ROCHESTER — As spring showers bring the promises of summer out of winter hibernation, schools and their students across Aspen View Public Schools (AVPS) are preparing for the off-season. But for the community of Rochester, the arrival of the end of the 24-25 school year is more somber than celebratory.
In January 2024, AVPS trustees voted unanimously to close the hamlet school after projected enrolment was at risk of falling below necessary funding thresholds, threatening a loss of more than $400,000 in needed revenue.
The decision, which board members called the most difficult of their tenure, was felt deeply by the Rochester community, made up many with fond memories of the small rural school and their years spent traversing the halls.
And this Saturday, May 17, a dedicated group is inviting Rochester residents of all ages to gather in the school to share and reflect on the many years of fond memories and history of education in the hamlet community.
“We will have displays and photographs all put out of the last 109 years,” said Rochester resident and event organizer Geri Ellen. “We’ve got yearbooks, photographs, CD’s of photographs, banners that have been won by the team.”
The school’s doors will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone to come explore and reminisce, see old friends and make new connections. Attendees will be invited to sign a guest book and gather in the gym at 3 p.m. for a short program, when anyone with a story can take the mic and share with neighbours, old classmates, family and friends.
A cash concession with snacks and coffee will be available courtesy of Rochester Willing Workers, and Ellen said the organizers are working on arranging a photo area complete with the school’s colours of blue and yellow.
Ellen and librarian Tammy Morey are two of the 10 locals behind the event, who started planning for the farewell shortly after the school board’s decision last January. They said despite the history of the school’s viability being questioned, her and other members of the community were saddened and surprised, left with mixed feelings about the decision.
“My husband taught here, my kids all went to school here. It’s used by the public, by the community for all kinds of things, there’s a church service here every Sunday in the gym. It’s an integral part of this little town.”
Morey, who has worked in the building since 1998, said she felt “a little bit blindsided. It was a rumour for years that it was going to close, and then all of a sudden we got the announcement — we’re done.”
Ellen said her fondest memories from when her children were in school was in the inclusivity that comes hand in hand with being such a small school. Anyone interested in volleyball was given a spot on the team, no matter age or skill level, and Christmas concerts were always packed.
“It will be tough, it was like one big family,” said Morey.
Elizabeth Siemens has been the principal at Rochester School for the last six years, and resides on a farm not far outside the hamlet. Originally from Calgary, the educator now considers herself a Rochester local, and echoed Ellen and Morey’s sentiment closely.
“There’s a lot of mixed feelings. There’s definitely the sadness and wishing it wasn’t ending, but I see little glimmers of excitement and looking forward to what might be coming next for the kids.”
Siemens told trustees in November 2024 about her efforts to transition both students and their parents throughout the school year to prepare them for the changes moving to a new school brings, and is grateful for the organizers allowing community members the chance to say goodbye.
“I’m just glad that we’re taking the time and opportunity to do this, and before the school is closed,” said Siemens. “I think it’s nice for people to have that little bit of closure themselves, seeing it still being vibrant and used.”
Siemens, Ellen and Morey encourage anyone and everyone with a connection to the schools and Rochester community to stop by and participate in any way, and wish the school and its spirit farewell while it’s still in good health.
“Just please come out and say goodbye, get your picture taken at the school,” said Ellen.
“I’ve got friends texting me saying, “I can’t wait to get together. We’ll cry a little and laugh a lot.”
