*Principal David Sweder and students bury the Whittemore time capsule. Photo by Saul Blumenthal.*

The Henry Whittemore Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday with a full-day event honoring students, teachers and the community.

Decorated from floor to floor to showcase 10 decades of teaching and learning, students welcomed residents for guided classroom tours and book read-alongs throughout the day.

Guests were also invited to lunch, providing an additional opportunity to connect with teachers and staff and reflect on the school’s long history in the community.

Later in the day the centennial celebration featured a Whittemore School sing-along led by former principal Patricia Vasquez, the burying of a time capsule and a spirited “Happy Birthday” countdown by students, teachers and visitors.

100-year history

The school was built in 1926 and named after Henry Whittemore, a member of the prominent Whittemore family that had deep roots in Massachusetts civic and business life during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

It underwent a major renovation and expansion in the 2000s as part of a broader modernization of Waltham’s public schools.

Today Whittemore is known for serving a diverse student population from Waltham’s South Side and for its strong community focus. The school emphasizes its core values of being “responsible, respectful, and ready.” Its mascot is a bee. Community events such as playground cleanups, PTO activities and student programs have become a major part of the school culture.