Thursday, October 1, 2026
Not many schools get to recognize their centennial celebration, but most do celebrate the first 100 school days of each year. On Feb. 13, students at West Elementary School had a chance to celebrate both, using the 100th day of school to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the school being built.
Students and staff took the rare opportunity to mark the day by choosing one decade from the past century and dressing the part. Pre-K students celebrated the 1920s and second grade classes traveled back to the 1930s. Administrators honored the 1940s, while kindergartners hopped back to the 1950s. Special area teachers flashed back to the 1960s. First grade took a trip to the 1970s and third graders made it big in the 1980s. Fifth grade classes jumped back to the 1990s, while fourth grade students took a half-step into recent history with the 2000s.
“Seeing our students bring each decade to life reminded us that while styles change, the heart of West community, kindness and learning remains constant.” said West Elementary Principal Amy Dirolf. “Our students didn’t just learn about history; they became part of it, connecting the past, present and future of West Elementary.”
The day provided a chance to think about the countless teachers and students who’ve shared the halls. “When we saw everyone dressed up — from the poodle skirts to the neon colors — it reminded us that even though our clothes and hairstyles change, the heart of our school stays exactly the same,” said kindergarten teacher Annie LaPenna. “We are always about being kind, learning new things and being a big, happy family. We are all officially a special part of our little school’s big, beautiful story and that is truly such an honor.”
While some of the decades were familiar to faculty, many students enjoyed experiencing a new piece of local history, especially as it related directly to the school’s centennial. “I love how the 5th graders will be graduating during the 100th year,” explained Brynn Gerns, a fifth-grade student whose class captured the 1990s. “It was really cool, on the 100th day of school, that we dressed up from the decades. This helped me see what 100 years ago looked like and made me feel like I was back in the olden days. When I am 100 years old, I will remember this.”
