Bonney Lake Elementary Hits 50 With Style

On Nov. 16, students, family, friends and alumni gathered to celebrate the school’s .

The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting with Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson. Parents and students were invited to explore the school during the open house and then gathered in the fitness center for the official dedication ceremony. The Viking Choir performed a few songs, including a snappy jazz ensemble number to “welcome back” students and faculty. Principal Sandy Miller, superintendent Craig Spencer and school board president Sherm Voiles spoke on the school’s improvements and took a fun moment to reflect on what life was like 50 years ago, when it first opened.

During the event, community members brought photos from the school's past to be included in that will preserve BLE's legacy.

The district’s oldest elementary school reopened this school year after it was shut down for modernization efforts. The students attended Eismann Elementary during construction in the 2010-2011 school year. The modernization was paid for through the SSD 2001 Capital Projects Bond.

Today, students move through building pods with nautical names, like Adventure Island. They are grouped in buildings by grade and enjoy open hallways designed for collaboration and individualized attention.

After the dedication ceremony, the Sumner School Board gathered in the library for their monthly board meeting, the last before new members Casey Chamberlain and Paul Bucich join the group. The board voted in an executive session that night to