In welcoming staff back to John Wetten Elementary School, Head Secretary Katie Leitzel surprised everyone by arranging for Principal John McAndrews to sit in a Delorean, a sports car famous for producing just one stainless steel model, from early 1981 to late 1982, featuring gull-wing doors.
Staff at JWE only knew that they were encouraged to dress in '80s clothing to celebrate their reunion back to school. The "Back to the Future" film trilogy (1985, 1989 and 1990) featured a Delorean that an eccentric scientist character made into a time machine. McAndrews was loaned the Delorean for the day by a Gladstone citizen who wishes to remain anonymous. The high energy and enthusiasm generated at the meeting propelled JWE staff through a successful open house for students and families.
Students were very excited for their first day of school in Gladstone. John Wetten Elementary activities included coloring "my first day" sheets, practicing taking deep breaths, reading exercises, PE and recess.