Mission Statement:

West End Elementary prepares socially responsible individuals capable of securing lifelong goals and accomplishments by providing a comfortable environment with a caring, dedicated staff.

Beliefs:

1.Every individual can learn.

2.Learning is a life long process.

3.Visions and goals are guided by individual values.

4.When given opportunities, individuals are accountablefor their own success.

5.Consistent rules and discipline, positive values and social skills are necessary for all individuals.

6.Self-esteem and self-respect are critical for a fulfilling life.

History:

West EndElementary School was established in 1966 with the consolidation of AltoonaHigh School and WalnutGroveHigh School. The elementary school was housed in the old AltoonaHigh School building. Approximately 450 students attended the first year.

In January 1969, the elementary school burned. During the construction of the new school, students attended classes in the local churches and recreation building in Altoona. Students were bused to a temporary lunchroom. Thenewschool wqas built on a site of 40 acres located three and one half miles east of Altoona on Highway 132. The new building was opened to students in December 1970.

The original building was built on the open concept, which consisted of six classrooms and a lunchroom. Students were multi-age grouped. The school consisted of three units - Red unit- grades 1 and 2; White unit - grades 3 and 4; and Blue unit - grades 5 and 6.

In 1980, classes were self-contained, using portable dividers to separate classes. Most of the original open space classrooms housed three teachers and an entire grade level. A phusical education building and a computer lab and storage with a small classroom space have alos been built behind the main school building.

In 1987 a new wing consisted of five classrooms was added to the original building. A physical education building and a computer lab, a small classroom, and storage room were built behind the main building.

In 1996, permanent walls were constructed to divide to the open space classrooms into individual classrooms. The large corner rooms also have a commons area for group activities.

In 1997, a walking track and new playground was dedicated in Honor of Mr. o'Dell Lister.

In 2003, anew building was build behind the main school building to house theever increasing enrollment. in this wing there are four classrooms, a teacher workroom, physical education office with a shower,a gynasium, and restrooms.