The 5^th grade class of 2011 has just completed their 5^th grade gift to the school. This time honored tradition has been beautifying Bird Rock Elementary since the 1970’s. From murals to self portraits, painted tiles to stained glass and mosaic, the Bird Rock campus looks forward to a new surprise of creativity each year.

This year, the 70 students helped to create fused glass and stamped high fire clay for 2 projects in the front of school. Looking to update the school entrance façade, the 5^th grade committee focused on the front of the school.

Collaborating with artists team Jane Wheeler and Kathryn Stephens, both alumni moms, they glued various shades of blue to create the fused glass rim that surrounds “The Wave”. Designed by Kathryn Stephens and mosaic enhanced  by Jane Wheeler, this wave captures the essence of Bird Rock- waves, water, starfish, sparkle, and by the sea blues. Embedded in the starfish are the words “est. 1951” to commemorate Bird Rock’s 60^th birthday.

Surrounding the flagpole next to the wave is a mosaic  containing messages of inspiration stamped by the 5^th graders such as: “be yourself”, ”let your personality fly” ,“take charge’, “travel”, “inspire”, “tubular”, “justice”, “helping hands”, “every key opens something” , etc. Also embedded are the names of the students, teachers and principal. The main focal point is the class of 2011’s legacy message, “Bird Rock Elementary, Where Friendships Are Born”, surrounded by fused glass created by the students.

The retro original letters spelling Bird Rock Elementary School are being repainted a new dark blue and will return to the front this summer.

Thank you Bird Rock for continuing the tradition of grass roots creativity in the community!!

Read About it in the La Jolla Light HERE