Clay Middle School is experiencing a positive shift in its culture. This encouraging momentum is evident in the progress and achievements demonstrated by students and staff throughout the past school year. Through a renewed emphasis on academic achievement, student engagement, career and technical education, attendance, and a supportive learning environment, Clay Middle School continues to move forward. It is an exciting time to learn and work at CCMS, where staff, students, families, and community members are collaborating to build on recent successes and create even greater opportunities for the future.
One of the school’s most notable accomplishments came through the Technology Student Association. Gunner Dobbins and River Schoolcraft earned first place nationally in the Challenging Tech Issues competition at the TSA National Conference held in June. Clay Middle School also received the TSA State Multi-Year Defending Middle School Chapter of the Year Award and was recognized as a top 10 percent career and technical education participation middle school in the State of West Virginia. These recognitions highlight the school’s commitment to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that develop problem-solving, teamwork, technical, and leadership skills.
Clay Middle School also made important gains in attendance and student engagement during the 2025–2026 school year. CCMS recorded the highest staff attendance among Clay County schools, reflecting the dedication and consistency of its faculty and staff. The school also achieved the second-highest student attendance rate in the county and reduced its chronic absenteeism rate by 5 percent from the previous year. These improvements demonstrate the school’s continued efforts to ensure that students are present, connected, and engaged in their learning.
Academic growth remains a central priority at Clay Middle School. During the past year, math proficiency increased by 3 percent, while English Language Arts proficiency increased by 7 percent. In addition, 89 percent of CCMS staff members are fully certified and highly qualified, reflecting a strong percentage of educators who hold degrees in their specific instructional disciplines. These gains are evidence of the focused work taking place in classrooms each day and the commitment of students and staff to improving learning outcomes.
Clay Middle School recognizes that its progress is the result of a true team effort. Under the leadership of Principal Leslie Goe, now in her tenth year as principal at CCMS, the school has continued to strengthen its culture, expand opportunities for students, and focus on continuous improvement. “At Clay Middle School, we believe that every student has the potential to achieve greatness,” Principal Goe said. “Our team works tirelessly every day to create an environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. The progress we are seeing reflects a community that is committed to growing together. When teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members share a common vision, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”
