History of South Salem

On October 29, 1964, the headline in the Salem Times Register read, "School-in-the-Round Dedicated." South Salem School is renowned for its unique design. In 1964, it was the only school in Virginia, outside of Richmond, with this unusual shape. The aerial picture shot while still under construction prompted a reporter to quip that it looked like a wedding cake. Over the years, teachers have overheard students say it reminded them of the "Starship Enterprise" of Star Trek fame. Visiting teachers from Allegheny Highlands gave us the nickname of "Heaven on the Hill."

Architects Guerrant and Moundfield designed the physical features of the school to be both flexible and efficient. Every available space was to be put to maximum use in a variety of ways.

Our building was designed to promote experimental educational projects. For instance, team teaching in all grades and all subject areas was the program being implemented in the early years. At that time, South Salem School was the model school in the area for this pilot program.

In addition, our school had another use that was not so educational. It served as a fallout shelter for the neighborhood. For many years, our attic space was the storage area for emergency medical and food supplies. Some may remember that the Soviets launched "Sputnik" causing the U.S. to question our place in the space race and our safety from air attacks.

South Salem School has not only had a variety of uses but it also had a large variation in enrollment over the years. In September of 1964, there were twenty-one teachers with an enrollment of 470 students in grades one through seven. By 1972, the school was having growing pains. We were literally using every available space.

This was the year that approximately ninety-nine kindergartners arrived and the seventh grade was moved out. Some seventh graders went to Glenvar while others went to Andrew Lewis. Mr. Powers, principal at the time, had to be very creative in finding enough space for over 650 students and more teachers than available rooms.

Teachers held classes in the inner common spaces also known as hallways. The reading resource lab was set up in the front entry hall where brave teacher, Dot Cordle, taught the children as she also greeted visitors to our school. Connie Pullen, guidance counselor, had her phone installed in the vestibule of the front entrance. Students and teachers ate lunch in their classrooms while Pat Beach taught her physical education classes in our present cafeteria. Mrs. Beach remembers that Bill Grant taught sixth and seventh grade band on the stage during her gym classes in the early 70's. Sue Lam, music teacher, recalls that her classroom was a cart.

We remember Sam Hubble, custodian, now retired. He was the man with the big smile, rolling cart, and big barrel on wheels who came by our rooms to collect lunch trays at the appointed time. Ethel Jewel, cafeteria manager, is fondly recalled for the delicious food, especially the made-from-scratch rolls and hot dog buns.

The much needed kindergarten wing, somewhat square in shape, was added onto our "circle" in 1974. Also included in this addition was a music room and gymnasium.

In 1994, another addition, this time a rectangle, was built. This wing housed our first grade classes and reading recovery room. Again, we were accommodating a new and innovative educational project with the inclusion of a special teaching center with a mirrored window where visitors can observe the reading recovery program in progress.

South Salem School has maintained a dedicated and professional staff over the past thirty years. Fred Eichelman was our first principal and was followed by Hugh Tucker that same year. Jack Conner began his principalship here in 1967, followed by James Sims in 1968 and Bill Powers in 1969. Mr. Powers retired after fourteen years as our principal.

Then, for the first time in the history of South Salem, a principal was chosen from the ranks of the teaching staff. Martha Ratcliff became principal in 1983. She began teaching at South Salem in 1970 where she taught third, fifth, and sixth grades. In 1989, she was promoted to Director of Instruction and she later served as Personnel Director for the City of Salem Schools.

Mrs. Linda West served as our secretary from 1970 until her retirement in 2002. This gave her the distinct honor of being on staff longer than any other person. Mrs. Kathy Jordan took over the secretarial duties after several years working as office aide.

Dr. Joseph Coleman, was appointed principal of South Salem School in 1989. He came to us from G.W.Carver where he also served as principal. Prior to coming to Salem, he had been associated with Roanoke City Schools where he worked as a teacher and in several administrative capacities. In the fall of 2004, Dr. Coleman left South Salem to become Director of Technology and Assessment for Salem City Schools.

Mrs. Shirley Everett became our first full time assistant principal in 2000 after having served as a part time assistant principal and part time gudiance counselor for several years. Mrs. Everett retired in the summer of 2006.

Dr. Alan Seibert joined the South Salem staff as principal in 2004 after having served as assistant principal at both Salem High School and Andrew Lewis Middle School. In the fall of 2006, Dr. Seibert left South Salem to become Superintendent of Salem City Schools.

Following Dr. Seibert's departure, Mrs. Margaret Humphrey was appointed principal. Mrs. Humphrey had served most recently as assistant principal of Andrew Lewis Middle School, and she had previously taught fifth grade at South Salem. Also in the fall of 2006, Mrs. Laura James became our new assistant principal, coming to us from Hanover County. Our secretary, Mrs. Jordan, left us for a position as Dr. Seibert's administrative assistant at Central, and we were pleased to welcome Mrs. Bonnie Crotts as our new secretary.

It is the fervent hope of our staff that South Salem's history of innovation, professionalism and educational excellence can be equaled, if not surpassed, as we continue through the twenty-first century.