The atmosphere at Thousand Oaks Elementary School was electric Friday morning. Students and teachers dressed in cowboy hats and boots were everywhere. There were too many bandanas and blue jeans to count. It was Rodeo Day, one of the most favorite traditions at the school.
But this year’s celebration was a little different, more exciting because this Rodeo Day was also the celebration of the school’s 40th anniversary.
Current Principal, Holly Salazar said, “It’s just really neat to see all of the things that have changed over the years and we continue to innovate and move forward.”
North East ISD’s Superintendent of Schools, along with members of the Board of Trustees, joined the festivities. Other guests included former teachers and every living principal who has helped guide the Thunderbolts over the past 40 years, including the one who started the Rodeo Day tradition, Janet Dietel. She was actually at Thousand Oaks on the very first day it opened. She eventually became a teacher and a few years later, became only the second Principal Thousand Oaks had ever had.
“I have no idea how long I was here, I do know it was a fabulous time because we had great students, wonderful parents and outstanding teachers,” said Dietel.
But what about Rodeo Day? Why did she decide to create this much-loved tradition?
“A lot of times children don’t see all different parts of things and I wanted them to understand Texas, our traditions in Texas, the stories in Texas, “explained Dietel.
It’s cliché when reflecting on the past to say something like, “If these walls could talk…” but these walls wouldn’t be able to tell the full story here because when Thousand Oaks first opened 40 years ago, the campus was wide open. They didn’t have walls around every classroom. Those were added later. Another recent change to the school is new sensory walkways, which were just put down this week and paid for by a North East Educational Foundation grant.
The other take away from today’s celebration, are the families, teachers, and principals who have passed through these halls. They have created many great memories and love their Thousand Oaks community.
“Thousand Oaks holds a special place in my heart,” said former principal, Jennifer Barton, “The people here, the community they love the school and all of the traditions that are associated with the school.”
