Class reunions:  Every 10, 20, 30, and even 40 years, they occur like clockwork.  We look forward to them, usually with equal parts anticipation and dread.  But, for the most part we take them for granted.  However, students who attended Fontana’s special education schools decades ago have not had that same luxury – until now.

When he was out and about in the community recently, retired FUSD Administrator and Board Member Dr. Wayne Ruble, said he was approached by a past special education student, now a grown woman, who asked, “Why don’t we ever have class reunions?”  Dr. Ruble said he thought, “Why not?”  Within days, he had recruited retired teachers Pam Tuttle and June Whitaker as his Reunion Committee.

Dr. Ruble was a special education teacher for years, ultimately becoming Fontana Unified School District’s Coordinator of Special Education.  During those years, our District had separate schools designated just for special education students, first, Slover Special School (which closed in 1972) and later, Virginia Primrose.  However, in the late 1980’s, civil rights legislation was reinterpreted to include students with disabilities and schools which had previously been designated for special education were prohibited.  Virginia Primrose Special School was redesignated as Virginia Primrose Elementary School in 1989.

The All Class Reunion, “Moments to Remember,” for students and staff of Slover Special School, Virginia Primrose Special School, and the DCH (Developmental Center for the Handicapped) is being planned for Friday, June 11, 2010, from 5-9 pm, at Sons of Italy.  Tickets are $12 each and include an evening of memories, dinner, and dancing.  Click here for flyer.

Because they don’t have the advantage of class rosters and recordkeeping that other class reunions usually have, the Reunion Committee is counting on “word of mouth” to help spread the news.  If you have a family member, friend, or acquaintance who attended the special education schools, the Committee would appreciate you passing along the information.

For more information, please feel free to contact Pam Tuttle at (909) 561-3388.

 

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