OJAI : School’s Founder to Be Honored

Just before educator Monica Ros died last November at the age of 90, she asked administrators at the private elementary school that she founded not to hold special funeral services for her.

Now, rather than mourning a death, Ros’ former students and colleagues will celebrate her achievements Friday morning during ceremonies marking the Monica Ros School’s Founder’s Day.

Founder’s Day is an annual event at the Ojai school, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, said school director Alice Meyer.

Although Ros originally planned only a preschool, the McNell Road institution now has almost 150 students in its preschool, kindergarten and first- through third-grade programs, Meyer said.

Founder’s Day activities will include speeches by Ros’ former students and co-workers as well as a commemorative lecture that Meyer has planned after studying Ros’ handwritten memoirs.

“It seems so right to celebrate her life this year on Founder’s Day, and it will have a special meaning coming as it does amidst our celebrations of the school’s 50th anniversary,” Meyer said.

A fund-raising campaign is also under way for construction of a new building to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary, Meyer said.

The public is invited to the memorial, which begins at 10 a.m., but reservations are required for the day’s events and a luncheon that follows, Meyer said.

For reservations call 646-8184.