Elementary celebrates century of change

Over the past century, Bryan Elementary in Coeur d’Alene has borne witness to innovations (traffic lights), discoveries (Pluto), tragedies (Titanic) and fads (Pokemon).

It has also experienced music trends such as ragtime, swing, disco and rap.

Students and teachers at Bryan relived the tunes and acknowledged some milestones Thursday at their celebration of the school’s first 100 years, on the 100th day of the school year.

Decked out in purple, fifth-grade teacher Jim Windisch and his wife, Sarah, a teacher in Post Falls, did the jitterbug to “Rag Mop.”

Kindergartners through fifth-graders wiggled while music teacher Julie Powell taught them to hand jive to “Rock Around the Clock,” which Bill Haley and the Comets turned into a hit in the 1950s.

Third-graders Clarissa Smith and Emma Beaumont shared a rap song they wrote, dedicated to Bryan:

Yo! Bryan Bears

Let’s get off the floor

Let’s celebrate 100 years and 100 more

…

Teddy Roosevelt was Prez in 1905

Now it’s Bush’s turn and Bryan Bears thrive

After many wars and a whole lot of peace

Rock ‘n’ roll, Star Wars, E.T. and Grease

Bryan School has a place in our history book

If you don’t believe us, then take a good look

For the occasion, each grade donated 100 of something – canned food, toys, pet food, items for a women’s shelter.

Kindergartners wore glasses shaped like the number 100, first-graders wore bear ears and nearly everyone wore white shirts commemorating the anniversary.

The event was a way of showcasing the school’s rich history, said Principal Joel Palmer. In May, the school will celebrate with Bryan alumni.

Palmer hopes for an exchange of stories between past and present Bryan Bears.