Schools : Education news : LA HABRA : School Gets Ready for 100th Birthday

Washington Middle School will turn 100 in January, and its students, teachers and administrators already are celebrating.

The original school building, constructed in 1896, is depicted on a large banner unveiled at an assembly last week to kick off a year of festivities leading up to a tribute in March, when alumni will be invited to an open house and party.

The school, the first in the city, opened with 40 students. The first building was demolished in 1914 and replaced with a more modern structure that had four classrooms to accommodate the growing student body.

As enrollment continued to expand, classrooms were added on until 1964, when the 50-year-old building was demolished to make way for a new structure.

Though buildings have been replaced over the years, the original school bell has been preserved and is on display on the campus.

Pupils and faculty alike are aware of Washington’s heritage.

“It’s pretty impressive that this school is turning 100,” said student Erin Baca, 13, whose father and four aunts graduated from Washington.

Said Principal Gary Mantey, “We look forward to the next century of excellence.”

Mantey said alumni may call the school at (310) 690-2374 to share old photographs, yearbooks and other memorabilia being assembled for the spring celebration.