Friday, October 22, 1999
Huddleston celebrates 20 years

By PAT NEWMAN
Staff Writer

 

“The staff, the students and the community” are the three things that distinguish Huddleston Elementary as a school of excellence, according to Principal Lynda Lambeth.

Saturday starting at 1 p.m., teachers, children and alumni will join with former principals Dr. John DeCotis and Trigg Dalrymple to celebrate Huddleston's 20th birthday.

Started as an intermediate school with grades five and six, the entire school often stopped work for lunch in its early days, recall Huddleston teachers Marcie McDuffie and Tom Teribury, who are 20-year classroom veterans. “Sometimes we would sit outside for lunch and oversee our classes,” said McDuffie, noting the 45-minute lunch period which has been shortened over the years. “It was a really good time,” she said.

“I remember that tree when it was just a twig,” Teribury said, pointing out a tall oak dressed in autumn leaves. In addition to the school's growth of foliage, Teribury has witnessed the development of the school in size. The physical plant has been expanded, along with the enrollment, which now stands at 675 students. Huddleston evolved into a kindergarten through eighth grade school in 1990.

Saturday's celebration will include the presentation of a “mystery mural” which has been a work-in-progress this week by Huddleston students under the creative guidance of Karin Mervis, artist in residence. Her approach to teaching art to children includes at least 15 ways to paint and view the picture, noting there is no right or wrong way. She has her easel set up in the front entryway of the school, allowing students to see the progress of the week-long project. The result will be viewed today.

The unveiling of a new sign at the entrance of the school is also part of the birthday observance. The message-board sign will announce school events and announcements.

Looking ahead, Lambeth has set goals for the school she has led for 10 years. Reading tops the list, with a pledge of support for the individual student through the stages of reading development. In math, the school wants to provide a strong understanding of the curriculum, along with improving basic skills which can be applied to practical application.

Huddleston plans to use technology to “integrate and extend all curriculum” within the classroom, and provide the computer as an active resource for students and staff. Increased awareness of multiple cultures will be integrated into the classroom along with improved communication within the school and community.

“Huddleston will teach the importance of personal accountability through staff modeling and establish clear expectations between students and staff,” according to Lambeth.

Huddleston is on McIntosh Trail, accross from the Frederick Brown Amphitheater in Peachtree City. the celebration will continue until 5 p.m. Saturday.


What do you think of this story?
Click here to send a message to the editor. Click here to post an opinion on our Message Board, "The Citizen Forum"

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page