Next year is our 50th anniversary and I've been jotting down ideas here and there. In addition to what others have mentioned, here are some possibilities - time capsule, 50th anniversary cookbook, 1950s dress up day (since our first year was 1953), historical displays, asking teachers to tie the historical aspect into their curriculum, special banners outside and in the inside entrance area, taking an ariel photo of the kids grouped together to form a big "50." I had some other ones - I will post them if I remember them.
I'd love to hear some other tips from anyone who has conducted a 50th anniversary celebration! I'm excited.
We just had our 40th last weekend. We had a historical committee that tried to find old pictures of the building and to find the oldest living graduate. We invited the local media and school board members. We had an essay contest and the winners got to read it. Cake and punch was served. We sold memorabelia. It took 6 months of planning, but it went off without a hitch.
Could you do similar activities like they do for the 100th day of school? Make a necklace with 50 things attached. Have the class write 50 great things about going to that school. Have the entire school form the numbers "5-0" on the playground and take a picture.
Or my elementary had a reunion party for its 30th anniversary. There was an open house with refreshments, speakers consisting of past and present teachers and staff, representatives from each class, etc...
