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PUTNAM NEWS
Putnam BOE to unveil new elementary school
The new Teays Valley Elementary School boasts state-of-the-art technology inside and -- what the kids will really be concerned about -- a new playground outside. The school will be unveiled during an open house on Sunday, Aug. 24.
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TEAYS VALLEY -- The population in Putnam County has grown steadily for three decades, increasing by more than 28 percent since 1990 and 44 percent since 1980.
This fact has put an undeniable strain on the local school system. The demand for classroom space at most schools has exceeded supply, requiring the use of portable units to make up the difference for long periods of time.
On Aug. 24, the Putnam County Board of Education will unveil a new elementary school in the heart of this growing area. Students, parents and interested citizens can attend an open house from 2-4 p.m. at new Teays Valley Elementary on Teays Valley Road.
"There are so many that would like to walk through the new school," said Principal Doug Pitzer. "The staff thought if we opened it up to the community during that Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours, it would give Putnam County citizens a chance to see the newest and the latest."
Teays Valley Elementary will include a dedicated art and science project room and a number of high-tech features, including flat-screen televisions, lights controlled by motion, and projection and public address systems in each classroom. Instead of an all-purpose cafeteria and gym, the school will have a dedicated gym with hardwood floors, retractable basketball goals, bleachers and an electronic scoreboard. And, of course, each classroom will be wired with high-speed Internet.
"It's going to be pretty high-tech. Obviously, we're in that age," said Superintendent of Putnam County Schools Chuck Hatfield. "The teacher will wear a wireless microphone, and their voice will be magnified over the audio system in the room. They won't have to raise their voice for every child to be able to hear. That's a unique feature."
Putnam County attracts families relocating to the Charleston area and people migrating west from the Kanawha Valley to escape the shadow of the area's chemical plants. The county also offers easy access to necessary services, friendly and safe neighborhoods, and manageable traffic.
Despite the level of growth, the county hasn't built a new school since it opened Eastbrook Elementary, Lakeside Elementary, West Teays Elementary and Hurricane Elementary in 1980.
"The Teays Valley area in particular has continued to grow. That's the reason we had the need for the new school," Hatfield said. "West Teays and Scott Teays were both overcrowded. That's the reason we built that school between those two."
Needless to say, excitement and anticipation are building for the school's opening. "We're kind of excited for the kids that will be going there," Hatfield said. "They'll get to help name the school and make it their own. We think it's going to be an attractive school setting. There's plenty of room, and it's in a great location. We've put together a good staff. With the technology advances, there's every reason to believe it's going to be a top-notch school."
Principal Doug Pitzer brings considerable leadership ability and education experience to his new post. A former meteorologist and project manager for an environmental firm, Pitzer taught in Kanawha County for 13 years. He then served as assistant principal at Poca Middle School, George Washington Middle School and West Teays Elementary School before becoming principal at Rock Branch Elementary.
Pitzer said his management experience came in handy as the school took shape and the staff came together to prepare for the new school year. Staff transferred to the new school from Putnam County elementary, middle and high schools.
"I'm just already so proud of the staff here. Many of them have volunteered their services," he said. "Both Monday and Tuesday of this week, I've had anywhere between 20 and 35 folks in helping to get books to the classrooms and sort through materials.
"It's been great seeing everyone here helping. The staff and I have met on two separate evenings. To have 30 or 35 professional people come in on their own time to make sure we're ready to go on day one for kids already says a lot about the commitment of this staff to the community," he said. "That's what's touched me the most."
After the opening, one of the first pieces of business Pitzer will attend to is replacing the school's working name, Teays Valley Elementary, with a permanent one. He said the entire community will have input in the new name and school colors.
Superintendent Hatfield is on the same page with Pitzer. "We're going to let the students, community and staff have input in naming the school," he said. "They'll have a committee at the school to take input and suggestions. That gives the students, the staff and the community a little more ownership of it."
