Beach Elementary: A Unique Firsthand Perspective

 Original post:

https://fmbislander.wordpress.com/2023/07/28/beach-elementary-a-unique-firsthand-perspective/

BY Ellie Bunting (Special to the FMBIslander)

Tomorrow [October 6, 2022] at 6 PM at Skip One Seafood, there will be a meeting to discuss the future of the Beach School. This school has been an integral part of our community since 1937. I attended the Beach School in the late 50’s. My children attended the Beach School in the 90’s. My mother taught at the Beach School for many years. My daughter did her teaching internship at the Beach School. The Beach School is a very special place, and it needs to be available for future generations of beach kids to attend.

Photo courtesy of Ellie Bunting

Over the last 80 years, the number of children who have benefitted from this island school is in the thousands. The school is the heart of the community, and all of the beach kids have fond memories of the years they spent learning the basics and preparing them for a successful transition to the “big school” in town.

Prior to 1937, children on the island were bussed to the Iona School on McGregor.  Thanks to many dedicated mothers, the first beach school opened in the Mayhew Page cottage at 2563 Cottage Street. One teacher oversaw the 27 first, second, and third grade children.  She was paid $80 a month by the school board.  Parents took donations to pay for rental of the cottage, which was still standing before Ian (it is no longer there).  In 1938, a two-room schoolhouse was built on Sterling Street.  Another teacher was added to the school which now housed grades one to six. When the population of the island increased during World War II, a lunchroom was added behind the school which also served as an additional classroom.  In 1943 another teacher was added, and by 1949, the old school closed, and the new school opened on School Street.

This is the second Beach School on Sterling Street (Photo courtesy of Ellie Bunting)

The original building had six classrooms, and a large auditorium with a stage. In 1955 a cafeteria was added as well as an administration office and additional classrooms.

Growing up on the island, the school was a gathering place for families.  I can still remember the names of each teacher I had for the six years I spent at the Beach School.  My mother was the “permanent substitute” at the school for many years, and I was lucky enough to get to know some of these dedicated educators on a personal level.

When my children attended the school in the 1990’s, I realized that little had changed.  The school was still a special place with a hometown feel.  Everyone knew each other and it was like a private school. I was thrilled when my daughter was in Winnie Yordy’s class.  I was in her class when she was a first or second year teacher.  Angie was in her class as she was looking towards retirement.

Photo courtesy of Ellie Bunting

In its heyday, the school housed over 300 students.  The population has decreased since the cost of living on the island has become out of reach for many young parents. However, we should not assume this decline will continue. We have many Beach School alumni who have settled here. They are now becoming parents, and their children need the Beach School as much as their parents did back in the day.

As of this posting [originally posted October 5, 2022, titled “Save Our School”], the future of Beach Elementary remains uncertain. [Editor’s Note: Lee County School District announced earlier this year plans to open November 13th for the return of students to our island school.]

Ellie Bunting is a writer and realtor, working with husband of 39 years Bob and daughter Angie at TriPower. A retired teacher, Ellie serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Estero Island Historic Society. Both she and Bob are avid boaters with extensive knowledge of the wonderful fishing, sailing, and paddle boarding opportunities right in our backyard. Ellie has a book soon to be published on the history of our beloved schoo. Follow her blog at buntingsbeachblog.com .