November 3, 2009

Spring ISD opened its first elementary school in September 1959. Now 50 years and 24 additional elementary schools later, Salyers Elementary School will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. A program will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. with a reception following from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 25705 Hardy St.

“Salyers’ mission is to help students develop character skills and achieve their academic potential. We are very proud to be celebrating our 50th anniversary as a learning organization within the Spring community,” said Leticia Grounds, Salyers principal.

Built in 1959 at 922 Wunsche Loop, the school first went by the name of Spring Elementary School. In 1986 it was renamed Salyers Elementary School after J.O. (Jimbo) Salyers and Gertie Mae Salyers.

J.O. Salyers served as a Spring ISD Board Trustee from 1938 until 1956. Gertie Mae Salyers was an active member of the Parent and Teacher Association, serving as president before her children attended school, while they were in school and as a grandmother. In addition, she served as a Spring ISD election judge for more than 40 years.

In 2003, a replacement school was built at 25705 Hardy St. and the old facility was torn down to make room for the construction of Carl Wunsche Sr. High School.

Salyers staff and students have been preparing to share their school’s milestone with the community. Highlights of the program will include a birthday celebration song written for the occasion by Chris Conaton, Salyers music teacher, and performed by the entire student body. Students will read historical facts about the school, and the Honor Choir and Tone Chimes will perform. Roz Keck, a longtime educator in Spring ISD, will be the guest speaker. Keck was the first principal after the school was renamed Salyers.

Following the program, guests will have the opportunity to browse through photo albums and look at artifacts and memorabilia during a reception that is being sponsored by Walmart, HEB and Kroger.