With Campbell Elementary School in Arvada set to close at the end of the school year, the community gave the building a heartfelt sendoff to commemorate the End of an Era, as the Campbell PTA called it. Dozens of former and current students, faculty and families came to bid Campbell adieu on May 19.

Campbell opened its doors in 1963. It is included in the 16 Jefferson County elementary schools slated for closure at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Five past principals attended the End of an Era event, which was organized by the Campbell Parent Teacher Association.

PTA President Nicole Rodela called the event a “smashing success.”

“Our End of an Era community party at Campbell Elementary was a smashing success,” Rodela said. “Smiles all around, it helped to hide the tears of losing our beloved urban gem.”

The Arvada West High School jazz band came to provide some tunes, while Discover Dance gave a performance. Fanwitch Food Truck provided food while Scrumptious provided ice cream.

The fabled Dr. Seuss quote “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” seemed to be the guiding philosophy at the bittersweet gathering. Longtime Campbell teacher Deb Stier read a poem she wrote to commemorate the 60 years of Campbell, called “A Forever Family.”

The poem read, in part:

“And though our school is closing, / The Cougar family will live on/ Our legacy is not brick and mortar/ But the love this school’s built on.”

Campbell’s graduation ceremonies took place on May 23.