Save the date and share your memories!  On Sunday, October 26, the Saugus School District will hold a district-wide event to celebrate their Centennial.  They are inviting alumni, former employees and others who have been associated with the district to share stories, memories and photos with Saugus school officials.  
The district began in September 1908 as a single, New England-style schoolhouse with a belfry.  It was built on donated farmland and supported by three local families who each contributed $100 towards the school’s construction. Coming from San Jose, California, Margaret O’Connel was the first teacher in Saugus, and first to teach at the newly built schoolhouse. 

The old Saugus schoolhouse lasted until 1936, when it was torn down and replaced by the new Saugus School.   The school bell, taken from the old schoolhouse, was reinstalled at the 1936 Saugus School as a memorial of the 17 Saugus school students and staff members who perished in the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928.  The site is currently occupied by a shopping center. Today, the Newhall Metrolink Station houses the school bell, the only remaining artifact from the 1908 schoolhouse.

The Saugus Union School District has set up a blog at www.saugus.k12.ca.us  and a dedicated phone line for Centennial information. You are encouraged to call 661-294-5350 if you wish to register as a former student or staff member of the district or want to share your memories, memorabilia or photos. The phone line is also available for questions about the October 26 celebration and sponsorship opportunities for the event. 

The October 26 event will be a day of outdoor festivities and fun, The Centennial Celebration will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bridgeport Park in Valencia.  There will be booths representing each of the district’s schools, including the history of each school, timelines and memorabilia.  Throughout the day, students will perform reenactments of events, speeches and Saugus history.  Food and beverages, a place where former students and employees can meet, student art, contests and music are also among the planned activities. Retiree organizations in the district are spearheading the effort to raise funds.  Those with an interest in contributing to offset the costs of the celebration should contact the District Office at 661-294-5300 or Kathy Wolfson at 661-294-5350 for more information.  Don’t miss out on a 100 years of celebration!