Gemini Elementary School Set To Celebrate 50th Anniversary On October 6

By  //  October 4, 2016

dignitaries and former staff set to attend

gemini-50-580
Gemini Elementary School opened its doors for the first time to the children of Melbourne Beach 50 years ago. (image by David Coalter)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA – Fifty years ago, the Beatles were all the rage. Lyndon Johnson was president. And Gemini Elementary School opened its doors for the first time to the children of Melbourne Beach.

Named after NASA’s Gemini Program, the school has since consistently provided an excellent education for the community’s younger members.

The students, faculty and staff of Gemini Elementary are kicking off a year-long observance of its 50th Anniversary with a formal program of celebration on October 6.

In attendance will be Brevard Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Desmond K. Blackburn; BPS School Board Chairman Andy Ziegler; Melbourne Beach Mayor Jim Simmons; Gemini STEM partners Gina Clark, Melissa Wood, and Northrup Grumman’s Deb Drexler and Stephanie Fitzsimmons; local area principals; and former Gemini teachers and staff.

The entire school and invited guests will commemorate Gemini Elementary’s 50th with a slate of special speakers, music, and the assembly of a time capsule, as well as an overview of the school’s STEM efforts and a tour of classrooms for its visitors.

The school is especially excited to welcome back former Gemini educators who have helped make the school the exceptional institution it is today.

Dr Blackburn-580
In attendance will be Brevard Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Desmond K. Blackburn

This year, the school has been designated an “A” institution for the 16th year in a row, and is rated the 8th highest performing elementary school out of 55 in Brevard County.

Gemini Elementary Principal Joseph Loffek said, “This ceremony honors one of Brevard’s finest schools. For the past 50 years, Gemini Elementary has experienced a rich tradition of academic success.

Over the years Gemini has been recognized with many local and national awards such as NCLB Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, National School of Excellence-U.S. Department of Education, State Music Demonstration School, Brevard District Distinguished School Award, Excellence in Visual Arts Award-Brevard Cultural Alliance, ATTAIN Award and, most recently, the recipient of the Northrup Grumman STEM grant.

In addition to this, Gemini has always been recognized as one of Brevard’s highest achieving academic schools, as evidenced by 16 consecutive years of an A-grade from the state.”

“While school awards are noteworthy, the strength of our school lies within the families and community of Melbourne Beach that have made Gemini home. Our school has been fortunate to have outstanding parental involvement and support over the past 50 years.

South Animal Care Center’s Grand Opening of New Dog Park Set For October 1Related Story:
South Animal Care Center’s Grand Opening of New Dog Park Set For October 1

This is a tribute to the small town family values and atmosphere of Melbourne Beach.” “Lastly, our school has benefited from outstanding educators and support staff.

Throughout the past 50 years Gemini’s boys and girls have been blessed with the finest of teachers, supportive administrators and helpful support staff.

VIDEO: Vietnam Veteran Reunited With Dogs Months After Fighting For His LifeRelated Story:
VIDEO: Vietnam Veteran Reunited With Dogs Months After Fighting For His Life

As principal of Gemini, it is clear to me the strength of our school has always been and will continue to be a fine academic culture built upon strong relationships.”

Other observances of the school’s 50th planned throughout the year include commemorative pavers available to the school’s families and community supporters to purchase and adorn the school grounds; a massive photo taken by drone of all the students in the shape of a “50”; gifts to students throughout the school year; and other special celebrations for the students, staff and families of Gemini Elementary.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BREVARD COUNTY NEWS