Known as “the best little school in Georgia,” Teasley Elementary has reason to boast. This month marks the school’s 50th year of providing education to young minds in Smyrna and Vinings. A special celebration/open house for alumni, students, parents, teachers, and local dignitaries was held on Sunday, Oct. 13 complete with birthday cake and a performance by the school’s Music Club.
Named after the first principal, Roy A. Teasley, of nearby FitzhughLeeElementary School, the school opened its doors to students in Grades 1-8 in 1963. By 1978, the kindergarten program was added. Today, Teasley’s student population is 735 students, and growing. Growing so fast, that this year, the school is undergoing a major construction project that has split the students into two campuses: one at the former Brown Elementary and the other at Teasley’s 3640 Spring Hill Road location. This project consists of a 20- classroom addition, relocation of existing administrative/student services areas, a kitchen addition and cafeteria expansion, a new gymnasium to replace the existing facility, and various mechanical/electrical system upgrades. School Principal Leslie Mansfield says, “when its all finished, students and teachers will have an exciting opportunity to continue a tradition of excellence at Teasley.”
The school has always been innovative in its community outreach: its chorus regularly performs at the annual Vinings Christmas Tree Lighting; the International Night, bringing multi-cultures together, has been a great success, and the Teasley PAWS Foundation-named to honor the school’s Tiger mascot-has encouraged surrounding businesses and community groups to provide funds and in-kind donations for much- needed special projects, including paying for a Science Specialist to be part of the school’s staff. Foundation President Elizabeth McRae said, “The generosity of our corporate and civic club partners has made it possible for school administrators and teachers to be more creative in their approach to educating our children and solidly preparing them for high school and beyond.”
For more information on Teasley, visit www.cobbk12.org/teasley.
From the October 2013 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.