Donald M. Cleland A History of the Santa Monica Schools 1876-1951, Santa Monica Unified School District, February 1952 (Copied for the Santa Monica Library, July 22, 1963). 140 pp., 1913, 1889
Garfield [Elementary at Michigan and Seventh] had the distinction of providing still another "first" in the Santa Monica schools. Because of the large number of working mothers in the neighborhood who were compelled to leave small children at home unattended, the need for a kindergarten became apparent. Thus, in the fall of 1913, the first kindergarten in Santa Monica was opened with one teacher. [30. Board Minutes, Aug. 9, 1913.] Increased enrollment soon required the employment of a second teacher, at which time a second classroom was converted to kindergarten use, offering an attractive, homelike environment in which to continue the program.
" . . . First, although adult classes were held as early as 1889, it was only in 1913 that the adult education program and evening high school were officially organized."
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"The formal dedication of the new high school took place on February 23, 1913, at two o'clock in the afternoon. Mrs. D.G. Stephens, then president of the Board of Education, presiding. The Reverend Lislie Lebinger offered the invocation, Superintendent Horace M. Rebok presented the dedicatory address, and Mrs. Stephens made the formal dedication of the school. [59, Program, Dedication of Santa Monica High School, February 23, 1913; in files of Santa Monica Board of Education.]
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"Two memorial gateways, each costing $1000, adorn the high school grounds. The Williamson D. Vawter Gate and the Robert P. Elliott Gate were announced at the dedication ceremonies of the new high school on February 23, 1913. The Vawter Gate, erected on Fifth Street and Michigan Avenue, was dedicated by the children of W.D. Vawter. Vawter was one of the pioneer citizens of California, a man who had exhibited great interest in the schools of Santa Monica, and a man respected in the community for his civic, industrial, and moral worth. The Robert P. Elliott Gate was presented by Carl F. Schader in honor of his father-in-law who, in an earlier period, had served for two terms on the Board of Education and was an active civic leader. This gate opens to Pico Boulevard and Fourth Street.
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"[Santa Monica High School Principal, Frank W.] Thomas resigned in 1913 to become president of Fresno State Teachers College, and the Board of Education accepted his resignation "with deepest regret." His successor was J.E. McKown (1913-1914).
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Special Services
Many special services have been introduced in the Santa Monica schools during the years, some of the earlier ones being these: [46: Martin, op. cit., p. 60.]
1913 Miss Elizabeth Hamlin elected Elementary General Supervisor.
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