Milpitas’ tenth elementary school, Mabel Mattos Elementary, just had its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, August 7. Scroll below to read and look at our Photo Story on the big event…
One of the Kindergarten classrooms.
President of Milpitas Unified School District’s Board of Education Daniel Bobay was the first to address the audience. “I am very excited to be here today,” said Bobay. “It is an honor to see this dream of a school built with so many people who played a role in it being here today.”
The packed crowd listens.
MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan addressed the audience next. “We share a common interest. That is the well-being of our children. The richness of culture and deep desire for connection is what makes our community a vibrant place for our children to grow and learn,” said Superintendent Jordan. “Mabel Mattos, for whom our school is named, knew the magic of history and story that binds a community together and fames its potential for greatness. Mabel Mattos Elementary School will not only be the focal point of our families living in this area of Milpitas, it will become a model education site for developing learners who are passionately curious about the world and how they can impact its future.”
“Opening a new school is a rare opportunity for a principal. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, really,” said Mabel Mattos’ Founding Principal Jackie Vo-Felbinger. “Watching the school form from its design phase to the countless iterations since we began construction, to this amazing facility, I am reminded every time I walk onto this campus how many heads, hands, and hearts played a role in getting us to this place. And I am humbled by the role that I get to play.”
Jim Mattos, son of Mabel Mattos, also spoke. “Never in a million years would I have thought a school would be named after my mother in our family name. My mom was a very strong and caring person,” said Mattos. “She would come to the aid of anyone who needed help on any project. Like making flower arrangements for weddings and parties, or helping on committees for the Milpitas Historical Society and on the Milpitas Green Thumb Garden Club.”
The Mattos Family presented Founding Principal Jackie Vo-Felbinger with a framed photo of Mabel Mattos, to hang up in the school.
Anurag Pal, from Assemblymember Kansen Chu’s office, presents a commendation to MUSD on behalf of the Assemblymember and Senator Bob Wieckowski.
Anurag Pal, from Assemblymember Kansen Chu’s office, also presents a commendation to the Mabel Mattos Family, on behalf of the Assemblymember and Senator Bob Wieckowski.
Superintendent Cheryl Jordan presents Founding Principal Jackie Vo-Felbinger with a plaque commemorating the day.
Pre-Ribbon Cutting Photo Op #1
Pre-Ribbon Cutting Photo Op #2
Pre-Ribbon Cutting Photo #3 with the teachers of Mabel Mattos.
And…the ribbon is cut!
