Community Elementary School
History
Community School has
been in its current location since 1925. At that time, the school was built to
serve students in grades 9-12. Students in grades 1-8 were served in various
elementary schools, ten in all, in the communities of Rover, Haynes, Longview,
Green Hill, Taylor’s Cross Roads, Cedar Grove, Unionville, Fall Creek, Poplin’s
Cross Roads, and Ray’s Chapel.
In the spring of 1925, the
school was built on five acres in Unionville. Classes began there on August 1,
1925. For the next 12 years the school was a high school facility only. During
that time, several families built horse and buggy stalls on the school site
-‘parking’ for the students who rode to school on horseback or in wagons.
In 1937-38, the old school was torn down, as well as the
stalls. A brick building was constructed in 1939. The school expanded several
times in the next decades, with additions built in 1946, 1954 and 1955. A
cafeteria addition was added in 1963-64 and the gym was added in 1964 after the
old gym was badly damaged by a snowstorm.
Community School
underwent a major renovation in 1975. At that time, thirteen classrooms were
added as well as areas for business, science, shop, and home economics classes.
Rooms were also added for offices and a library. By 1975, the school campus
consisted of 15.48 acres.
In 1997, the latest renovation
to Community School was
completed. In that year, the school was ‘split’, resulting in two schools
capable of serving students from kindergarten through graduation. Community High
School serves students in grades
7-12 and Community Elementary
School is a K-6 facility. Each
school has its own principal and faculty, sharing only the cafeteria, thanks to
an unusual building design. Since 1975, an additional 18 acres has been added,
enabling the schools to provide areas for play and sport practice. A local
baseball league enjoys the use of the school’s field, also.
Not
only is Community School the
center of education in the area, but also a hub for many local events. Local
baseball and basketball leagues are permitted to use the school’s facilities.
At various times, senior citizens and other community organizations have used
the school for meetings and events. A community picnic and carnival is held
each year as well as annual chili suppers and barbecues.
If
you are interested in learning more about the history of this area, follow the
link below. Mrs. Arline Sudberry,
former teacher at Community, has researched the Rover area and has lots of good
information available.
