COEUR d'ALENE — Winton Elementary School is celebrating its centennial.

“One tradition we have had for 100 years is always being proud that we’re from Winton,” fifth grader Asher Johnson said Thursday.

Past students and Winton families can share stories, photos, and memorabilia as the school prepares for its 100th-anniversary event May 16. The day will begin with school history and tours at 10 a.m., followed by a carnival, crafts and a centennial party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"As elementary teachers, we often lose track of former students once they move into high school, college and beyond," said Nancy Mueller, who taught at Winton for 24 years and has worked as a substitute teacher ever since.

Mueller is helping to organize the centennial event. She said it is always a treat to hear from or run into former Winton students and parents and listen to their stories of life.

"That is what we want to foster with our 100-year celebration," she said. "There probably aren't any students from the 1920s still with us, but maybe some from the '30s and '40s might be able to attend and share their stories. We're hoping to have former teachers and administrators join us, as well."

Winton began its life as Park Elementary School in the early 1900s, through about 1923. A couple of years later, the school received an upgrade and a new name, opening as Winton Elementary in the 1925-1926 school year. The school took up the new moniker to honor the Winton Lumber Company, which donated land and lumber for the school.

The original brick building at 920 W. Lacrosse Ave., Coeur d'Alene, was torn down in June 2014 after many years of expansions and renovations. The current modern school welcomed its first students in September 2015.

Fifth graders have been researching Winton's past. Their research materials include essays written by students who attended Winton in the 1980s.

“When we’re all looking at this stuff, we’re all like, ‘What is this font?’ and apparently, typewriters!" Finn Kirkbride said. "The default font was typewriters."

He said his grandmother is working on helping him get in touch with the author of one of the essays to see if she'd like to attend the celebration.

“She lives in the Portland area," Finn said, "but if we send her an invitation, she might be able to come in May, which would be so cool."

Fifth-grader Wesleigh Haas has been a Winton student her entire elementary school career. She said she loves Winton, where she has made many friends through the years.

“All the teachers here are so supportive and kind,” she said. “Being at this school just really means a lot to me. I feel like it’s really cool that my last year here is the 100th year anniversary."

Email [email protected] to submit memories for the celebration. Mueller said class pictures, photos of past Winton students' activities from their elementary years, and yearbooks would be most appreciated.

"We ask that they are all dated and, if possible, include names of people in the photos," she said.

People can email the photos or drop them off at Winton with "Attention: Karin Martin" indicated with the items.

Asher said Winton is unique in its history and traditions.

“There have been so many years at Winton. It’s an amazing school, amazing history, but it’s not really considered a big school," he said. "This celebration is really showing how much of a milestone it is and how many great achievements we’ve had over the years.” 

“A hundred years. We’re going for another hundred. We’re going to make even more achievements and even more great things.” 

Info: [email protected]

    Fifth graders discuss research they've conducted about Winton Elementary School's past during a Thursday morning meeting on Feb. 26. Winton is celebrating its centennial this school year. From left: Wesleigh Haas, Kade Alvarado, Finn Kirkbride, Clementine Anderson, Asher Johnson and Colter Bodnar.
  

    A "Wolves forever" banner hangs above the entrance to Winton Elementary School, which is celebrating its centennial this school year.