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 The history of Gayle Middle School Falmouth site stretches over more than seventy years.  We have started a limited time line here. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL DATES AND FACTS THAT WE CAN ADD - OR PICTURES THAT WE CAN SCAN AND PUT ON OUR SIGHT, WE WOULD WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AT GAYLE!
You can also contact Dorleita Ballard at dballard@staffordschools.net

• Before 1931
  Stafford students going to High School attend Fredericksburg

• September 8, 1931
  Falmouth High School opened in the front section of the present Gayle

• Spring 1932
  First graduating class of  Falmouth High School consisted of 6 students

School Board and administration, 1949

• 1951
  School had fifteen classrooms in main building
  

•   11 classrooms were in the main building with an open area for gym and assemblies in the middle

  • A separate white building with four rooms had been built to the side.  This is where 5th and 6th grade classes met.
    

    

  • School day always started with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance

  • Graduating class of the year had 50 students         

    

  • 1952 
    

    • Last graduating class of Falmouth High School - Stafford High School opened

    • School becomes Gari Melchers Elementary School (named for the famous artist, Gari Melcher)

    • Main building remains the same, the office and Library are moved to a new separate building
                   

      
      Class of 1954 

  • 1964 

    • School becomes T. Benton Gayle Jr. High named after T. Benton Gayle.  Mr. Gayle had served as Superintendent of Schools from July 1, 1925 to June 30, 1965 (40 years)

    • 8 new buildings are added in campus style layout with covered walkways linking them.
      Each of the buildings are named, most after Virginia born Presidents  (Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Tyler, Harrison)

    • Total of 24 classrooms including a gym, shop, and band room

  • 1965
    Gari Melchers Elementary section of the school closes and all elementary students move to Hartwood Elementary or Falmouth Elementary

  • 1976
    Gayle Jr. High becomes Gayle Middle School with grades 5 - 8

  • 1979
    Mr. Ward becomes the Principal of Gayle Middle School and is still our principal
     

  • 1989

    • Fifth grade is placed back in elementary schools

    • A major renovation is started on Gayle with such things as air conditioning and carpet being added, and the large open area of  G.M. building is transformed into art rooms

  • 1998

  • Talk begins on the probability of a new facility for Gayle Middle

  Summer 2002
  July, 2002 - The move to the new site begins . . .

Summer, 2002

• The present site is now named the Gari Melcher's Complex
  It houses the HeadStart Program of Stafford County

• It houses Alternative Ed

• It serves as an Sub-station for Stafford County's Sheriff's Department

FALL, 2002

GAYLE MIDDLE SCHOOL OPENS AT ITS NEW SITE, 100 PANTHER LANE