PUSD leaders and local officials point to the new oak tree logo, a symbol of growth and strength (Photo – William Kidston)
Washington Middle School will never be the same. From now on, it will be known as Octavia E. Butler Magnet.
By Linda Alberici Hulne
The name change – evident by comparing their original mural and new logo – became official at a ceremony at the school on September 8.
“This evening isn’t merely about a simple name change. It’s about the kind of change that Octavia believed should begin with education, change that could be ignited by dedicated teachers and fueled by a school community. Ultimately, it’s about change that I know will come from all the amazing kids who see Octavia as a role model and can learn from her legacy,” said Dr. Brian McDonald, Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District.
Octavia E. Butler, a renowned science fiction author, began her writing career at a young age at Washington Elementary School, and then continued at Washington Junior High School and John Muir High School, Class of 1965.
Officials attending the event noted that Octavia E. Butler grew up poor and struggled with a learning disability, but despite the obstacles, she achieved the highest honors in the field of science fiction writing. Her life’s work will be an inspiration for generations to come.
“Today, by renaming your school after one of our first African American and female science fiction writers who graduated from the school, you not only pay homage to the legacy of incredible education you offer but it will also serve to inspire more students from all backgrounds to pursue their passion and love of learning,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu.
Pasadena’s new Octavia E. Butler Magnet is a Dual-Language STEAM STEM Middle School.
Linda Alberici Hulne is a former freelance journalist and now a full-time writer for the Pasadena Unified School District.
Norma Coombs was a teacher, reading specialist, and Principal of the Pasadena Alternative School. When she died of cancer students and parents in the school asked that the school be named for her. When the acting school left the former Hale Elementary School site, Norma Coombs School moved into it. The school had for several years been housed on part of the Hale site. Hale Elementary School ceased to exist many years ago. The school now occupying the building is Norma Coombs Elementary School.
I am curious about a proposal to change the name of Andrew Jackson Elementary. Andrew Jackson was a slave owner in the US South, and as President forcibly removed the Cherokee from their land in the south east US. His main claim to fame was defeating a British Army unit in the War of 1812 long after the war was over. Several years ago a proposal was made to name the school for, I believe, a woman engineer whose last name was also Jackson. Since then I have heard nothing about this happening. Let’s revive this effort and make it happen.
One more name change recommended: Norma Coombs Elementary School needs to go back to original name: Hale Elementary, named for astronomer Ellery Hale. Why Norma Coombs?
Yes. I know who Norma Coombs was. I worked with her when I was a teacher and I was also principal of Norma Coombs Alternative School from 2001-2005, when I retired. I mean no disrespect here; however, the school is no longer an alternative school. So logically, the school should re-assume its original name. And yes, Ellery Hale is an important part of local history.