Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
Charles Town Council Pushes Back on Roundabout Proposal
Entering the three-way intersection driving westbound on West Washington Street (image courtesy City of Charles Town)
The Charles Town City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, September 2 to oppose plans for a roundabout at the three-way intersection of West Washington Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and Summit Point Road.
Aerial view of the existing intersection (image courtesy City of Charles Town)
City's Letter Gets A Quick Response
In its letters, the City Council stressed its long-standing goal of improving pedestrian safety and walkability in the area around this intersection. Mayor George and the City Council said they prefer to keep the intersection as a three-way stop, with streetscape improvements that prioritize the needs of city residents. They also indicated they could support a traffic signal if DOH insists on changes to traffic flow.
According to Mayor Mike George, DOH officials responded later the same day, saying they hadn’t been aware of the city’s concerns and were open to reconsidering the proposals. While DOH has not yet provided a timeline for its next steps on the project, Mayor George said he is optimistic that the Department of Transportation’s current leadership, appointed by Governor Morrisey, is not wedded to the priorities of the previous administration under former Governor Justice.
County School System Shares Preliminary Enrollment Counts
Leslie Concepcion, one of 32 certified international teachers working for the county schools this year, helps young learners at T.A. Lowery Elementary School (image courtesy Jefferson County Schools)
Preliminary enrollment numbers shared by Jefferson County Schools (JCS) suggest slight increases in several areas, with one exception.
The numbers are from the first week of school and will be finalized in October when JCS sends its official report to the state Department of Education. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bishop told the Board of Education on Aug. 25 that 8,265 students were enrolled as of the first week of school. He expects the final count to be higher than last year’s once late registrations are included.
Counting At Key Grade Levels
Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade enrollments are typically bellwethers for the trends at each level (elementary, middle, and high school). JCS reports that there were 501 kindergarten students enrolled as of the first week (compared to 506 reported in last year’s October number). For 6th grade, the first week number was 602 (compared to 584 as of last October). For 9th grade, the first week number was 756 (compared to 745 for last October).
Less Homeschool, More HOPE
One of the biggest shifts is in the number of students using West Virginia’s HOPE Scholarship program to attend private schools. This year, 314 Jefferson County students are using HOPE funds, up from 241 last year — a 30% increase.
The homeschool enrollment is the one significant drop reported in the early numbers. As of the end of August, JCS has been notified of 748 homeschool students resident in Jefferson County (compared to 806 reported by October 2024), a 7% decrease. Given the expansion of the HOPE program for the current school year, it is likely that some of the increase in the HOPE numbers are from former homeschool students now enrolled in a private school.
Enrollment Numbers From Other Local Schools
The Saint Joseph School has repurposed its former building for its new high school.
Several other schools serve Jefferson County families:
Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy is a charter school located west of Charles Town off Middleway Pike. According to information provided by the school, it is operating at full capacity, with 340 students currently enrolled in grades K-8.
Faith Christian Academy, located in Berkeley County a few miles west of Shepherdstown, says approximately 25% of its students come from Jefferson County. According to the school’s superintendent Eric Kearns, total enrollment is 573 (pre-K through 12), which would indicate approximately 140 students from Jefferson County. A recent expansion gives the school capacity for 400 elementary students and 350 in grades 6–12.
Saint Joseph School, located in downtown Martinsburg, also says approximately 25% of its students come from Jefferson County. According to numbers provided by the school, total enrollment is 383 (kindergarten through grade 9). The school can accommodate 525 students in its main building (pre-K through 8th grade). The school added a high school this year with a small class of 9th graders — with plans to expand to a full high school program over the next four years.
Morgan Academy is a small private school located just outside of Shepherdstown. The school declined to provide enrollment numbers. The school’s website indicates its maximum enrollment is 120 (pre-K through 8th grade).
The Hope scholarship can be applied to the tuition at Faith Christian Academy, Saint Joseph School ,and Morgan Academy. Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy is a free public school that operates under the juristiction of the WV Professional Charter School Board.
A message from Bluemont Fair
Visual Vernacular Storyteller Comes To Shepherdstown
“Visual vernacular” is a unique performance style that combines mime, cinematic storytelling, and modern dance. Sometimes called “visual poetry,” this art form has its roots in Deaf culture, where gestures and physical expression are central to storytelling, according to the Culture of Disability project.
On Tuesday, September 9, the Speak Story Series will welcome visual vernacular artist Justin Perez to Shepherdstown. The performance begins at 7:30 pm at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, 100 West Washington St.
Perez is internationally recognized for his inventive stories and visual poetry. According to his website, he discovered his love for storytelling as a teenager — audiences responded so well that he kept creating. Many of his stories are whimsical takes on pop culture. In 2017, he won the national ASL Elements competition with a piece inspired by the Super Mario Kart video game. Several of his performances are available to watch on his website.
In a remote cabin, a family confronts loss, secrets, lack of hunting skills, unarmed afghans (the blanket, not the people), oppressive parenting, “wild” animals and unexpected connections when a mysterious visitor takes a wrong turn and enters their eccentric lives. >>>Showtimes & tickets…
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Watermelon Pickers' Fest – A festival celebrating watermelon season with live music performances, workshops, and jamming as well as food and family-friendly activities at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds (848 West Main St., Berryville, VA). Thursday, September 4, 9:00 am – Saturday, September 6 11:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Berkeley Arts Council: 13th Annual Eastern West Virginia Juried Exhibit – A regional juried exhibition showcasing work in a variety of media at Berkeley Art Works (116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg). Thursday, September 4–Sunday, November 2 Info…
Shepherdstown First Friday – Live music by Eldred Hill and Eddie Barney. Shops, galleries, and restaurants keep late hours for an evening of browsing, music, and refreshments in downtown Shepherdstown (German & King Streets). Friday, September 5, 5:00–7:00 pm Free. Info…
Art Show: Experience Appalachia – Art show celebrating Appalachian culture through painting, photography, and craft in a new gallery space (100 East German St., 2nd floor, Shepherdstown). Opening reception on Friday, September 5, 4-6 pm. The exhibit runs until September 28. Free. Info…
Chicken-Fried-Fabulous – A comedy about small business and friendships at Charles Town’s Old Opera House (204 North George St., Charles Town). Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14 $ Tickets & Info…
Babette’s Feast - Film Event – Classic film about art, grace, and an unforgettable feast kicks off the Shepherdstown Film Society’s fall season at the Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday, September 5, 7:30 pm (pre-film reception starts 6:30 pm). Pay-what-you-can. Tickets & Info…
Music in the Park: Dixie Rhythms – Outdoor concert featuring Dixieland jazz tunes for all ages at Rose Hill Park (Berryville, VA). Friday, September 5, 6:30 pm Free. Info…
“Boonesborough Days” Festival – Two days of craft vendors, demonstrations, and family activities in a historic small-town setting at Shafer Park (37 Park Dr., Boonsboro, MD). Saturday, September 6, 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday, September 7, 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Free. Info…
Bike Rodeo – Kid-focused bicycle-safety skills and fun activities led by local volunteers at the Shepherdstown Elementary School in Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 6, 10:00 am–noon Info…
Lincoln - Film Event – Spielberg’s historical drama about Abraham Lincoln and the passage of the 13th Amendment. Screening sponsored in honor of the September anniversary of the Battle of Antietam by the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association. (Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, September 6, 7:00 pm. Pay What You Can. Tickets & Info…
Middleway Clean Up Day – Volunteer cleanup to help preserve and beautify historic Middleway organized by Middleway Conservancy with equipment provided. Meet at Grantham Hall in White/Union Church, Middleway. Saturday, September 6, 9:00–11:00 am. RSVP requested. Free. Info…
Grandparents Day Celebration – Family activities and storytelling to honor grandparents at the Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown). Saturday, September 6, 10:00 am–noon. Free. Info…
Contra Dance – Live music and calling for dancers of all experience levels in a welcoming setting at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, September 6, 7:30 pm $ Tickets & Info…
Back to Nature Homesteading Festival – Workshops, vendors, and demos focused on homesteading skills and sustainable living at Rock Spring Farm (6433 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown). Fundraiser for Children’s Tree House Inc. Early Education Center. Sunday, September 7, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Free. Info…
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Ranger Programs – Scheduled interpretive programs and ranger talks in Harpers Ferry. Saturday, September 6–Monday, September 8. Times vary. Free with park entry. Info…
Your Vote Matters – Nonprofit organizations Our Future West Virginia and League of Women Voters host a non-partisan discussion with elected officials and candidates who won or lost their races by six votes or fewer. In-person attendance at the Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education (213 North King St., Shepherdstown) or via Zoom. Monday, September 8, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Free. Info…
Speak Story Series: Justin Perez – Performance by Texas-based storyteller with an unwavering love for American Sign Language performance art can be enjoyed via livestream and in-person at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (100 West Washington St., Shepherdstown). Tuesday, September 9, 7:30 pm $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Heritage Education – A public forum on owning and preserving historic buildings will be hosted by the Shepherdstown Historic Landmarks Commission at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St., 2nd Floor, Shepherdstown). Tuesday, September 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
Community CPR Class – Hands-on CPR and Stop-the-Bleed training for community members offered by Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency at its offices (419 16th Ave., Ranson) Tuesday, September 9, 6:00 pm, Free. Info…
Community First Aid Class – Practical first-aid training covering common emergencies for family and community use. (Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency, 419 16th Ave., Ranson). Wednesday, September 10, 6:00 pm Info…
