P.I.E. to celebrate 60th anniversary with Spring Fest
This Thursday, March 17, Pine Island Elementary School is holding its annual Spring Fest from 5:30-7:30 p.m. According to school Principal Tom Millins, this year’s event is especially unique because the school is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. The event will consist of a carnival style atmosphere, including a bounce-house, laser-tag, food, games and entertainment.
“We have not been able to have this event for the last two years, so we are very excited. The kids deserve this opportunity to let loose and have some fun,” Millins said.
Event plans have been under way, he said, for the past two months, under the support of numerous teams, such as sign, entertainment and community outreach committees. All of this, said Millins, is done under the Concerned Parent teacher Association.
“Basically, it’s like our PTA — that organization oversees this whole event,” Millins said.
Pine Island Elementary was completed in 1962, Millins said. Each decade, the school’s success has been celebrated. Some of these successes, he said, include the school’s high academic achievement, community involvement and organization.
Part of the 60th anniversary will consist of showcasing picture boards in the cafeteria from each of the decades from the 1960s to present day, which display not only the students, but also each of the school’s principals.
Winn-Dixie Store Manager, Dan Loughren has agreed to donate a cake in celebration of the occasion.
“Spring Fest will be outside, but we are allowing families to come to the cafeteria to see all the picture-boards and reminisce about all the times they’ve had here while they talk and have cake,” Millins said.
The school is also reaching out to community organizations, such as the VFW, Kiwanis, PICC and the Beacon of Hope, to extend invitations, as they would love to have everyone at the event, he said.
There is no charge to enter, however, people can purchase tickets for food, which will be provided by the Olde Fish House Marina, for a minimal fee, and there will be other food items such as cotton candy, popcorn, water, soda and ice cream from Kona Ice.
There will also be a silent auction, as well as entertainment during the event.
In addition to the Spring Fest Event and anniversary celebration, there will be a memory garden rededication ceremony for students of Pine Island Elementary School who have passed away, as well as teachers and professionals who dedicated many hours to the school.
“A number of years ago that monument was vandalized and the names were never replaced, so we’re having the dedication ceremony,” Millins said.
Millins has no trouble pointing to the parents of his students and the surrounding community, in large part, for the school’s success in becoming a beloved Pine Island institution.
“In the numerous schools I’ve been associated with, I have never seen a school that is so family and community oriented. That is what makes this school so special — the traditions, the love people have and community support are some of the main factors for the continued success of Pine Island Elementary School,” Millins said.
Pine Island Elementary School is located at 5360 Ridgewood Drive, Bokeelia, just north of Pine Island Road and east of the Center. For additional information about the school or the celebration, please call 239-283-0505.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email