Stanhope welcomes 05-06 year with new principal, expanded facilities

STANHOPE - A new principal and a newly expanded school awaited parents as they attended Stanhope Valley Road School’s back-to-school night on Sept. 29. Principal Gregory A. Hobaugh opened the evening’s activities singing the praises of the improvements to the school, in particular the new gymnasium, saying that it is one of the finest in the county. He acknowledged that each parent was probably full of questions including, “What will my child learn this year?” And the young-looking administrator quipped, “How old is the principal anyway?” He invited the parents to tour the facility to see the expansion which include in addition to the gymnasium, a music room, art room, two kindergarten classrooms, a consumer science area and a new cafeteria with a full kitchen. Hobaugh outlined some of the community-minded activities planned for the coming year, many directed to helping the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among those mentioned are Rock for Relief, a rock concert to be held 7 p.m., Oct. 14. The student body also plans to adopt a school in the ravaged area, by not only sending needed school supplies, but by maintaining a relationship throughout the year. A school has already been chosen in Houston that has accepted 34 of the evacuated children. Math teacher Ginny Koppel has launched a quilting project to present one to each of the children. She invited parents to join in the handiwork. The school also unveiled its new Web site www.stanhopeschools.org and 48 new flat screen computers installed in the media center. “You have a great opportunity to get involved in your child’s education,” said Home.