Altamont Elementary School Celebrates 50 years in 2003!

Since Altamont Elementary School first opened its doors in the fall of 1953, it has been creating an environment that encourages students, parents and staff to care and learn together.

Click on a link below to learn more about Altamont Elementary's anniversary celebration!

Brief History of Altamont Elementary School

Altamont Elementary School was officially dedicated on April 26, 1954. Only eight classrooms on the current intermediate wing, the Main Office area, Cafetorium and the three rooms which now serve as our Book Nook and Library were part of the original school. 

Since its inception the school has become a special part of the community. Due to a rapid increase in enrollment, two more classrooms were added in 1957. Continued growth then created the need for major expansion in 1961. This addition created the new gym, five new classrooms, a teacher's room and an art room in the wing extending to the back field, near the current playground area.

The playground was not built until several years later. Many fundraising activities were organized by the PTA to make this possible. Through a true community-wide effort, our creative playground was designed and built with the help of hundreds of adult volunteers and student helpers. The official dedication of the playground, which has become a popular gathering place at our school, took place with great ceremony in May 1988.

In 1989, the final addition was completed to accommodate increasing student enrollment and the need for the school to be handicapped accessible. Our current primary wing was then added with ramped corridors and seven classrooms.

In its fifty years, Altamont Elementary School has not been just a building but also a special gathering place in our community and our hearts. Our school has provided a strong academic program and many fond memories for our children, their families and our staff. As our motto says, Altamont Elementary is "a special place...where students, parents and staff are caring and learning together."

Altamont Elementary Principals: Then and now...

1953-54 to 1959-60:
Peter W. Alland
1960-61:
William H. Grass, Jr.
1961-62 to 1966-67:
Charles A. Ebetino
1967-68 to 1971-72:
August C. Franze
1972-72 to June 1986:
George J. O'Hare
June-July 1986:
Faith Z. Schullstrom
1986-87 to 1987-88:
David L. Grapka
1988-89 to 1995-96:
Dominic A. Nuciforo
1996-97 to present:
Susan P. Tangorre

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Anniversary Keepsakes: Cookbooks and Calendars

As part of our yearlong celebration, Altamont Elementary has published a community cookbook, Cooks Who Care, filled with recipes and warm thoughts from numerous people associated with the school over the years - including both current and former staff members and school families. We hope that this cookbook will become a treasured memento of our 50th anniversary year. It includes many favorite recipes that have been enjoyed at school and family events.

Cookbooks are available for purchase ($10/each) by contacting the Altamont Elementary main office at (518) 861-8528.

In addition, the Altamont Elementary PTA has made available to the community a commemorative anniversary-year school calendar...available for purchase for only $1. This twelve month calendar is filled with photos and fun facts from years gone by, and includes a listing of all of the school's regularly scheduled 2003-04 meetings and events. For more information on purchasing this memorable keepsake calendar, contact the Altamont Elementary main office at (518) 861-8528.

Altamont Elementary PTA 50th Anniversary Candy Sale

The Altamont PTA is holding a yearlong candy sale fundraiser to help cover expenses for both its yearly activities and the special 50th anniversary events they have planned. The "World's Finest Candy" bars, with our own personal label, will be sold at all PTA functions throughout the year. The cost of the bars is $1 and they have a coupon for $1 off Red Baron products (frozen foods). The PTA will not be sending any candy home for students to sell, but if you would like to help out by selling the bars at your office o to family members, they can be picked up at any PTA function or by calling Lyn Van Buren at (518) 861-7436.

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