Posted 1:41 am Friday, November 13, 2009
Clarkston Elementary School Marks 50th Anniversary
By MEGAN MIDDLETON
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Betty Plyler has fond memories of her 10 years teaching youngsters at Clarkston Elementary School.
In 1959, the year Clarkston opened its doors, Mrs. Plyler served as a first-grade teacher.
"They were really the golden years of teaching," she said.
From 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, she will be among those celebrating the 50th anniversary of the school during an open house.
"It was a wonderful school," Mrs. Plyler said, recalling when the school first opened. "It was new, and everybody was excited about it. The parents were very cooperative and the children were excited and were very, very nice. It was a wonderful experience."
The retired educator is looking forward to seeing former students and others from those days at Clarkston, a place where she said there was a "very warm educational environment."
Classroom doors will be open and teachers will be there as fourth- and fifth-grade "tour guides" to show former students, staff and teachers around the campus.
Visitors also will get a hilltop view of the new Clarkston Elementary being constructed on the same grounds. Old photos and yearbooks will be on display.
Clarkston Principal Kathryn Letsinger said the event is a time of celebration and "reaffirmation that we're a family and will continue to be for another 50 years."
"There's a strong sense of community here," Ms. Letsinger said. "�These are things that haven't changed since the school opened its doors in 1959."
She's heard many people's fond memories of Clarkston, she said.
"When I run into people and they find out I'm the principal of Clarkston, they've all got a story to share," she said, noting the courtyard has been a special part of the school for many years.
The granddaughter and grandnephew of the school's namesake are expected to attend the celebration as are former principals.
All alumni, parents of former students and former staff and teachers are invited to the event.
Don Juan's Mexican Restaurant will provide box lunches for $5.
"We're encouraging families to bring blankets and picnic on the grounds," Ms. Letsinger said.
Jennifer Dial, Clarkston PTA vice president and mother of a Clarkston student, has helped organize the event, digging through old yearbooks and other records to locate alumni to invite.
Ms. Dial said they sent out about 300 invitations and are hoping for a good turnout.
Ms. Letsinger said they wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the school because it's a milestone.
The event is particularly meaningful because a new Clarkston Elementary is being constructed. Officials have said previously the school will open in August 2010, but officials have reported that the project is ahead of schedule.
"Clarkston has had 50 years of excellence in education," the principal said. "We are looking forward to the next 50 years. It's an even bigger milestone this year as we celebrate and move into the new campus. It's amazing what we will be offering our children."
For some alumni, this visit may be the last time they will get to see the current campus before it is torn down, Ms. Letsinger said.
"I think that's what makes this even more special," she said. "This is kind of like the last opportunity for some. I've even heard from some who have scheduled vacation days to come back to Tyler and be a part of this. I think it's a great and wonderful opportunity for people to touch base and take that last journey down memory lane."
