Press Release: Walter Hays Elementary Celebrates 100 Years in Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CA—Walter Hays Elementary School is very pleased to announce the celebration of its centennial year as part of the Palo Alto School District. Established in 1923, the district’s oldest, continuous elementary school is a vibrant center and fixture in the community at Rinconada Park on Middlefield and Embarcadero Roads.

“We invite our wonderful Walter Hays community of past and present students, parents, teachers, staff, and neighbors to join us in celebrating Walter Hays Elementary School’s 100th anniversary. Our remarkable school has a longstanding history of academic excellence in our community while developing emotionally and socially resilient students,” says Principal Mary Bussmann.

The celebration is centered around this year’s Palo Alto May Fete Parade on May 6. The community is invited to walk alongside the centennial parade float. Following the parade, a celebration event on the Walter Hays campus, from 2 to 4 p.m., will allow attendees to reacquaint with old friends and colleagues. Bussmann adds, “Our core values, The Walter Hays Way, play a key role in each student’s development which supports a safe and positive environment for all to learn and grow. Join us in celebrating our amazing history starting in May.”

To learn more about the centennial plans, how to share memories, and participate (including information on the commemorative centennial T-shirt and brick fundraiser for the Walter Hays Elementary future “Wildcat Walk,” to be installed in the Fall of 2023), please visit walterhaysschool100.org at this time. Additional details will be added to the site in the coming weeks.