Volunteerism and collaboration celebrated at Mountain Avenue Elementary 50th anniversary gala.

By Mary O’KEEFE

Parents dropping off their child for the first time at Mountain Avenue Elementary School may notice a different feel from other elementary schools. After all, to get to this school parents and students travel down a cul-de-sac in a tree-lined neighborhood. The school is nestled on a hill at the end of the cul-de-sac and looks small, more like a home than a school. That is until the sprawling campus is explored.

In fact, 50 years ago there was a home on the 12-acre property. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, had lived there for many years. They had no children but were well-known as friendly neighbors allowing neighborhood children to use their swimming pool, according to the Mountain Avenue Elementary website.

In 1964, a school bond was passed that allowed the building of  new schools that were needed due to the recent growth in the local population. The estate became available and was purchased for $187,429.60 and construction began in 1966. It was completed in August 1967. The construction costs totaled $822,013.

On the first day of school, Sept. 11, 1967, 606 students began a tradition of education and volunteerism that has continued at the school for 50 years.

“We have about [550] students,” said Gean Rhodes, the chair for the 50th anniversary celebration by MACK (Mountain Avenue Committed to Kids) foundation.

The PTA has been with the school since its beginning; MACK was founded in 1992 and has been supporting the school ever since. Each year, MACK hosts a MACK Night Out that raises funds to help with everything from answering teachers’ requests to funding computers. On Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, MACK Night Out celebrates 50 years of dedication to students and families with a Golden Gala.

There will be several things to keep those in attendance busy.

“We will have live and silent auctions, teachers’ experiences people can bid on and each classroom made keepsakes,” Rhodes said.

The auction items include tickets to the “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Disneyland Park, Universal Studios, Fox Sports tailgate party for the USC opening day football game, Los Gringos Locos’ tacos and margaritas for 30 people and more.

“And another big ticket item is a three-night, four-day stay at PG West Town-Home in La Quinta,” Rhodes added.

This, Rhodes said, is an example of the generosity and the volunteer spirit that parents have committed to the school. But parents aren’t the only ones bringing gifts and items to the Gala.

Teachers’ experience is when teachers auction off their personal time with parents and kids. The teachers will take the student/students to places like Build a Bear or take the student/students and parents out to lunch. Then kids and teachers create keepsakes in each classroom. That can be a photo collage or ceramic artwork.

“I [really] like the parent participation, and our teachers – our fabulous teachers – who go over and above for our school and are so giving,” she said.

Rhodes also praised the school’s principal Jacklyn Scott who has been at the school since July 2015. She started her career as a kindergarten teacher.

“I am so humble to be the principal of such an amazing school. One of my favorite things to do is to greet students at the front gate. Seeing the smiling faces coming to school reminds me of the importance of fostering quality learning experiences for all students,” Scott said. “Our teachers work in positive collaboration with parents and community members. I know that this important partnership has a direct effect on the academic achievement of our students.”

Scott added that the school’s PTA and MACK have been very supportive of the school.

“I think one of the highlights of our campus is the annual science fair. This event aligns with our instructional focus of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). This year we had approximately 220 students complete a science project. Both PTA and MACK are committed to supporting our school instructional focus through their fundraising events. This example of collaboration is a true testament to the dedication these two entities have on our school community.”

The MACK Night Out Golden Gala 50th Anniversary celebration is open to all and is on Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, 5500 Godbey Drive. Tickets are $50, which includes a three-course meal and one cocktail drink ticket. MACK is a non-profit and donations are tax deductible.

For more information contact the school at (818) 248-7766.

  Mary Okeefe