It was a celebration 100 years in the making, as the oldest building in the Massapequa School District reached the century milestone. Excitement filled the air at Fairfield Elementary School on May 21, as students, current and former staff, alumni, PTA leaders and community members came together for the momentous occasion.
Opened in 1925 as the Massapequa Avenue School with about 80 students in five classrooms, the building was expanded numerous times, renamed in the 1950s and survived possible closure in the early 1980s, while remaining uninterrupted in providing thousands of children with an education. A breakfast for current and retired administrators, teachers and staff was held in the auditorium of that original section of the school, followed by a centennial ceremony that took place in the gymnasium of its newest wing – built in 1964.
“From chalkboards to SmartBoards, from handwritten notes to digital dreams, Fairfield has remained a place where curiosity is sparked, friendships are formed and futures are shaped,” said Principal Dr. Kristi Gerhard, the 13th leader in the school’s 100-year history. “This school has been more than bricks and classrooms. It has been a second home – a place where teachers believed in every child, where parents stood shoulder to shoulder with staff, and where students found the courage to try, to fail and to rise.”
Three of those 13 principals were on hand including Jason Esposito, who served from 2003-2010 before moving to Berner Middle School, and Lori Dano, principal for the next nine years and Dr. Gerhard’s predecessor.
During the breakfast, staff could peruse artifacts and photos, and read newspaper clippings that documented Fairfield highlights over many years. At the ceremony, items from a time capsule buried in 2000 were unveiled. It was spearheaded by then-teacher Bob Crowley and mementos included video and audio cassette tapes, class photos, toy cars and a small banner from the Subway Series. Fifth grade teacher Christopher Kiernan, a kindergartner in Fairfield at that time, will lead the creation of a time capsule to be unearthed for the 125th anniversary.
The ceremony included performances by fourth and fifth grade musicians, under the direction of Kristin Hodulick. They played “America the Beautiful,” “Mount Rushmore,” “Big Beat Boogie,” “Storm Chasing” and “New York, New York.”
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan spoke about the foresight of community members in the 1920s who decided to replace a modest but again schoolhouse with a new modern brick building. He then brought the audience on the journey to find just the right plot of land for that school, eventually settling on four acres on Massapequa Avenue.
“For 100 years, Fairfield School has been a launchpad for students,” he said. “The dedicated teachers who spark curiosity and have seen potential before students saw it in themselves. The principals who listened deeply and led with a steady hand and an open heart. The dedicated custodians who know every inch of this school and ensure it is clean, safe and welcoming. It takes a village.”
The keynote speaker was Massapequa Historical Society Vice President Bill Colfer, who discussed the community’s long history from the initial land purchase and its origins as South Oyster Bay to modern times. What’s remained consistent, he said, are the lessons of leadership and compassion from Chief Tackapausha that are passed down to each generation. Mr. Colfer and Historical Society President Charles Mackie presented the school with a plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary.
The ceremony was followed by a student parade through the hallways and into the gymnasium as music from the past played. Kindergartners and first graders donned “100” crowns and students in grades 2-5 wore “100” glasses. They were also encouraged to dress up for any decade, with many choosing the 1980s and 1990s.
Throughout the day, they were able to visit two games rooms that showcased activities that debuted each decade over the past century. There were jacks and Lincoln Logs from the 1920s, Mr. Potato Head from the 1950s and Connect 4 from the 1970s.
Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick said planning for the celebration began about a year ago by a centennial committee of administrators and teachers.
Kathy Landman, a retired kindergarten teacher who taught in the school’s original 1925 wing, came back for the centennial celebration. She marveled at all of the details that helped make the event special.
“It’s a true honor,” she said. “Working here was such a blessing. This celebration is beautiful; what an unbelievable event. I’m so grateful to be a part of this. Massapequa and Fairfield will always hold a special place in my heart.”