Students seal time capsule
ADAMS TWP — A concrete block emblazoned with 2007 on the brick wall outside Mars Centennial School's main entrance is a perpetual reminder to all visitors of the year the building opened.
But 30 years from now when the block is removed, only a select few will remember what lies inside.
The Mars Centennial School time capsule will be protected by the concrete until it's pried out of the wall in 2037.
"I think it's a very unique architectural feature that we can take advantage of to represent the students, the faculty and the Mars community at large," said Ian Magness, principal.
"We all know we have a unique opportunity — we're privileged and proud to be here this first year."
A small group of school administrators, teachers and students Friday ceremoniously placed a handful of items into the time capsule, including Mars School District paraphernalia, a newspaper to mark the date, a staff photo collage, photos of the building under construction and a cell phone, formerly Magness', to represent current technology.
"It's a part of the building — Ithink it's fabulous," said fifth grade teacher Karen Banze.
When she shared details of the project with her father, a teacher for 37 years, Banze was reminded that she doesn't need a time capsule to remind her that she is one of the building's inaugural educators.
Banze had her students include information about their personal tastes and interests to share with students of the future.
"I think that if this is still an elementary building, elementary kids then will be able to relate to them," she said.
Written impressions of the brand-new building by students and staff as well as advice for future students were also enclosed.
The new school is better than Mars Elementary because it's bigger but easy to navigate, said fifth grader Megan McLaughlin, 10, one of three students chosen by Magness to help fill the capsule.
Richie Mamajek, also 10 and in fifth grade, said when he first saw the large building and its pillars, he thought it would be cool inside.
"And it turns out Iwas right," he said.
Writing about themselves for the time capsule gave fifth and sixth graders food for thought about what life will be like in 2037, when many will celebrate their 40th birthdays.
"I don't know what futuristic technology you have, like hovercars or droids, that serve you,"Richie wrote to students of the future.
"Just remember that you are going to the nicest school in the district."
