About Ragsdale Elementary

  • Who was Sara M. Ragsdale?

    Sara Ragsdale’s career began with two years as a home economics teacher in Hart County. The remaining forty years of her teaching career were spent in the Paulding County School System. She taught at all levels within the Paulding School System, but the majority of her experience was at the high school level. Burnt Hickory Elementary, Yorkville Elementary, New Hope Elementary (now Abney Elementary), Dallas High School and Paulding County High School were schools in which she worked.
     
    During her many years as a teacher, Sara Ragsdale touched the lives of many students. As a BETA Club Sponsor at Paulding County High, she maintained high standards for her students and encouraged many of them to do their very best in school and in their lives. She was an excellent role model and a powerful influence on many of Paulding County’s present-day citizens and leaders. Beneath her stern exterior, Mrs. Ragsdale’s students knew she was a caring and loving person. She was always willing to stay after school to help students who wanted to learn. She spent countless hours in her home tutoring (at no charge) her students and former students who had requested help.
     
    Sara Ragsdale’s long career and her love for her profession inspired many members of her family to follow in her footsteps. Family members who are or have been educators include two sons, two daughter-in-laws, five grandchildren and three spouses of those

    grandchildren.

    Mrs. Ragsdale retired from the Paulding County School System in 1989. She continued to serve as a substitute teacher and supply teacher at various Paulding County Schools. Even after retirement, she continued to tutor (at no charge) former students who requested her help. Her sole requirement for helping a student was that they demonstrate a desire to learn and willingness to do the work. She seized almost every opportunity to get back into the schools. She tutored students at Matthews Alternative School. She served as a judge at various school competitions such as elementary poster contests, science fairs and social science fairs.
     
    Sara Ragsdale was very involved in community service. She was an active member of her First Methodist Church. She was generous with both her time and her money. She was always willing to help those who were less fortunate. She was one of the original organizers of the Paulding Meadows annual festival. She served on the Paulding County Board of Equalization for many years. Sara Ragsdale was a strong supporter of education until her death as evidenced by her participation in the Paulding Retired Teachers Association and the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators. She spent most of her 85 years promoting education and striving to improve Paulding County schools.
     
     
    School Information
    528 Holly Springs Road
    Rockmart, GA 30153
     
    Administration
    Principal: Ann Arnold
    Assistant Principal: Carol Ammons
    Evaluation and Assessment Coordinator: Courtney Osley
     
    Important Phone Numbers
    Front Office: 770-443-2140
    Fax: 770-443-2153