• The History of Sunnymede Elementary 

    Sunnymede historic polaroidSunnymede Elementary School officially opened its doors on December 11, 1950, as a direct response to the overcrowding in Fort Smith’s existing elementary schools caused by a significant population increase. The school was established largely due to the efforts of the residents of the Sunnymede Addition, who petitioned the school board to construct a school in their neighborhood and name it "Sunnymede" to reflect the community’s identity.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Memorable Moments in Sunnymede History

    August 27, 1838 The United States of America sold land to William Wallace Fleming, which included the tract that would later become the site of Sunnymede School. This land changed ownership several times before becoming the property of Doss Sutton and was eventually incorporated into the Shadowlawn Addition to the city of Fort Smith.

    September 26, 1949 Voters in the Fort Smith District approved a 3¾ mill tax increase, which financed a $650,000 bond issue. The funds were allocated for various school expenses, including the construction of a new elementary school on a ten-acre site. At this time, the members of the Sunnymede Addition requested that the school board name the new school "Sunnymede."

    January 1950
    The Fort Smith School Board received bids for the construction of the new school. Contracts totaling $118,370 were awarded.

    September 22, 1950 Even before the school building was completed, dedicated parents gathered at the Old Albert Pike School (now Park School) to establish the Sunnymede PTA and elect its first officers.

    December 11, 1950 Sunnymede School officially opened, with a total six classrooms, an office, a health room, a teachers' lounge, restrooms, and a large cafetorium and kitchen.

    December 1950 The Sunnymede PTA held its first meeting in the school's cafetorium, celebrating with a Christmas program presented by the pupils.

    1952 Due to continued overcrowding, a six-room addition was constructed. The $98,586 project mirrored the original brick and masonry design and increased the school’s capacity to over 400 students. This expansion also included a combination library and conference room and expanded the cafeteria storage room.

    September 1953 Fort Smith Public Schools adjusted the school zone boundaries, transferring students from the overcrowded Rogers School to the Sunnymede District.

    1955 Overcrowding again forced first-graders to attend school in half-day sessions. That year, an influx of about 100 third graders necessitated converting part of the cafetorium into a temporary classroom.

    1956-57 The Echols School building was completed mid-year, prompting the transfer of some Sunnymede students to the new facility.

    September 1957 Once more, increased enrollment required first graders to attend half-day sessions.

    September 1958 Sunnymede had an enrollment of 424 pupils across 14 rooms, and first graders again attended school for half days for much of the school year.

    September 1961 A rise in industrial activity and the reactivation of Fort Chaffee, which had been closed since 1959, caused a city-wide surge in the school population.

    November 1962 The Fort Smith School Board proposed a $2.5 million building program to address the needs of the rapidly growing school district. This proposal included expansions and improvements for several schools, including Sunnymede.

    December 4, 1962  In the annual school election, voters approved a 3¾ mill tax increase to support the bond issue necessary for the building program. This approval paved the way for significant developments, including the expansion of Sunnymede Elementary.

    January 1964 With the development of the Rolling Knolls residential area and plans to subdivide the Sutton property into building sites, Sunnymede Elementary added a new wing. Sixth-graders were the first to occupy this new addition. 

    Summer 1964 The deactivation of Fort Chaffee, which had previously spurred population growth, along with a population shift towards other school districts, provided Sunnymede with much-needed "growing room." The school no longer faced the overcrowding issues that had plagued it in the past.

    1973-74 School Year Sunnymede School embarked on a period of innovation, introducing two successful instructional programs aimed at improving student learning experiences. Alongside these programs, the school saw enhancements in equipment and supplies, although there was a noted decrease in enrollment, reflecting broader demographic changes in the area.

    2021: The school underwent renovations to include a secure vestibule and optimized office and entryway spaces.

    Sunnymede old photo

    Notable People in Sunnymede History

    • E. Chester Nelson - Chosen as the architect for the new Sunnymede School building, his design played a crucial role in the development of the school’s facilities.

    • Richard B. Kilgallen - The first principal of Sunnymede School, serving from 1950-1951, and instrumental in the initial operations and establishment of the school.

    • Herbert G. Holcomb - Served as principal from 1951-1953, overseeing the school during a period of significant growth and transition.

    • Herschell C. Lingle - Principal from 1953-1955, who contributed to the school’s development during a time of expanding enrollment.

    • Miss Avleen Ragland - Became the first female principal of Sunnymede and served from 1955 onwards, leading the school through further growth and modernization.

    • Mrs. Howard Sengel, Mrs. D. D. Calvert, Mrs. P. M. Shaver, and Mrs. Dick Martin - Founding members of the Sunnymede P.T.A., playing a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the school's community activities and functions.

    • Bill Kimmons - Owner of Sunnymede Shopping Center and a prominent member of the Sunnymede Booster Club, which supported the school through various fundraising activities and community events.

    Discover Our History

    Explore the rich history of Sunnymede Elementary. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Sunnymede Elementary evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

    Contribute to Our History

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