Ramblewood Elementary School Hosts 50-Year Celebration Oct. 12

by Faran Fagen October 8, 2026

by Faran Fagen October 8, 2026 2 minutes read

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Ramblewood Elementary School in Coral Springs in 1977. {courtesy}

Since Ramblewood Elementary School opened its doors in Coral Springs in 1976, thousands of children have walked the halls.

“They came here to learn their numbers, letters, read their first books, discover their talents, make friendships, and imagine what they’d become one day,” Ramblewood Elementary principal Dacyany Ibarrondo said.

Ibarrondo began at the school’s helm in June 2020, in the heart of COVID-19. Starting in the roughest conditions has made her appreciate the school’s 50th-year celebration even more.

“Our current staff continues to write their newest chapter in a 50-year story,” Ibarrondo said. “We welcome back home our former staff and alumni.”

The Rams will commemorate their 50 years of growth and progress on Monday, Oct. 12, by hosting a community celebration from 10 a.m. – noon. The theme: “Honoring our past, inspiring our future.”

The event, open to the community, alumni, current and past staff members, and students, will feature: a city historian; Sawgrass Nature Center; bounce house; music; games; free popcorn and cotton candy; face painting; ice-cream truck; and food for sale. Children must be accompanied by an adult (it’s not a drop-off event).

In addition to the school’s opening in 1976, other major happenings in Coral Springs that year included the spring Bicentennial Parade, which started east of Coral Hills Drive, moved east down Sample Road, and finished at Lions Park with a community softball game. Horses and horse trailers were staged at Mullins Park.

Also in 1976, President Gerald Ford made an official stop in Coral Springs, visiting local sites including Coral Springs High School, where students got to meet and shake hands with him.

Elisa Leonard, a Coral Springs resident, is a kindergarten teacher at Ramblewood Elementary. It’s her 12th year as a teacher at Ramblewood, but she’s also a former student – class of 1989.

Now, her youngest daughter, Emily, attends the school, and her oldest daughter, Amelia, graduated from Ramblewood last year. This 50th celebration holds a special place in her heart.

“As a former Ram, I love that we’re getting to celebrate with students old and new,” Leonard said. “I love that I am able to teach where I grew up. This school has changed tremendously since I was a student here in the 80s, but the feel is still the same. We’re an amazing small neighborhood school. It’s really special.”

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Author Profile

Faran Fagen

Faran Fagen, who teaches high school journalism, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Journalism degree and from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Education. He's worked at The Palm Beach Post, SunSentinel, and MLB.com. He lives in Coral Springs with his wife and two children. Oh, and his three dogs -- who all think that they're his favorite.