Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 30, 1994 TAG: 9408300076
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DEVAUGHN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's large, sour-apple green, can be seen for miles, and everyone is talking about it.
Many people, said Principal Ray VanDyke, have complained about it, too.
"When it first went on, there were comments like 'is this the primer paint or the real thing?'" VanDyke said. But once everything came together, the trim was put on and the landscaping was done, I've had people say 'It's really not that bad after all.'"
The roof isn't the only creative part of the new school. Inside, round columns in the front entranceway are painted to look like huge yellow No. 2 pencils. Decorating the floors are red, yellow and blue tiles - the primary colors. Soon, an outdoor ampitheater will adorn the courtyard.
"Our main thrust is to create schools that make it fun for the students," said architect Ken Motley of Motley and Associates in Roanoke. "We do it for the children, not for the adults, but I think once you see the roof as part of the finished product, it really is appealing."
Here's what some parents and kids have to say about the roof:
"I love the green roof and not only that I love the green windows and the green trim." - Patty Bickley, parent
"I think it looks great; it makes things look brighter - at first my kids said `ooh!' but now they like it too." - Donnie Spittle, parent
"Uhh ...it's bright." - Kenny Griffin, 9
"I sort of like it, but not really. Well maybe I do, but I don't think so." - Jason Powers, 9
"I think it's neat. It makes the building stand out." - Chad Clemons, 10
"I don't like it. It needs to match with the background. It needs to be dark." - Billy Brizendine, Jr., 8
"I'm not a big fan of green." - Billy Brizendine, parent
"I like it. When it's brighter, it makes a better atmosphere." - Arnold Lytton, grandfather
by CNB