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Happy 50th: Elementary school to mark half-century

By Staff | Apr 29, 2015

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Lehigh Elementary School in 1964 with its first students.

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.

Toni Walker

“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.

In a flyer passed around the community, the school notes that it has worked hard to instill a love for learning in its students, creating a school atmosphere “that encourages kindness and teamwork,” and prepares students to become compassionate leaders in the community.

School officials are calling the event in the afternoon a celebration of 50 years of excellence.

Students will use their leadership skills as they lead school tours, give presentations, perform for the public and show visitors all the hard work they have done.

MEL TOADVINE Entrance of Lehigh Elementary School today.

“I’m so lucky to be principal of Lehigh Elementary School,” said Walker.” They have amazing leadership here. I feel lucky in following in their footsteps,” she said.

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.

The Leader In Me program will be fully explained and students will take the lead and be fully involved in the program.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Building Lehigh Elementary School is shown in this old photo.

“They are leaders in our school,” Principal Walker said.

The public will learn about the students who come to school two hours earlier in the morning 7:30 a.m. to read and participate in other events.

The students will highlight the programs in the Leader In Me School program. That includes singing sensations, drama club members, art students, math programs, the Earth Rangers and students will demonstrate the art of dancing in the classroom, a style of ballroom dancing being learned.

Students will have their “leadership logs” to show visitors what they are doing at the school .

Principal Walker noted that students also partner with Florida Gulf Coast University with college students there coming to Lehigh Elementary as interns.

“We have a lot to offer and I am very proud of what our students are achieving here at Lehigh Elementary. The students and teachers want to show the community the Leader In Me program and also help us celebrate our 50th anniversary as Lehigh’s first school with its own building and campus,” Walker said.

Happy 50th: Elementary school to mark half-century

By Staff | Apr 29, 2015

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Lehigh Elementary School in 1964 with its first students.

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.

Toni Walker

“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.

In a flyer passed around the community, the school notes that it has worked hard to instill a love for learning in its students, creating a school atmosphere “that encourages kindness and teamwork,” and prepares students to become compassionate leaders in the community.

School officials are calling the event in the afternoon a celebration of 50 years of excellence.

Students will use their leadership skills as they lead school tours, give presentations, perform for the public and show visitors all the hard work they have done.

MEL TOADVINE Entrance of Lehigh Elementary School today.

“I’m so lucky to be principal of Lehigh Elementary School,” said Walker.” They have amazing leadership here. I feel lucky in following in their footsteps,” she said.

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 239-369-4506 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.

The Leader In Me program will be fully explained and students will take the lead and be fully involved in the program.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Building Lehigh Elementary School is shown in this old photo.

“They are leaders in our school,” Principal Walker said.

The public will learn about the students who come to school two hours earlier in the morning 7:30 a.m. to read and participate in other events.

The students will highlight the programs in the Leader In Me School program. That includes singing sensations, drama club members, art students, math programs, the Earth Rangers and students will demonstrate the art of dancing in the classroom, a style of ballroom dancing being learned.

Students will have their “leadership logs” to show visitors what they are doing at the school .

Principal Walker noted that students also partner with Florida Gulf Coast University with college students there coming to Lehigh Elementary as interns.

“We have a lot to offer and I am very proud of what our students are achieving here at Lehigh Elementary. The students and teachers want to show the community the Leader In Me program and also help us celebrate our 50th anniversary as Lehigh’s first school with its own building and campus,” Walker said.