2003-2004 Briefing Document

 

Pocahontas County High School 2003-2004 Briefing Document

Executive Summary

The 2003-2004 academic year at Pocahontas County High School (P.C.H.S.) was defined by a central theme of "Unpredictability." This period was characterized by significant institutional transitions, including major infrastructure projects, shifts in academic scheduling, and rigorous new grading standards. Despite the logistical challenges posed by ongoing construction and a new geothermal system installation, the school experienced a historic year in athletics, with multiple teams reaching state-level competitions and the football program achieving its first winning season in seven years. The academic and vocational programs remained robust, emphasizing "hands-on" experience in fields such as building construction, forestry, and college-level coursework.

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Institutional Changes and Infrastructure

The school environment was heavily impacted by physical and administrative modifications designed to modernize the institution and comply with state mandates.

Infrastructure and Construction

• Geothermal System: The installation of a new geothermal system in the upper parking lot forced a relocation of student parking to the football field lot, requiring students to walk up a hill each morning.
• Ongoing Renovations: Construction crews worked throughout the summer and into the school year. This resulted in significant noise and logistical "hassles" for both students and staff, necessitating the use of alternative routes through the building.
• Greenhouse Reconstruction: The school greenhouse was reconstructed by students in the Forestry and Vo-Ag classes following damage caused by heavy snow.

Administrative and Academic Policies

• Block Scheduling: P.C.H.S. transitioned to block scheduling, consisting of four 90-minute blocks per day rather than the traditional seven or eight periods.
• Grading and Writing Standards: A new grading scale was introduced to increase academic rigor. Additionally, writing journals were implemented across all classrooms to improve student writing skills.
• State Mandates: New state requirements for a set number of instructional hours per class led to the removal of some club periods and a reduction in the hour-long lunch period previously offered.

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Academic and Vocational Programs

P.C.H.S. offered a diverse curriculum ranging from advanced college-preparatory courses to intensive vocational training.

Core Academics

• Mathematics: The curriculum included Algebra I and II, Geometry, College Trigonometry, and A.P. Calculus. The school placed 15th in the Regional Math Field Day.
• Science: Programs focused on "hands-on" activities, including Biology, Anatomy/Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students engaged in dissections and lab reports to understand complex biological systems.
• Social Studies: Students were required to take at least three history classes. Offerings included World History, American History I and II, and Sociology. Notably, Mr. Stewart retired after 33 years of teaching in Pocahontas County.
• Language and Arts: The department offered French and Spanish, as well as various art techniques including molding, ceramics, painting, and charcoal drawing.

Vocational and Applied Sciences

• Building Construction and Welding: Students in these classes gained practical experience by building ramps and even full houses. Projects also included smaller items like mailboxes and toolboxes.
• Forestry and Vo-Ag: These are among the most admired elective areas at P.C.H.S. Students managed a hydroponics unit and a greenhouse. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter was highly active, selling over $25,000 worth of fruit.
• Consumer Sciences: Classes focused on real-world preparation, including "Parenting" (where students cared for "Baby-Think-It-Over" dolls), Culinary Arts, and Driver Education.

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Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Despite the "unpredictable" nature of the year, student life remained centered on traditional events and regional hobbies.

Key Events and Traditions

• Spirit Week: Commencing September 24, activities included "Camo/Western Day," "Formal Day," and "Maroon and Gold/Favorite Sports Day." The senior class won the overall competition.
• Homecoming: The football team secured a victory against the Richwood Lumberjacks during the Homecoming game.
• Assemblies: High-interest events included "Game Show Mania," the "Elf Auction" for Project Christmas, and a production of The Odyssey by James Madison University students.

Regional Hobbies

The student body took advantage of the local geography, particularly the Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

• Winter Sports: Skiing and snowboarding were primary pastimes. Senior Bobby Minghini competed in the 2004 X-Games, finishing 6th overall in boardercross.
• Outdoor Activities: Hunting (squirrel, bear, and deer) and mountain biking were also prevalent.
• Music: The band program faced "unpredictability" due to weather during marching season but achieved "Superior" ratings in concert competitions.

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Athletic Achievements

The 2003-2004 season was described as one of the most successful in the school's history.

Sport	Key Achievement
Football	First winning season in seven years; finished with a 6-4 record.
Golf	Qualified for the State Tournament in Wheeling for the first time in school history; Regional Champions.
Girls' Basketball	Advanced to the State Tournament for the third consecutive year; 18-7 overall record.
Volleyball	Achieved first-ever winning season (17-13); won Sectional Championship at midnight.
Track	Men's team broke a 13-year-old 3200m school record; multiple athletes qualified for States.
Boys' Soccer	Defeated triple-A (AAA) teams for the first time in four years.
Girls' Soccer	Transitioned under new coaching; focused on team bonding and rebuilding.

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Class Profiles

• Seniors (Class of 2004): Started with 110 students in 2000; 76 remained to graduate. Led by President Erin Coleman, VP Devin McCoy, Secretary Rachel Wayne, and Treasurer Brittany Burner.
• Juniors (Class of 2005): Focused on college preparation and primary core requirements (American History and English 11). They won both the powderpuff and spirit stick competitions.
• Sophomores (Class of 2006): Transitioned into "upper-classmen" roles, facing a more rigorous academic load and the new grading scale.
• Freshmen (Class of 2007): A large class of 127 students who entered the school during a period of high transition and construction activity.