Campus bell rings for first time Campus bell rings for first time (May 07, 2004)

Walnut Grove Elementary celebrates new buildings
by Teresa C. Brown

With the clang of a bell, Walnut Grove Elementary School's new facility became official. During a dedication ceremony last Friday at the school at 1999 Harvest Road, the school's staff and students watched as guest of honor Caree Leimer gave the first tugs to the century-old antique bell installed in front of the school.

"It's my pleasure to come before this group and dedicate the new and improved school," said school district Superintendent John Casey. In the past, school bells called children to school, he said, adding that he hoped the addition of a bell would become a returning trend.

The bell, which was shipped from New Hampshire, was purchased through a donation by the Brett Leimer Foundation. Brett was a 7-year-old Lydiksen Elementary School student who died in October 2000 of leukemia. The Foundation, created to raise money to offset Brett's medical expenses, donated funds to Pleasanton schools in the young boy's memory.

Walnut Grove's $9.2 million renovations were completed in December 2003. The work replaced classrooms, converted the multipurpose room into a library and media center, replaced modular units with permanent facilities, improved parking and play areas, installed fencing, converted the kitchen to a staff lounge, and redesigned administration offices.

The ceremony included performances by the a cappella quartet PleasanTones and a third-grade class led by music teacher Sharolyn Borris.

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