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Print | E-mail to a friend SCHOOLS

Officials unveil new Martha Elementary

August 28, 2008 @ 09:25 PM

BILL ROSENBERGER

The Herald-Dispatch

BARBOURSVILLE -- Although Martha Elementary students have been enjoying their new school for the past three days, Cabell County Schools administration and school board officially cut the ribbon Thursday night, unveiling a school that contains every amenity a teacher could ask for.

Each classroom has an interactive SMART Board, four to five computer stations, a ceiling-mounted projector, a digital visual presenter and a wall-mounted flat screen television.

First-grade teacher Jennifer Ross said in her 26 years of teaching, she's never had access to the technological tools she does now.

"The technology is just fabulous," said Ross. "Everything is just so new, and I'm just glad to be a part of it."

The students also are excited about their new school. Besides the tech toys, the school now has separate music and art rooms and a library and computer lab. Fifth-grader Tori Lycans, who opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, called the school "awesome."

"We used to have to share the art room with music classroom, and sometimes music went to into the gym," she said of the former Martha Elementary.

The classrooms all have very bright colors. Michelle and Chad Aliff, who have two children at Martha, couldn't decide what they were impressed with most.

"I know these kids are really excited to be here," Michelle Aliff said. "(My children, Griffin and Rhian) were both definitely more excited this year because they were getting to go to a new school."

State Superintendent Steve Paine, who wanted to see the opening of the first of five new schools that are being built, said it's evident Cabell County cares about education.

"I'm proud of what happens in Cabell County," Paine said. "You're our shining star in West Virginia."

There are still a few minor bugs that need to be worked out at the school, such as the intercom. Some of the front yard also is covered in dirt and hay. But students helped with the latter by throwing grass seed with Superintendent William Smith before the ribbon was cut with two large pairs of scissors.

"This is your school, and we hope you are as proud of it as we are," Board of Education president Ted Barr said.

By the smiles on everyone's faces, pride was not in short supply.

"We both feel very fortunate to have our kids be a part of this," Michelle Aliff said.

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J. Chris Newberg
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