Program Celebrates Crystal Lake Elementary's Legacy

A Dr. Seuss quote was prominantly displayed and spoke loudly about the atmosphere at Lakeville’s (CLE) on Thursday evening. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” the sign hanging over the school’s Robert “Bob” Indihar Commons said.

Although the backdrop for the evening was draped with a somber black curtain, the mood was decidedly celebratory as a packed gymnasium of parents, teachers, staff and students gathered Thursday evening to memorialize the .

A casualty of the , CLE was selected as the most logical elementary for closure in March, a move estimated to save the district approximately $750,000 annually. The school will officially cease its elementary education existence at the end of this school year. The school district has hinted at .

But on Thursday, an open house showcased work by current students at the school and a walk down memory lane featured class pictures of students and teachers from throughout the school’s history. CLE was opened in 1988.

Student quotes, school mottos and other sentiments were prominent throughout the hallways and rooms of the school mirroring the sometimes emotional statements made during the featured program.

“We will hold in our hearts forever,” said Marcia Ritter, a current CLE teacher that spoke of the school’s history and traditions. Indihar, the school’s original principal, strongly believed in parent involvement and Ritter said his beliefs helped shape a tight-knit community at CLE that still prevailed.

“Parents have always been key,” she said. “And I also believe the closeness of staff has contributed to the development of our students.”

Dr. Connie Miller, CLE’s second principal, told the crowd “I’m so sorry for your loss. But we’re here to celebrate the spirit of Crystal Lake Elementary and everything that goes into creating the good people and good hearts that have long been part of the nurturing Crystal Lake spirit.”

Miller reflected on traditions such as Funtastic Fridays and Staff Breakfast that helped create that spirit.

“As the last day draws to a close, I urge you to intentionally promote that spirit in your new schools,” said Miller. “Go proudly, and might I say, confidently into your new school, and may the spirit of CLE be with you always.”

Current principal Bill Mack was honored by staff and the school’s PTO for his contributions as well. Mack will retire from education this summer after a 30-year career in the field.

Abby Berens, a former student who was part of CLE’s opening class, recalled the wonderment of “play” that CLE taught her during her time there and urged current students and everyone else in attendance to “incorporate play into your daily lives to keep the joy of learning alive.”

A special video salute was also part of the program and featured smiling commentary from each of the school’s K-5 grades.

“I’ll always remember the luscious chocolate chip cookies the cooks make,” said one student.

“CLE means friendship, sharing and a funny teacher,” said another.

The more than 400 students who currently attend CLE will be dispersed and go on to mix in with Christina Huddleston, Orchard Lake and Oak Hills elementary schools next year. The were finalized April 27.

A first-grade class posting on the gymnasium wall seemed to sum up the night even before it began. “We are a family, who have created lasting memories that we will keep in our hearts long after the doors are closed,” it read.