Guy K. Stump Elementary

Business Centers

Guy K. Stump Elementary

Stuarts Draft , Virginia

The local commerce is supported, in large majority, by small local businesses. As you drive through town there are the requisite large chain fast food restaurants and grocery stores. Most of the shopping centers are located in strip malls off of the main road through town. More predominantly, there are local mom and pop restaurants, and the intermingled local corner store.

The support for these local businesses in evident throughout the community, particularly in the school. There are numerous local businesses that participate in fundraisers and spirit nights. The teachers at the school also often order lunch out from a local restaurant.

On an interesting note, the overwhelming majority of local restaurants seem to be either Italian or Mexican food.

Throughout the community there are a number of churches and worship centers. There are several typical church buildings, but also churches outfitted into re-purposed space, with one right in the middle of a strip mall.

In the current heated political climate, there is much evidence of the local support for the Republican presidential candidate. As you drive through the more residential streets, there are many banners announcing support.

Another thing that seems unique is the inclusion of WRE (weekly religious experience) in the curriculum. Though it is optional, it it something I have never seen, or would have ever expected to see in a public school.

These factors seem to lead to the general consensus that the area as a whole proscribes to a more conservative way of life.

Recreational Areas

Factories

The local area features many recreational areas. In addition to the playground at the school that is open to the public, there is a playground located at Stuarts Draft Park. The park also includes a community pool, soccer, baseball, and football fields.

Many of the students at the school take part in after school sports, including football and gymnastics.

There is also a Community Hall attached to the local Volunteer Fire Department. This hall hosts many events, including the upcoming "Halloween Haunt."

There are two major factories located within two minutes of the elementary school.

The Hershey factory produces chocolate while the Hollister factory mass produces medical supplies.

These factories are a major part of the local community with many parents, spouses, and family member of the school body working in either factory.

They are also very visible parts of the community with massive smoke stacks, and a consistent stream of smoke visibly pumping in the background.

Elementary School

Residential Areas

Stuarts Draft

The residential areas of Stuarts Draft are compromised of either small neighborhoods of two story houses or much more spread out farm houses where families raise crops and horses.

Based on conversations with my practicum students and faculty, the division seems to be pretty even as to whether people live in neighborhoods or on farms.

For the most part there are 3-4 local neighborhoods where students live. Most are older two-story brick homes with one neighborhood of newly constructed homes constructed closer to Interstate 81.

Named after a local educator who dedicated his life to teaching in the Stuarts Draft area.

Features PreK through 5th grade classes.

The school was reopened to be included as part of Augusta County Schools in 1999 after being renovated from the original Stuarts Draft Elementary.

The pride for the Stump Bobcats and local community is evident throughout the school, in the hallways the classrooms and the support and inclusion of local businesses.

A scenic small town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley (as evident in the background), located about 10 minutes off of Interstate 81. The local commerce is dominated by local businesses and the support of a tight-knit community.

Stuarts Draft is considered to be a part of the greater Staunton-Waynesboro area, with most large businesses being located in those areas.

Anna Adams