Washington School Celebrates 100 Years

The following information was provided by The Washington School.

Washington Elementary School celebrated Centennial Day on March 25.  The day marked 100 years of  the school’s  dedication on March 25, 1913.   An entire day of special activities were enjoyed by students, faculty, alumni, families, and former teachers.

The day began with a Kick-Off assembly, led by principal, Lauren Banker and former principal Carol Friend, and the 5th grade Select Chorus sang two Washington School songs, one from the 1950s, and the other from the 1980s.  In addition, a special math assembly was held, presenting students with an opportunity to more closely examine the number 100.

In place of the normal curriculum, six special lessons were written for the day, and all students rotated through them.  The lessons, based on historical research, were written by Mrs. Banker.  They were: Video/Dance Party Through the Decades, School Then and Now,  Letter Writing to Future Washington Students, Games through the Decades, Technology Timeline, and Maps of Summit Study.  

A Birthday Party Assembly concluded the school day for students and faculty.  The assembly included a slideshow highlighting this special school year, packing of a time capsule, the school-wide singing of Happy Birthday and a dance party.  Following the end of the regular school day, an afternoon “Open House” was held for alumni, families, friends and former teachers.

Centennial Day was just one of many programs and events that took place during the yearlong celebration, Washingtennial.  Over the course of three weeks in December, the Centennial Mural was painted.  Muralist Caren Frost Olmsted designed the mural based on historical research.  More than 80 parents, most staff members and every student took part in painting the mural.  The 125-foot mural is on the walls of the library corridor, and each panel depicts a scene from each of the school’s ten decades.  

“Today’s celebration was such a wonderful and special experience for everyone who is a part of the Washington School community.  This entire year has been an amazing one for all of us.  Parents, teachers, and especially our students, have put a lot of time and effort into making Washingtennial a huge success.  We are so fortunate to have the Centennial Rock Wall and Centennial Mural as permanent reminders of this year,”  said Lauren Banker.

Other Centennial activities and events included the ribbon-cutting for the Centennial Rock Wall , and each grade participated in a community service project.  These service projects benefitted local organizations including Bridges Outreach, Bonds of Courage, and Community Food Bank of NJ.  Additionally, families contributed to the 100 Books for 100 Years drive, with the books going to classroom libraries.

Washingtennial will be celebrated throughout the remainder of the year.  Upcoming events include the Country Fair, and the burying of the time capsule.  Both of these events will take place in May.  During a Year-End Recognition Assembly, the students will be recognized for their community service projects, and soon thereafter, the 5th grade class will enjoy the clap-out as the Centennial Class.  

All historical research required for the special Centennial Day lessons, and the mural was conducted by a committee of parent volunteers.  The mural was made possible by grants from Summit Educational Foundation, Target, and PTO funds. The paint was donated by Benjamin Moore.  Parent volunteers coordinated all of the special programs that took place this year, with the assistance of  the faculty and staff.

Washington School is one of five elementary schools in the Summit School District.