Bay Haven School of Basics Plus celebrates centennial anniversary

Ariel Brown attributes her success today, as a practicing occupational therapist with a master's degree in the field, to the foundation she built at the elementary school Bay Haven School of Basics Plus. 

A member of the class of 1995, she was one of the attendees at the celebration of the school's 100th anniversary held Feb. 21.

"It was always very inclusive, just way ahead of the times in inclusivity," she said. "It always felt like a small, loving community here. Some of the fondest memories of my entire life were right here."

She said the school had always felt like a family, and still did that day, as she saw many familiar faces including past teachers. 

Attendees filled the seats on the school's grounds for a presentation that included speeches by current and former principals and students, and student performances.

One of two elementary schools built from identical Mediterranean Revival-style plans in 1926, the other being Southside Elementary, the legacy of Bay Haven includes being the first integrated elementary school in Sarasota County.

It also offered the county's first elementary school library in 1957 and first kindergarten in 1964. In 1983, the school initiated written contracts with families that included requiring parents to attend PTA meetings and volunteer time.

"Most schools beg for attendance. We mandate it, and somehow it works beautifully," Betsy Asheim, principal from 2007 to 2013, told attendees. "Parents sign contracts, they volunteer, they show up and they partner with us. Our relatively small size keeps it personal and connected."

Its awards and recognition include being recognized as a National School of Merit, or Blue Ribbon School. 

Having attended the school in separate stretches until 1944, Betty Shialie can still remember the days when the school had yet to add a kindergarten, having started in first grade.

"The teachers were really great back then even, they just always have been a good school," she said. "They had a very good principal. I just loved the school back then."

She said even with expanded facilities that were different than those of the past, she was glad to see the school continuing on.

"I think it's wonderful this school is still going like it is," she said. "I really do."