GPS Eighth Graders Learn History Of The School

  • Monday, September 15, 2014
GPS time capsule contents
GPS time capsule contents

Eighth graders from the Changes and Choices classes taught by PE Department Chair Peggy Michaels have just completed a lesson with Patrice Glass ’88, former Centennial historian at GPS. After listening to her, the girls would be able to give a visitor a tour of the glass cases and displays in Frierson Theater lobby which tell the story of Chattanooga’s first school for girls.

From uniforms to the history of the Alma Mater, from the time capsule opened in 2006 to traditions, Ms. Glass entertained the students with highlights of the 109-year old history of the school. Did they know that the school’s yearbook, the Kaleidoscope, was established in 1908-09? Did they know that the first winter uniform was worn from 1924 until 1933 and was a wool (itchy) navy blue long sleeved dress? Did they know that the students in the early years walked to the YWCA for gym classes and that a basketball team from GPS was part of the first girls’ basketball league in 1909?  

The Cat-Rat tradition of pairing seniors with the youngest incoming class was begun to pass on the history and traditions of the school, said Ms. Glass, and a costume party at the end of the first week of school was the precursor to what is now enjoyed as the Cat-Rat parade.  

The time capsule in the cornerstone of the Upper School building, the first building completed when the school was relocated to North Chattanooga, was opened during the Centennial year of 2005-06. Discovered inside were a doll in the GPS uniform, a cotton belt, coins from the time period, a report card, and a letter from the students. Another time capsule with a 2006 newspaper, a DVD, and letters from class officers was secured back in the cornerstone to be opened in another 100 years or on an equally historic occasion for the school.  

The display in the theatre lobby also displays information about the beginning of the Coordinate Program with the McCallie School, an exhibit of class ring designs through the years, a sample of china used in the dining hall until the late 90’s, and a painting of the three founders.

Patrice Glass teaching the history of GPS to eight graders
Patrice Glass teaching the history of GPS to eight graders
Student Scene
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