Batchelder Family Gathers To Celebrate 100 Years

The tour group was led by fifth graders Gianna Griffith, Hayden MacLellan, and Ally Newbury, important to the 10 or so visitors in tow, especially the lone journalist.

We walked from parts of the old L.D. Batchelder School to the new post-2006 renovated school, complete with a computer lab, a room that didn't exist for some in the tour.

"Computer lab? We called it a No. 2 pencil," said one member of the Batchelder class of 1958-59.

Those memories and more were on display Saturday as the L.D. Batchelder School in North Reading celebrated its 100th birthday, complete with balloons, good food, and yes, great memories. Sean Killeen, Batchelder's principal since 2001, was the event's MC and made sure everyone knew why he thought the school was special.

"It's not as complex a question as some would make it," said Killeen, also the varsity girls' soccer coach at the high school. "It's the people. The people on the stage, the people in the seats, the people from 100 years ago. Over my 17 years at the Batchelder School I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing people."

Killeen got the party started, but he certainly wasn't alone. The pledge of allegiance was done by fourth grader Alex Gamer and the national anthem by Ms. Christine Larsen's impressive chorus. Then came the speakers, starting with fourth grade student Josie Lambert and fifth grader Andrew Massicotte. The kids then turned it over to the adults and the audience heard from Parents' Organization President Nicole Gamer, Superintendent Jon Bernard, School Committee chairman Mel Webster, Senator Bruce Tarr, and Representative Brad Jones, the parent of two Batchelder graduates.

Superintendent Bernard reminded everyone that despite its age, the Batchelder, "remains a lively and forward-thinking school. I know that Mr. Batchelder would be proud to hear his name on this school."

And about Mr. Batchelder ... Google was little help in learning about the man behind the name, but Leland Dennis Batchelder's life was well documented and distributed to all in attendance. On occasion, paper still trumps the internet.

Born in 1855, Batchelder served on the school committee for 30 years. He was a farmer and market gardener and raised fruits and vegetables at Sunset Hill Farm. According to information written by Samantha McGoldrick and researched by Bill Cassell and the Murray family, Batchleder was instrumental in getting the town to build its first central school. Two years after his death in 1919 the North Reading selectmen voted to name the school in his memory.

The Batchelder School almost didn't make it to see this day. As the Batchelder started to show its age, a debate started about whether to renovate the school on Park Street, or move to another location. After much debate, renovation won out, but during the 2004 and 2005 school years students were bussed to Stoneham. The school reopened in 2006.

"I hope I look this good at 100," said school committee chair Webster. "It was well worth the battle. The transformation has been amazing."

Jones and Tarr each brought gifts to the part, Jones with a joint proclamation from the legislature, Tarr with a birthday card/certificate from Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

"Parents, students, together we all have something very special to celebrate," said Tarr.

L.D. Batchelder would certainly agreed.