Last Thursday, more than 50 students in grades three through five at Putnam County Elementary School visited the construction site of their new school, now under construction on the east side of Eatonton behind Putnam County Middle School.
After arriving on two school buses, the students were treated to an onsite lunch in what will be the gymnasium, where they eventually will enjoy playing sports and games. They also listened to a welcoming presentation by Ralin Construction Sr. Vice President Tres Jernigan and Putnam County Charter School System Superintendent Derick Austin.
Each student later took a permanent marker and added their signature to a large metal beam, which would will soon become part of their new academic home.
Ralin Assistant Superintendent Aaron Carter also led Austin and several PCES teachers on a thorough tour of the new school, carefully pointing out entry/exit points and major features such as the library and media center space, various classrooms and courtyards, built-in security measures, and even handwashing stations placed in hallways instead of within bathrooms to cut down on hidden horseplay.
Despite encountering some early land-clearing delays due to many large boulders found during excavation, the school is expected to be ready for occupancy the next school year.