SCHOOLS: Indian Fields- Celebration helps wish Indian Fields a Happy Birthday

Students and teachers show their appreciation for the school and share memories of the last 10 years.

By: Melissa Morgan
    Every student at Indian Fields School skipped class to attend a birthday bash on Friday. Kids sang songs, wrote poems and recited cheers for the popular guest of honor — their school.
    Indian Fields celebrated its 10th birthday on Friday with a schoolwide celebration assembly. Each grade performed its own special tribute, former students talked about their memories and teachers who were at the school for the entire 10 years were honored.
    "Look at all this red and gray," boasted Principal Raymond Ivey at the beginning of the assembly about the sea of school colors in the crowd. "This is a very, very special occasion."
    Even though the school is actually now in its 11th year, Shari Repka, head of the celebration committee and a media specialist at the school, said she wanted to wait for the right time to celebrate, after the aftermath of Sept. 11 had settled down. She has been planning the event with the committee since October.
    "It’s important for milestones to be recognized at an elementary level and for kids to celebrate their accomplishments," said Ms. Repka, one of the 10-year veterans of Indian Fields.
    Assistant Principal Sharon Richman, who also has been at the school since it opened its doors, said giving everyone a sense of community sets Indian Fields apart and has made it successful.
    "We do things differently here," she said. "Our philosophy is to put kids first. Teachers take the time to know all of the kids in their grade level, not just the ones in their classroom."
    Willa Spicer, assistant superintendent for curriculum in South Brunswick, also said the school has a unique support system.
    "The great thing about it is that when a teacher comes here, they enter a family," she said.
    But things weren’t always so picture perfect for Indian Fields. Ms. Spicer said she remembers when the staff worked day and night, all weekend long to get the school opened on time.
    "The school opened with all sorts of problems," she said. "We definitely had our growing pains. The school originally opened without walls because they didn’t arrive on time."
    Ms. Spicer also said the school opened with some wonderful and special project rooms that were turned into classrooms only one year later because of the rapidly growing enrollment.
    "This is the largest school in the district and also the most adaptable," she said.
    Indian Fields students seem to agree that their school stands out.
    "It’s always a fun place to be," said fifth-grader Lauren Pernal. "There is so much excitement, like assemblies."
    "I like how it’s so peaceful, like one family," said fifth-grader Tarjahi Mehta.
    Alexis Hart loves the spirit at Indian Fields.
    "It has so much energy, and it’s so creative," she said.
    Students got a chance to show their appreciation for Indian Fields and put their thoughts into words and song during Friday’s assembly. Music teacher Ed Seder kicked off the musical part of the assembly by playing guitar and singing, "Welcome to Our School."
    Mr. Seder’s performance set the stage for several musical numbers and cheers, including "This Is My School" by the first-graders and "Celebrate Indian Fields" by the fourth grade.
    South Brunswick High School ninth-grader Brian DelGuercio spoke about his memories of being a former Indian Fields student during the assembly. He said he made friends when he came to the school in first grade that he still has now.
    "I love coming here to visit," he said. "I miss only having only four classes per grade and how everyone knew each other."
    Ms. Repka and Ms. Richman both said one of their fondest memories of the last 10 years was when a former principal spent the entire day on the roof of the school as part of a reading incentive program. She promised to head to the roof if the students read a certain number of books, and they did, said Ms. Richman. Ms. Repka said each grade level provided her with something to help her survive for the day.
    Friday’s celebration events at Indian Fields ended with cupcakes, singing "Happy Birthday" and burying a time capsule that included something memorable from each grade level.
    "Today is about celebrating the past 10 years," Ms. Repka said. "The time capsule represents bringing us into the future."