John Kerr Elementary celebrating 40th year

John Kerr Elementary School first-grader Sophia Putt (from left), 7; first-grader Ethan Beale, 6; kindergartner Hannah Doukas, 5; kindergartner Evan Nguyen, 6; and third-grader Tavon Long, 8, show off some of the decorations they made with their classmates for the school’s 40th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Scott Mason/The Winchester Star)

John Kerr Elementary School third-grader Ella Boozer (from left), 8; second-grader Sarah Roberson, 8; fourth-grader Brennon Putt, 9; second-grader Evelyn Huang, 8; and fourth-grader Yoslin Cruz, 9, hold some of the decorations they made with classmates for the school’s 40th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Scott Mason/The Winchester Star)

WINCHESTER — This Friday, John Kerr Elementary School will celebrate 40 years of teaching and learning at its Jefferson Street location.

Former and current students, teachers, staff, administrators and parents are invited to participate in the celebration and fill-the-bowl soup and salad dinner beginning at 6 p.m. at the school.

Lead teacher Michelle Myers said she and the staff look forward to celebrating with others who hold the Winchester school dear to their hearts.

“John Kerr is a unique school with a warm culture,” she said. “Staff members become part of school family when working here and build relationships that last beyond career years.”

Scheduled speakers at the event include Principal Nan Bryant; Bill Lawrence, vice-chairman of the School Board in 1972; Polly Nelson, a former student and current parent of a John Kerr student; former principals George Craig and Anita Jenkins; School Board Chairman John Bishop; Superintendent Rick Leonard; and a group of retired teachers and staff.

Bowls, which people can keep, will cost $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Tours will be offered throughout the school, and an auction will be held in which activities with teachers will go to the highest bidder.

The school’s Orff Ensemble will play during the event, with all proceeds going to benefit the music department.

An archive will display yearbooks, photos of the first staff members, a portrait of John Kerr, portraits of the former principals and a quilt made by students in the early 1990s.

— Contact Rebecca Layne at rlayne@winchesterstar.com