Hello Families, this is Kraig Hissong, Superintendent, with a reminder that tomorrow, students that attend WL-S Elementary, Middle, and High Schools will be on a two-hour delay for teacher professional Development. School will start at 9:40 for MS and HS and 9:45 for the Elementary. Thank you and have a good evening.
🌌 Physical Science Students Visit NASA Virtually! 🚀
Today, Mrs. Brandie Roberts’ physical science classes took an incredible virtual field trip with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland! Students explored how NASA scientists and engineers' study everything from Earth’s oceans to distant galaxies all from the classroom.
Highlights included:
✨ A closer look at the James Webb Space Telescope, one of NASA’s most powerful observatories, designed to study the early universe and reveal planets around other stars.
🌍 How satellites measure our planet! Earth is scanned again and again to gather data on oceans, climate, clouds, and more.
🌊 An inside look at the PACE mission, which uses advanced instruments to observe the color of the ocean and study tiny ocean life like phytoplankton that are vital to Earth’s climate and food webs.
🔥 Students also learned how spacecraft are tested under extreme conditions before ever leaving Earth, from vibration and sound to harsh temperature swings.
This virtual experience brought real science into the classroom—and inspired students about the many ways space technology helps us understand our world and beyond.
📖 Read the full story on our website to see what students learned and how NASA missions connect to classroom science!
Today, Mrs. Brandie Roberts’ physical science classes took an incredible virtual field trip with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland! Students explored how NASA scientists and engineers' study everything from Earth’s oceans to distant galaxies all from the classroom.
Highlights included:
✨ A closer look at the James Webb Space Telescope, one of NASA’s most powerful observatories, designed to study the early universe and reveal planets around other stars.
🌍 How satellites measure our planet! Earth is scanned again and again to gather data on oceans, climate, clouds, and more.
🌊 An inside look at the PACE mission, which uses advanced instruments to observe the color of the ocean and study tiny ocean life like phytoplankton that are vital to Earth’s climate and food webs.
🔥 Students also learned how spacecraft are tested under extreme conditions before ever leaving Earth, from vibration and sound to harsh temperature swings.
This virtual experience brought real science into the classroom—and inspired students about the many ways space technology helps us understand our world and beyond.
📖 Read the full story on our website to see what students learned and how NASA missions connect to classroom science!
💙✨ National School Counseling Week ✨💙
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week and recognize the incredible impact of our school counselors Molly Smith, Kim Leichty, and Abbie Henry.
From academic guidance and career planning to social-emotional support and everyday encouragement, our counselors are steady advocates for students at every level. They are often the quiet connectors, helping students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and feel supported and valued each day.
Their care, professionalism, and commitment make a lasting difference for our students, families, and staff. We are grateful for all they do, not just this week, but all year long.
💙🐯 Thank you for supporting our Tigers! 🐯💙
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week and recognize the incredible impact of our school counselors Molly Smith, Kim Leichty, and Abbie Henry.
From academic guidance and career planning to social-emotional support and everyday encouragement, our counselors are steady advocates for students at every level. They are often the quiet connectors, helping students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and feel supported and valued each day.
Their care, professionalism, and commitment make a lasting difference for our students, families, and staff. We are grateful for all they do, not just this week, but all year long.
💙🐯 Thank you for supporting our Tigers! 🐯💙
🏀🖤 OHC TITLE SECURED! 🧡🏀
What a night for the Lady Tigers! With a 52–46 win over the Mechanicsburg Indians, the Lady Tiger basketball team clinched a share of the Ohio Heritage Conference title and improved their league record to 14–2 this season.
💪 The Tigers have been rolling this year, posting an impressive 16–2 overall record and dominating in many matchups.
🔥 Scoring for the Tigers vs. Mechanicsburg:
• Arianna Weaver – 1
• Ava Poppe – 6
• Addi Wallen – 13
• Ellery Wygal – 10
• Ava Astorino – 16
• Lucy Cole – 6
🙌 It was a 🔁 double sweep on the night as the JV Lady Tigers picked up a 53–36 win to start the evening!
👩🏫 Shout-out to the Coaches:
• Coach Dennis McIntosh, a long-time fixture of Lady Tiger basketball, has led the program for decades and ranks among Ohio’s winningest girls' basketball coaches with over 500 career wins. Alongside McIntosh is Coach Aaron Hollar, Coach Stan King, Coach Danielle King, and Coach Rich Johnson whose combined experience, preparation, and commitment to player development have been instrumental in the Lady Tigers’ success this season. Their teams are known for tenacious defense and disciplined play, while guiding the Tigers to numerous conference successes and deep seasons.
Together, this coaching staff has helped shape a talented and resilient Lady Tiger squad that continues to compete at a high-level week in and week out.
It’s been a great season for the Lady Tigers! 🐯🧡
📊👟 Scatter Plots with Sole! 👟📊
Mrs. Mazza’s Math-8 seventh graders shook things up today by looking at scatter plots in a very different way! Instead of dots, each shoe represented a student as the class compared heights to shoe sizes, and yes, it was just as fun as it sounds. 😄
Students are now taking that data and creating a line of best fit, while also hunting for outliers, gaps, and clusters along the way. This hands-on activity was a great reminder that data isn’t always neat and tidy… but it can still tell some pretty cool stories!
Math with movement, laughs, and learning! Just the way we like it at WL-S! 🧡🖤
Mrs. Mazza’s Math-8 seventh graders shook things up today by looking at scatter plots in a very different way! Instead of dots, each shoe represented a student as the class compared heights to shoe sizes, and yes, it was just as fun as it sounds. 😄
Students are now taking that data and creating a line of best fit, while also hunting for outliers, gaps, and clusters along the way. This hands-on activity was a great reminder that data isn’t always neat and tidy… but it can still tell some pretty cool stories!
Math with movement, laughs, and learning! Just the way we like it at WL-S! 🧡🖤
📘🖤🧡 Yearbooks Are On Sale! 🧡🖤📘
It’s time to order your West Liberty-Salem Yearbooks! 📚
All three school yearbooks (Elementary, Middle School, & High School) are now available for online purchasing.
📸 To make sure we capture a full year of memories; yearbooks will be delivered at the beginning of the next school year. Ordering now guarantees your student has a copy waiting for them!
✨ Don’t wait until they’re gone! Ordering early is the best way to make sure you snag a yearbook filled with moments, milestones, and memories from this school year.
Ordering links are available here:
HS Jostens: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A06663300
MS Better Images: www.buytheyearbook.com
Elem Lifetouch: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob...
Thank you for supporting our yearbook programs!
It’s time to order your West Liberty-Salem Yearbooks! 📚
All three school yearbooks (Elementary, Middle School, & High School) are now available for online purchasing.
📸 To make sure we capture a full year of memories; yearbooks will be delivered at the beginning of the next school year. Ordering now guarantees your student has a copy waiting for them!
✨ Don’t wait until they’re gone! Ordering early is the best way to make sure you snag a yearbook filled with moments, milestones, and memories from this school year.
Ordering links are available here:
HS Jostens: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A06663300
MS Better Images: www.buytheyearbook.com
Elem Lifetouch: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob...
Thank you for supporting our yearbook programs!
⚖️ Order in the court… the Tigers are in session! ⚖️
The West Liberty-Salem Mock Trial Team brought the energy (and the legal skills!) to the district tournament on Friday, January 30th, taking on several much larger schools, navigating plenty of curveballs, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.
This club, coached by Sean Stormes, finished 6th out of 14 teams, missing a trip to regionals by just three points. Talk about a close case!
👏 Extra applause for our Outstanding Witness award winners:
• Cooper Titus
• Alexis Wisner
From confident arguments to polished courtroom presence, this group showed poise, preparation, and personality. We’re proud of how they represented WL-S, and we’re pretty sure the jury agrees. 🧡🖤
The West Liberty-Salem Mock Trial Team brought the energy (and the legal skills!) to the district tournament on Friday, January 30th, taking on several much larger schools, navigating plenty of curveballs, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.
This club, coached by Sean Stormes, finished 6th out of 14 teams, missing a trip to regionals by just three points. Talk about a close case!
👏 Extra applause for our Outstanding Witness award winners:
• Cooper Titus
• Alexis Wisner
From confident arguments to polished courtroom presence, this group showed poise, preparation, and personality. We’re proud of how they represented WL-S, and we’re pretty sure the jury agrees. 🧡🖤
🧡🖤 Congratulations to Sadie Paul! 🖤🧡
West Liberty-Salem High School senior Sadie Paul officially signed on Monday to continue her academic and bowling career at Muskingum University. Sadie plans to major in secondary education and was surrounded by family and teammates as she celebrated this exciting milestone at Southwest Bowling Lanes. Muskingum head bowling coach Doug Smith was on hand for the signing.
We are proud of Sadie’s hard work, dedication, and leadership, and we wish her continued success as she takes the next step in her academic and athletic journey. 🧡🎳
Photo credit: Peak of Ohio
West Liberty-Salem High School senior Sadie Paul officially signed on Monday to continue her academic and bowling career at Muskingum University. Sadie plans to major in secondary education and was surrounded by family and teammates as she celebrated this exciting milestone at Southwest Bowling Lanes. Muskingum head bowling coach Doug Smith was on hand for the signing.
We are proud of Sadie’s hard work, dedication, and leadership, and we wish her continued success as she takes the next step in her academic and athletic journey. 🧡🎳
Photo credit: Peak of Ohio
🎶🧡 Auxiliary Tryouts Are Coming! 🧡🎶
Calling all current 8th–11th grade students! Are you interested in joining Majorettes or Color Guard next fall? Now’s your chance to check it out!
✨ FREE Clinics
📅 February 16–19
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Yoder Learning Center (Adriel Gym), West Liberty
👟 Come see what it’s like during the clinics, with no obligation and no pressure to try out if you decide it’s not for you!
⭐ Tryouts:
📅 Friday, February 20
⏰ 5:00 PM
📝 Sign-Up Info:
A sign-up sheet is posted outside the band room.
⏳ Please sign up by Friday, February 13.
📩 Questions?
• Color Guard Advisor: Mrs. Hartshorn – ehartshorn@wlstigers.org
• Majorette Advisor: Mrs. Williams – barbie.williams0827@gmail.com
Come be part of the fun, the teamwork, and the Tiger tradition! 🐯🧡
#WLSTigers #AuxiliaryTryouts #ColorGuard #Majorettes #TigerPride
Calling all current 8th–11th grade students! Are you interested in joining Majorettes or Color Guard next fall? Now’s your chance to check it out!
✨ FREE Clinics
📅 February 16–19
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Yoder Learning Center (Adriel Gym), West Liberty
👟 Come see what it’s like during the clinics, with no obligation and no pressure to try out if you decide it’s not for you!
⭐ Tryouts:
📅 Friday, February 20
⏰ 5:00 PM
📝 Sign-Up Info:
A sign-up sheet is posted outside the band room.
⏳ Please sign up by Friday, February 13.
📩 Questions?
• Color Guard Advisor: Mrs. Hartshorn – ehartshorn@wlstigers.org
• Majorette Advisor: Mrs. Williams – barbie.williams0827@gmail.com
Come be part of the fun, the teamwork, and the Tiger tradition! 🐯🧡
#WLSTigers #AuxiliaryTryouts #ColorGuard #Majorettes #TigerPride
🏀🔥 Building Momentum On and Off the Court! 🔥🏀
On the heels of back-to-back wins over Triad and Jackson Center, our High School Boys Basketball Team took a well-earned break for some team bonding, and a little friendly competition!
The challenge? 🏗️
Design a structure using only straws that could catch and hold a golf ball dropped from three feet. Creativity, communication, and teamwork were on full display!
🏆 Sudden Death Winners:
Brevin, Asher, Sam, Beckett, and Josiah edged out JJ, Conner, Brandel, and Colton in an exciting final round!
Great designs, great teamwork, and a great mindset heading into the week ahead. Let’s keep it rolling, Tigers! 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #TeamworkMatters #WLSBasketball
On the heels of back-to-back wins over Triad and Jackson Center, our High School Boys Basketball Team took a well-earned break for some team bonding, and a little friendly competition!
The challenge? 🏗️
Design a structure using only straws that could catch and hold a golf ball dropped from three feet. Creativity, communication, and teamwork were on full display!
🏆 Sudden Death Winners:
Brevin, Asher, Sam, Beckett, and Josiah edged out JJ, Conner, Brandel, and Colton in an exciting final round!
Great designs, great teamwork, and a great mindset heading into the week ahead. Let’s keep it rolling, Tigers! 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #TeamworkMatters #WLSBasketball
🤼♀️🌟 More Youth Athlete Spotlights! 🌟🤼♀️
Sunday wrapped up an incredible COBYWA Youth season for 6th grader Lesley Krabill, and what a way to finish!
🏆 Lesley wrestled a completely undefeated season and was crowned Champion at the COBYWA Championship Tournament this weekend!
Hard work, determination, and grit on full display. Way to go, Lesley! 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #YouthAthleteSpotlight #FutureTigers #COBYWAChampion 💪
Sunday wrapped up an incredible COBYWA Youth season for 6th grader Lesley Krabill, and what a way to finish!
🏆 Lesley wrestled a completely undefeated season and was crowned Champion at the COBYWA Championship Tournament this weekend!
Hard work, determination, and grit on full display. Way to go, Lesley! 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #YouthAthleteSpotlight #FutureTigers #COBYWAChampion 💪
🏃♂️🏆 Aaron Lauck Named 2025 Boys Track & Field Southwest District Coach of the Year
West Liberty-Salem is proud to announce that Coach Aaron Lauck has been named the 2025 Boys Track & Field Southwest District Coach of the Year.
Coach Lauck has served as the boys track & field coach for seven years, leading the Tiger program with dedication, consistency, and a strong commitment to student-athlete development. This district-level recognition reflects both competitive success and the positive culture he has built within the program.
West Liberty-Salem congratulates Coach Lauck on this well-earned honor. 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #WLSAthletics #CoachOfTheYear
West Liberty-Salem is proud to announce that Coach Aaron Lauck has been named the 2025 Boys Track & Field Southwest District Coach of the Year.
Coach Lauck has served as the boys track & field coach for seven years, leading the Tiger program with dedication, consistency, and a strong commitment to student-athlete development. This district-level recognition reflects both competitive success and the positive culture he has built within the program.
West Liberty-Salem congratulates Coach Lauck on this well-earned honor. 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #WLSAthletics #CoachOfTheYear
🏐✨ Future Tigers on the Rise! ✨🏐
Congratulations to Bailey Stafford, Clair Shively, Corine Wright, and Paysley Strapp, who competed in a 12U volleyball tournament with their Gators team and brought home the GOLD! 🥇💪
The Gators finished 1st place out of 16 teams — an incredible accomplishment!
🏐 HS Volleyball Coach Annie Kauffman shared that the future of WL-S Volleyball is bright, and we couldn’t agree more!
Way to represent, ladies! 🧡🐯 #TigerPride #FutureTigers #WLSTalent
Congratulations to Bailey Stafford, Clair Shively, Corine Wright, and Paysley Strapp, who competed in a 12U volleyball tournament with their Gators team and brought home the GOLD! 🥇💪
The Gators finished 1st place out of 16 teams — an incredible accomplishment!
🏐 HS Volleyball Coach Annie Kauffman shared that the future of WL-S Volleyball is bright, and we couldn’t agree more!
Way to represent, ladies! 🧡🐯 #TigerPride #FutureTigers #WLSTalent
🐯📅 Tiger Athletics: Week at a Glance! 📅🐯
Another busy week of Tiger action is here, so grab your orange and black and come cheer loud! 🧡🖤
🏀🤼🎳 This Week Includes:
• Home & away matchups
• Middle School & High School action
• Plenty of chances to support our Tigers!
📍 Check locations & times
👟 Pack the stands
📣 Bring the energy!
Let’s make it a great week for Tiger Athletics! 💪🔥
#TigerPride #WeekAtAGlance #GoTigers
Another busy week of Tiger action is here, so grab your orange and black and come cheer loud! 🧡🖤
🏀🤼🎳 This Week Includes:
• Home & away matchups
• Middle School & High School action
• Plenty of chances to support our Tigers!
📍 Check locations & times
👟 Pack the stands
📣 Bring the energy!
Let’s make it a great week for Tiger Athletics! 💪🔥
#TigerPride #WeekAtAGlance #GoTigers
🏀Last night, our gym was filled with energy, excitement, and heart as we hosted the 4th Annual Champaign County Wheelchair Basketball Game during halftime of the JV and Varsity Boys Basketball games.
This special event is always a powerful reminder of what sports are truly about-community, inclusion, and perseverance. Thank you to the athletes for sharing their talents and passion with us, and to our fans for showing such incredible support. 🧡🏀
We’re proud to continue this tradition and grateful to everyone who helps make this night so meaningful each year.🐯
🏀Last night, our gym was filled with energy, excitement, and heart as we hosted the 4th Annual Champaign County Wheelchair Basketball Game during halftime of the JV and Varsity Boys Basketball games.
This special event is always a powerful reminder of what sports are truly about-community, inclusion, and perseverance. Thank you to the athletes for sharing their talents and passion with us, and to our fans for showing such incredible support. 🧡🏀
We’re proud to continue this tradition and grateful to everyone who helps make this night so meaningful each year.🐯
❤️ Kids Heart Challenge Kicks Off at West Liberty-Salem Elementary! ❤️
West Liberty-Salem Elementary is excited to kick off the Kids Heart Challenge (KHC) on Friday, January 31, with a big goal of raising $20,000!
This program is all about heart, health, and heroism. Students will learn how to take care of their hearts while helping others and supporting life-saving heart research.
💙 Meet a Heart Hero:
One of our very own students, fourth grader Thaddeus, is a true inspiration. Thaddeus was born with Tricuspid Atresia and has already undergone four heart surgeries, with ongoing care from his cardiology team. Despite it all, he stays active playing football and proudly cheers on the Cincinnati Bengals!
Families are encouraged to sign their student up to participate or sponsor a student to support this important cause.
📩 To sponsor a student or for questions about the Kids Heart Challenge, please contact Kim Hollar at khollar@wlstigers.org.
Together, our Tiger community can make a big impact, one heart at a time! 🧡🖤
West Liberty-Salem Elementary is excited to kick off the Kids Heart Challenge (KHC) on Friday, January 31, with a big goal of raising $20,000!
This program is all about heart, health, and heroism. Students will learn how to take care of their hearts while helping others and supporting life-saving heart research.
💙 Meet a Heart Hero:
One of our very own students, fourth grader Thaddeus, is a true inspiration. Thaddeus was born with Tricuspid Atresia and has already undergone four heart surgeries, with ongoing care from his cardiology team. Despite it all, he stays active playing football and proudly cheers on the Cincinnati Bengals!
Families are encouraged to sign their student up to participate or sponsor a student to support this important cause.
📩 To sponsor a student or for questions about the Kids Heart Challenge, please contact Kim Hollar at khollar@wlstigers.org.
Together, our Tiger community can make a big impact, one heart at a time! 🧡🖤
🎓 College Credit Plus (CCP) Reminder - Grades 8-11 Families
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s CCP Informational Meeting! If your student has any intention of participating in College Credit Plus during the 2026-2027 school year, please be sure the following steps are completed:
✅ All CCP students (every year):
• Submit the CCP Declaration of Intent (purple form) by April 1 (required annually)
🆕 New CCP students only:
• Turn in the CCP Counseling Session Form (if you attended the parent meeting)
• Complete the CCP Application if taking a course at WL-S or online through Edison State
❗ Missed the meeting on 1/29?
Attend a mini CCP session during Parent/Teacher Conferences:
📅 Feb. 19 at 4:00 PM
📅 Feb. 26 at 5:00 PM
Contact Mrs. Nieman to schedule your preferred session.
If you cannot attend either session, please contact HS Counselor Molly Smith to schedule an individual meeting (availability is limited).
Questions? Reach out anytime!
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s CCP Informational Meeting! If your student has any intention of participating in College Credit Plus during the 2026-2027 school year, please be sure the following steps are completed:
✅ All CCP students (every year):
• Submit the CCP Declaration of Intent (purple form) by April 1 (required annually)
🆕 New CCP students only:
• Turn in the CCP Counseling Session Form (if you attended the parent meeting)
• Complete the CCP Application if taking a course at WL-S or online through Edison State
❗ Missed the meeting on 1/29?
Attend a mini CCP session during Parent/Teacher Conferences:
📅 Feb. 19 at 4:00 PM
📅 Feb. 26 at 5:00 PM
Contact Mrs. Nieman to schedule your preferred session.
If you cannot attend either session, please contact HS Counselor Molly Smith to schedule an individual meeting (availability is limited).
Questions? Reach out anytime!
🐯 The Weekend is Here! 🐯
If you’ve been stuck inside, this is your sign to get out and cheer on the Tigers! We’ve got a BIG weekend of events ahead!
🏀🤼 Kicking things off TONIGHT:
• High School Boys Wrestling competes at Lehman Catholic
• High School Girls Wrestling heads to Bellefontaine
• HS Boys Basketball tips off at 6:00 PM vs. Triad
⭐ Special Feature Tonight!
The Champaign County Special Olympics Wheelchair Basketball Game will take place during both JV and Varsity halftimes, an event you won’t want to miss!
🏀 Saturday Morning:
• JH Boys Basketball hosts Triad at 10:00 AM
• JH Girls Basketball travels to Northeastern
• JV tips at 11:00 AM, followed by Varsity at 12:30 PM
🏀 Saturday Evening Back at Home:
The Tigers host Jackson Center with JVB, JVA, and Varsity action beginning at 5:00 PM.
✨ Halftime Special Feature:
Enjoy a performance by Crown Gymnastics during halftime.
🤼 Wrestling continues all weekend at Lehman Catholic and Bellefontaine
🎳 Varsity Bowling will compete in OHC Tournament action at Beaver-Vue Lanes
It’s a full slate of Tiger action, so pack the stands and show your support! 🧡🐯
If you’ve been stuck inside, this is your sign to get out and cheer on the Tigers! We’ve got a BIG weekend of events ahead!
🏀🤼 Kicking things off TONIGHT:
• High School Boys Wrestling competes at Lehman Catholic
• High School Girls Wrestling heads to Bellefontaine
• HS Boys Basketball tips off at 6:00 PM vs. Triad
⭐ Special Feature Tonight!
The Champaign County Special Olympics Wheelchair Basketball Game will take place during both JV and Varsity halftimes, an event you won’t want to miss!
🏀 Saturday Morning:
• JH Boys Basketball hosts Triad at 10:00 AM
• JH Girls Basketball travels to Northeastern
• JV tips at 11:00 AM, followed by Varsity at 12:30 PM
🏀 Saturday Evening Back at Home:
The Tigers host Jackson Center with JVB, JVA, and Varsity action beginning at 5:00 PM.
✨ Halftime Special Feature:
Enjoy a performance by Crown Gymnastics during halftime.
🤼 Wrestling continues all weekend at Lehman Catholic and Bellefontaine
🎳 Varsity Bowling will compete in OHC Tournament action at Beaver-Vue Lanes
It’s a full slate of Tiger action, so pack the stands and show your support! 🧡🐯
Hello, this is Kraig Hissong, Superintendent. I want to thank all of our families for a successful return to school today. We did not encounter any issues with transportation and students and staff braved the cold very well. Tomorrow, Friday, January 30th, we will again be on a two-hour delay due to the winter driving conditions and cold temperatures. School will start at 9:40 for MS and HS and 9:45 for the elementary. We look forward to seeing everyone two days in a row before the weekend!
Thank you,
Kraig Hissong