Press Release- For Immediate Release

Contact: Crystal Benton

Date: 05/24/2011

Celebrating the Centennial of Jackson Elementary School!

A once in a life time opportunity!

Alumni, student families, neighbors and anyone with a love for one of Pasadena Unified School District’s oldest school’s are invited to participate in an event planned to celebrate Jackson Elementary School’s centennial.  Our highlighting event will be a call of remembrance planned for June 3, 2011 on the school grounds located at 593 W. Woodbury Rd. Altadena, Ca 91001.  An open house, with displays of archived photos, and slideshow presentation is planned to be held in the auditorium after the centennial presentation.

Andrew Jackson Elementary School opened as a one-room building on September 1910. By 1912, there were 93 children enrolled in the school which was housed in a cottage of three classrooms.  The present building was erected in 1926.  The first principal of Jackson Elementary was named L. Elston Glenn.  Jackson’s centennial is of notable importance because earlier this year the school was recommended to close.  Thanks to committed resident activists and parents, the school district board was persuaded to reverse the decision to close the school and rather, to renovate the building to make it better for its students.   

In celebrating the centennial, efforts to document the school’s history is planned.  We are asking for donations of photos or memorabilia from alumni or retired staff members to create an archive to be showcased in our soon to be remolded front office. 

Rita Exposito, is in her first year of principal ship here at Jackson.  She hopes to continue some of the great successes we’ve had over the years such as our black history program and strong English Learners Advisory Committee.  She also hopes to implement new traditions such as our new science lab and our computer science teaching. 

Our Centennial presentation on June 3, 2011 includes:

§  A speech by Principal, Rita Exposito

§  A donation of 100 books for 100 years by Julianne Hines, District Director for Assembly member Anthony Portantino

§  A check presentation by Pastor, Elaine Cho from La Canada United Methodist Church

§  A song selection by Jackson Students

§  A commemorative plaque to be installed in the new front office of Jackson

§  A cake cutting featuring the principals from the last twenty years; Rita Exposito, Rose Ingber, Janice Allen

§  A reception and slideshow in the auditorium.

Individuals who would like more information about the centennial celebration are directed to the school’s website at http://jackson.pasadenausd.org or can contact the school directly at 626-396-5700.

Contacts for this story:

Rita Exposito ( School Principal) – 626-396-5700

Crystal Benton( School Office Manager)-626-396-5700

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