Jefferson County Schools proudly dedicated its new Ranson Elementary School on December 16, and the excitement was contagious! RES students, families, staff, and community members gathered with members of the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBOE) and local and regional dignitaries to celebrate a fresh start for the Ranson Rockets in their new home.
The ceremony began with Principal Lance Astorino welcoming everyone and sharing his excitement about the opportunities the new school will provide.
“The RES staff and I are honored to offer a high-quality education to our students in this beautiful new space,” said Astorino. “This isn’t the end of ‘old Ranson', but the continuation of legacies built, honored, and cultivated over the many years of Ranson Elementary."
The ceremony included a special moment as the Ranson Elementary Chorus performed the National Anthem during the raising of the American flag. Afterward, the students joined Principal Astorino, members of the JCBOE, and Heather McIntyre, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, for the official ribbon-cutting.
JCBOE President Kathryn Skinner officially dedicated the new school building to the students, staff, community, and public education in West Virginia, saying, “If all four of those work together, we’re going to have the best, brightest kids learning in the best, brightest facility,” Skinner said.
The event continued with remarks from JCS staff and local leaders. Speakers included Dr. Chuck Bishop, Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools; Ranson Mayor Duke Pierson; Emily Podolskiy, representing Congressman Mooney’s office; and Sandy Hamilton from the School Building Authority. Each shared their pride in the new school and the community collaboration that made it possible.
Joyce White, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Jefferson County Schools, highlighted the lasting impact of the new school. She pointed out that Jefferson County Schools is home to schools that are over a century old, and the new Ranson Elementary will be no exception in standing the test of time.
“It’s powerful to think that 100 years from now, students will still be learning and growing here,” White said. "We are all part of the history and legacy of as we rededicate the new Ranson Elementary School.
White also described the project as a labor of love, expressing gratitude to ZMM Architects and Engineers and Howard Shockey & Sons for their role in bringing it to life. “The success of the new Ranson Elementary was made possible by finding the right partners—those committed to building a well-designed, safe, and welcoming school for our students,” she said.
The Ranson Elementary Chorus closed the ceremony with an inspiring performance of "Give Light," a song that captured the spirit of hope and new beginnings. Afterward, guests were invited to tour the school and enjoy its unique features, including two state-of-the-art STEAM labs, rocket-shaped reading nooks in each classroom, a spacious art room, and the beautiful new gym that promises exciting staff-versus-student games.
The celebration included refreshments provided by the Ranson Chick-fil-A, along with a coffee and cocoa bar sponsored by ZMM Architects and Engineers. A special thank you to these community partners for adding a warm and festive touch to the event!
The opening of the new Ranson Elementary School is a testament to what can be achieved when a community works together, and with doors officially opening in January, the school is poised to serve as a beacon of learning and growth for years to come. Principal Astorino expressed the staff’s excitement about the future.
“We are transformation agents, here to engage, grow, and mold the next generation of leaders,” he said. “We can’t wait to welcome the Ranson Rockets into their new home when doors officially open on January 6.”