Grand Opening
Historic Grand Opening of El Rodeo Elementary School: A Celebration of Legacy and Future
On August 11, 2024, The El Rodeo Elementary School campus in Beverly Hills officially opened its doors to the community, marking a significant moment in the city's educational history. The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, welcomed over 2,000 attendees lining up around Whittier Dr. and Wilshire Blvd., including residents, alumni, students, parents, staff, small business owners, and local dignitaries. This event was not just an opening—it was a celebration of nearly a century of Educational Excellence and the beginning of a new chapter for El Rodeo as an elementary school.
A Beverly Hills Community Event
The event offered something for everyone, from young children to the most revered alumni. The atmosphere was vibrant, fun, and inclusive, with a balance of ceremony and festivity. Attendees were treated to a vibrant Sunday Market featuring an array of local Beverly Hills businesses. BHUSD showcased Tesoro, Epiphany, Amie's Granola, Pompadour, and Fab Boutique featuring a variety of products, from jewelry to fresh berries, flowers, and plants. Gourmet coffee by Mobar, crepes by Dylan’s, agua frescas, and pastries added a delightful culinary experience.
Engaging Activities for All Ages
The day was packed with activities that catered to all ages and interests. The Beverly Hills AYSO Community Field was filled with fun and laughter, offering soccer games, corn-hole, and an array of athletic activities for children and adults alike. The basketball courts hosted clinics, providing a chance for participants to hone their skills. Custom slime by Sparklez Slimez, face painting, hair braiding, and a coloring station where children brought Marlene Zimmerman's artwork of El Rodeo Elementary School to life were a hit among the younger attendees, adding dynamic, hands-on fun to the day's festivities. The PTA couldn’t keep up with demand as participants customized merch with the year they graduated, their names, and future “class of” years in real time.
Preserving the Legacy
A central theme of the event was the preservation and celebration of El Rodeo's rich history. The day’s highlights included the unveiling of a restored 1934 mural by renowned artist Hugo Ballin, depicting an educational scene filled with historical symbolism. This mural, along with an El Rodeo Through the Years gallery, gave attendees a chance to reflect on the school's, at the time, 97-year legacy. The first-ever campus-wide exploration allowed visitors to view state-of-the-art facilities, a newly renovated auditorium, peek into classrooms, and the preserved alumni tile wall, with families having the opportunity to purchase new tiles through the PTA.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Principal Sarah Kaber, alongside Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy, Board President Dr. Amanda Stern, and Mayor Lester Friedman, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This act symbolized the school's unwavering partnership with the City of Beverly Hills and their joint readiness to carry forward BHUSD’s legacy of Educational Excellence into a new era. The presence of all members of the Board of Education, the City Council, and key project partners such as Fonder-Salari, ProWest Constructors, and HMC Architects solidified a true collaboration.
Community and Collaboration
The event was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Beverly Hills community. Each detail of the day served as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that went into making this moment possible. The Beverly Hills Education Foundation's Legacy Naming Opportunities were a particular focus, with multiple new namings secured in the days leading up to the event. Once the ribbon was cut and doors opened, guests raced to see their names on gold plaques on the back of chairs in the auditorium following the “Take a Seat” campaign launched in May. Attendees also participated in meaningful activities such as CPR training and learning about the Just in Case program, as well as the Not Today Cancer initiative, further emphasizing the school's commitment to community well-being and education.
A Legacy Continued as a Next Chapter Begins
The theme of the inaugural elementary year, "Our Next Chapter," was captured through the event's reflective activities and installations, which bridged the past with the future. BHUSD ensured there was an El Rodeo to remember before an El Rodeo Elementary was created. Now, students stand on the shoulders of giants—of legacy, history, and greatness never to be forgotten.
A Heartfelt Thanks
The success of the Grand Opening would not have been possible without the support of the community, sponsors, and organizers. Special thanks go to event sponsors: ProWest Constructors, Michael J. Libow, AYSO, Fonder-Salari, HMC, RDM Companies, Alpha Mechanical, and many local businesses for their generous contributions.
Join the Community
The El Rodeo Elementary School community invites you to continue this journey with them. Receive neighborhood updates at er.bhusd.org/neighbors, join the PTA at er.bhusd.org/pta, participate in upcoming events, and explore naming opportunities at naming.bhef.org to leave your mark on this historic institution.
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