The students created a 4x15-foot mural mosaic out of colorful broken tiles during the month of March. The project depicts a variation of the school's logo—a large oak tree and a girl pushing a boy on a swing. The mosaic also features hills and a sky in the background. The students and their teachers created personal mini-mosaics measuring 6x6 inches that collectively frame the mural. The mural was to be installed in three panels on April 20 with a commemorative plaque and then will be presented and unveiled by the students during an April 21 schoolwide assembly.

Principal Marybarbara Zorio said the spot where the mural is located serves as a special part of the school, on a stage wall of the multipurpose room where students meet once a week for assemblies. The parents involved in the project's art committee include Leilia Peake, Francesca Ordona and Mimi Frazer Mather. The three fifth-grade teachers at the school involved in the project are Lisa Green, Robbin Cohn and Debbie Tanguay; art teacher Jan Smith was also involved.

Mather said the project envisioned by the art committee was brought to life because of Donna Billick, an art professor at UC-Davis who also operates a business that specializes in mosaic-type art called Billick Rock Art, located in Davis.

"The intent of this project was to allow the fifth-grade graduating class of 2004 to offer a personal memento to the school that will be a permanent display of gratitude and pride," Mather said.

Eleven-year-old Cordell Hollingsworth used contrasting colors to create a pink pig for his mini-mosaic. But students like Cordell didn't just produce their mosaic, they learned from Billick about how mosaics are formed and viewed pictures of famous mosaics from around the world, including those of architect Antonio Gaudi from Barcelona, Spain, and Niki de Saint Phalle, a French painter and sculptor. Billick explained that rock creations date back to the cave days and serve as folk art today for people of all ages to enjoy and produce.

Ten-year-old Tim Rollinson arranged his broken tiles in the form of a surfboard, since he said he likes the beach and riding the waves.

"It's really fun because we get to show something about ourselves and give back to the school," he said.

Mather added that the benefit of creating a handmade mural as the class gift was that these students will someday be able to bring their own children to view the timeless display of artistry.

"This unique gift was created in honor of the 150th anniversary of the school for the students, teachers, staff and the community to enjoy and cherish for many years to come," Mather said.

The fifth-grade class participated in many fundraising efforts to pay for the mural project, including a raffle featuring a 50-inch plasma screen television; an introductory class through America's Best Karate, where all proceeds benefited the school; 20 percent of sales donated to the school by a Learning Express Day in Westgate Shopping Center; a movie night; bake sales; disco bingo; and bookcover sales.