Mark the date: Niwot Elementary to celebrate 50 years

Niwot Elementary School will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at 11 a.m. on April 8 with an open house and program at the school.

The public, especially alumni, are welcome to attend.

Guest speakers begin at 11:30 a.m. and include Principal Nancy Pitz, Superintendent Don Haddad and board of education member Debbie Lammers, a Niwot resident.

After the speakers there will be an open house for patrons of the school.

Riki Frea, who has been involved at the school for seven years and has children who attend, has been delving into some history of the school. She said that the hope is that a lot of alumni come see how the school has grown and developed.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of former students come back to see the school and how things have changed over the years,” Frea said. “They’ll be able to tour the school. All are welcome, it’s open to the entire community.”

The Facebook page, Niwot Elementary Alumni Group, has been hosting many posts of pictures and memories.

“One thing that’s been fun with our Facebook page — it’s an open, public page — so people are able to join in and find it,” Frea said. “They’re sharing stories and pictures of the school and what it was like back then. It’s fun for people to reminisce about when they were younger.”

Mickki Soole, who teaches kindergarten, has been there for over 30 years. She has several students whose parents were in her class.

One of the teachers’ father was in the fifth grade when the school opened, as was Terri Ward, who later became a physical education teacher at the school and has a field named after her. Ward has retired from teaching, but remains active coaching girls basketball at Niwot High.

Another interesting story is that the bell that was placed in the original school is still hanging in the newer building. Frea said they hope to be able to ring it during the anniversary celebration.

As Frea and others delve into the history of the school, they hope to have plenty of stories and pictures to share at the open house. Anyone with photos can share them on the Facebook page, or contact the school at 303-652-2828.

“It’s an example of the unique history and connections we have here in Niwot,” Frea said. “It’s been 50 years of providing education to the students of our community. But we’re also excited about it being a large school reunion for all of the alumni to come together and meet up with old friends and neighbors.”