support. Together, we'll help our students start the year strong! 🌟💙💛
4 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Blue and gold back-to-school graphic with school-themed illustrations around the border. The center reads, "BES 3rd & 4th Grade Beginning of Year Assessments." The graphic explains that beginning-of-year assessments help teachers understand students' learning needs and asks families to ensure students arrive at school on time, get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and do their best. Assessment dates listed are: Tuesday, August 25 – Math; Thursday, August 27 – ELA; Monday, August 31 – Writing. The graphic thanks families for their partnership and support.
🎒💙 Thank You, Matheny Ford & Pleasants County Chamber of Commerce! 💙🎒

A huge thank you to Matheny Ford and the Pleasants County Chamber of Commerce for your generous donation of backpacks and supplies to Belmont Elementary School! Your kindness will help make sure our students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn. 📚✏️

We are so grateful for the continued support of our community and the wonderful organizations that invest in our students! 🐾💙

Thank you for helping our BES students feel prepared, supported, and ready to have a pawsome year! 🐾🎒✨
6 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Several elementary students stand in a school hallway holding donated backpacks and school supplies. A table nearby displays additional backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks, folders, scissors, and other classroom supplies. The donation was generously provided by Matheny Ford and the Pleasants County Chamber of Commerce.
Several elementary students stand in a school hallway holding donated backpacks and school supplies. A table nearby displays additional backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks, folders, scissors, and other classroom supplies. The donation was generously provided by Matheny Ford and the Pleasants County Chamber of Commerce.
🐄🌾 Farm Day Flyers Sent Home Today! 🌾🐄

Kindergarten families, please check your child’s backpack! 🎒 Farm Day flyers were sent home with all kindergarten students today.

Farm Day will be Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Agricultural Fair at the St. Marys Marina! Students will get to visit the animals, enjoy a hayride, make butter, and explore all the fun the fair has to offer. 🐖🐄🐓🚜

Please review the flyer, complete the permission form, and return it to school. We’re looking forward to a moo-velous day! 🐮💚🌾
7 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Farm Day flyer for kindergarten students announcing a field trip on Friday, September 18, 2026, to the Agricultural Fair at the St. Marys Marina. Students will visit animals, take a hayride, make butter, and explore the fair. The flyer includes lunch options, hayride permission choices, and spaces for the child’s name, parent/guardian signature, and emergency phone number.
Recognizing Connie Fetty, Belmont Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
7 days ago, Eric Croasmun
“During the first days of school before Kindergarten started, Mrs. Fetty went out of her way to make sure her former students felt comforted and excited to be at school. She took the extra time and effort (like she always does) to make Belmont a wonderful place to be!”
Recognizing Lori VanValey, Belmont Elementary
10 days ago, Eric Croasmun
“I have watched Lori make her workplace a joyous & happy place. For the last three years she has shared her talent, over summer break, filling the halls with beautiful artwork. Her fellow staff members, & her students will always recognize her hugs, continuous smiles & artwork. She is a wonderful Aide, friend & mother!”

Recognize a PCS Staff Member for making a difference. (Click the link)
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Zf5VkaR1kb

10 days ago, Eric Croasmun
recognize a PCS Staff Member
Thank you WTAP, St. Marys Galaxy Food Center, and members of the community! Partnerships with local businesses and organizations help us meet the needs of our students beyond the classroom and remind our students and families that they are supported by an entire community.
13 days ago, Eric Croasmun
Our public schools are strong because our communities and organizations in the community stand behind them. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations help us meet the needs of our students beyond the classroom and remind our students and families that they are supported by an entire community. Thank you, WTAP, St. Marys Galaxy Food Center, and every community member who donated, for supporting our students’ needs with today’s food drive!
💙 A HUGE THANK YOU! 💙 We are so grateful to the WVDE Technical Assistance Center for Accessibility & Transition at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind for providing our BES staff with an amazing professional development opportunity focused on Deaf Culture and understanding and educating students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our staff gained valuable knowledge about Deaf culture, communication, accessibility, and strategies to better support and serve our students. Professional learning opportunities like this help us grow as educators and ensure that every student feels understood, supported, and included. 💙 Thank you for sharing your expertise with our staff and helping us continue to make BES a more inclusive and welcoming school community! 👏💙
15 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
BES staff participate in professional development on Deaf Culture, inclusion, and supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

‼️ Please be aware that the First Day of School for grades 1-12 in Pleasants County is Thurs. August 13. Please be cautious on our roads with our SCHOOL BUSES, as they will stop to pick up and drop off children beginning tomorrow. Thank you for helping to keep our children and bus operators safe! ‼️

15 days ago, Eric Croasmun
picture of the transportation department

As a public school system, Pleasants County Schools is committed to serving every student who walks through our doors, ensuring each child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
From athletics and the arts to career and technical education, military and college preparation, counseling, nutrition programs, and individualized supports, public schools educate the whole child while strengthening the communities they serve.
Every student belongs, every student matters, and every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

15 days ago, Eric Croasmun
As a public school system, Pleasants County Schools is committed to serving every student who walks through our doors, ensuring each child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. From athletics and the arts to career and technical education, military and college preparation, counseling, nutrition programs, and individualized supports, public schools educate the whole child while strengthening the communities they serve. Every student belongs, very student matters, and every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
🐾💙💛 A BEAUTIFUL NEW ADDITION TO BES! 💛💙🐾 We are absolutely amazed by this INCREDIBLE mural in our new BES Conference Room! 🎨✨ A HUGE thank you to Mrs. VanValey for sharing her time, talent, and creativity with us to bring our BES Bobcat pride to life! 🐾💙💛 This mural is not only beautiful—it adds such a special touch to our new space and is a wonderful representation of the BES spirit, pride, and community. We are so grateful for you, Mrs. VanValey! Thank you for making our conference room AMAZING! 💙💛🐾 #BESPride #BelmontElementary #BobcatPride #BESBobcats
16 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
Mrs. VanValey stands smiling beside a colorful hand-painted mural in the new Belmont Elementary School conference room. The mural features a large blue and gold Bobcat logo with the letters “BES” and “Belmont Elementary School” underneath.

Reminder -

✏️📚 You're Invited to Belmont Elementary's Open House! 🎉

Get ready for a great start to the new school year! Join us for Belmont Elementary School's Open House on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:00–6:00 PM.

Come meet your teachers, reconnect with friends, and get excited for an amazing year ahead. We can't wait to welcome our Belmont families back!

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 12
🕔 Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: Belmont Elementary School

See you there! 💙💛 #BelmontElementary #OpenHouse #BackToSchool #WelcomeBack

17 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
A bright yellow flyer for Belmont Elementary School's Open House with blue paint splatter accents. At the top, "Belmont Elementary School" appears above large outlined text reading "Open House." In the center is a smiling cartoon pencil character waving. Torn paper graphics on the left read, "Join us for a great start to the new school year. Meet your teachers, reconnect with friends." Torn paper graphics on the right list the event details: "Wednesday, August 12th, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM." Blue and yellow paper clips and school-themed doodles decorate the design.
🌟 Meet Our B.E.S.T. Team! 🌟

We’re excited to introduce the amazing teachers and staff who will be welcoming our students to Belmont Elementary School this year! 💙💛

Our students are surrounded by caring educators who are ready to help them believe, excel, strive, and work together for success! 🐾📚✨

Help us give our B.E.S.T. team a big WELCOME BACK! 🎉🐾

Behave Like a Leader.
Excellence is Expected.
Strive for Success.
Teamwork is Best.

#BelmontElementary #MeetOurTeam #BEST #BackToSchool #BelmontBobcats 💙💛
18 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
ach graphic features the Belmont Elementary logo, the grade level, staff members’ photos, names, and positions, along with inspirational quotes and the school’s B.E.S.T. expectations. The graphics introduce the Pre-Kindergarten team, Kindergarten team, First Grade team, Second Grade team, Third Grade Team, and Fourth Grade Team.
Reminder -
📚🍎 Join Us for the First BES PTO Meeting of the School Year! 🍎📚

We're excited to kick off a new school year, and we'd love for you to be part of it!

🗓 Thursday, August 6
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Pleasants County Library

Come help us prepare for an amazing school year at Belmont Elementary! Whether you're a parent, teacher, grandparent, family member, or community friend, your ideas and support make a difference.

We can't wait to see both familiar and new faces as we plan fun events and opportunities for our students and staff.

Questions? Call 304-483-4013.

💙💛 Together, let's make this our best year yet! #BESPTO #BelmontElementary #TogetherWeCan
22 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
A colorful flyer with a blue background announces the BES PTO Meeting. The headline reads "BES PTO Meeting" in large tan letters. A cream-colored box in the center lists the meeting details: Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 PM at the Pleasants County Library. Below, it says, "Join us to prepare for the upcoming school year! Teachers, parents, & friends welcome. We can't wait to see you!" The bottom of the flyer features illustrated school supplies including a cup of pencils, stapler, pencil sharpener, mailbox, coffee cup, and alarm clock. A green desk lamp appears on the right. Belmont Elementary School (BES) logos are displayed in the top left and top right corners. The bottom left lists the school address: 101 Lafayette Street, St. Marys, WV 26170. The bottom right reads, "Questions? Call Us At 304-483-4013."
📚💙 Thank you, Mrs. Mara Wren! 💙📚

A huge thank you to Mrs. Mara Wren, our BES Communities and Schools contact, for representing Belmont Elementary School at the Pleasants County Back to School Fair! She shared valuable resources with families, made amazing connections, and represented BES so well.

We are so happy to be involved in our community and grateful for the opportunity to connect with our families and community partners! 🏫💙✨

#BelmontElementary #BESProud #CommunitiesAndSchools #CommunityConnections #BackToSchool
22 days ago, Belmont Elementary School
A smiling woman stands behind a table at the Pleasants County Back to School Fair, representing Belmont Elementary School and Communities In Schools. The table displays family resources, personal care items, school supplies, and donated canned and packaged foods. A Communities In Schools banner behind her reads, “Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”