In this episode of We Have Hope, I reflect on the highlights of 2024 and share my thoughts on what’s to come in 2025, especially around the HOPE Scholarship and school choice here in West Virginia. I discuss the importance of being proactive in your child's education and how the HOPE Scholarship has opened up new opportunities for families—whether through private schools, micro-schools, or homeschooling. I also address some common misconceptions about the scholarship, like its impact on public school enrollment, and encourage parents to make bold, informed decisions about what's best for their kids. With the HOPE Scholarship set to expand in 2026, I remind listeners that they are the "conductor" of their child's education journey and emphasize the need for parents to be actively involved in shaping their children's futures.

Wishing you all a wonderful, inspired start to 2025—let’s make this year one of bold choices and meaningful progress for our kids!

Episode Highlights:

• Let’s recap 2024.
• The mission of this podcast.
• The importance of making the right choice for your student.
• The Hope Scholarship.
  
  

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!
• Hope Scholarship Code Info
• Hope Scholarship Info
• Ed Choice Hope Scholarship Info Page
• WV Public School Enrollment Headcount Sheet from Cardinal Institute

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with Kathleen Cummings from Parchment to explore how the company is transforming the way credentials are managed and shared.

Parchment's mission is simple but powerful: to turn credentials into opportunities. Whether you're a student navigating multiple pathways, an educator supporting learners, or an employer verifying qualifications, Parchment provides a secure, digital-first platform for managing transcripts, diplomas, and other important credentials.

Kathleen explains how Parchment simplifies everything from credential requests to transfer records, ensuring that student information is safe, shareable, and easily accessible. Tune in to learn more about how Parchment is shaping the future of lifelong learning with innovative solutions for the modern learner.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Kathleen.
• What is Parchment?
• The benefits of Parchment.
• Getting priorities straight.
• What 'hope' means to Kathleen.

More on Parchment:

• Learn more about Parchment here!
• Contact: kathleen.cummings@instructure.com or raquel.asencio-garcia@parchment.com

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with Jennifer Wharton, an elementary school counselor in West Virginia, to discuss the vital role school counselors play in supporting students and schools. Jennifer shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a school counselor, including her experiences working in diverse settings—from middle and high schools to elementary classrooms with specialized programs for non-verbal autistic students. We explore the evolution from "guidance counselors" to modern school counseling, the myths surrounding our work, and the many hats we wear—from coordinating fire safety lessons to helping kids navigate friendships and academic challenges.

If you've ever wondered what school counselors really do or why our work is so essential, this episode offers an inside look at the dynamic and rewarding world of supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Jennifer.
• A typical day.
• The history of guidance counselors.
• Challenges in the school system.
• What hope means to Jennifer.

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.