RobbinsvilleElementarySchool

County schools prep for new year

Robbinsville – Graham County Schools custodians – and some students – are busy getting school facilities ready for Monday, Aug. 22, the first day of school.
This graph shows COVID-19 trends from the outset of the pandemic. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

This graph shows COVID-19 trends from the outset of the pandemic. Graphic by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Schools shift mask policy

Robbinsville – The Graham County Board of Education on Tuesday warily voted to return to voluntary masks on school properties (except on buses, where masks are still mandatory), but is prepared to return to the table later in February if any school has a COVID-19 positive test rate of 10 percent or...

Insurance to cover new elementary bleachers

Robbinsville – As the emergency repairs to the Robbinsville Elementary School Gymnasium near completion, it has been found that new bleachers will also be needed, on top of the work done on the structure’s floor and walls.
In this May 21 photo, a crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

In this May 21 photo, a crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Preschool reopens amid gymnasium repairs

Robbinsville – Graham County Manager Jason Marino gave an update on the Robbinsville Elementary School gymnasium at Aug. 17’s Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting. Crews have been looking closely at the gym since late spring, when structural issues with the building became apparent.
Robbinsville Elementary School literacy coach Crystal Buchanan was able to fund classroom literacy and phonics materials for lower grades, thanks in part to funds from fast-food chain SONIC. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville Elementary School literacy coach Crystal Buchanan was able to fund classroom literacy and phonics materials for lower grades, thanks in part to funds from fast-food chain SONIC. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

SONIC helps local instructor purchase classroom materials

A Graham County educator was able to further outfit her classroom, thanks to a grant from a well-known fast food chain.
A crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. The facility has been closed since late February, when Graham County School officials began to notice the floor was beginning to shift. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

A crack monitor measures the expansion around the foundation of Robbinsville Elementary School’s gymnasium. The facility has been closed since late February, when Graham County School officials began to notice the floor was beginning to shift. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Gym foundation source of major concern

Robbinsville – Some three months after the discovery of a potentially hazardous situation, Graham County School officials remain baffled.
Educators Ricky Parham, Jessica Wehr and Bryan Beasley (from left) are among several local teachers who have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, while still providing a quality education – both virtually and in-person. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Educators Ricky Parham, Jessica Wehr and Bryan Beasley (from left) are among several local teachers who have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, while still providing a quality education – both virtually and in-person. Photo by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

For the kids and the community

* Unsung Heroes: Finale of a 5-part series Robbinsville – Among the many institutions upended by the COVID-19 pandemic was the educational system, with educators across the country being required to teach their students virtually.