First Settlement, Vienna Elementary new Partners in Education

VIENNA - First Settlement Physical Therapy and Vienna Elementary School are the latest Partners in Education.

First Therapy and Vienna Elementary held a signing ceremony on Oct. 13 for the partnership in the program administered by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley that connects schools with businesses and organizations committed to supporting them.

First Settlement Physical Therapy is an independent, family-owned, physical therapy practice founded in 1999 in Marietta, its name a reference to Marietta as the Northwest Territory’s first organized settlement.

First Settlement has grown to 15 clinics throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley, including its Vienna clinic on Grand Central Avenue, offering services that include general orthopedics, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, certified hand therapy, occupational and speech therapy, neurological rehabilitation and vestibular therapy.

“First Settlement Physical Therapy prides itself on being part of the MOV. I think that means supporting the most important keystones to our community, which are our schools. We’re here to be good partners. I think that means listening to the parents and the teachers and the principal on what they need," said Simon Hargus, Owner/CEO of First Settlement Physical Therapy. "I know Vienna does a lot of exciting things with their PTA members and loves to incorporate artistic endeavors when possible. We want to help however and wherever we can. Just as importantly, we want Vienna School to know that this community supports them and believes what they do everyday is essential.”

Hargus also is a member of the Wood County Board of Education.

About 290 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade attend Vienna Elementary. The school ranks among the top 10% of schools in West Virginia in overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency in the top 20% statewide.

“The Vienna Elementary School family has enjoyed a great relationship with the First Settlement Physical Therapy family. It is exciting to now be partners in education as we consider transition to a new Vienna Elementary School," Principal Doug Jones said. "My hope is that we can share the talents and abilities of our students while benefitting from the generosity and enthusiasm of our partners at FSPT."

Businesses and organizations interested in joining the Partner In Education program can contact the Chamber of Commerce at 304-422-3588 or email info@movchamber.org for more information.