Federal Programs

Dr. Sarah L. Lee, Federal Programs Director

Sarah Keiper, Early Childhood Specialist

Maranda Vaughan, Federal Programs Secretary

Kimberly Cook, Technology and Curriculum Specialist

Leslie Baughman, Technology Integration Specialist

Jeff Lynch, Technology Integration Specialist

Samantha Murphy, Technology Integration Specialist

Sarah Miles, Family and Community Engagement Specialist

Nicholas County Schools receives federal funding through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to enhance basic educational opportunities. These funds have specific purposes and uses. Nicholas County Schools use these funds to provide the services for faculty and students which are outlined in the following:

Federal Programs Description

Testing Information

Nicholas County Schools require the following tests:

WV General Summative Assessment (Grades 3-8)

PSAT (Grade 10)

SAT (Grade 11)

iXL Benchmark Assessments (All Grades)

STAR Reading and Math (K-3)

Above is a brief summary of testing information, for a detailed description click here.

Title I

The purpose of the Title I program is to help students meet the state’s challenging academic content and performance standards. The Title I program offers a variety of services which may include: additional teachers and support staff, extra time for instruction, a variety of teaching methods and materials, parent engagement activities, and additional training for staff.  Title I is a federally funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 (Reauthorized by ESSA in 2015).

Schools qualify for funds based on economic need.

Current Nicholas County Title I Schools are:

  • Birch River Elementary

  • Cherry River Elementary

  • Gauley River Elementary

  • Mt. Lookout Elementary

  • Zela Elementary

What is a schoolwide program?

Nicholas County has Title I Schoolwide projects.  These schools must submit a written plan to the State Department of Education.  Parents, teachers, and principals are surveyed and included in the planning and writing of the schoolwide plan.  All students are included in the programs developed and implemented for each school.  Rigorous assessment standards, differentiated instruction, process writing, reading/writing across the curriculum, early intervention strategies, extended learning time, staff development, parent training and parent involvement in the school’s programs are strong components of a Schoolwide Title I program. 

Find our current Parents right-to-know letter here

McKinney Vento

Title VII-B of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act is intended to ensure that homelessness does not cause children to be left behind in school. Additional information for parents can be found here.

Additional handouts that are available at your child's school can also be found here:

Guide for Parents

NCHE handout on supporting the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness