Welcome to George W. GibbsJr. Elementary School

This bright yellow sign greeted all the visitors to George Gibbs School yesterday for the Open House. You might notice there seems to be a lot of penguins. The penguin was chosen as the school's mascot, mostly due to the fact that George Gibbs was the first African-American to go to Antarctica. George Gibbs also was recently honored, thanks in part to the efforts of Glenn M. Stein. According to an October 9, 2009 article in Rochester Post-Bulletin, Mr. Stein submitted a request for that Gibbs be put on the map. So, down in Antarctica you will now find Gibbs Point.

Open House and Dedication

I don't know which is better - the first day of school when the kids start in September, or today when the whole community could come in and tour the school. After the tour was the dedication, but more about that in later posts. Lots of people were there and it definitely was a newsworthy day. While I was there I saw the KAAL Channel 6 News Car parked in front of the school.

The Rochester School District was represented by Superintendent Dr. Romain Dallemand. I also saw Board Members Sandra Soltis, Jim Pittenger, and Chair Mechele Severson. Other School Board Members may have been there too, but with so many people in the rooms and halls, it was easy to miss seeing everyone. Many of the George Gibbs staff were also on hand to answer questions and talk about the new school.

The weather was wonderful for the Open House but tomorrow we may be seeing weather more suitable to penguins (school mascot). Colder temperatures and possibly snow may show up just as the buses are dropping kids off at the door.

The Very First Day of School

While every school has a First Day of School each year, it's just a few that get to have a Very First Day of School. What a celebration today in Rochester at this brand new school! I did not go to watch the enthusiasm bursting from the seams of George Gibbs School. I'm sure there would be a large group of supporters and well-wishers along with the buses and staff cars and volunteer's cars and parent's cars. So, my presence or absence would not be noticed. Oh, but I am there in spirit.

Watch this blog for news of this school. As new as it is, it comes with a wonderful history. And we know that each school has a future - for the students, staff and community.