Blue Ridge Elementary School is located along Route 9 on the eastern side of Jefferson County, near the border with Loudon County Virginia. The school's attendance area serves the region of Jefferson County east of Charles Town and south of Harpers Ferry. The Kindergarten through Grade 6 educational program offers full-day Kindergarten and also accommodates several Special Education classes. The original six room school dates from the 1930's; additions were completed in 1959, 1975 and 1991.

Current Use: Approximately 410 students are enrolled in the fall of 1998; there are three sections per grade level including Kindergarten. There is one self-contained classroom for Special Education. Art and music have dedicated purpose-built instructional space and the band utilizes the cafeteria some afternoons for instrumental music. Class sizes are well below allowable maximums and the school has growth and expansion capability of approximately seventeen percent within the existing class sections. There is dedicated space in the small room for the Gifted and Talented program and LD resource rooms share a large classroom. Speech and guidance each have separate office spaces and there is a conference room for EIP meetings.

General: Although constructed over a period spanning sixty years, the resulting structure works very well as an elementary building. The 1991 addition provided a new building between two formerly existing structures. This new section contains the main building entrance and an attractive media center, as well as a multipurpose room and one classroom. The entire complex is sprawling; core facilities and specialized classroom facilities such as art and music are distributed. However, the resulting ensemble offers convenient organization and proximity to the functional resources required at this educational level.

The multipurpose room is large and can accommodate the entire student body for assemblies; it is also generously-sized for physical education classes. The cafeteria is more than adequate, and only three lunch periods are required. Art and music rooms are well equipped and spacious. Teacher work rooms are in both wings of the building and in addition there is a work room in the administrative suite. The media center is an excellent example of how this resource can serve as the hub of an educational facility. The computer lab, however, is situated in a trailer at the far end of the building and this facility is not yet technologically comparable to others in the county. There is no internet link.

Site: This school site is generously sized. Parking occurs in several locations and it is possible to separate private vehicle and bus traffic. There are two playground areas on opposite sides of the building, one for primary and one for intermediate; both are spacious and adequate. Service deliveries do not encroach upon access to playground space.

Building Organization and Configuration: Although this facility is sprawling and traverses a hillside with many changes in interior elevation, ramps and properly located circulation corridors enable convenient linkages between the distinct sections of the building. Furthermore, the location of several core facilities near the center of the building increases functionality.

Potential for Continued Use: This facility is in excellent condition and offers opportunity for enrollment growth in this area of Jefferson County. Despite the sixty years of construction history, the resulting facility operates as an integrated whole and provides an excellent facility resource for continued use in the future. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

Blue Ridge Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	3	@20=60
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	9	@23=207
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	9	@25=225
Relocatable CRs	1	@25= *NR	used for computer lab
Special Education CRs	1	@12=12
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	2	@12= *NR	one standard CR shared by 2 CRs
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR	band uses cafeteria
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR	located in portable CR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	impressive; well located
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	large; no stage
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@125 = *NR
Gen. Office	1	-- --
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	remote from main office
Conference Room	1	-- --	remote from main office
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	small; in main office
Faculty Lounge	2	-- --	at opposite ends of building
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --	inconvenient for some users
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	22	=504	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

C. W. SHIPLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Route 3, Box 270

Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

(304) 725-4395

C. W. Shipley Elementary School is a medium sized facility serving Kindergarten through Grade 6 in the northeastern end of Jefferson County just outside the town of Harpers Ferry. Constructed in 1971, it is a purpose-built elementary school now serving approximately 370 students. The building contains twenty-two classrooms, a library, cafeteria, multipurpose room as well as a computer lab. The cafeteria is used for instruction of gifted students and for instrumental music. The multipurpose room also accommodates special education classes one day a week for limited periods.

Current Use: In Kindergarten through Grade 3, there are three sections per grade level; Kindergarten is an all-day program at the school. Grades 4 and 5 both have two sections each, and Grade 6 has three sections. A pre-school program begins at 7:00 a.m. and breakfast is served in the cafeteria. At present, class sizes are very favorable with the average in the range of 18-21 students per classroom. Fifth grade is the exception, with class sizes totaling 23 and 24. One regular classroom is used for Special Education, and a former conference room is utilized as a Special Education resource room. There is potential to accommodate increased enrollment, given current class sizes.

General: The facility functions very well and, in general lacks major deficiencies, although the roof needs replacement according to the principal. Both art and music occur in dedicated classroom facilities. At present, space is available for speech, although the Gifted program is housed inadequately in the cafeteria. Two small classrooms for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade are in use and have enrollment limits of 15 each.

The school psychologist and guidance counselor share a small office, and the teachers lounge within the administrative suite also serves as the nurse's clinic. There is one teachers work room and instructional material storage/work room for the entire building. Storage is at a premium; most is accommodated within individual classrooms.

The school benefits from a large cafeteria, as well as a connecting large multipurpose room which is actively used by the community during non-school hours. The single computer lab is adequate for the school population currently.

Site: The property is approximately twelve acres and is situated on a flat bluff. There is room for additional expansion in convenient and appropriate locations. The most problematic issue on the site concerns vehicular circulation. Although the bus loop is reserved for buses, there is congestion when both parent vehicles and buses are on site at dismissal. Two playgrounds serve the primary and intermediate students respectively. Unfortunately, the route to the intermediate playground is bisected by the service drive to the kitchen; students may encounter truck traffic as they access the playground.

Building Organization and Configuration: The building configuration is favorable with core facilities located in the center of two academic wings. The building is configured in the form of an "H."

Potential for Continued Use: This purpose-built facility has a long future ahead and can continue to serve the educational needs of Jefferson County for the foreseeable future without major change, even if the building is expanded substantially. The most pressing required facility improvement is the reconfiguration of vehicle traffic to separate buses and private vehicles at the building front entrance. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

C.W. Shipley Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	3	@20=60	One room undersized; no toilets
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	9	@23=207	One room undersized
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	9	@25=225
Relocatable CRs	0	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	1	@12=12	undersized interior rm; gifted in cafeteria
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	1	@12= *NR	regular size classrm shared by 2 teachers
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR	used by speech
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR	also used for band
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	very good facility
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@180 = *NR	oversized cafeteria; adequate kitchen
Gen. Office	1	-- --	adequate
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	shared with psychologist
Conference Room	0	-- --
Nurse/Clinic	0	-- --	located in teachers lounge
Faculty Lounge	1	-- --
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	22	=504	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

NORTH JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Route 2, Box 76

Kearneysville, WV 25430

(304) 725-9587

Located along Route 9 between Charles Town and the Berkeley County line, North Jefferson Elementary School serves the western region of Jefferson County. Constructed in 1971 this building is almost identical to South Jefferson Elementary School and to C. W. Shipley Elementary School. 1998 enrollment totals show approximately 370 students in Kindergarten through Grade 6.

Current Use: At present, there are three sections of Kindergarten through Grade 2 and two sections of Grades 4, 5 and 6. One pre-Kindergarten class is offered, and the Kindergarten program is all-day. Several Special Education classes are housed in the building of the three Special Education classrooms, two are sized properly for small classes, and one utilizes a full-sized classroom. Overall enrollment has dictated the need for two portable classroom buildings. At present class sizes are generally favorable with many primary classes below 20, but with 4th and 5th Grades in the 24-26 range. There is limited growth potential available, given moderate class sizes at present.

General: Although the general exterior appearance of the building is not particularly attractive, the interior space remains fully functional and in good condition. The building has twenty-four classrooms, a library, a cafeteria which has been sub-divided to create a partitioned area for a teachers work room and lunch room. A multipurpose room constructed in 1988 is in very good condition and is a good size. Three additions were constructed in 1975 and 1988. Dedicated classrooms are available for music/band, as well as a purpose-built facility for art. There is one computer laboratory that accommodates 24 students, a Title I classroom that serves for reading resource, a dedicated speech room and an office shared by guidance and psychologist. The nurse's clinic space is also used for administrative purposes.

Site: The site is more than adequate for the building and offers opportunities for expansion. Five buses serve the building. Unfortunately, bus and private vehicle traffic must utilize the same drive lanes and there is no opportunity to separate the two types of vehicles. Exterior lighting is minimal. Playground areas are extensive, but equipment is limited.

Building Organization and Configuration: The internal organization of the facility is excellent. The "H" shaped configuration, with shared resource facilities located in the middle, enables convenient spatial proximity and traffic flow and offers the potential for expansion.

Potential for Continued Use: This facility can be expected to be utilized well into the next century with proper maintenance and careful future expansion/ modification. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

North Jefferson Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	4	@20=80	1 CR used for Pre-Kindergarten
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	10	@23=230	1 CR used for K/1 transitional class
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	5	@25=125
Relocatable CRs	2	@25= *NR	used for 4th Grade - 2 classes
Special Education CRs	2	@12=24
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	1	@12= *NR	good size for use
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	2	@12= *NR	small room used by speech
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR	also used for band
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@135 = *NR	subdivid; part original area teach wrk rm
Gen. Office	1	-- --
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	shared with psychologist
Conference Room	0	-- --
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	located in office work room
Faculty Lounge	0	-- --	located in faculty work room in cafeteria
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --	originally part of cafeteria
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	21	=459	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

PAGE-JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Route 1, Box 322M

Charles Town, WV 25414

(304) 725-8408

Page-Jackson Elementary School is the largest and most intensively utilized elementary school facility in Jefferson County. At present, 570 students are housed in this primary building for Grades Kindergarten through Grade 3. Page-Jackson is paired with Wright Denny Intermediate Elementary School, and both buildings serve the Charles Town metropolitan region. The building is located on the southern end of the city.

Current Use: This large educational facility is unique within the system. It combines both self-contained and modified open classrooms. The library is located in an open zone at the core of the building. Class sizes are approaching the maximum in almost every section; both morning and afternoon Kindergarten are presently available. There are seven sections of Kindergarten through Grade 2 and six sections of Grade 3. Two classrooms are devoted to art and music, respectively, and two small classrooms are utilized for Special Education along with a third Special Education classroom in a normal size room.

General: The intensity use of this building causes some problems. The number of restrooms available for student use is insufficient and problematic; most are concentrated in just one location. Air quality is an on-going concern, especially in the interior classrooms of which there are twelve. The building lacks a two-way intercom system between classrooms and the office. The administrative areas are too small for the population served. The space for parent volunteers in the PASS program (promoting academic and social success) is the library. The computer lab for the building is more than sufficient in terms of number of instructional spaces and size of room. One of the best features of the building is the adjacency of the multipurpose room and cafeteria; they are often combined by opening a folding partition to accommodate evening activities. None-the-less, this facility is too small to accommodate events involving the entire school population.

The building was designed as a primary building, and features and fixtures of the facility would be inappropriate for older children. In order to implement full-day Kindergarten program, three portable classroom units will be required. Only the conference room in the administrative suite is available for itinerant teachers, such as speech. Very often the library must be utilized for Gifted instruction and other itinerant teachers just as 'found' space must be used for occupational therapy and physical therapy. The library is compromised by circulation to classrooms and public areas and is considered to be undersized for a building of this capacity. The roof is reported to need repair.

Site: The property for this building is not extensive. Situated on a knoll, the amount of flat area surrounding the building is limited. There is insufficient parking for staff. There is insufficient playground equipment. The condition of the driveway and the surfaces around the building are problematic with evidence of deterioration and erosion. Parking is also insufficient for parents and visitors of which there are many. The school is served by a large number of buses, twelve to fifteen; there is no separate bus area. The congestion caused by private vehicles and buses in the same vehicular zone is acute at dismissal.

Building Organization and Configuration: The building is efficiently organized as a large square. With the library at the center, classrooms are grouped around an "O" shaped insulation system that has corridor connections to the front entrance and to the perimeter at three other locations. Approximately one-half of the classrooms are interior rooms; some classrooms lack separating wall.

Potential for Continued Use: This facility is currently operating at essentially maximum capacity. Its large footprint and relatively few restrooms along with few exterior entrances, make it a poor candidate for expansion or the addition of portable classroom units on the exterior perimeter. Provided the environmental systems are maintained in good working order, the building has excellent potential for continued future use as a primary facility at/about the current capacity. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

Page-Jackson Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	4	@20=80	2 with toilets
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	20	@23=460
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	0	@25=
Relocatable CRs	--	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	1	@12=12
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	2	@12= *NR
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	2	@12= *NR
Art Room	1	@25= *NR	good facility
Music Room	1	@25= *NR	regular CR
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR	good facility
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	open space; cramp by circulation pattern
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	opens to cafeteria
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@50 = *NR	opens to multipurpose room
Gen. Office	1	-- --	undersized
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --
Conference Room	1	-- --	compromised by storage needs
Nurse/Clinic	0	-- --	now used by itinerant teachers
Faculty Lounge	1	-- --
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --	located in main office
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	25	=552	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

RANSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

600 North Preston Street

Ranson, WV 25438

(304) 725-7310

Ranson Elementary School offers a pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 educational program, including a full-day Kindergarten. Located just northwest of Charles Town in Ranson, an extension of the Charles Town metropolitan area, this school is a neighborhood school and is served by no buses. Day care is offered before and after school.

Current Use: This facility accommodates a 1998 enrollment of approximately 420 students. Most grade levels have three sections with the exception of two 5th Grade sections and one pre-Kindergarten class. Class sizes are generally below the maximums allowed, and there is apparent potential for increased enrollment through infill of existing class sections. However, the building currently utilizes three portable classroom units for four classrooms: two for Grade 6 and two for Title I.

General: This facility is the least adequate of Jefferson County elementary schools. Although added onto and renovated in 1991 to provide a media center, new entrance and office improvements, the school has a difficult configuration and undersized core facilities, in terms of the cafeteria and multipurpose room. The building is awkwardly configured in an inverted "C" shape; movement from one extreme to the other is time consuming and inconvenient.

The multipurpose room is too small for one-third of the school population and is barely adequate for physical education for one class. In addition, the multipurpose room is at a different floor elevation which accentuates the difficulty of utilizing the space effectively.

This facility is hampered by insufficient electrical service and frequent overload of existing circuits. Storage is at a premium in music and art rooms and each of the classrooms. The cafeteria is entirely too small for the school population and accommodates no more than 100 students at a time; four lunch periods are required. The kitchen is undersized and cramped.

Space for itinerant teachers is generally not available. The guidance counselor works in an office in an unventilated storage room. The gifted teacher is stationed in the cafeteria. Title I math and reading occur in the portable classroom units. The number of available restroom facilities for both students and teachers is insufficient.

Site: This school is located in a congested residential area on a very small site. Space for staff parking is insufficient, and all private vehicle traffic is restricted to the public street. Playground space is both too small and difficult to access from a single entrance of the building. The playground equipment is adequate. Access to the multipurpose room is directly from a parking lot and not through the main entrance. The imposition of portable classroom units on the site has compromised already small play areas.

Building Organization and Configuration: As mentioned previously, the "C" shaped configuration of the building is difficult. This problem is magnified by the location of the multipurpose room and the cafeteria and media center at opposite ends.

Potential for Continued Use: Although it is apparent that this facility must continue in service, the only solution to improve functionality within the building is less intensive enrollment. Portable classroom units should be removed as soon as possible in order to recover precious playground space and to de-intensify the use of undersized core facilities, i.e., the cafeteria and multipurpose room. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

Ranson Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	4	@20=80	1 used for the Pre-K; another undersized
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	10	@23=230
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	6	@25=150
Relocatable CRs	4	@25= *NR	2 portable units w/4CRs; 2 used for 6th GR
Special Education CRs	0	@12=
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	1	@12= *NR	2 teachers share 1 regular CR
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	3	@12= *NR	2 located in portable units
Art Room	1	@25= *NR	lacks adequate storage
Music Room	1	@25= *NR	lacks adequate storage
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR	insufficient electrical service
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	adequate
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	seriously undersized
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@100 = *NR	seriously undersized
Gen. Office	1	-- --	extremely small
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	inadequate; located in Library storage rm
Conference Room	0	-- --
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	located in main office
Faculty Lounge	0	-- --
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	20	=460	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

SHEPHERDSTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

P.O. Box 216

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

(304) 876-6720

Shepherdstown Elementary School is a Kindergarten through Grade 6 facility serving the northern end of Jefferson County and located in the town of Shepherdstown. This facility dates from the late 1950's and has additions dating from the 1960's, 1975 and 1991. The September 1998 population is approximately 385 students which is slightly less than previous years.

Current Use: The Kindergarten program is half-day; there are three sections at each grade level. Space is available for all-day Kindergarten, and current class sizes are well below allowable maximums; there is potential for enrollment increase within the existing sections. However, space for itinerant teachers is lacking and the absence of an instrumental music room is viewed as a deficiency. Two Special Education classes share one standard size classroom.

General: The facility is distinguished by an excellent, large media center constructed in 1991 that is not centrally located. The school has dedicated classrooms for art and choral music and a computer lab. The cafeteria is undersized, although the multipurpose room is adequate. In every instance storage space is extremely tight; all instructional materials are stored in the classrooms or in the teachers lounge. Office space is minimally adequate.

Restroom facilities are marginally adequate. The cafeteria is undersized and without benefit of table storage. There is no area for meetings with the exception of the principal's office and the library. Teacher restrooms are lacking in the rear classroom addition. The kitchen is extraordinarily tight with insufficient storage; food service functions overflow into the seating area. There is no stage in the multipurpose room.

Site: This small school site is accessed through a residential area and has very little buffer from surrounding residential properties. Although there are two playground areas, both are quite small. The traffic patterns for private vehicles and buses are mixed. Insufficient parking areas for staff and visitors encroach upon and compromise the drive lanes.

Building Organization and Configuration: Constructed over a period of more than thirty years, the building exhibits a variety of architectural styles. Although there are three separate zones of the building, the connecting linkages enable reasonable functionality. Classroom shapes and basic sizes vary as much as the architectural styles.

Potential for Continued Use: Although the older classroom section of the building lacks adequate environmental controls and will require complete renovation within the next ten years, this building has the potential for continued service at its present size. Additional capacity should not be considered due to the limitations of the core facilities, i.e., cafeteria and multipurpose room. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

Shepherdstown Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	2	@20=40	no toilets
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	9	@23=207
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	9	@25=225
Relocatable CRs	0	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	0	@12=
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	2	@12= *NR	1 large CR shared by 2 instructors
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR	small speech room off cafeteria
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	beautiful facility; not centrally located
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	good facility
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@ = *NR	undersized seating and kitchen/prep area
Gen. Office	1	-- --	small; not well laid out
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	0	-- --
Conference Room	0	-- --
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	small; in general office
Faculty Lounge	0	-- --	same as work room
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	20	=472	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

SOUTH JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Route 2, Box 151B

Charles Town, WV 25414

(304) 725-8043

First constructed in 1971 along with C. W. Shipley and North Jefferson, this building received additions in 1975, 1985 and 1991. This school provides elementary education from Kindergarten through Grade 6. There are three classes per grade level. At present there are approximately 385 students in the building; the turnover rate (transiency) is relatively low for the county at eight percent. Located in the village of Summit Point, South Jefferson Elementary School serves the southern end of Jefferson County.

Current Use: The school offers only morning and afternoon Kindergarten. Although class size enrollments are well below the maximums allowed, certain programs are sharing classrooms, and small rooms are in use for Special Education. One Grade 1 classroom is half-size with only twelve students. There is limited space to accommodate additional enrollment within existing classes; however, there is no apparent solution to the objective of all-day Kindergarten.

General: Classrooms are available for both art and music; instrumental music occurs in the cafeteria, a full-size space that has not been partitioned and downsized as in other similar schools. The cafeteria is perhaps oversized and could be partitioned into a separate instructional space at one end. Speech and guidance are accommodated in separate interior office/meeting rooms, and the library has recently been renovated with PTA funds. A computer laboratory similar to those in C. W. Shipley and North Jefferson accommodates 16-20 students at any one time. The nurse's clinic is housed in the administrative suite and space shared with the teachers work room.

As in most buildings in Jefferson County, there is a shortage of storage space and specialized instructional space for Special Education and Gifted. The Gifted program shares space in a Kindergarten room and is available only in the afternoon. The dedicated Special Education classroom is a small room. One standard classroom has been divided into two instructional spaces for two LD classes. There is no meeting room space in the building other than the library to accommodate such programs as the PASS parent volunteers program. Storage space for physical education, general supplies and administrative supplies is in short supply.

Site: The property for this school building is generous and offers potential for building expansion. Two playground areas accommodate both primary and intermediate grade levels. Unfortunately, the vehicle circulation system is shared by both buses and private vehicles. Service to the rear of the building at the kitchen impacts children's access of play areas.

Building Organization and Configuration: The "H" shaped configuration of the building offers ample opportunity for convenient and appropriate expansion. Its current size and configuration enables convenient movement and proximity of all spaces.

Potential for Continued Use: This facility is in excellent condition and has a very favorable appearance. It will continue to serve Jefferson County Schools for the foreseeable future and could be utilized more intensively through expansion. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

South Jefferson Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	2	@20=40	1 room used by Gifted in afternoon
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	9	@23=207	1 room undersized; small class
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	9	@25=225
Relocatable CRs	0	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	1	@12=12
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	1	@12= *NR	regular CR; shared by 2 teachers
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR	used for speech
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	--	@25= *NR
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	--	@25= *NR
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@18 = *NR	oversized; also used by Band
Gen. Office	1	-- --	adequate
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --
Conference Room	0	-- --
Nurse/Clinic	0	-- --	located in teachers lounge
Faculty Lounge	1	-- --
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	21	=484	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

T. A. LOWERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

55 Shenandoah Junction Road

Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442

(304) 728-7250

Completed in 1992, T. A. Lowery Elementary is the newest elementary school in Jefferson County. The school accommodates 1998 enrollment of approximately 510 students in Grades Kindergarten through Grade 6, of which there is a substantial Special Education population. Located in the north central region of Jefferson County, this school serves the elementary population located between Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, as well as the intensive Special Education needs of students from throughout the county.

Current Use: A half-day Kindergarten program is in place with four classes. There are three sections of each of 1st through 6th Grades, as well as a transitional Kindergarten/1st Grade class. Two classrooms are dedicated to pre-school handicapped students, and four classrooms are dedicated to self-contained Special Education students. In addition, there are two Special Education resource rooms and one physical therapy and one occupational therapy educational rooms. Approximately ten percent of the total population has Special Education needs in a self-contained environment.

General: This large building has a wealth of purpose-built facilities. A large cafeteria adjoins a large gymnasium near the main entrance, separated by a moveable partition. The administrative suite is generously sized and provides exemplary functionality. The library media center is centrally located and presents a great impression upon building entry. There are two music rooms, one for band with supporting storage areas and one for general music; a shared office links the two music rooms. The art room is purpose-built and is served by ample storage space and a kiln. The computer laboratory has fifty stations. The teachers lounge and work areas are separate but adjacent. There is dedicated space for speech and guidance counselor in appropriately sized instructional areas. The environments of all regular classrooms are similar, with the exception of the Kindergarten rooms, which are purpose-built with toilets and adjacent exterior play areas.

Site: The property for this building is expansive and easily accommodates the head start building which is located in close proximity to the school. Bus and private vehicle traffic are separated at the building entrance. This is advantageous since the school is served by sixteen different buses. Playground areas for primary and intermediate students are separate and expansive with age-appropriate equipment.

Building Organization and Configuration: The building is a rectangular in shape and is served by an interior circulation in an "O" pattern that offers convenience as well as efficiency. The core facilities are located near the building entrance and at the center of the facility in convenient proximity to the classrooms located around the perimeter of the building. The administrative areas are located immediately adjacent to the main entrance which on the exterior features a covered walkway.

Potential for Continued Use: This excellent facility will serve as a valuable resource to Jefferson County Schools for a long time. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

T. A. Lowery Elementary School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	2	@20=40	with toilets
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	10	@23=230
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	9	@25=225
Relocatable CRs	0	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	6	@12=72
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	4	@12= *NR
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR	used for speech
Art Room	1	@25= *NR	exemplary space
Music Room	2	@25= *NR	choral & instrumental w/support areas
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR	large facility
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	very attract & functional; well located
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	large; can be used with cafeteria
Auditorium	0	@ = *NR
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@150 = *NR	good facility
Gen. Office	1	-- --	very functional
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	good size room
Conference Room	1	-- --	located in main office
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	located in main office
Faculty Lounge	1	-- --	adjoins teacher work room
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	27	=567	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.

WRIGHT DENNY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

West Congress Street

Charles Town, WV 25414

(304) 725-2513

Wright Denny Intermediate School is located in the middle of Charles Town. This intermediate school serves Grades 4, 5, and 6; in conjunction with Page-Jackson Elementary, it serves the greater Charles Town area. The building is a former high school constructed in 1929 that received a complete renovation and addition in 1991.

Current Use: Current enrollment is approximately 410 students; Grades 4 and 6 have five sections, Grade 5 has six sections. Section sizes are approximately 25 students per class. Dedicated spaces are available for art and music and for science enrichment. There are three Special Education classrooms in the building, and one small classroom is currently vacant. Additional capacity to accommodate future enrollment growth is available.

General: The building is configured in the shape of an inverted "T" with the center section two stories. At one end of the crossing section is an auditorium; a media center and a cafeteria on the level below are located at the other end. The new 1991 gymnasium is an appendage at the top of the "T." Administrative space is correctly located at the main entrance and provides general office space and conference space as well as a small clinic area and room for the guidance counselor. There is a teachers lounge in the building and a teachers work room on both levels. The zoning of the building is by grade level with the 6th Grade on the upper floor, the 5th Grade on one corridor leading to the gym and the 4th Grade on the main corridor connecting the auditorium and media center where the computer laboratory and music room are also located.

Although dating from 1929, the building is highly efficient and attractive both on the exterior and interior. The configuration enables good functionality and convenient movement that was greatly improved upon by the construction of new stairways and the inclusion of an elevator. The auditorium is a large facility with 477 seats that accommodates the entire school population and is used by the community.

The cafeteria on the basement level is seriously undersized and awkwardly configured. The kitchen is also small; better food service and tray returns are difficult. This facility is the only area of the building that can be considered functionally deficient.

Site: This school facility occupies a city block and has sufficient space for staff parking as well as playground areas. Should the building be expanded, however, available open space would be considerably diminished. At present, all bus loading and private vehicle loading and unloading occur on the street in front of the main entrance. Parking for visitors and for special events occurs on the street as well. Playground equipment is limited.

Building Organization and Configuration: The internal organization of this facility is excellent. The "T" shaped configuration allows for desirable zoning by grade level yet also enables convenient spatial proximity. Minor traffic flow congestions occur at the stairways. With the exception of the site constraints and the cafeteria size, there is potential for future expansion.

Potential for Continued Use: This facility can be expected to serve Jefferson County Schools as currently configured for the foreseeable future. The building has the potential for modest expansion to accommodate future enrollment growth at the elementary level in the Charles Town area. Click for health inspection report.

SPACE INVENTORY SUMMARY

Wright Denny Intermediate School

Jefferson County Schools

		RATED
SPACE/ROOM	No.	CAPACITY	COMMENT
Kindergarten CRs	0	@20=
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 1-3)	0	@25=
Elementary Classrooms (Gr 4-6)	18	@25=450
Relocatable CRs	0	@25= *NR
Special Education CRs	1	@12=12
Spec Educ Resource Rooms	2	@12= *NR
Itinerant Teacher/Title I Rooms	1	@12= *NR	used for speech; good size
Art Room	1	@25= *NR
Music Room	1	@25= *NR
Computer Room	1	@25= *NR
Science Labs	0	@25= *NR	1 avail CR currently used for enrichment
Technology/Magnet Labs	0	@25= *NR
Library/Media Center	1	@25= *NR	attractive space
Multi-Purpose Rm/Gymnasium	1	@25= *NR	large facility
Auditorium	1	@477 = *NR	accommodates entire school
Cafetoria w/Kitchen	1	@95 = *NR	seriously undersized; inadequate
Gen. Office	1	-- --
Principal	1	-- --
Guidance Office	1	-- --	located in main office
Conference Room	1	-- --	located in main office
Nurse/Clinic	1	-- --	located in main office
Faculty Lounge	1	-- --	small
Faculty Workroom	1	-- --
ROSTERED Teaching Stations	19	=462	RATED CAPACITY

*NR = Non-Rostered space: includes special subject, enrichment, and support areas, as well as
portable classrooms units which do not provide permanent capacity.