An old tradition, a new face at Schmitz Park Elementary this morning. On the first day of school in previous years, Alan Schmitz, grandson of West Seattle pioneers Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, had always spoken during the flag ceremony; Mr. Schmitz died this past March, so his son Dietrich Schmitz (above right, with Schmitz Park principal Gerrit Kischner) spoke today instead. Here’s where everyone gathers:
Then, the ceremony, which we recorded on video – you’ll see and hear student Tyler Johnston directing the color guard before principal Kischner introduces the staff (and others).
Schmitz Park now has more than 540 students, with many studying in portable classrooms, but may get a new, larger building on the current Genesee Hill campus later this decade, if that is written into next year’s BEX levy and approved by voters.
| 4 COMMENTS