Thursday, December 27, 2007

Walt Disney Elementary School - Anaheim, CA

OCThen reader, "hwdlaura" asks if anyone else attended Walt Disney Elementary School in Anaheim...

Any alumni of Walt Disney Elementary in Anaheim out there? My sister and I both went there in the 60s. I went back a few years ago and took some photos of the wonderful Disney artwork in the cafeteria. I remember sitting on the cafeteria floor on parent/teacher conference days watching Disney movies. Herman the janitor, and Earl D Butler, principal. Delphine the crossing guard. My first grade teacher was Fay Schimming and my sixth grade teacher was Brenda Zanzee.
There are actually several "Walt Disney Elementary" schools across the country, including two others in California (Burbank, and San Ramon). You'd think that this one in Anaheim would have been the first, but it wasn't.

Walt Disney Elementary School, Anaheim
A website called, "Started by a Mouse", says that the Anaheim school was the third to be blessed with Walt's namesake (link)...
The third Walt Disney Elementary was naturally in Anaheim, where Walt surprised the school officials and students by declaring it a school holiday, and inviting all of the students to come to Disneyland for the day.
But another website, Mouseplanet, says that the school in Marcine, MO (Walt's boyhood home), was the third (link).

Maybe someone at the school district knows.

48 comments:

  1. one of the 'urban legends' about this particular school is that it is built on the site of a former orange grove and, according to the tale, when the people in the the new subdivision across from the school learned of the plan to build a school, they dug up all the orange trees in the dead of night and transplanted them to their own yards. the problem was, they didn't know the actual boundaries of the plot to be cleared and they ended up stealing dozens of trees from some poor guy's orchard. we had several of these ilicit trees in our yard. i've always wondered if this story is true!

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  2. I am a Disney alum! I attended Disney in the 80's - I'm 29 now. We had a blast at this school. We had a weekly student store where we could buy actual Disney dollars with our points for good behavior or whatever else they gave us points for. I remember disney shows during assemblies. I dont know if it was special for us, or if those singers and dancers went to all the elementary schools around. We also got to go to Disneyland for the day as a 6th grade trip. They gave us a tour of the back lot, and took a big picture of us on the backside of Splash Mountain. I have this pic somewhere probably. Such good memories of the place!

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  3. One more thing... my 6th grade teacher was Brenda Zanze too. I loved her! She called my house that summer and asked my parents if she could introduce me to her neice (or granddaugher - not sure at this point which it was then) and if I could join them while she was out here visiting! We had a blast going to Knotts, The Huntington Library, and lots of other places. She is one of my favorite teachers over the years...I only wish I could tell her that! I've googled her with no luck.

    I

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    1. I had Brenda Zanze for 6th grade too! I was class of 99 though. I agree she was a very sweet lady she had my brothers maybe you know them they are around your year Ryan and Kyle Kneubuhl. I lived right next door to the school on orange as well, it was the house with the big black cast iron gate out front.

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    2. I also had Mrs. Zanze. Class of 1997. My most fond memories were at that school.

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  4. Disney was great! I too attended in the '80's. Mrs. Formaneck was a great 5/6th grade teacher...I wish I could find her. Mr Turentin was principal at that time....So many friends...so many great memories. It would be great to have a reunion!!

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  5. I went to Walt Disney in Anaheim when it was first built, my name was Lavada Cowen. My best friend was Janette Green. We did a skit of 'Lolly Pop' for the class. I was very lucky in those days to enjoy the artwork in the Cafeteria, and just all the activities. Once we had a cowboy come with his very uniquely trained horse. I forget his name. I am old now, but love the memories.
    It is indeed a shame that the school we went to in Orange County was not the first one listed! I believe it was the first one built by the name of Walt Disney. I could be wrong, but doubt it. Walt Disney his self had came to our school right before I started in the 3rd grade there. And I was there til I moved to Gilbert Junior High. Thank you, Lavada

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  6. I would love to talk to my class mates. my email is Sammersss@att.net

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  7. I was in the first class that completed grades 1 to 6. I remember the school was still under construction when the 1956-57 school year started so for several weeks the students bound for Disney went to Magnolia School.

    Walt Disney himself attended the school’s dedication ceremony along with the Disneyland Band. In honor of having the school named after him Walt Disney invited the entire student body to a day at Disneyland as his guests.

    My sixth grade teacher was Mr. Estes, the coolest teacher I ever had. We took ballroom dancing classes on Friday nights as the “Fridaynighters”.

    If anyone from that era remembers Grant McCormick please contact me at grantmccormick03@yahoo.com

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  8. I attended Walt Disney School in 1975 Kindergarten. I remember on Saturdays for a quarter you could get a popcorn, soda, and watch Disney movies in the cafeteria. I remember Bed Knobs and Broomsticks playing on the wall. I remember we could buy milks for 5 cents or chocolate milk for 7 cents. We also took a class trip to Disneyland in 1976 for the bicentennial. I moved to Texas the next year and since have moved back to Orange County in 1989.
    Chance Hardy

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  9. I actually attended Walt Disney Elementary in the late 8o's and graduated from sixth grade in 1995. I am now 25 and it feels like only yesterday I was walking the halls of Walt Disney, and trying my best to get as many Disney Dollars and Disney Do Rights I could. Oh and of course chasing the boys during recess :) There are a few people I would love to reconnect with, but unfortunately have not seen since our sixth grade graduation. Anyone know whatever happened with Phillip Chase??? Yes, one of the first boys to capture my heart...anyway, I am happy to see that so many others have as many fond memoies of Walt Disney as I did.

    Hope to hear from some of my classmates soon!

    Jacie - Costa Mesa, CA

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  10. I attended Walt Disney Elementary when it first opened from kindergarten through third grade in the 50's. I remember the dedication and and still have a program that Walt signed. I also remember the day at Disneyland. My dad was one of the original "cast members" at Disneyland, so in spite of my young age I knew the place well. I didn't like the Jungle Ride, so when my group was ready to go on it, I just went over to Frontierland to see my dad. Everyone thought I was lost, and I sure got into a lot of trouble! I can only remember two of my teachers. One was Miss Liu who got married during the school year and became Mrs. Low. I also had Mrs. Moore.

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    1. Hi, I attended Walt Disney Elementary too, when it first opened, 1956 to 1962. I loved school, the cafeteria, and Friday Nighters. I remember the principle, Mr, Coffman, being big. Does anyone remember Friday Nighters? We learned so many dances that stay with me for a lifetime, Mrs. Mathison, I think this was her name. My girlfriends were Christine Talmage, Janie Fasola, Judy Baxter, Debbie Walker. I went on to Dale Jr High School, and would have gone to Magnolia but we moved to Villa Park.
      Great memories of the old Anaheim, orange groves and Yellis Dairy. Love Yellis Dairy where you could pet the Fox, and they had peacocks, very fun.
      Lynda Hensley/Anderson
      Peters1@cox.net

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  11. I attended from 1971 to 1977 Many great memories. I was the last of 8 family members to go here.

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  12. I attended from from 1971 to 1977
    many great memories. I was the last of my family to attend. C:\Users\woody\Pictures\old family\old family0036_resize.JPG

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  13. My name is Annie Do and i attended Walt Disney Elementary School in 1997-1999. I was in Kindergarten to second grade grade. i remember playing on the monkey bars and all the fun assembly's we would have. we would have magic shows and reptiles come in. it was lots of fun. I had so many great memories there!

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  14. We now have a group on Facebook for all alumni of Walt Disney School in Anaheim, California.

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  15. I was in that first group who graduated from Walt Disney school in Anaheim. I remember the day we went to Disneyland on the busses---with Walt as our guide. I became a magician and went back to the school when I was 45 (15 years ago!) and presented a show for the kids in that wonderful cafeteria. Great memories!
    Kevin Barnes

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    1. Hi Kevin, I remember you. I lived on Stonybrook, next door to Gary Brooks, and down the street from Gary DeRobbio.
      Lynda Hensley/Anderson

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  16. This was the best school ever, I will never foret it.=)

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  17. Many great memories from my time there. Often wonder what happened to the students, friends and staff.

    I started a new group on Facebook: Walt Disney Elementary School, Anaheim, CA. I couldn't find the previous one listed above...only the ones for NY and San Ramone. I recognize a few of you who've left comments above! I went there from about 78 thru 84.

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  18. I'm Cindy Shimizu Bisagno and attended Walt Disney Elementary Anaheim from 1961 through 1968. Mr. Coffman and Mr. Butler were the principals and my teachers were Mrs. Schimming, Mrs. Bernard, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Nix, Mr. McCauley, and Miss Lemon.

    Wow, what memories, ... both good and bad. I remember those movie days, too of sitting on the character decorated cafeteria floor to watch all those old Disney movies eating candy that they sold. But the most vivid memory of all was when I was chosen with a few others to participate in a short school presentation on stage with Mr. Disney. I think it was around the time that "It's a Small World" was opening at Disneyland, so my job was to rotate this globe while he talked about the meaning of if. I don't remember if he actually shook our hands afterward but I'm sure he did. I'd sure like to know if there's a picture out there in the school archives of that presentation. I'd really like a copy of it if it exists.

    I also remember Janette Green as one of my good friends. I used to go to her house a few blocks from my neighborhood on Bruce Street and go swimming. I also remember classmates Lenny Gartner, Pam, Kristen, John Wildman. They stick out in my mind because I thought at the time they were considered “popular” , but more likely they only because they caused the most drama in our classes together.

    I then went on to Dale Jr. Hi, then spent a couple months at Magnolia High until moving to Northern CA to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County in late 1971.

    If you think you were one of my classmates and you’d like to contact me, I’m on Facebook but please state so if you wish to be added as a “Friend”. Thanks!

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  19. Oh yeah! I also remember Herman, the Janitor! Everyone loved him, he was so friendly and spoke with with a thick German (I think) accent.

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  20. I attended Kindergarten there in 1963. I can still remember the Christmas recital and the cafeteria murals. My kindergarten teacher was Mrs. O'Hara and she was Hawaiian. I remember liking her a lot and the the blue shoe she had on her desk, where I think I learned how to tie a bow.

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  21. I went to Walt Disney from 1961 to 1968. At that time there were four out of the five in my family going there. Beleive it or not I remember the first day of kindergarten, my Mom had taken me to the door of the classroom and had gone back across the street to go home. I guess I was wasn't ready because I tried to run to catch up to her and ran right into Mr. Cauffman. He turned me around and took me back to class. I was also lucky enough to work there after I graduated from Cypress College as a teacher's aide. Beleive it or not some the teachers were still there along with Mr. Butler and Mrs Fulton. It was a fun time during school and summer. They had the best sidewalks for skateboard riding.
    Janette Cristofaro

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  22. Hey internet world! I'm amy nguyen and I went to disney from kindergarten to 2nd grade which was not too long ago...1997-2000...and then went for one more yr in 4th grade which was in 2001-02. It was the best elementary school I've ever been to! The cafeteria food didnt suck! Made good friends, had great teachers, the disney store was awesome!, singing disney songs like zippity do da!...ah i miss disney. good times...

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  23. oh my goodness!!

    I went to walt disney for almost 5 years!! it was the best school ever! I remember mr. smith the old principle, mrs. miller, mrs. hughes, and every one. I am so happy to see that my elementry school is still up and doing great!!! I will be a senior next year and i might just have to go to california to see the school!!!

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  24. I am 24 years old now and attended Disney in the early to mid 90's. I was infact Brenda Zanze's last class she ever taught before retiring!! She was my 6th grade teacher and by far my favorite!! I remember every morning she would make us sing "on the road again" after reciting the pledge of allegiance... but I dont remember why?? I truly wish I could get in contact with her! Cant believe she had been teaching there since the 60's!!!! ;/

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    1. I think i was in your class! I totally remember singing on the road again :) was in six grade in 99. my name is Chad K. same class?

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  25. Michelle Johnson WestJuly 19, 2010 10:02 PM

    I also went to Walt Disney in the early 70s. I also had Mrs. Zanze as a 6th grade teacher, as well as Mrs. Nix and Mr. Schlabaugh. I have lost touch with some old friends ... Where are you Betty Gerhardt? Dori Dellisanti? Beth Wheat? Lori Lombardo? Jane Engstrom? I went on to Brookhurst Jr. High but moved before I could go to Savannah.

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  26. I was in mrs zanzees last class too. 98-99 baby. I had mrs nix for 2 years and she was the best teacher I've ever had. Who r u anonymous? We were classmates in 99!

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    1. I was in your class as well I remember the good old days. ~ Chad

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  27. Yes - Disney was a great school. My Mom was Mr Butlers secretary when he moved to the district office as assistant super. He lives in KS now. I went to Maxwell with his daughter Kim.

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  28. Hey Chris, I loved Mrs. Zanze. She's the one I'd love to send a note to to say thanks for all her influence in my life. I wonder how to get a hold of her...

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  29. Mrs. Zanze passed away several years ago :(

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  30. I went to Disney from 92-96 I loved that school the teachers were great I had mr. Adams for 5th grade he was the coolest cuz he used to be a wwe wrestler and he loved X-men and every Friday we would watch X-men cartoons and exchange X-men cards. I had a lot of friends there but have not seen nor heard from them since 96 when I graduated if any of u are out there plz contact me!! Delia Noriega my Facebook is Yvette Noriega!!!

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    1. Went there around that time... Magnolia (maggie) tamondong..... Hard name to forget lol

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  31. i go to disney and it is my last year because i am going to be attending 7th grade and I do not want to leave. I HAVE BEEN AT DISNEY SINCE 1ST GRADE !!! i will sure miss it !!!!!!!!!!1

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  32. It was very enjoyable reading all the posts,young and old. I was in Mrs. Nix's 6th grade class in 1971, she was a great no nonsense teacher and helpful to her students, and i needed a lot of help,hahahah. I remember Danny Chapman and I ditched School one day thought we would'nt get caught, how wrong we were, but fun though. I also then went to Dale Jr. High followed by Magnolia high. Lots of fond memories from those years,sure sucks getting older as each year goes bye. Anyways,Best wishes... Tom Winkler

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  33. I attended Walt Disney from kindergarten through 6th grade (k-6), which ended in 1999. I absolutely loved my childhood in west Anaheim. I lived next door at the time @ 9791 orange ave. It was the house with the big black cast iron gate out front and tall redwood tree out front - closer to grace Lutheran church.
    I had Brenda Zanze for 6th grade, went to alpine pines for outdoor education, had Ms.Hughes for 5th, Mrs. Alpert for 4th, Mrs. Fratts for 3rd (which 3 of my brothers had as well), Mrs. Lee for 2nd (which my parents, uncle and 3 of my brothers had as well), Mrs. Johnson and a TA for 1rst, and for kindergarten- Mrs. Allen.
    I had 3 other brothers who went as well Ryan, Kyle and Evan Kneubuhl. I am Chad I have extreme pride in being a Disney Dragon @ one point of my life.

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  34. Lynda Hensley Anderson
    I attended Walt Disney from 1956 to 1962, then went on to Dale Jr. High. We moved to Villa Park, so I didn't get to go on to Magnolia. I loved Walt Disney, my elementary years. I lived on Stonybrook Dr. Some friends I remember, Dave Grant, Gary DeRobbio, Linda Fisher, Janet something, Joy Delicio, Janie Fasola, Christine Talmage, Gary Brooks was my next door neighbor, I LOVED FRIDAYNIGHTERS SO MUCH!!! email me: Peters1@cox.net

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  35. I went to Walt Disney from 1966 to 1973 but moved just before 6th grade graduation. I remember Mr. Butler. We had a song for him..."Over land over sea over Mr. Butler's knee there's a paddle a wait'in for you"...lol
    I loved Mrs. Steel she was my first grade teacher and I think she was my third grade teacher to. Lots of good memories of Walt Disney Elementry... Well, one bad one, when I was in kindergarden and old Mrs. Adams pulled my ear off my head for ringing that damn bell...lol

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  36. I attended from 1968 until 1973. I had forgotten about the movies. I remember getting the small pox vaccine there, all the kids lined up waiting to be shot with that air thingie. I remember the Halloween festivals and also remember that corporal punishment was in force! I never got a spanking, but watched many others get bent over the teacher's knee. We moved after my brother was killed in an accident (gun) at a friends house. The friend ran to the crossguard (ms. delphine) had forgotten that name too, she then called the police and rescue. I saw 2 old school friends a few years ago on a trip back out to cali, have often wondered about many of the others. Good memories for me.

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  37. I attended first grade at Walt Disney School in approximately 1958, after I was kicked out of another first grade class at a different school (long, true story). I actually met Walt himself when he came to the school for the dedication. My father lifted me up so that I could shake Walt's hand. Anyone who was there that day, please let me know: bing@bingsmith.net

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  38. My oldest Son who is now 43 attended this school back in 1975....We moved to Texas in 1976.....

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  39. I also went to Walt Disney, from 1965 to 1971, something like that. I had Mr. Miller for a teacher (who I thought was pretty great), but liked Mrs. Zanzee too. I remember I used to see Mr. Miller occasionally at Disneyland, where he also worked, on Main Street. The last time was in the late 80s, early 90s, after I hadn't seen him for more than a decade, and he was very ill with MS or something like that, his hands were shaking. I asked if he remembered me, and after we'd talked a little he did remember me, mainly for the time I imitated Richard Nixon in a school play. I also went to Dale Jr. High and then Magnolia (graduated in 1978), like so many of you.

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  40. My name is Scott Nevison. You can email me at scottnevison@hotmail.com
    I went to Walt Disney for grades 1 – 6 in the late 50’s and early 60’s. I lived on Rosebay.
    Mr. Kaufman was the principal. My teachers were Ms. Waxman (1), Ms. Allen (2), Mr. Johnson (4), Ms. Williams (5) and Mr. Estes (6.) (Maybe someone could remind me who the grade 3 teachers were?) Students who were in my classes include Jimmie Smith, Gary Fuchs, Scott and Bruce McCurdy, Virginia Mayo (came in around grade 5 or 6), Wendy Payne, Susan Hester, Julia Webb and Dick Herzberg.
    I also remember Walt Disney coming to the school. My mother was PTA President at the time, and we have a picture of them together. Ms. Walker ran the “Friday Nighters.” Virtually every sixth grader learned how to ballroom dance, as well as square dance under her tutelage. I will always remember that the boys were divided into three groups, and she would select one group to go across the cafeteria floor to ask a girl to dance, “May I have this dance, please?” If you ran, you had to go back and to it again. Ahhh, the good old days!

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  41. i went to disney not that long ago, i promoted in 09' and im 17 now (: i loved disney and the teachers that i had. i miss each and every one of them

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