West Virginia middle and high school students will get more time to improve grade point averages to become academically eligible for extracurricular activities. State School Superintendent W. Clayton Burch approved a waiver this week that will allow the change to help many students who have struggled academically during the pandemic, according to a news release from the state Department of Education. Gov. Jim Justice issued an executive order Jan. 11, permitting winter sports teams to begin practice on Feb. 14. Competitions can begin March 3. Wednesday’s waiver will allow academically ineligible student-athletes to fully participate during this period until March 19 when their academic eligibility will be reviewed.