Mattie Wells is my home away from home. I completed my pre-teaching, student teaching, and I am still here teaching. It has been quite a ride all these years and I will be sad to see "her" go. I've taught some of the most incredible children ever in all of my wonderful years here. I still visit with them in various places and I hope to continue visiting with them for a long time. Good-bye to a safe and loving place...I will miss you!
Mattie Wells has been an awesome place for me to teach. This school is older than I am, and I was hoping to retire here. I have only taught at Mattie Wells for 7 years, but I know that I will miss our school family as we are being pulled apart and sent to other schools within the county. The faculty and staff have always been the best connected folks that I have ever worked with. I will really miss this school!
Mattie Wells is old and worn but just like our lives it has weathered many social and civil rights storms. i am not sad to see it go, because progress is the name of the game in education. as we say goodbye to an area lets learn from past mistakes and move forward with a renewed love for loving and educating all kids
I went to Mattie Wells in 4th and 5th grades. One of my favorite memories was learning to square dance in Sally Ussery's class! We had such fun! It reminds me as a teacher that many times, the things my students will remember have nothing to do with standards, GPS, or testing. The memories that my students will carry with them will be the relationships we build and the way I make them feel.
My son attended Mattie Wells until fourth grade when I began teaching at Dames Ferry and moved him with me. But, I also attended Mattie Wells in 5th and 6th grade and my favorite time in school was my sixth grade year. Mrs. Shirley McCook was my teacher and she was awesome. Her love of teaching and the connection she made with us as people built us into a family. Her influence is what made me decide to become a teacher and I have tried my best to utilize everything she taught me in my own teaching. I live on 49 and it will definitely be different without the school being there. I wish all the teachers there the best!
My husband went to Mattie Wells the year it opened. The principal had all the students gather in the courtyard to plant a willow tree. My husband was picked to help with that. Years later the tree died and a new tree was planted to replace it. My daughter was picked to help plant the new tree. Even though things change over the years, our wonderful memories of the love and friendship will continue.
From my childhood days as a student, I remember big wheel races in the parking lot, fall festivals, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. (I also vividly remember falling off the slide and breaking my arm!)
As a student teacher, I remember the love and support from Mrs. Sires and all the other 3rd grade teachers there. I knew that there was nothing else I would rather do than to teach students and work in such a wonderful county.
As a beginning teacher, the Mattie Wells family took me under its wing and supported me in those first few years. The students I taught then are still some of the most precious people that I have ever met. It has been a priceless joy to see them grow into the young adults that they are now.
Mattie Wells Elementary School has influenced my life for 31 years, and I am thankful for the bountiful happy memories!
Charlotte Foskey Student 1980-1983 4th Grade Teacher 1993-1998
I have a lot of fond memories at this building. Mattie Wells is a great school. I remember big wheel races in front of the lunchroom, square dancing with Mrs. Ussery and lots of special memories with my children here. I also have a lot of friends here at Mattie Wells as an employee. That is going to be the hardest part of separating next yesr. I am going to really miss my some of my coworkers that go in different directions next year. Love you all. Melanie Smith
I attended Mattie Wells from K-6 grades (1981-'86). I made lifelong friends there and had some of the best teachers in the school system (Debbie Howe & Shirley McCook).
Among many sentimental and amazing memories, my favorites are winning the 2nd grade spelling bee, playing the lead in Little Red Riding Hood, and playing Aunt Polly in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
I am deeply saddened to see such a warm and embracing learning environment retired from use.
Many thanks and best wishes to all the faculty and staff of MWES who have touched and enriched our lives!
I Have so many Memories, I especially remember in the third grade the teachers all playing softball down in the big field..that we all called a big ditch, I went there from first grade on through sixth Grade, Loved Mr Hurst and his wife, my teachers..I remember Dave the janitor that was so nice, the Lunchroom staff..I will truly miss seeing it !
Two of my all-time favorite teachers were at Mattie Wells, one being Mrs. Wells' daughter herself -- Nancy Wheeler. The other was Marion Morgan. Loved both of them. Mattie Wells will be missed!
I remember as a child riding down Highway 49 by Mattie Wells but I never imagined I would teach there nor have my children go to school there. From being a teacher and parent I have wonderful memories of Mattie Wells...........the staff, fall festivals, big wheel races, musical productions, PTA programs, field day, picnics, spelling bees, math bees, softball games, kickball games, the "new building" opening and teaching 32 kindergarteners that same year, the gym being added,etc.
We had a fun time but we taught and helped lay the foundations for future doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, and others who have become wonderful productive adults.
I thank all those who had a part in teaching my children because they had a great education at Mattie Wells!!
I quote my daddy," Time has a way of changing things." We can hold on to the memories.
I have many fond memories at Mattie Wells as my Mom taught there and I was a student K-6 (1981-'87). I remember my first day of Kindergarten in the red portables out beside the first grade hall with Mrs. Peck, then on to Mrs. Myers, and then Mrs. Howe for 2 years (because she moved from 2nd to 3rd grade the year I moved up). In fourth grade, I had Mrs. E McCook, then Mrs. Henderson for 5th and Mrs. Shirley McCook for 6th. I remember the big weeping willow in the courtyard, and playing in its branches. I have fond memories of being the owl in Little Red Riding Hood and seeing all the other plays. That lunchroom stage was well used over the years that I was there. I remember the new building opening up and the playground having to move from that side to the back of the school; as well as the grades spreading out a bit. Before that building, 2 grades shared each hall. I have fond memories of all the fall festivals and field days; and yes it was a big ditch. It was fun playing in the woods on that hillside going down to the field. When I was in college, I would come back and help Mr. Bragg and Jimmy during the summers do some maintenance at the school. I have built several sets of bookshelves under the breezway outside the 4th grade hall. That building holds lots of wonderful memories for me that I will keep with me forever and I will be sad to see it go.
I remember some great times as a student at Mattie Wells. Mr. Hurst was principal and well loved as were the Big Wheel races. It would be blazing hot and we would all gather to see the races and cheer on our friends. I remember the playground for the "big" kids and trying to avoid the bees on the sweet Tea Olive. But I mostly remember my teachers. Mrs. Sunny Lane was the best fisrt grade teacher ever. I was very happy to have the lovely Mrs. Ussery for 2nd and 5th grades. We made butter and learned a colonial dance. Mattie Wells was a great place to be and it will be missed.
Wow, Mattie Wells! It seems like a lifetime ago that I walked the halls of that school. Some of my favorite moments would have to be the 50's and 60's play we did in the 5th grade, the picnics, so many good friends and so many good teachers. Some of my favorite are Mrs. Ussery, Mrs Ware, Mrs Warren, Mrs Altman, Mrs McDonald,.....They were just all great!
The most important thing I can remember about Mattie Wells was that those teachers really cared about our education. I never found that anywhere else.
Mattie Wellsl was where I began my teaching career as a student teacher with Peggy Pittman. I stayed there with the following principals: Mr. Hurst, Betty Ann Kitchens, and Robert Bragg until the "split" when I moved to WPS with Janne Childs. I remember the wonderful teachers, Sunny Lane, Kathie Williamson, Mary Lee, Rosalyn Finney, Pat Sires, Judy Irwin, Debbie Howe, Pat Blanks, Julie Henderson, Sally Ussery, Shirley McCook. I remember my son Patrick playing the role of Tom Sawyer on stage in the lunchroom. I remember many of my first grade students, especially Josh Howe and those huge large print books! I remember the centers in my classroom and the wonderful SIA Program. I remember being housed in the little room at the end of the first gr. hall and it flooded. Janne and Amy put up a sign for "Simming Lessons". I remember refreshments in Sunny Lane's classroom. I remember students sitting on benches waiting for buses. Most importantly, I remember the love.
Before my first day of Mrs. Scoville’s kindergarten class, I was told that Principal Kitchens owned an electric paddle and that she was not averse to using it. As it turns out, this was not the case. My subsequent years at Mattie Wells Elementary School were full of similar discoveries, though few were met with the same degree of anxiety as that first encounter. The teachers and staff Mattie Wells were and are committed to cultivating good citizens who have a healthy interest in the public good. For me, and indeed for most students, life after Mattie Wells became exceedingly complex as we were forced to move away from the brick walls that provided comfort and welcome. Had it not been for the very talented and devoted teachers at Mattie Wells, however, navigating life after elementary school would have been much more complicated. I am of course biased given that my mother, Debbie Howe, continues to teach 3rd grade at Mattie Wells after almost 30 years of service. She, along with all of her colleagues, represent what is good about early childhood education, namely that a young mind, properly cared for and encouraged, can become an instrument of change for the better. On behalf of almost half a century of young minds, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all of the people who have selflessly contributed to making Mattie Wells Elementary School a source of pride for Jones County. I’m proud to be a Mattie Wells alumnus.
I have so many special memories of Mattie Wells. This is where I did my student teaching and returned here to teach in the 1980,s. The faculty and administration took me under their wing and I learned so much from them. Without the support and encouragement of people like Betty Ann Kitchens, Robert Bragg, Sally Ussery, Julie Henderson, Debbie Howe, Darlene Watts, Rosolyn Finney and Kathie Williamson (just to name a few) I would never have stayed in education all these years. I'm so glad I did because I would not want to be doing anything else in life. I feel so blessed to have been apart of this wonderful school family.
It is always so comforting to drive on Hwy 49 and pass MWES. It is such a comforting part of my history. Now as I am a teacher myself, it was such a blessing to have such wonderful memories of elementary school. I attended MWES from Kindergarten(Mrs. Scoville and Mrs. Grant) to 6th grade(Ms. Aultman). Other teachers, I... had were Mrs. Lane, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Teague, and Mrs. Henderson. All of these teachers, helped me to become the teacher that I am today. I only hope that I can have the influence on my students that the great teachers at MWES had on me. Some of my favorite memories I have are, having my grandmother be a paraprofessional there, staying all day at Kindergarten, when I usually left 1/2 day (those were the days when we had an optional half day), my daddy helping me wrap an egg in something that would protect it, so when my... See More teacher threw it high in the air, it would not break when it hit the ground, all the times my cousin Bradley drove me crazy =), the oldies play(need I say more... I still have the video), Josh Howe making fun of a pilgrim that I drew in 3rd grade by saying it had a pig nose(totally devestated me at the time, now all can do is laugh), riding the bus with my sister, being 4-H secretary in 5th grade, recess on those playgrounds that seem HUGE at the time, until I taught there, then they weren't so huge. I have so many more, but I will conclude for now. MWES will be greatly missed, and I will be so sad to not be able to point out to my boys the place where I went to elementary school. Thank goodness that we can hold on to our great memories and friendships!
I attended Mattie Wells from K-5th grades. I gained so much both acacemically and socially through my experiences there. Mr. Bragg was a wonderful principal who knew every student by name. We saw his smiling face at school and he greeted us again when we went to Walmart in the evenings and weekends. I ran into him recently in town and he still remembered me from elementary school. I have fond memories of each of my teachers. Mrs. Scoville and Mrs. Grant in Kindergarten, Mrs. Finney in 1st grade, Mrs. Sires in 2nd, Mrs. Howe in third (who also was my sponser teacher during my student teaching), Mrs. Bailey in 4th grade, Mrs. Marshall and Williamson in 5th grades, and Mr. Ethridge & Mrs. Kell for gifted were all wonderful to me. They went above and beyond to be sure that I received a quality education. I graduated from Mercer in 04 with a BS.Ed. and recently finished my M.Ed. I decided to follow in thier footsteps hoping to make the same great impression on a child's life as they did on mine. Mattie Wells will always be a special place for me.
I too have fond memories of Mattie Wells. I did not go to school at Mattie Wells but my mom taught there for MANY years, Mrs Sunny Lane. I loved coming to Mattie Wells and watching her teach and walking through the lunchroom and hallways. I was always so proud because I felt like she taught at such a great school and she had such a BIG classrom!! My mom loved Mattie Wells and all the teachers that taught their. Her goal was to always make a difference in childrens lives and I feel like she did do that. Farewell to a great school!!! Eydie Lane Bowden
My mother, Mrs. Sunny Lane, loved being a teacher. I never understood her passion until I became a teacher myself. She loved her students and she loved her school. Mattie Wells holds lots of memories for so many people. The school may be gone but the memories will live on forever. Cyndie Lane Vance
I will always remember Mr. Bragg giving me the tour of Mattie Wells when I moved from New York. I was told that was the best school and my kids would love going there. I will remember the good times of sitting outside at recess and just the terrific people that I met. The school will be missed.
I always enjoyed walking outside to get to the office, lunch, library, etc. I appreciated Mr. Bragg's hard work to keep flowers and plants growing. At the end of the day I loved to fellowship with other teachers outside the classrooms on those long benches. For me....Mattie Wells was always a welcoming place!
My first realization that Jones County was a special place was eighteen years ago when I did a practicum with Rosalyn Finney. My goodness, that lady is a special person! She taught me the value of patience and dedication. Years later, I had the privilege to work with many extraordinary people at Mattie Wells.
Mattie Wells School holds a very special place in my heart and in my memories. At the age of 2, I unveiled my grandmother's portrait that now hangs in the library and used to be in the lunchroom. At 5, I was in Mrs. Sunny Lane's first grade classroom. She absolutely was the best and had the patience of a saint! All my life, MWES has been a part of my life as my mother, Nancy Wheeler, taught fifth grade there and always set the bar high for me. At 19, I did my student teaching with Shirley McCook, who I've always tried to model my teaching like. At 20, I started my teaching career at MW in fourth and later fifth grade. What a precious staff from which to learn how to be a teacher! Thank you to all the veterans who gave me such a wonderful start to my education and my teaching career. Thank you to the Jones County Board of Education of the 1960's who honored my grandmother for her 42 years of service. I'll always be grateful to the people of Mattie Wells--faculty and students-- and the people of Jones County for the many ways you have blessed my life!
I attended Mattie Wells for only 2 yrs, Mr. Hurst was principal. I remember the big wheel races, Miss Browns paddle. My teachers were Ms. Brandt in 4th grade and Ms. Ussery and Ms. Dumas in 5th.In5th grade it was 1976 and our entire class dressed as patriots I still have the picture. Gregory Leonard
In elementary school many many years ago I had the privilege to be taught by Mrs. Mattie Wells at the old Griswold School. I was delighted when the “new” school was named for such a devoted teacher and principal.
In 1965 Charles and I became active in PTA as our then preschoolers looked forward to the day when they would go to school across Highway 49 from where we lived. They received a wonderful education there as did their younger sisters years later.
In 1980 I was approached to “fill in” as secretary for the last three weeks of school…and I stayed for twenty-five years! I loved my job, the children, their parents, and my co-workers. I cherish the memories that are so dear to me. Mattie Wells School will always hold a very special place in my heart.
My fondest memories are working with the students, and having a wonderful faculty and staff.
My son Reginald attended Mattie Wells Elem. K-5th grade. He had the best teachers.
Mr.Bragg was principal he always had a smile on his face. He knew all the students names.
I have worked at Mattie Wells Elem., for 14 years. I've worked with the best teachers and parapros. I started working in 3rd grade. Mrs. Scoville, and all the 3rd grade teachers took me in under their wings. I really felt welcomed. I also worked in 4th grade, and now working in 5th grade.
I attended Mattie Wells from 1973 to 1979. Mrs. Sunny Lane was my first grade teacher and one of my favorites. I remember our first grade classes getting to draw on a section of the new wood benches that would stay in the halls for us to sit on. I heard that some were still around a few years ago. Mrs. Ussery was another favorite teacher I had for fifth grade. I also loved the big wheel races. I will miss Mattie Wells Elementary.
Mattie Wells is where I started teaching and stayed until I retired. I thanked Mrs. Betty Ann Kitchens at the Homecoming Celebration for giving me the chance to teach with such a great group teachers. I have wonderful memories. Therefore I have to go get my brick.
I can't even begin to list all the memories I have of this wonderful place. Mrs. Finney 1st grade, Mrs. Henderson 2nd, Mrs. Ussery 3rd, Ms. Jones 4th, Mrs. Henderson again in 5th and Mrs. McCook 6th. I was there when Mrs. Kitchen and Mr. Bragg were both there. My best memories would have to be the big wheel races and the Fall Festivals. And of course all the great teachers
It will be sad to see Mattie Wells gone. I wish I could have gone to the ceremony but I was out of town. One of my favorite memories about Mattie Wells were the great Fall Festivals every year. One of the main attractions was always the "Cake Walk".
Mattie Wells was my daddy's great aunt and thus my great, great aunt. There used to be a great photo of "Aunt Mattie" as we all referred to her that hung in the lunch room.
Other memories for me, was breaking my arm on the playground in the first grade on what I think we called the "witches hat".
The Red Light Camera in the lunch room and getting caught talking and having to sit on the stage. Being afraid that when my sister walked in and saw me, she was going to tell on me when I got home.
The Big Wheel races that I think were started by Principal Hurst and of course, his saying, "come here, come here, come here".
Having Mrs. Wheeler in the fifth grade, (Mattie Wells daughter and relative) and being scared to death she would tell my mama and daddy if I misbehaved. This was usually the case if you look at my report cards from 1st-4th. I straightened out some when I got her.
Favorite teachers included, Mrs. Scott, 4th grade, Mrs. Wheeler, 5th grade and Mrs. Brooks and Reddick 5th grade.
Anyone know if Nan Peter's was at the ceremony? Nan is Mattie's Well's grand daughter.
I attended Mattie Wells from 1st through 6th grade. My first grade teacher was Ms. Pittman, she was always so sweet!! Mr. Hurst was an anwesome!! I remeber the big wheel races and fall Festivals!! My son also attended this school!! Wow!! I think I will go get me a brick when they start tearing the school house down for keepsake!!
Since these are the last days of Mattie Wells Elementary School, I would like to share with you the first day of this schools opening on the hill. It had been raining several days when the school opened. The school consisted of 9 classrooms, a small office area, a small library, a small lunchroom, restrooms, and a pump house. These buildings sat on a red muddy hill without a blade of grass or a tree or a single green bush in sight. The teachers had to park across the highway. The buses loaded and unloaded near the highway. Parents had to park along the highway and walk their children to class.
My thought when I saw the school and its surroundings was pure shock. As I started walking up the hill I encountered a white-haired gentleman wearing a suit and I stepped carefully in the mud. I just assumed it was a grandparent. He spoke and welcomed me to the new school. My reply to him was whoever built a school on this hill needed their head examined. I then saw his nametag- it read Mr. Knox, Superintendent of the Jones County Schools. I quickly hurried on my way up the hill.
As I stepped upon the walkway one of my white sandals slipped off my foot into the mud. It was gone in a second so I could not retrieve it. I took off my other one and dropped it in the trashcan and took my son to class barefooted. Now that was embarrassing to say the least!
The classes that day were large and what we would consider today as overloaded. I wasn’t sure I wanted my child going to school under such conditions. But he did and so did his younger brother, my three grandsons, and my great grandson. They all attended Mattie Wells. This became our family’s school.
As I look back to that first day I call it an enlightening, almost positive learning experience. Mattie Wells Elementary has grown and flourished over the years. I say with love and affection goodbye to this grand old school where I proudly served as a parent, PTO president, substitute teacher, teacher, principal, and instructional supervisor.
Over the years Mattie Wells’ excellent faculty has touched many lives in many ways in this community. Thank you for coming today to help say goodbye and a job well done to this school and its faculty. Betty Ann Kitchens
When we love something we let it go, and that is what we all have to do in our lifetime. I am sad to see it go, though. Mattie Wells has had so many memories through all the years, and I will never forget it.
I remember and miss Mrs. Lane, and Mrs. Norman. It was a great time back in the late sixties and early seventies to go to school there. A lot of friends I still remember and the life lessons that I learned there. I will remember Mattie Wells.
I visited the old property the other day. I swear I could still smell breakfast pizza cooking in the kitchen like it's a crisp 1996 morning and my mom just dropped me off out front. It was nice to take a much needed breather from the hustle and bustle of my current life in the film industry and quietly reflect on the path that led me here. Some good memories. Some bad. But none that I would trade for anything in the world. Everything I am today started at Mattie Wells, and I am eternally grateful for every single teacher that I had along the way. Shout out to Mattie Wells Elementary Class of 2001!!!
I transferred to Mattie Wells just before Christmas in 1969 to Mrs. Addie Brown’s first grade class. Memories from my days at Mattie Wells and the influence of my teachers have stayed with me throughout my life. I vividly remember Mrs. Ursery in 2nd grade, Mrs. Hunt in 3rd grade, Mrs. Morgan’s 4th grade class, Mrs. Loyd in 5th grade, and Mrs. McCook in 6th grade. Some of my favorite memories are also of the fall festivals, the big truck or bus tires on the playground, watching guys do acrobats and back flips during an assembly in the front parking lot, peanut butter cake, being in plays, and the field trip to ride the Nancy Hanks train before it was taken off the tracks. I also remember Saturday School in 3rd grade after the Great Snow of 1973. We had to make up snow days, yet at some point, our teacher showed compassion for us and let us watch a portion of Saturday morning cartoons. These are fun moments to look back on, Yet my most cherished memories are of the way the teachers impacted me personally. On the first day of 2nd grade, I remember my dad’s taking me to school and returning to bring me my lunch money. He found me just sitting in my desk amidst the chaos and excitement of the first day in the classroom as parents and students came and went. My dad basically told me to cheer up; it would be okay. He was right. Mrs. Ursery was a wonderful teacher, who was kind and who gently and wisely taught us many life lessons that led me to have a little more belief in myself and to, even at a young age, to think about the consequences of my choices. Some of the students in that class were Teresa, Lavern, Kelly, and Kirby. While each year at Mattie Wells was pivotal in my life, 5th grade in Mrs Ann Loyd’s class stands out to me. Among many learning experiences, we tried using tape recorders to do spelling at our own individual paces; we played word games; we went on field trips; we did the Presidential Physical Fitness program; and we went to see the play “Tom Sawyer” at Georgia College. One of my favorite times was when Mrs. Loyd would read to us everyday. I dearly cherished that time and the stories of “The Box Car Children” and “The Great Brain.” Years later, I enjoyed reading these same stories to my own children and to my own students. In Mrs. McCook’s class, we learned to play recorders, and I believe we put on the Christmas play , “A Christmas Carol.” I was Mrs. Fezziwig. When I began taking my own students to see this play at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, I felt that I was passing on a part of Mrs. McCook’s impact on my life. I also remember 6th grade graduation and having to give a speech. Some years later as a teacher myself, I couldn’t help but chuckle at those students, who like me, wanted to stay til the end of the day. After graduation, it was just Mrs. McCook and me, and I will always appreciate her compassion and patience with a sixth grader whose world was turned upside down that year by events at home but who found stability and love at school. As a teacher, I have tried to emulate Mrs. Ursery, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Loyd, Mrs. McCook, and others in how they brought compassion, excitement, and a sense of wonder to their students. Mattie Wells was great because of the commitment and love and dedication of all the people there! What a great legacy this school has!! Rhonda Hinson Ashcroft
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ReplyDeleteMattie Wells is my home away from home. I completed my pre-teaching, student teaching, and I am still here teaching. It has been quite a ride all these years and I will be sad to see "her" go. I've taught some of the most incredible children ever in all of my wonderful years here. I still visit with them in various places and I hope to continue visiting with them for a long time. Good-bye to a safe and loving place...I will miss you!
ReplyDeleteDebbie Howe
Third Grade Teacher
30 years at MWES
Mattie Wells has been an awesome place for me to teach. This school is older than I am, and I was hoping to retire here. I have only taught at Mattie Wells for 7 years, but I know that I will miss our school family as we are being pulled apart and sent to other schools within the county. The faculty and staff have always been the best connected folks that I have ever worked with. I will really miss this school!
ReplyDeleteMattie Wells is old and worn but just like our lives it has weathered many social and civil rights storms. i am not sad to see it go, because progress is the name of the game in education. as we say goodbye to an area lets learn from past mistakes and move forward with a renewed love for loving and educating all kids
ReplyDeleteI went to Mattie Wells in 4th and 5th grades. One of my favorite memories was learning to square dance in Sally Ussery's class! We had such fun! It reminds me as a teacher that many times, the things my students will remember have nothing to do with standards, GPS, or testing. The memories that my students will carry with them will be the relationships we build and the way I make them feel.
ReplyDeleteMy son attended Mattie Wells until fourth grade when I began teaching at Dames Ferry and moved him with me. But, I also attended Mattie Wells in 5th and 6th grade and my favorite time in school was my sixth grade year. Mrs. Shirley McCook was my teacher and she was awesome. Her love of teaching and the connection she made with us as people built us into a family. Her influence is what made me decide to become a teacher and I have tried my best to utilize everything she taught me in my own teaching. I live on 49 and it will definitely be different without the school being there. I wish all the teachers there the best!
ReplyDeleteMy husband went to Mattie Wells the year it opened. The principal had all the students gather in the courtyard to plant a willow tree. My husband was picked to help with that. Years later the tree died and a new tree was planted to replace it. My daughter was picked to help plant the new tree. Even though things change over the years, our wonderful memories of the love and friendship will continue.
ReplyDeleteCherie Mock
I have very fond memories of Mattie Wells.
ReplyDeleteFrom my childhood days as a student, I remember big wheel races in the parking lot, fall festivals, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. (I also vividly remember falling off the slide and breaking my arm!)
As a student teacher, I remember the love and support from Mrs. Sires and all the other 3rd grade teachers there. I knew that there was nothing else I would rather do than to teach students and work in such a wonderful county.
As a beginning teacher, the Mattie Wells family took me under its wing and supported me in those first few years. The students I taught then are still some of the most precious people that I have ever met. It has been a priceless joy to see them grow into the young adults that they are now.
Mattie Wells Elementary School has influenced my life for 31 years, and I am thankful for the bountiful happy memories!
Charlotte Foskey
Student 1980-1983
4th Grade Teacher 1993-1998
I will miss the Mattie Wells building I have a lot of memories
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of fond memories at this building. Mattie Wells is a great school. I remember big wheel races in front of the lunchroom, square dancing with Mrs. Ussery and lots of special memories with my children here. I also have a lot of friends here at Mattie Wells as an employee. That is going to be the hardest part of separating next yesr. I am going to really miss my some of my coworkers that go in different directions next year. Love you all. Melanie Smith
ReplyDeleteI attended Mattie Wells from K-6 grades (1981-'86). I made lifelong friends there and had some of the best teachers in the school system (Debbie Howe & Shirley McCook).
ReplyDeleteAmong many sentimental and amazing memories, my favorites are winning the 2nd grade spelling bee, playing the lead in Little Red Riding Hood, and playing Aunt Polly in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
I am deeply saddened to see such a warm and embracing learning environment retired from use.
Many thanks and best wishes to all the faculty and staff of MWES who have touched and enriched our lives!
I Have so many Memories, I especially remember in the third grade the teachers all playing softball down in the big field..that we all called a big ditch, I went there from first grade on through sixth Grade, Loved Mr Hurst and his wife, my teachers..I remember Dave the janitor that was so nice, the Lunchroom staff..I will truly miss seeing it !
ReplyDeleteTwo of my all-time favorite teachers were at Mattie Wells, one being Mrs. Wells' daughter herself -- Nancy Wheeler. The other was Marion Morgan. Loved both of them. Mattie Wells will be missed!
ReplyDeleteLauren Leach
I remember as a child riding down Highway 49 by Mattie Wells but I never imagined I would teach there nor have my children go to school there. From being a teacher and parent I have wonderful memories of Mattie Wells...........the staff, fall festivals, big wheel races, musical productions, PTA programs, field day, picnics, spelling bees, math bees, softball games, kickball games, the "new building" opening and teaching 32 kindergarteners that same year, the gym being added,etc.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fun time but we taught and helped lay the foundations for future doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, and others who have become wonderful productive adults.
I thank all those who had a part in teaching my children because they had a great education at Mattie Wells!!
I quote my daddy," Time has a way of changing things." We can hold on to the memories.
I have many fond memories at Mattie Wells as my Mom taught there and I was a student K-6 (1981-'87). I remember my first day of Kindergarten in the red portables out beside the first grade hall with Mrs. Peck, then on to Mrs. Myers, and then Mrs. Howe for 2 years (because she moved from 2nd to 3rd grade the year I moved up). In fourth grade, I had Mrs. E McCook, then Mrs. Henderson for 5th and Mrs. Shirley McCook for 6th. I remember the big weeping willow in the courtyard, and playing in its branches. I have fond memories of being the owl in Little Red Riding Hood and seeing all the other plays. That lunchroom stage was well used over the years that I was there. I remember the new building opening up and the playground having to move from that side to the back of the school; as well as the grades spreading out a bit. Before that building, 2 grades shared each hall. I have fond memories of all the fall festivals and field days; and yes it was a big ditch. It was fun playing in the woods on that hillside going down to the field. When I was in college, I would come back and help Mr. Bragg and Jimmy during the summers do some maintenance at the school. I have built several sets of bookshelves under the breezway outside the 4th grade hall. That building holds lots of wonderful memories for me that I will keep with me forever and I will be sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteI remember some great times as a student at Mattie Wells. Mr. Hurst was principal and well loved as were the Big Wheel races. It would be blazing hot and we would all gather to see the races and cheer on our friends. I remember the playground for the "big" kids and trying to avoid the bees on the sweet Tea Olive. But I mostly remember my teachers. Mrs. Sunny Lane was the best fisrt grade teacher ever. I was very happy to have the lovely Mrs. Ussery for 2nd and 5th grades. We made butter and learned a colonial dance. Mattie Wells was a great place to be and it will be missed.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa....those were great times. Maureen and I are sad to see it go....Mike Sullivan
DeleteWow, Mattie Wells! It seems like a lifetime ago that I walked the halls of that school. Some of my favorite moments would have to be the 50's and 60's play we did in the 5th grade, the picnics, so many good friends and so many good teachers. Some of my favorite are Mrs. Ussery, Mrs Ware, Mrs Warren, Mrs Altman, Mrs McDonald,.....They were just all great!
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing I can remember about Mattie Wells was that those teachers really cared about our education. I never found that anywhere else.
I hope the kids today have such great memories!
Mattie Wellsl was where I began my teaching career as a student teacher with Peggy Pittman. I stayed there with the following principals: Mr. Hurst, Betty Ann Kitchens, and Robert Bragg until the "split" when I moved to WPS with Janne Childs. I remember the wonderful teachers, Sunny Lane, Kathie Williamson, Mary Lee, Rosalyn Finney, Pat Sires, Judy Irwin, Debbie Howe, Pat Blanks, Julie Henderson, Sally Ussery, Shirley McCook. I remember my son Patrick playing the role of Tom Sawyer on stage in the lunchroom. I remember many of my first grade students, especially Josh Howe and those huge large print books! I remember the centers in my classroom and the wonderful SIA Program. I remember being housed in the little room at the end of the first gr. hall and it flooded. Janne and Amy put up a sign for "Simming Lessons". I remember refreshments in Sunny Lane's classroom. I remember students sitting on benches waiting for buses. Most importantly, I remember the love.
ReplyDeleteBefore my first day of Mrs. Scoville’s kindergarten class, I was told that Principal Kitchens owned an electric paddle and that she was not averse to using it. As it turns out, this was not the case. My subsequent years at Mattie Wells Elementary School were full of similar discoveries, though few were met with the same degree of anxiety as that first encounter. The teachers and staff Mattie Wells were and are committed to cultivating good citizens who have a healthy interest in the public good. For me, and indeed for most students, life after Mattie Wells became exceedingly complex as we were forced to move away from the brick walls that provided comfort and welcome. Had it not been for the very talented and devoted teachers at Mattie Wells, however, navigating life after elementary school would have been much more complicated. I am of course biased given that my mother, Debbie Howe, continues to teach 3rd grade at Mattie Wells after almost 30 years of service. She, along with all of her colleagues, represent what is good about early childhood education, namely that a young mind, properly cared for and encouraged, can become an instrument of change for the better. On behalf of almost half a century of young minds, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all of the people who have selflessly contributed to making Mattie Wells Elementary School a source of pride for Jones County. I’m proud to be a Mattie Wells alumnus.
ReplyDeleteI have so many special memories of Mattie Wells.
ReplyDeleteThis is where I did my student teaching and returned here to teach in the 1980,s. The faculty and administration took me under their wing and I learned so much from them. Without the support and encouragement of people like Betty Ann Kitchens, Robert Bragg, Sally Ussery, Julie Henderson, Debbie Howe, Darlene Watts, Rosolyn Finney and Kathie Williamson (just to name a few) I would never have stayed in education all these years. I'm so glad I did because I would not want to be doing anything else in life. I feel so blessed to have been apart of this wonderful school family.
It is always so comforting to drive on Hwy 49 and pass MWES. It is such a comforting part of my history. Now as I am a teacher myself, it was such a blessing to have such wonderful memories of elementary school. I attended MWES from Kindergarten(Mrs. Scoville and Mrs. Grant) to 6th grade(Ms. Aultman). Other teachers, I... had were Mrs. Lane, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Teague, and Mrs. Henderson. All of these teachers, helped me to become the teacher that I am today. I only hope that I can have the influence on my students that the great teachers at MWES had on me. Some of my favorite memories I have are, having my grandmother be a paraprofessional there, staying all day at Kindergarten, when I usually left 1/2 day (those were the days when we had an optional half day), my daddy helping me wrap an egg in something that would protect it, so when my... See More teacher threw it high in the air, it would not break when it hit the ground, all the times my cousin Bradley drove me crazy =), the oldies play(need I say more... I still have the video), Josh Howe making fun of a pilgrim that I drew in 3rd grade by saying it had a pig nose(totally devestated me at the time, now all can do is laugh), riding the bus with my sister, being 4-H secretary in 5th grade, recess on those playgrounds that seem HUGE at the time, until I taught there, then they weren't so huge. I have so many more, but I will conclude for now. MWES will be greatly missed, and I will be so sad to not be able to point out to my boys the place where I went to elementary school. Thank goodness that we can hold on to our great memories and friendships!
ReplyDeleteJamie McCuin
Attended MWES K-6th Grade
Taught @ MWES 2002-2004
I attended Mattie Wells from K-5th grades. I gained so much both acacemically and socially through my experiences there. Mr. Bragg was a wonderful principal who knew every student by name. We saw his smiling face at school and he greeted us again when we went to Walmart in the evenings and weekends. I ran into him recently in town and he still remembered me from elementary school. I have fond memories of each of my teachers. Mrs. Scoville and Mrs. Grant in Kindergarten, Mrs. Finney in 1st grade, Mrs. Sires in 2nd, Mrs. Howe in third (who also was my sponser teacher during my student teaching), Mrs. Bailey in 4th grade, Mrs. Marshall and Williamson in 5th grades, and Mr. Ethridge & Mrs. Kell for gifted were all wonderful to me. They went above and beyond to be sure that I received a quality education. I graduated from Mercer in 04 with a BS.Ed. and recently finished my M.Ed. I decided to follow in thier footsteps hoping to make the same great impression on a child's life as they did on mine. Mattie Wells will always be a special place for me.
ReplyDeleteI too have fond memories of Mattie Wells. I did not go to school at Mattie Wells but my mom taught there for MANY years, Mrs Sunny Lane. I loved coming to Mattie Wells and watching her teach and walking through the lunchroom and hallways. I was always so proud because I felt like she taught
ReplyDeleteat such a great school and she had such a BIG classrom!! My mom loved Mattie Wells and all the teachers that taught their. Her goal was to always make a difference in childrens lives and I feel like she did do that. Farewell to a great school!!! Eydie Lane Bowden
My mother, Mrs. Sunny Lane, loved being a teacher. I never understood her passion until I became a teacher myself. She loved her students and she loved her school. Mattie Wells holds lots of memories for so many people. The school may be gone but the memories will live on forever. Cyndie Lane Vance
ReplyDeleteI will always remember Mr. Bragg giving me the tour of Mattie Wells when I moved from New York. I was told that was the best school and my kids would love going there. I will remember the good times of sitting outside at recess and just the terrific people that I met. The school will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed walking outside to get to the office, lunch, library, etc. I appreciated Mr. Bragg's hard work to keep flowers and plants growing. At the end of the day I loved to fellowship with other teachers outside the classrooms on those long benches. For me....Mattie Wells was always a welcoming place!
ReplyDeleteMy first realization that Jones County was a special place was eighteen years ago when I did a practicum with Rosalyn Finney. My goodness, that lady is a special person! She taught me the value of patience and dedication. Years later, I had the privilege to work with many extraordinary people at Mattie Wells.
ReplyDeleteMattie Wells School holds a very special place in my heart and in my memories. At the age of 2, I unveiled my grandmother's portrait that now hangs in the library and used to be in the lunchroom. At 5, I was in Mrs. Sunny Lane's first grade classroom. She absolutely was the best and had the patience of a saint! All my life, MWES has been a part of my life as my mother, Nancy Wheeler, taught fifth grade there and always set the bar high for me. At 19, I did my student teaching with Shirley McCook, who I've always tried to model my teaching like. At 20, I started my teaching career at MW in fourth and later fifth grade. What a precious staff from which to learn how to be a teacher! Thank you to all the veterans who gave me such a wonderful start to my education and my teaching career. Thank you to the Jones County Board of Education of the 1960's who honored my grandmother for her 42 years of service. I'll always be grateful to the people of Mattie Wells--faculty and students-- and the people of Jones County for the many ways you have blessed my life!
ReplyDeleteI attended Mattie Wells for only 2 yrs, Mr. Hurst was principal. I remember the big wheel races, Miss Browns paddle. My teachers were Ms. Brandt in 4th grade and Ms. Ussery and Ms. Dumas in 5th.In5th grade it was 1976 and our entire class dressed as patriots I still have the picture. Gregory Leonard
ReplyDeleteIn elementary school many many years ago I had the privilege to be taught by Mrs. Mattie Wells at the old Griswold School. I was delighted when the “new” school was named for such a devoted teacher and principal.
ReplyDeleteIn 1965 Charles and I became active in PTA as our then preschoolers looked forward to the day when they would go to school across Highway 49 from where we lived. They received a wonderful education there as did their younger sisters years later.
In 1980 I was approached to “fill in” as secretary for the last three weeks of school…and I stayed for twenty-five years! I loved my job, the children, their parents, and my co-workers. I cherish the memories that are so dear to me. Mattie Wells School will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Faye Reese
MWES Secretary
1980-2005
My fondest memories are working with the students, and having a wonderful faculty and staff.
ReplyDeleteMy son Reginald attended Mattie Wells Elem. K-5th grade. He had the best teachers.
Mr.Bragg was principal he always had a smile on his face. He knew all the students names.
I have worked at Mattie Wells Elem., for 14 years.
I've worked with the best teachers and parapros. I started working in 3rd grade. Mrs. Scoville, and all the 3rd grade teachers took me in under their wings. I really felt welcomed. I also worked in 4th grade, and now working in 5th grade.
I will miss Mattie Wells Elem.
Joyce Kincaid
I attended Mattie Wells from 1973 to 1979. Mrs. Sunny Lane was my first grade teacher and one of my favorites. I remember our first grade classes getting to draw on a section of the new wood benches that would stay in the halls for us to sit on. I heard that some were still around a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Ussery was another favorite teacher I had for fifth grade.
I also loved the big wheel races. I will miss Mattie Wells Elementary.
Mattie Wells is where I started teaching and stayed until I retired. I thanked Mrs. Betty Ann Kitchens at the Homecoming Celebration for giving me the chance to teach with such a great group teachers. I have wonderful memories. Therefore I have to go get my brick.
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to list all the memories I have of this wonderful place. Mrs. Finney 1st grade, Mrs. Henderson 2nd, Mrs. Ussery 3rd, Ms. Jones 4th, Mrs. Henderson again in 5th and Mrs. McCook 6th. I was there when Mrs. Kitchen and Mr. Bragg were both there. My best memories would have to be the big wheel races and the Fall Festivals. And of course all the great teachers
ReplyDeleteIt will be sad to see Mattie Wells gone. I wish I could have gone to the ceremony but I was out of town. One of my favorite memories about Mattie Wells were the great Fall Festivals every year. One of the main attractions was always the "Cake Walk".
ReplyDeleteMattie Wells was my daddy's great aunt and thus my great, great aunt. There used to be a great photo of "Aunt Mattie" as we all referred to her that hung in the lunch room.
Other memories for me, was breaking my arm on the playground in the first grade on what I think we called the "witches hat".
The Red Light Camera in the lunch room and getting caught talking and having to sit on the stage. Being afraid that when my sister walked in and saw me, she was going to tell on me when I got home.
The Big Wheel races that I think were started by Principal Hurst and of course, his saying, "come here, come here, come here".
Having Mrs. Wheeler in the fifth grade, (Mattie Wells daughter and relative) and being scared to death she would tell my mama and daddy if I misbehaved. This was usually the case if you look at my report cards from 1st-4th. I straightened out some when I got her.
Favorite teachers included, Mrs. Scott, 4th grade, Mrs. Wheeler, 5th grade and Mrs. Brooks and Reddick 5th grade.
Anyone know if Nan Peter's was at the ceremony? Nan is Mattie's Well's grand daughter.
I attended Mattie Wells from 1st through 6th grade. My first grade teacher was Ms. Pittman, she was always so sweet!! Mr. Hurst was an anwesome!! I remeber the big wheel races and fall Festivals!! My son also attended this school!! Wow!! I think I will go get me a brick when they start tearing the school house down for keepsake!!
ReplyDeleteSince these are the last days of Mattie Wells Elementary School, I would like to share with you the first day of this schools opening on the hill. It had been raining several days when the school opened. The school consisted of 9 classrooms, a small office area, a small library, a small lunchroom, restrooms, and a pump house. These buildings sat on a red muddy hill without a blade of grass or a tree or a single green bush in sight. The teachers had to park across the highway. The buses loaded and unloaded near the highway. Parents had to park along the highway and walk their children to class.
ReplyDeleteMy thought when I saw the school and its surroundings was pure shock. As I started walking up the hill I encountered a white-haired gentleman wearing a suit and I stepped carefully in the mud. I just assumed it was a grandparent. He spoke and welcomed me to the new school. My reply to him was whoever built a school on this hill needed their head examined. I then saw his nametag- it read Mr. Knox, Superintendent of the Jones County Schools. I quickly hurried on my way up the hill.
As I stepped upon the walkway one of my white sandals slipped off my foot into the mud. It was gone in a second so I could not retrieve it. I took off my other one and dropped it in the trashcan and took my son to class barefooted. Now that was embarrassing to say the least!
The classes that day were large and what we would consider today as overloaded. I wasn’t sure I wanted my child going to school under such conditions. But he did and so did his younger brother, my three grandsons, and my great grandson. They all attended Mattie Wells. This became our family’s school.
As I look back to that first day I call it an enlightening, almost positive learning experience. Mattie Wells Elementary has grown and flourished over the years. I say with love and affection goodbye to this grand old school where I proudly served as a parent, PTO president, substitute teacher, teacher, principal, and instructional supervisor.
Over the years Mattie Wells’ excellent faculty has touched many lives in many ways in this community. Thank you for coming today to help say goodbye and a job well done to this school and its faculty.
Betty Ann Kitchens
When we love something we let it go, and that is what we all have to do in our lifetime. I am sad to see it go, though. Mattie Wells has had so many memories through all the years, and I will never forget it.
ReplyDeleteI remember and miss Mrs. Lane, and Mrs. Norman. It was a great time back in the late sixties and early seventies to go to school there. A lot of friends I still remember and the life lessons that I learned there. I will remember Mattie Wells.
ReplyDeleteI visited the old property the other day. I swear I could still smell breakfast pizza cooking in the kitchen like it's a crisp 1996 morning and my mom just dropped me off out front. It was nice to take a much needed breather from the hustle and bustle of my current life in the film industry and quietly reflect on the path that led me here. Some good memories. Some bad. But none that I would trade for anything in the world. Everything I am today started at Mattie Wells, and I am eternally grateful for every single teacher that I had along the way. Shout out to Mattie Wells Elementary Class of 2001!!!
ReplyDeleteI transferred to Mattie Wells just before Christmas in 1969 to Mrs. Addie Brown’s first grade class. Memories from my days at Mattie Wells and the influence of my teachers have stayed with me throughout my life.
ReplyDeleteI vividly remember Mrs. Ursery in 2nd grade, Mrs. Hunt in 3rd grade, Mrs. Morgan’s 4th grade class, Mrs. Loyd in 5th grade, and Mrs. McCook in 6th grade.
Some of my favorite memories are also of the fall festivals, the big truck or bus tires on the playground, watching guys do acrobats and back flips during an assembly in the front parking lot, peanut butter cake, being in plays, and the field trip to ride the Nancy Hanks train before it was taken off the tracks. I also remember Saturday School in 3rd grade after the Great Snow of 1973. We had to make up snow days, yet at some point, our teacher showed compassion for us and let us watch a portion of Saturday morning cartoons.
These are fun moments to look back on, Yet my most cherished memories are of the way the teachers impacted me personally.
On the first day of 2nd grade, I remember my dad’s taking me to school and returning to bring me my lunch money. He found me just sitting in my desk amidst the chaos and excitement of the first day in the classroom as parents and students came and went. My dad basically told me to cheer up; it would be okay. He was right. Mrs. Ursery was a wonderful teacher, who was kind and who gently and wisely taught us many life lessons that led me to have a little more belief in myself and to, even at a young age, to think about the consequences of my choices. Some of the students in that class were Teresa, Lavern, Kelly, and Kirby.
While each year at Mattie Wells was pivotal in my life, 5th grade in Mrs Ann Loyd’s class stands out to me. Among many learning experiences, we tried using tape recorders to do spelling at our own individual paces; we played word games; we went on field trips; we did the Presidential Physical Fitness program; and we went to see the play “Tom Sawyer” at Georgia College. One of my favorite times was when Mrs. Loyd would read to us everyday. I dearly cherished that time and the stories of “The Box Car Children” and “The Great Brain.” Years later, I enjoyed reading these same stories to my own children and to my own students.
In Mrs. McCook’s class, we learned to play recorders, and I believe we put on the Christmas play , “A Christmas Carol.” I was Mrs. Fezziwig. When I began taking my own students to see this play at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, I felt that I was passing on a part of Mrs. McCook’s impact on my life.
I also remember 6th grade graduation and having to give a speech. Some years later as a teacher myself, I couldn’t help but chuckle at those students, who like me, wanted to stay til the end of the day. After graduation, it was just Mrs. McCook and me, and I will always appreciate her compassion and patience with a sixth grader whose world was turned upside down that year by events at home but who found stability and love at school.
As a teacher, I have tried to emulate Mrs. Ursery, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Loyd, Mrs. McCook, and others in how they brought compassion, excitement, and a sense of wonder to their students. Mattie Wells was great because of the commitment and love and dedication of all the people there! What a great legacy this school has!!
Rhonda Hinson Ashcroft