"The

staff, the students and the community" are the three

things that distinguish Huddleston Elementary as a school

of excellence, according to Principal Lynda Lambeth.

Saturday

starting at 1 p.m., teachers, children and alumni will

join with former principals Dr. John DeCotis and Trigg

Dalrymple to celebrate Huddleston's 20th birthday.

Started as

an intermediate school with grades five and six, the

entire school often stopped work for lunch in its early

days, recall Huddleston teachers Marcie McDuffie and Tom

Teribury, who are 20-year classroom veterans.

"Sometimes we would sit outside for lunch and

oversee our classes," said McDuffie, noting the

45-minute lunch period which has been shortened over the

years. "It was a really good time," she said.

"I

remember that tree when it was just a twig,"

Teribury said, pointing out a tall oak dressed in autumn

leaves. In addition to the school's growth of foliage,

Teribury has witnessed the development of the school in

size. The physical plant has been expanded, along with

the enrollment, which now stands at 675 students.

Huddleston evolved into a kindergarten through eighth

grade school in 1990.

Saturday's

celebration will include the presentation of a

"mystery mural" which has been a

work-in-progress this week by Huddleston students under

the creative guidance of Karin Mervis, artist in

residence. Her approach to teaching art to children

includes at least 15 ways to paint and view the picture,

noting there is no right or wrong way. She has her easel

set up in the front entryway of the school, allowing

students to see the progress of the week-long project.

The result will be viewed today.

The

unveiling of a new sign at the entrance of the school is

also part of the birthday observance. The message-board

sign will announce school events and announcements.

Looking

ahead, Lambeth has set goals for the school she has led

for 10 years. Reading tops the list, with a pledge of

support for the individual student through the stages of

reading development. In math, the school wants to provide

a strong understanding of the curriculum, along with

improving basic skills which can be applied to practical

application.

Huddleston

plans to use technology to "integrate and extend all

curriculum" within the classroom, and provide the

computer as an active resource for students and staff.

Increased awareness of multiple cultures will be

integrated into the classroom along with improved

communication within the school and community.

"Huddleston

will teach the importance of personal accountability

through staff modeling and establish clear expectations

between students and staff," according to Lambeth.

Huddleston

is on McIntosh Trail, accross from the Frederick Brown

Amphitheater in Peachtree City. the celebration will

continue until 5 p.m. Saturday.