LOWER SCHOOL BUILDING The next phase of development began on June 11, 2007,
Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s office read a proclamation
with the demolition of the portable buildings that had
and presented a flag to the school.
accommodated pre-kindergarten to second grades since 1965. During the summer of 2007, the Nancy J. O’Neil
Second grader Heidi Johnson led the assembled in “The
building, which housed fourth and fifth grades, was rebuilt
Star-Spangled Banner” and Lifer Miles Bennett-Smith
from studs and ceilings to windows and doors, to create a
’09 spoke on behalf of the students. Jay Johnson ’77 and
modern, airy space for pre-kindergarten and a temporary
the Johnson Family Jazz Band entertained with father
home for kindergarten while construction continued on
Jay on piano and children Jamie ’10 on alto saxophone,
the lower school building. The adjoining play yard was
Charlie ’10 on drums and saxophone, and Heidi ’19 on
transformed into a safe, imaginative place to enjoy the
drums, rhythm, and vocals. Jay was one of the original 12
outdoors. Lower school students were moved throughout
students when Country Day opened in 1964.
the campus during the year of construction, the upper grades met in some of the middle school classrooms, and
With the assistance of Mrs. Marmaduke and Mrs. Vail,
portables were brought into the middle school quad area.
Mr. Repsher snipped the ribbon, and the children rushed into the building for a first visit to their classrooms. After
From the Capital Campaign Newsletter, January 2009:
touring, everyone was invited to a picnic lunch hosted by
Monday, August 25, 2008 – “On a sunny morning in August,
the Parents’ Association.
just prior to the first day of school, trustees, parents,
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students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests gathered in
The following day, August 26, kindergarten through fifth
the Edwards Plaza for the dedication of the new lower
grade students enjoyed their first day of school in the
school. After remarks from the board president, Anita
new building. Also open for business was the new lower
Seipp Marmaduke, headmaster Stephen Repsher, and
school music room (in the old Rust Library). The vacated
head of lower school Christy Vail, a representative from
kindergarten rooms were renovated and refurbished for permanent classrooms for art and world language.”
Donors and friends gather on the Cynthia and Steve Edwards Plaza for a thank-you dinner.