Tamaques School Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Outdoor Classroom

Many people, old and young, came out Friday afternoon to celebrate Tamaques School's 50th Anniversary. Tamaques students crowded on to the front lawn eager to celebrate their school's birthday, while guests included everyone from Mayor Skibitsky to Tammy the Tiger.

Mr. Cullen, the school's principal, began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem and a brief history on Tamaques School. He discussed when Tamaques School was first voted on in 1960 and talked about how far the school had come. He was then quite happy to announce the opening of Tamaques' new outdoor classroom. This could not have been a more appropriate way to celebrate the anniversary of a school that this year won the Garden State Green Award, as well as being named after a Native American.

Mr. Cullen then elaborated on the uses of the new outdoor classroom. He explained it would teach the students how the natural environment functions and the challenges in preserving our environment. He thanked all the donors involved and described the whole building process as truly a "community effort", saying "the crowning jewel of the school was the partnership between parents and teachers".

Next, the two PTO Presidents, Mrs. Kelesoglu and Mrs. Strauss, commemorated the efforts from both the parents and the teachers. They then presented Mr. Cullen with a special gift; a framed picture of all the school's students forming a giant "50" outside of the school. 

The students then sang a special song they wrote for the occasion. Music teacher Mr. Markowski explained how creating the song was truly a group effort by the students. The 3rd Graders wrote the lyrics, 4th Graders wrote the rhythms, and 5th Graders were in charge of the chord progressions and melodies.

Finally it was time to cut the ribbon and officially open the new classroom. The two student council presidents did the honors, opening a new learning environment for years to come. After the ceremony a picnic was held in the back of the school with food, bouncing castles, and other entertainment.