-
Bretton Woods Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence in Education
In September of 1967, Bretton Woods (BW) opened its doors for the first time to welcome students from kindergarten through the sixth grade. On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018, Bretton Woods opened its doors to welcome back retirees, alumni, parents, students and friends to celebrate a half a century of excellence in education. Dozens of former teachers and countless alumni filled the hallways as Bretton Woods was transformed into a museum of natural history.
The Bretton Woods Shared Decision Making Team generated ideas for a celebration and then Christine O’Shaughnessy, Diane Sheehan, Kris Drago and Lauren Hanlon chaired the event. Ms. O’Shaughnessy said, “We had a lot of people who helped us pull this night together and make it the success it was.”
A red carpet was laid out along the BW’s own “Walk of Fame” complete with ‘Star Tiles’ for all the current BW teachers. Attendees were encouraged to have their photo taken on the red carpet in front of a 50th Anniversary backdrop.
The hallway walls were filled with Bretton Woods favorite memories shared by students, teachers and alumni.
The staff room at the end of the fifth grade wing was turned into a museum filled with yearbooks and photos through the decades.
People were treated to singing and dance performances in the cafeteria. A DJ was spinning tunes in the gym for dancers and hula-hoopers while enjoying snacks from the good people of “Care & Share.”
Students and staff took part in creating a beautiful mosaic to commemorate this fiftieth year of Bretton Woods’ commitment to being a community of learners. Students and staff participated in placing tiles to show what can be done when everyone works together.
Everyone had the opportunity to paint stones to show their individuality for the Bretton Woods Elementary 50th Anniversary Project in the kindergarten wing. The project was inspired by the book, Only One You by Linda Kranz. Bretton Woods has served as a foundation for hundreds of children, some who are now adults and returning to the place where it all began. Bretton Woods has served as a place where children can grow so much, not just physically, but in who they are as people. It’s the beginning of meaningful friendships and when kids start to navigate complex social situations on their own. Not only will these stones be a colorful addition to our school, they can serve as a daily reminder to students that no matter what, they’re special and that they have the power to change the world.
Suffolk County Comptroller, John M. Kennedy, Jr., was on hand to present Principal George Gagliardi with a framed proclamation.
The comptroller’s proclamation read:
Whereas: The County of Suffolk seeks to honor those organizations who have rendered significant contributions for the enhancement and betterment of our community and its citizens and
Whereas: On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Hauppauge School District’s Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge, New York, will celebrate its 50th Anniversary, and
Whereas: Bretton Woods Elementary School was founded in September of 1967. When the school opened its doors, it accommodated grades kindergarten through sixth grade with a total of 1,061 students in 36 classrooms. Today the school teaches kindergarten through fifth grade with approximately 600 students in 31 classrooms. Bretton Woods Elementary School’s mission is to bring out the best in every child, create a place where children are inspired to learn and can flourish as individuals. This year marks the important milestone of instructing students for 50 years and gives the school and community a chance to celebrate the founding, reflect on the success, revel in the sense of community they have built over five decades and look forward to the next 50 years to come. Now, therefore be it
Resolved: That I, John M. Kennedy, Jr., Comptroller of the County of Suffolk, do hereby extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to Bretton Woods Elementary School’s 50th Anniversary.