Riderwood Elementary School will celebrate its 50th anniversary Monday with a daytime assembly for students and an evening open house to which the public is invited.
The daytime assembly performance will center on the theme, "Riderwood through the decades," and will include documents and photos from the school's first year of 1965-1966. The school has existed during the passing of such historical events as the first moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the production of the first Apple computer. Each grade will represent a different decade, while the school will feature relics of the past, according to Principal Kathy DeHart.
"I think all of the children having an opportunity to see that will be very interesting," DeHart said.
Riderwood Elementary has changed inside and outside over the years. Originally, the building had 21 classrooms, skylights, and could hold about 410 students. Now, the school features classrooms with interactive whiteboards, new playgrounds and a building addition to accommodate more students.
For the celebration, each grade will contribute to a new "memory box" to be reopened in 25 years, DeHart said. The Student Conservation Association also helped raise money for a 50th anniversary plaque, which will display the winning Riderwood Raccoon, the school's mascot, which was designed by a current student.
"It will be a wonderful memory for people who go through the halls of Riderwood in the future," DeHart said.
Riderwood will host an open house from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Monday evening, beginning with a repeat of the daytime assembly performance. Afterwards, former students, staff and members of the public can tour the school and reminisce. Cake will be given away in the gymnasium, along with souvenir cups.
The ceremonies Monday will be a celebration of the history, and the dedication, of the Riderwood faculty and staff, DeHart said.
"I think everyone is always looking out for what is the best interest of children," DeHart added. "We're always trying to find a way to help every child feel some degree of success."
More information on the event can be found on the Riderwood Elementary School website, http://riderwoodes.bcps.org/parents/riderwood_turns_50_.