Duryea Elementary School namesake visits campus to start classes

Dr. Peggy Bell Duryea (center) welcomes students on the first day of school to Duryea Elementary School. Dr. Duryea holds Dexter the Dolphin, which was presented to her at the naming of the school.

In helping start the 2017-2018 school year, Dr. Peggy Bell Duryea, the namesake of Duryea Elementary School, visited the campus on the first day of classes to welcome new and returning students.

Dr. Duryea brought the staff cookies while she welcomed students by greeting them at the school’s entrance with Dexter, a stuffed Dolphin presented to her at the naming of the school. She retired in 2002 following a career where she served as a teacher, team leader, counselor, assistant principal, principal, personnel manager, assistant to the superintendent and associate superintendent for school administration and human resources.

Dr. Peggy Bell Duryea (center with book) reads to students on the first day of school at Duryea Elementary School. The namesake of the school, which is now in its 14th year, Dr. Duryea welcomed students on the first day in addition to reading in classrooms.

Duryea opened its doors in 2004.

Fifth-grade students Seth Gutierrez and Hailey Lawson served as tour guides for Dr. Duryea and campus principal Kenneth Henry. In welcoming the students, Dr. Duryea said she was glad to return as her recent travels both across the country and abroad have kept her busy and from visiting more frequently. She does plan on attending more events during the 2017-2018 school year.

Dr. Peggy Bell Duryea (right) spends time with Duryea Elementary School students on the first day of school, visiting the campus named after the longtime CISD educator and administrator.

In addition, she joined in reading to two classrooms.

The staff presented Dr. Duryea with a campus t-shirt and a special key to the school with the inscription, “Dr. Peggy Duryea, the doors of Duryea Elementary are always open to you.”

Dr. Peggy Bell Duryea (left) welcomes students on the first day of school to Duryea Elementary School. She was given a school shirt by the staff in addition to a ceremonial key to the campus.

Henry said it was an honor having the school’s namesake in attendance for the first day of classes and being able to continue her legacy in education.