Pond Elementary Dedicates Additions

Promise is a word and connotation that's always been associated with in Wildwood. From when the original school building was erected in 1951 to what's now referred to as "The Pond Promise," several generations of Panthers' families, former students, teachers and community leaders returned Friday to celebrate the thread of promise running through six decades of an upbeat, positive educational atmosphere.

One former principal, Clare Maguire, said Pond's results came from a phenomenal staff that put children first. "We were all about making every child successful. The staff made that happen, and it wasn't just words. This was, and is, a special place."

Maguire emphasized that Pond students had scored among the highest statewide in MAP testing. "We earned two national Blue Ribbons and three Missouri Gold Stars awards — and were the only school in Missouri to do this!" she said.

Maguire fondly recalls when she was invited to the White House to see Christmas ornaments made by Pond students hanging there.

She also remembers the year when Pond and its kindergarten center serviced approximately 700 students. "That was before [Elementary] was built. We had no gym, no art room and no music room that year. The art teacher provided what we called 'Art on a Cart,' but we got through and kept achieving better and better things," she said.

"We used to have windows across the front of the building, but had to take them out so we could have air-conditioning. Then we took out the air conditioners and put windows back because we could finally have both. And who could forget the hallway with bright foster orange color on one side and pale green on the other?"

She said there also is a good reason the school was named what it was. "Before we fixed it, there was a pond in the field behind the building. That pond attracted different animals, especially after it rained. We'd see ducks, coyotes and geese quite often. The animals led to some interesting things happening. At one time or another, we had to chase a snake, turtle, rabbit, dog and a deer out of the building."

She reminded current students that former students used to ride their horses to Pond School.

Before retiring, Maguire went on to become an assistant principal at .

The school's first principal was Allen Crawford. Various building enhancements were noted and celebrated at a ceremony in the gym Friday:  classrooms added, the art and music rooms and restrooms renovated, the student health and nurse’s office expanded and renovated, and the front entrance and office reconfigured to allow for better security observation of visitors.

This school year's enrollment is approximately 415 students. All staff members total about 60, including teachers, secretaries, cafeteria personnel and custodians.

"This building is a wonderful example of quality," said Superintendent Bruce Borchers. "But it's what happens in this building that's very amazing."

Borchers said Pond Elementary was one of the first schools he was shown when he joined the district. "I can't say in words how truly very proud I am of what's going on at Pond."

A video created by librarian Doug Russell showcased the humble beginnings of Pond in what is now a historic "Old Pond School" building restored by city of Wildwood staff and heralded by the city's Historic Preservation Committee. The video then traced the achievements of the students over the years. For more history regarding the series of Pond Schools starting in the 1880s, click here.

Third grade students also sang "True Colors," while the crowd was encouraged to sing the new Pond School song at the end of the ceremony. Phrases from the song and new Pond Pride Pledge included:

• Happiness is learning.
• Doing our best is our tradition.
• Be a good citizen.
• Take Pond Pride and always do your best.

Carlos Diaz-Granados, Pond's current principal, reminded attendees that while much has changed over the years for the building's location, the school remains focused on providing excellent education. “Pond is fortunate to have a supportive school community, working together for our students,” said Diaz-Granados. 

Pond students in third and fourth grades were applauded during the ceremony for being among "the elite" — one of four Rockwood schools in the entire district that met or exceeded goals on state testing. Only 22 percent of Missouri school students achieved that goal, Dias-Granados told the group.

"The energy, the finances, the blood, sweat and tears...everything we do is for you students," he said. "We set lofty goals sometimes, but we know you can reach them. We have wonderful parents who also have kept the balls rolling through the years."

Maguire noted several times when parents raised funds to construct new playground equipment. One time, nice wooden equipment was done, but had to be replaced when students kept getting splinters. "We also made a castle-like structure out of tires one time, and that worked well, until I had to shut it down due to snakes making a nest out of it," she said.

Sheer joy zinged throughout the atmosphere during Friday's celebration, and gave participants the hope of more promises to come at Pond School. No doubt, as the video proclaimed in the parting sentiment:  They are "proud of the house they built."