Back to the '80s: Time Capsule Opened 25 Years Later

On Friday, celebrated '80s Dress Day, an occasion in which students had a chance to look closely at the contents of a recently-opened time capsule that remained in the school’s library since 1987.

Students and teachers entered the gym, sporting tights, funky sunglasses, big earrings, leg warmers and side ponytails. Before taking a seat on the bleachers or floor for an assembly, the boys and girls looked at displays of time capsule contents.

Newspapers, magazines, clothing, school schedules, essays on student life, toys, pictures, music and videos were collected by middle school's students and faculty 25 years ago.

“This was done by Mr. Eckert in 1987,” Principal Dan Tracy said of the origin of the recently-opened capsule. “We want to let our students learn about what school was like in the '80s.”

Continuing the time capsule tradition, through spring, students from each homeroom will gather modern items of interest surrounding a certain (yet undecided) theme, to put into a new time capsule that won’t be opened until 2037. The box will likely reference and contain lots of new technology that didn’t exist back in the day.

In addition to continuing a tradition, Tracy said the day was about having fun and sharing in school spirit. Students had varying opinions on the day.

Emily Philips and Emily Hutchinson were happy to get dressed up. Hutchinson wore two-toned shades and an off-the-shoulder top; Phillips sported pink sunglasses and hoop earrings.

According to Hutchinson, “Finding what to wear,” was one of the greatest parts of the day, while Philips said the best part was “being able to wear whatever you want and not look stupid.”

Jessica Donovan said she enjoyed looking at old pictures of people she knows, like teachers and her neighbor, in the 1980s yearbooks from the time capsule.

Gary Mattei, director of Educational Services for the district, told Patch he was a student at the middle school in the 1987. He was present for the original time capsule preparation as well as the opening Feb. 17.

"I don't plan to be at the next one in 2037," Mattei said.

Alyssa Campbell said a day dedicated to looking back on old times needs to continue in the future. “They should do a 2012 Day in 25 years,” she said. She said it was fun learning about slang words used in the '80s.

Tom Becker and Nick Martin had the chance to get a close look at the tables of '80s items. Becker said the time capsule is good “for memories of the school—good memories.”

Administration had planned to hold an assembly for students to watch videos from the old time capsule and learn more about the 1980s. However, an unexpected illness occurred in one student. The student was reportedly okay, but was taken to a hospital in an ambulance. The assembly is postponed until the end of the year, when a new time capsule will be filled.