TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—202 SOUTH MONROE STREET ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916

Contact:  Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

The Need For Quality Education From   it’s   early   beginning,   Alderson   has   always   recognized   the   need   for   quality   education.   We   had   very good   elementary   through   collegiate   level   education   right   in   Alderson   from   the   turn   of   the   century.      Those champions   for   education   in   the   early   days   embraced   and   endured   many   challenges   to   make   sure   our citizens and those surrounding us had quality education. Today’s   teachers   are   facing   obstacles   never   before   imagined.      Teachers   themselves   are   having   to   learn how   to   manage   virtual   learning   and   traditional   learning   all   while   continuing   to   do   their   job.      For   the   same amount   of   pay,   with   an   insurmountable   work   done   behind   the   scenes   all   hours   of   the   day   and   night   to keep it all on track. One   of   the   toughest   decisions   as   a   parent   to   make   was   whether   or   not   to   send   our   children   back   to school.   Elizabeth   and   I   are   both   medical   professionals,   and   my   real   job   is   education.   We   weighed   the options   and   decided   to   keep   our   children   home.   We   knew   it   would   not   be   easy.   Our   schedules   are complex with normal school. As   we   work   with   our   children   at   home,   our   frustrations   are   not   any   different   than   anyone   else   who   has chosen   to   do   virtual   learning.   It   is   tough!   But   much   kudos   has   to   go   out   to   EVERY   teacher,   support   staff, and administrative staff for the extra burden this has caused to be placed in them. Alderson   has   always   had   excellent   teachers   dedicated   to   giving   their   students   everything   they   can   to better   themselves.   Our   elementary   school   is   one   thing   that   we   as   a   town   do   our   best   to   always   support. The work done here is the fundamental building blocks of the education process. All   this   having   been   said,   it   is   with   the   most   admiration,   respect,   and   meaning   that   I   want   to   say   thank-you to   all   of   our   school   staff   as   they   continue   to   give   their   all.   Your   work   does   not   go   unnoticed   and   you   are   all appreciated immensely in “The Gem of the Hills.” Travis L. Copenhaver, Mayor