La Mesa Middle School Celebrates 60th Anniversary This Year

The 2012-13 school year will be a special one for , as the Parks Avenue institution will turns 60.

Principal Beth Thomas said that a celebration for the milestone is being planned for the spring, at the school's Evening of the Arts / Open House. She added that all events that the school has done in the past, (i.e. Academic Bowl, Evening of the Stars) are pending.

There will be  a few new faculty members at the school this year. James Gonzales has been hired as a special education math teacher for grades 7-8. Gonzales was formerly an English teacher in the District, who had been laid off. But he went back to school and earned his special ed credential, and was hired in a different capacity.

The school also welcomes Angel Maloy, an English Language Development teacher for grades 7-8, and Matt Worthington, a Special Education teacher for grades 7-8.

Asha Bradford will become the new PTSA president this year, Thomas said. All parents who would like to be involved at any level, are encouraged to do so, and must fill out the volunteer form or contact the school office at 619-668-5730.

Also new this year is the installation of a sidewalks near the school, widenting the street in front of the school, and adding a cut out drop off area, all of which are done to promote safer pedestrian activity in the Safe Routes to School initiative.

Thomas said that the learning at the school, isn't done only by its approximately 680 students.

"Our staff just continues to try to provide the best experience for our children," she said. "As adults, we continue to look at how we do things in order to continue to grow as learners, too."