Ritchie Elementary Celebrates 100th Year With New Playground Plans
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WHEELING -- Ritchie Elementary School in South Wheeling kicks off its 100th school year today, and it is one in which they could see a new playground constructed.
Youths in Ohio County Schools return to the classrooms today, and on Tuesday Ritchie School hosted its annual block party to welcome students back to school.
Victory Toyota passed out a total of 330 backpacks stocked with school supplies to children, while staff sold Ritchie School T-shirts to raise money for the playground.
Principal Amy Ritz is starting her second year at the school.
"What I learned the first year is the school is even more amazing than I thought it was," she said. "And we are celebrating our 100th anniversary."
The goal is to have the new playground completed by the end of the 100th year, Ritz continued. She estimates the school will need to raise about $224,000 first.
It also needs to be sensory-friendly and must accommodate students from pre-K through grade 5, according to Ritz. The J.B. Chambers Memorial Foundation has stepped up to provide matching grants for the project, as has the Hoffman Foundation.
She noted that during the 100th year alumni will be asked to come speak to the school. There will be a Ritchie School birthday party, and a 5K run is being organized to benefit the playground.
"We just have some amazing things happening this year for the kids, and it's going to be really fun," she added.
Ritz was asked if she was anxious for the school year to start.
"I'm anxious to see the kids," she responded. "That's the best part.
"I loved the first year and all the things the kids taught me. I had fun learning all the things the kids taught me - all the things about elementary school."
Ritz praised Victory Toyota for providing the backpacks and school supplies.
"Not only did we have the supplies, we had one centralized donor who took over everything for the kids," she said. "The community turned out in full force to give the kids all kinds of goodies going into the day."
Vinny Costain, general manager at Victory Toyota, said the car dealer partnered with the Kids in Need Foundation through Toyota's Big Summer Giveback to provide the 330 backpacks to students.
Victory Toyota also provided backpacks to students at Madison Elementary School.
"It's about giving back," Costain explained. "It's not about what you get in life - it's about what you give. This is a great start for the school year. Kids are coming in with supplies from the beginning and preparing for a great school year."