The First Day of School at GPS, Through the Decades

For students, teachers, and parents alike, the first day of a new school year is filled with excitement and fresh possibilities. For Gilbert Public Schools, that tradition spans more than 100 years, welcoming many generations of learners through its doors. While the eager anticipation (and the heat) remains constant, what the first day actually looks like has transformed dramatically over the years.

1968

Weather: High - 98°F, Low - 76°F, Sunny

Top Song: "People Got to Be Free" by The Rascals

Top Movie: "Rosemary's Baby"

Classroom Tools & Tech: Classrooms in 1968 were transitioning to a modernized blackboard, often called green or brown boards, which could be used for extended periods of time. Transparency sheets were also mass-produced and sold for use in the classroom. Many schools also used closed-circuit televisions for educational and training purposes.

Pop Culture Snapshot: After classes, kids tuned into radio stations for more hits from The Beatles and Motown legends like The Supremes. Evenings were often spent gathered around the family television, enjoying shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, and Doctor Who.

 

1982

Weather: High - 100°F, Low - 82°F, Partly Cloudy

Top Song: “Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Band

Top Movie: "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"

Classroom Tools & Tech: By 1982, handheld calculators were standard classroom items. Computer labs continued to grow across the country. Later in the school year, Gilbert Unified School District would start a computer literacy program aimed at teaching elementary, junior high, and high school students how to use computers. VCRs were also increasingly common, giving teachers flexibility in presenting educational videos.

Pop Culture Snapshot: Outside of school, the arcade scene was at its peak with Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and the new Ms. Pac-Man. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album was on the horizon, generating early buzz that would soon electrify the world. Meanwhile, MTV celebrated its first anniversary and continued to transform how students consumed music and pop culture.

2006

Weather: High - 101°F, Low - 82°F, Mostly Cloudy

Top Song: "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

Top Movie: "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"

Classroom Tools & Tech: By 2006, smartboards were beginning to appear, offering interactive digital displays in place of traditional whiteboards. The internet had become much more integrated in the classroom and was used primarily for internet searches, teacher research, and lesson planning. 

Pop Culture Snapshot: Social media began to take over the internet, especially with the popularity of platforms like MySpace. People sat to watch reality television like American Idol and Survivor while the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gaming consoles were enjoyed in homes across the country.

 

2025

Projected Weather: High - 101°F, Low - 82°F, Mostly Sunny

Top Song: “Ordinary” by Alex Warren

Top Movie: "Superman”

Classroom Tools & Tech: Schools are now fully immersed in digital learning, with students having a district-issued laptop or tablet as a learning tool. BenQ interactive monitors give teachers flexibility for multiple teaching and learning styles. Dedicated Technology Integration Educators (TIES) also work to enhance student learning through technology.

Pop Culture Snapshot: Social media platforms continue to be a central hub for connection and creativity. The diverse world of streaming services offers endless options for movies and TV series. Popular online games also provide an immersive landscape for entertainment and social interaction.