SHEPHERDSTOWN — Shepherdstown Elementary School celebrated the opening of its new school building on Dec. 11, as the school community gathered for the dedication ceremony.

Discussion for the building project started over 10 years ago and has finally come to fruition, with a 57,445-square-foot building that includes a STEAM lab, outdoor classroom, library, cafeteria, gym and more.

The ceremony began outside, as Principal Jodi Payne welcomed guests and shared a few words. She thanked everyone who played a part in creating a new home for the Black Bears and reflected on how this new building will give students a save space to grow and learn for many years to come.

“This isn’t just a building,” Payne said. “It’s a future home for our connections, collaborations, growth and service. Within these walls, our young bear cubs will be inspired and taught to consistently show positive ‘B’ – behavior, ‘E’ – engagement, ‘A’ – attitude, ‘R’ – respect and ‘S’ – safety in their new den.”

Payne and the school staff will continue to follow their mission to help their students grow into lifelong learners and responsible, respectful citizens. She is excited to welcome students and future generations. As teachers move into the new building in the coming weeks, they will be preparing to welcome students to their new school on Jan. 6.

Jefferson County Board of Education President Kathryn Skinner dedicates the new school building to current and future students on Dec. 11. Photo by Ainsley Hall

Retired West Virginia Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Billy Gillenwater led the Shepherdstown Elementary Safety Patrol members as they raised the flag, and Jefferson High School students Charlie and George Sutherland sang the national anthem. After the official ribbon cutting, everyone gathered inside the cafeteria to hear remarks from Jefferson County Schools Deputy Superintendent of Operations Joyce White, West Virginia School Building Authority Executive Director Andy Neptune, Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Chuck Bishop and greetings from U.S. Sen. Shelly Moore Capito and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore.

After the Shepherdstown Elementary fifth-grade chorus sang several songs, Jefferson County Board of Education President Kathryn Skinner reflected on the journey to get to this moment. The school’s original building was built in 1956, but now, students could learn in a up-to-date building.

Skinner thanked the people who worked on the project, as well as the community for its support.

“The students, staff and parents of the Shepherdstown Black Bears are going to take such pride in what this community has built for them and to ensure they’re prepared to thrive and excel,” Skinner said. “With that said, I officially thank our community for their support and officially dedicate this facility to the current and future students of Jefferson County.”

Families make their way into the new building for the Shepherdstown Elementary School on Dec. 9. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Community members walk through the new Shepherdstown Elementary School building and take in some of the signs that reflect the progress of the project, on Dec. 9. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

A Shepherdstown Elementary School student and her parents check out the room that will soon house the school library, during the sneak peek on Dec. 9. Photo by Tabitha Johnston