(Brittany Sullivan • Clay County Progress) Pre-K students’ Hudson Parker, seated, and Weston Reece enjoy activities in their learning centers in the new primary school. Reece bragged about his “amazing,” playground which is on the other side of the school. The first and second grade playground is shown in the background.
Children in Pre-K through second grade began their first day in Hayesville’s new primary school on Monday. By all indications, transitioning those students from the elementary building to the new one went well.
“We had an excellent first day. The staff planned and executed a flawless opening with Principal Lindsey Hodnett,” said Schools Superintendent Dale Cole.
Apparently students were also enthusiastic as they were introduced to school activities in brand, new classrooms.
“It was so gratifying to see how excited the students were to attend their new school, especially the new playgrounds,” Cole said. “In a time when it is easy for any of us to get down and defeated as we deal with so many issues, it is a lot of fun to see our youngest students ignore minor irritations like wearing masks and focus on the joys of life, like hitting a brand-new playground with their friends. Their laughter does all of us a world of good.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in October to celebrate the opening of the $14 million primary school. The facility was funded from $10.2 million in N.C. Education Lottery money and $3.8 million in taxpayer funds appropriated by Clay County Commission Board.
Hayesville Primary School will house approximately 25 percent of the student population which averages 1,260 campus-wide. The new school includes a gym, full service cafeteria, separate playgrounds and nurses’ station.
Cole said the primary school opening has also curbed traffic congestion.
“The addition of the new school has improved traffic on Anderson Street and at Hayesville Elementary dramatically and that is a great thing for our parents and community,” he said.
Cole shared the followed information to help keep traffic flowing smoothly.
• Students should be dropped off between 7:20-7:30 a.m. as classes start at Hayesville Primary School at 7:50 a.m. This gives students 20 minutes to eat their breakfasts.
• Parents should not use the bus driveway off Anderson Street next to the Hayesville Elementary School driveway at all. This is for buses only.
• They ask that parents who are dropping off or picking up one student, to place the student in a passenger side seat. This allows for faster and safer right-hand stops.
• In the afternoons, parents should line up on Meyer’s Chapel Church Road off Highway 64 instead of coming up the hill on Anderson Street. This will keep from blocking traffic in both directions.
• As parents enter the drop-off/pick-up line at the digital sign, pull up as far possible and use both lanes which will help curb traffic off the main road.