The 1950s were alive and well at Brookside Elementary School last week as the school celebrated its 50th anniversary with a week of activities and events that had students, teachers and parents relishing in the excitement.
On March 31, Brookside students were entertained by the group Squeaky Clean, who presented a musical history of the 1950s and 1960s and performed tunes ranging from Elvis Presley to the Beatles, and at one point had all the students and teachers dancing along to the Monkees' "I'm a Believer."
"There's a lot of school spirit," said Principal Ivy Sherman, who dressed up for the occassion. "Just by the amount of kids who are dressed up, you can tell that the parents were really into it. There are a lot of poodle skirts on."
The events at Brookside were organized by Brookside's 50th Anniversary Committee, which was spearheaded by Baldwin Council of PTAs President Dorinda Spinelli. Through student bake sales and other activities, the group raised $10,000 to fund the weeklong activities, which ranged from a 1950s style diner luncheon and spring concert to dance workshops and a school reunion and prom. The students also created artwork representing each decade that the school has been open, and even created a 4' X 5' tiled mural commemorating the anniversary.
"The energy is incredible this week," said Spinelli. "I can't tell you how many alumni called and said that Brookside held such fond memories for them."
As the band played "Lollipop" and "Twist and Shout," students stomped their feet and clapped along in their seats.
"It's been fun for all of us," said Bernice Bramble, whose son, Kendle, is a third grader at Brookside. Although she grew up in the 1970s, Bramble dressed up 1950s style. "I remember when I was in high school and we did something like this," she said.
Eventually when the final song, "I'm a Believer," was played, the kids, and some teachers and parents too, spilled out of their seats on onto the gym floor, twisting, shouting and showing off some dynamic dance moves.
"It's really cool," said fifth-grader Brandon Leaphart, who wore a leather jacket and aviator glasses. "Because we got to dance and it's like Halloween."
