Jefferson School Inches Closer to 50th Anniversary
It may be entering middle age, but Jefferson Primary School is in better shape than ever. The building is still majestic in appearance, featuring a classic postwar suburban design along with the modern instructional spaces required by today’s educational programs.
Sensing the need to add another elementary school to meet the needs of a growing community, the Huntington School District purchased an eight acre tract of land on Oakwood Road nearly 50 years ago and in 1961-62 erected what would later be named Jefferson School, in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence. It was the fourth building named for a U.S. president, with the others being Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools.
Over the years, the parents of Jefferson School students have been extremely supportive of the school and its programs and that same tradition continues today. The school is a single story structure set back from Oakwood Road. A long driveway leads to the building with athletic fields and a large playground visible to the thousands of cars passing by on the busy thoroughfare.
When Jefferson was built, most of the nearby land was used for farming and other agricultural purposes. Today, some of those large areas have been set aside for land perseveration and are forever free of development, although they are no longer used for agricultural endeavors.
The building includes an attractive courtyard area that is used for both educational initiatives and simple enjoyment. Two large wings are connected by a shorter span. There are two playground areas and a fully functional library-media center.
The school features a large cafeteria overlooking the school entrance and a gym complete with a stage, allowing it to double as an auditorium for assembly programs and large group gatherings. There is no useable basement.
An attractive stone exterior wall on the east side of the building is a hallmark of the school’s front entrance walkway. A flagpole sits in the midst of a bus circle island. Parking lies adjacent to the bus circle and vehicle spaces line the driveway leading to the building and alongside the playing fields.
“Jefferson Primary is a very special place, made so by a community that has always been focused on family, friends and raising children,” Principal Margaret H. Evers said. “Jefferson is the only primary building that can boast a center courtyard and the teachers, children and parents take great pride in maintaining this great resource. Gardens lift a visitor’s spirit the moment they step inside the front door. Children observe the seasonal changes from their own front row seat as they peer through the large windows that grace three halls surrounding the courtyard.”
Jefferson currently houses students in kindergarten through third grades. An energetic group of teachers and related staff engage children in creative lessons and activities each day. The interior and exterior of the building are very well maintained. Enrollment for the current school year is projected to be 358 students.
“Inside this little gem called Jefferson Primary are rooms filled with energy and commitment to learning for all,” Mrs. Evers said. “A staff of forty teachers and thirty support staff work cooperatively to teach our children, not what they can’t do, but what they can do, and do well. Jefferson Primary is simply a wonderful resource to the community that it serves so well.”
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