Lehigh Elementary School was the first school to open in Lehigh a half century ago and its principal, Toni Walker and her teachers and staff members, say they are planning a very exciting event, a celebration of the school’s opening and that the school is “A Leader In Me School.”
The events are planned for May 7 at the school at 200 Schoolside Court in Lehigh with events beginning at 9:30 a.m.
“If residents have ever attended Lehigh Elementary School or if their children were ever students, and if locals have an interest in better education in our schools, they are invited to attend,” Walker, who is serving her third year as principal of the school that houses 1,225 students, said. In addition to a renovated building and addition, classes are even being held in outside trailers because of the number of students who go to the school.
Great things are supposed to be happening at schools with the earned title of The Leader In Me designation and Walker is fast to brag about the outstanding students at Lehigh Elementary due to that.
The school received a $65,000 grant and this is its first full year of implementation,” she said. It is the only school in the East Zone with such a designation.
“It’s a celebration of The Leader In Me, to show what our students can do and in the afternoon, we are going to celebrate the fact that the school is 50 years old, too,” Walker said.
The school opened its doors for students for the 1964-1965 school year. Prior to that local residents with the help of the Lehigh Corp. opened an elementary school in a house.
School officials are calling the event in the afternoon a celebration of 50 years of excellence.
Many guests have been invited, including educators, parents and local leaders. The public is also invited. If you are going to attend the celebration, you should RSVP so they can make plans as lunch will be served. Call 239-369-2477 to say you will be attending.
In the afternoon, there will be a big cake with probably one big candle on it for its 50 years of existence.
The school is a busy hub of activity during the week. In addition to the 1,225 students, there are a large number of teachers and an additional 30 or so paraprofessionals who help in the classroom and in the offices.