Huntington School Briefs
Jefferson Elementary School was built in 1961/62 on eight acres of land for $1.171 million. The building is 45,400 square feet. As originally constructed it featured 19 regular classrooms, two kindergarten rooms, one cafeteria, one combination gymnasium/auditorium, one small music room and a main office with rooms for the principal and nurse. The school opened for classes in September 1962. (view the Jefferson Elementary/Primary School Timeline of Principals.)
Retirement Party
A retirement party will be held in honor of J. Taylor Finley Middle School social studies teacher William "Rick" Eriksen on Thursday, June 16 from 6-10 p.m. at The Harbor Club in Halesite. The faculty member is hanging up his chalk stick after more than two decades in the district.
The party will feature open refreshments, a choice of chateaubriand, chicken Francaise or garlic encrusted tilapia and an ice cream parlor table for dessert, including all the toppings. Coffee, tea, espresso and cappuccino will also be served.
To reserve a seat send $75 (includes gift) by May 6 to either Denise DeChiaro or Angela Long at Finley.
Polar Animals at Washington
Washington Primary School second graders in teacher Joan Marie Balsari's class recently created polar animal dioramas and put them on display. The youngsters answered questions and discussed their work with classes on every grade level as well as parents and even grandparents.
Science study has been stepped up this year in the Huntington School District, with students working independently and in small groups on projects in all six elementary buildings. The youngsters have had fun while learning a range of new concepts. Parents have turned out to view classroom projects and have been impressed.
The students conducted in-depth study of five different polar animals, including the polar bear, walrus, seal, penguin and arctic fox. They worked in cooperative groups for each animal studied, researching questions and later writing short non-fiction books about each animal.
Some of the visitors who turned out to view the public display were surprised at how well written the books were. Some of the books were remarkably well-illustrated and many displayed significant knowledge, along with interesting facts and figures.
Alumni Update
Eric Toedtman is a member of Huntington High School's Class of 1992. The North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently named him its High School Health Educator of the Year. He's in his 11th year at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, North Carolina and serves as chairman of the health and physical education department.
After graduating from Huntington High School, Mr. Toedtman obtained a bachelor's degree at Greensboro College and a master's degree at Western Carolina University. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he coaches volleyball, women's basketball and golf.