Early Schools and Education (Historical Context)

 

Local schools played a vital role in the history and development of Pocahontas County. Here's an overview of various aspects of these schools, drawn from the sources:

Early Schools and Education (Historical Context):

• Early education: Instruction in early schools primarily covered reading,
  writing, and arithmetic. Grammar, geography, and history were sometimes taught, though less commonly.
• Literary Fund: A "Literary Fund" was established in 1820, using fines and penalties to educate poor children.
• Session Room Schools: Before dedicated school buildings, the session room of Liberty Church was a key educational space in the Greenbank Community. These schools were often taught by the pastor, or by outside teachers for a small fee per student.
• Greenbank Academy: Greenbank Academy was erected in 1842 and was the first free school.
• Teacher qualifications: Teachers would attend an institute for a week and pass a test to become qualified, earning about sixty dollars per month.
• Consolidated schools: By 1926, speeches were made regarding effective consolidation of schools, and meetings were held to consider this topic.

School System and Structure:

• School Board: The local Board of Education had control over school buildings, contracts, and teacher employment within their districts.
• School Superintendent: The County Superintendent prepared tests for teachers. Grey M. Cassell was a Superintendent of Schools in Pocahontas County.
• New High School: In March 1969, a new principal, Fredric W. Smith, was employed as Principal of Marlinton High School. A new high school building was under consideration.

School Details and Events (1969):

• Enrollment: There were 5,628 students enrolled in Pocahontas County schools.
• School bond issue: The Board of Education received inquiries regarding voting on the School Bond Election. Public meetings were held to discuss the school bond issue in April and May.
• Teacher assignments: Laurel Pulice was employed as a Fifth Grade teacher at Marlinton Elementary School for the 1976-77 school term.
• School openings: The opening date for school was set for August 26, 1969.

Curriculum and Activities:

• Course Offerings: Pocahontas County High School (PCHS) offered a variety of courses, including math, English, foreign languages (French and Latin), electronics, typing, history, and vocational classes such as agriculture science, commercial foods, and welding.
• Basic Skills: Basic English classes focused on individualized instruction in reading and foundational English principles.
• Vocational Training: Vocational Industries Club of America (VICA) aimed to prepare students for the workforce. Electronics classes taught television, radio, and motor repair.
• Extracurricular Activities: Students participated in clubs such as Future Farmers of America (FFA), Drama Club, Pep Club, and Student Council.
• Library: Libraries were important and librarians provided library study for English classes.

Facilities and Resources:

• Libraries: The Pocahontas County High School library provided extensive resources and maintained a local history collection.
• Equipment: Electronics classes installed speakers in the hallways of Pocahontas County High School.

Integration and Community:

• School board members: The Board of Education recognized students and parents as customers in the education system.
• Community Support: Citizens supported schools, including through bond issues.
• Consolidation: A new high school was built to consolidate the school system.

This overview demonstrates the historical development, structural organization, curriculum, and community integration of local schools in Pocahontas County.