Curundu Elementary School
This birds-eye view of Curundu Elementary is undated. Can anyone help us add a date to this photograph’s record?
Will any Curundu Elementary alumni be at the Panama Canal Society Reunion next weekend? We hope to see you and your classmates in Orlando!
In the meantime, please share any information, memories, or stories you have of your time at Curundu Elementary!
76 Comments
Robert Dixon Gordon
I had never attended that school in Curundu, in my time in the former canal zone, but I remember the Dome built there where my music group played a lot of rock music. Military GI’s.
msralex@excite.com
My dad was stationed here in the early 70’s. (72, 73, 74 ???). I remember bits and pieces as I was about 3 – 4 years old. I had a best friend, Kendra. Lived in a duplex with the Collins family. My friend was Steven Ray Collins. We ended up with dad’s friend Doberman pincher, I named Pal.
I do remember going on a field trip to the Locks.
Gerald Boddie
I went to Curundu Elementary, the canal zone was a joy to have lived that life. I wonder if the faint scent of mango’s still linger🤔
Mike Fernbaugh
+15742227257 in 1971 I was stationed on the power barge Weber.. I am 71 years old now and I’m trying to find any pictures that could help bring back memories of the best year of my life. If anyone can help.i would be so thankful.
marshamlo
Your encouragement has given me so much confidence. I sincerely appreciate it!
Laura Kosik
Robert…this is not the CJHS. This is the elementary school located at the back gate of Clayton. I went to school here from 1st – 6th grade (1970 – 1976). I loved it!
Ricauter 'Ricky' Rivera
Ricauter Rivera I did attended CES and Jr school until 1976, I play in basket & soccer temas. I Washington from 640 D, FT.Clayton
lucasfolio
I believe I went there around that time, I am 58 years old now, stationed there in 1967. Folio47@gmail.com
Chris Loe
I went to Curundu as Just Cause was winding down. I want to say ’89-91. I remember we had these bright yellow school shirts
Joanna
I was in the 5-8 1/2 grade during those times. I wish I could get more information regarding the school and see if there are pictures of me and my sister. I have also been looking for the pineapple t-shirt Just Cause. I think I lived in the 1200 block it was the first block from Curundu? Does anyone remember the Mango Man? heehee
Jaesen Bradley Lanham
YYYEEESSSSS
Kathy Blevins Angelucci
I attended Curundu Elementary School from 1968-1974… very fond memories. Loved the end of the year movies – the last one I saw in the sixth grade was ‘Born Free’.
Alexander Flecker
I was there from 69-72. I remember playing a little concert for the parents. We played Born free on flutes. Lol. I was pretty much always in trouble though. We lived at 686 b. But we had to leave when my mom passed away in 72. I wish I could remember all my friends names from back then.
Laura Kosik
Kathy….you just revived my vivid memory of watching Born Free! Thanks for bringing a great memory to me! I remember gym classes in that big gym with Mr Stern. Loved him. He became my neighbor later in life and he remembered me!
C.C. Estrada-Kuzmanovic
This whole thread just brought back so many memories! All of the sudden, I remember my class at PE in the big gym climbing ropes all the way to the top. It must’ve been 1979. I was in 1st grade with Mrs. Coleman!!!
Kimberly
Mystery Solved- I attended Curundu Elementary for Kindergarten (had Mrs. Larabee) 1974-75 and 1st grade (had Mrs. Beck) 1975-76 school year. We moved 22 SEP 76 to the US, so I do not have any records of 2nd grade at all…I was not sure if I had attended Ft. Gulick or Curundu- but TODAY, I found old report cards! We lived on “Suicide Hill” in Ft. Clayton (house 480-B). I wish I could remember the street name…. we used a PO Box, so old letters are not helpful.
james
I attended Curundu Elementary from 1976 to 78. My father was a MP K-9 Unit
Clea
One of the school’s kindergarten teachers for many years was Mrs. Miriam Hirschl. She was a very popular and gifted kindergarten teacher. As far as I know, she still teaches kindergarten in Arizona and has traveled back to Panama over the years. Each year when school would be starting up, she would spend days preparing her classroom for her students. She was our one of our neighbors in Balboa Heights. Each school year, as I was growing up, she would invite me to go with her to help her set her classroom up for the new school year. We would unpack the new fat Crayola boxes, the tempera paint, and the big fat pencils. I vaguely remember there being a bulletin board with a fall tree with leaves containing each child’s name on it. Children at that school who had her as a teacher were very fortunate.
The building is still used as a school. It is now called Colegio de las Esclavas del Sagrado Corozon de Jesus. Short title —Las Esclavas (the Slaves). A private school, it relocated in 2000 from downtown Panama (Paitilla) due to the construction of the Southern Corridor highway. This school has been providing the young girls of Panama with a catholic education for over 64 years.
Joe
I attended Corundu from 1994-1996.
Moe
I attended Curundu Elementary School from 1977-1979. Went there from 1st grade to 3rd. Was on the track team there and cannot forget my PE teacher Mr. Milford Stern. I later became a teacher with the DoD and now work at Ft. Bragg Schools as a PE teacher! I was able to contact Mr. Stern some years ago when he taught in Korea, but have never been able to catch up with him. If anyone here has an information please post. Thanks, Moe
Laura Kosik
Moe, I don’t have any contact information for you about Mr Stern, but I remember him WELL. I adored him in school. He once told me that he was training his daughter for the Olympic swim team. When I was little I would be his “teacher’s pet” – He remembered me when we became neighbors when I was in High School. We became neighbors in Balboa.He was a good man.,
Kimberly
Hi Moe,
I was on the track team during that time as well. I ran relay.
Mike Fernbaugh
+15742227257 in 1971 I was stationed on the power barge Weber.. I am 71 years old now and I’m trying to find any pictures that could help bring back memories of the best year of my life. If anyone can help.i would be so thankful.
Albert Chyra
Mike, I was also stationed on the Weber in the Canal Zone, Feb. 1972 to Nov. 1973. I have some pictures from that period. Please write if you are inteested.
Quannah
I attended Curundu Elementary in 1975-77 2nd and 3rd grade.
Susan Root
Hi Quannah. Your dad Colonel McDaniel was friends with my dad and our family. I was good friends with Amanda. My mom used to play golf with your mom. I loved Panama and miss it sometimes. I was there from 1974 through 1977.
John Valadez
Hi Kathy, do you remember if there was a spanish teacher there named Mr Barbosa? We were stationed in Panama from 68 to 72, and lived across from the Church on Howard.
pam rich{Anderson}
I went to Curundu from 5th grade to sixth grade and had ms Gunderson for 5th grade I think I also remember Mr Stern.My da was stationed on the Power Barge over by Miraflores locks from 72 thru 1977.
Robert Dillon
Pam, I know it’s off topic, but what can you tell us about the power barge. I remember it as being nuclear, is that true? I know for sure, the ship at Gatun Dam was nuclear. Was it only for the military bases or for the entire Zone? I haven’t found much about it in my searches. I seem to remember hearing or reading that it capsized and sank somewhere (I’m thinking Great Lakes). Thank!
Robert Dillon
Power Ship Andrew J. Weber…
“Built upon a surplus World War II U.S. Navy dry dock, the MAR II Power Plant measured 240 feet long and 101 feet wide. Equipped with three 1,650-kw diesel generators and two 8,400 kw gas turbine sets, the floating power plant was designed to provide 20,000 kw of power, enough electricity for a community of 25,000 people, to support the Multifunction Array Radar II, a tactical version of the MAR, under construction on Kwajalein’s Roi-Namur.
It was the first American floating power plant designed with both diesel and gas-turbine power units. With three modes of operation — standby, surveillance and maximum traffic – the frequency and voltage could be controlled either from the barge itself ore remotely from Kwajalein Island.
In June 1968, however, while transiting the Panama Canal en route from Maryland to Kwajalein Missile Range, the Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor redeployed the Power Ship Andrew Weber, assigning it to the Panama Canal Zone. The Panama Canal Zone, which operated under the jurisdiction of the secretary of the Army on behalf of the president, received its electrical power from the hydroelectric plant on Gatun Lake.
In 1968, political unrest in the country coupled with a severe drought threatened the power supply. While in Panama, the USS Weber would supplement the USS Sturgis, the first floating nuclear power station. According to Corps of Engineer’s records the combined operations of the Sturgis and the Andrew Weber, saved more than one trillion gallons between October 1968 and October 1972.
This volume of water would allow fifteen additional ships to pass through the Panama Canal each day supporting the increased traffic at the height of the Vietnam War.”
From…
http://m.army.mil/article/147431/SMDC_History__SENSCOM_honors_fallen_Soldier_with_Power_Ship_Andrew_J__Weber
Albert Chyra
I was assigned to Power Barge Weber from 1972 through 1973 and I remember Sgt. Anderson there I may even have an old picture taken in the control room on the Weber and Sgt. Anderson is in it. Is he still around? He may remember me and John DeClue, another draftee like me serving there.
Valerie Anderson
Hello Albert chyta
Sgt Anderson?? What his first name??
Albert Chyra
Hi, Valerie,
Great to hear from you. I have an old picture of Power Barge Weber in the Canal Zone with the signatures of the crew members given to me when I was leaving the Weber at the end of my military service in November, 1973 (I was a draftee, drafted right after college in 1971). Sargent Anderson signed it as Mike Anderson. The barge’s commanding officer at the time was Capt. Ivanjack – you father may remember him. If you are interested, I can scan the photo and try to email it to you. I’m assuming that he was your father since the dates (’72 through ’77) in your initial post include my time on the Weber (’72-’73). I remember Sargent Anderson well, he was a funny fellow, always telling jokes. I spent much time with him in the control room on the Weber.
Albert Chyra
Not Sargent, Specialist E-6 or 7(?). My memory is fuzzy after 50 years.
Steve Pope
Valerie, I was station on the Power Barge Weber from May 1972 to June of 1976. I worked with Specialist 6 Mike Anderson when he was stationed on the Barge. He was really good friends with Ed and Mickey Lesh.
ALbert Chyra
Steve,
You probably do not remember me but I was on the Weber at the same time as you. When I was leaving in November 1973 to return to civilian life, I was given a picture of the barge with crew signatures as a going away present. Your signature is there as well.
Cynthia López
I went to Curundu Elementary School in the late seventies, from kindergarten to third grade. The teachers that I remember were Mrs. Larrabee (Kindergarten), Miss Counts and Mrs. Nelson. I remember them teaching me how to use scissors to cut construction paper and to glue two paper plates together with beans inside to create a tambourine and the mess I made at home showing my parents how it worked! I also remember another teacher cleaning inside a kid’s mouth with bar soap to teach him not to say bad words, I heard her say in Spanish. Another teacher calling me something bad in Spanish. We used to live in the apartments on Calidonia Street.
Marco van Wijnen
I arrived in Panama in 1974 from Honduras. I attended Curundu Elementary School from my 4th grade onwards. My teacher back then was Mrs. Edwards. When the class started becoming boisterous her motto would always be “hush your fears”. My 5th grade teacher was Mrs. Broyles, she could be hard but she was fair. The one I remember most is the kind spirit of Mrs. Halvosa. She was brilliant with kids. Bless all three of them, they were awesome teachers.
Ricky St. John
You must be talking about the Curundu Jr High School where the boys and girls locker rooms were at and shop classes!
Honor Eastman
Wow, we both had Miss Edwards and Mrs. Halvosa. Mrs. Annie Halvosa passed away a few years ago. I located her and a few years prior to her passing. Do you remember anything in particular when Miss Edwards would write on the chalkboatd?
jeannine wakefield
We were in the same class for 4th grade and 6th grade with Mr. Oxley.
Maria Bonifatti
I’m a current student in the former Curundu Elementary School. I have a huge curiosity about the past of the campus. If anyone can answer this, I’ll be grateful. In that time, when you were students there, was there any ghost stories about the school? Please don’t feel annoyed. My classmates and I have seen ghost kids around the basement rooms during the night shift for many years since our faculty placed there. It might be a strange topic, but I really want to know about the source of those stories… I’m not kidding, I’m serious. I’ve been searching but I got stuck. I really want to know, but I don’t want to make your dearest memories of the school, darker.
Laura Anderson
Maria, I do not remember any ghosts in the Elementary school. I don’t remember any basements either. I went to school there from 1st – 5th grade…left on the 1st day of 6th grade to go do Diablo elementary. My last memory of attending was in 1976 so there were no ghosts then. Good luck on your research. Can you tell me what kind of school is it now?
Jeannine Wakefield
Hi, I do believe we were in the same 4th grade and sixth grade class (Mr. Oxley). If I remember right you impressed us by speaking several languages Dutch, English and Spanish.
My name’s Jeannine Wakefield I sat in the back of the 4th grade class or was usually hiding behind the book cases reading. Mrs. Edwards terrified me. Me. Oxley was my favorite teacher.
Earl Olson
I had Mr Oxley for 6th grade in 81 and went to CJHS for 7th and 8th.
He was my favorite teacher in my entire school career. He used to give algebra assignments every week to the students with the top 10 test scores and we competed for the opportunity. I credit him for my love of math and science.
He used to tell us he was a time traveler and explained how reseracts worked.
I was thinking about him today and googled the school which led me to this page.
Kay
I went there in the early 90’s. If I remember correctly, the building at the bottom of picture was the gymnasium. The middle building was main office as well as kindergarten and first grade. Front side of the building at top of picture was second and third grade, and back side was fourth and fifth, possibly sixth grade. Can’t remember exactly.
It’s not in this picture, but behind the middle building I remember there being picnic tables under shelters where we ate lunch. Also, a playground which we played after eating. On certain days, there was also an ice cream cart toward front of building that you could go get something cold during lunch. If you went up the street in the picture, there was check point that we had to go through everyday to get to school. I’m fairly certain most of the kids who attended that elementary turned the other way on that street to get home.
Anthony
I remember those picnic tables!! We didn’t have a cafeteria so we ate there. If I can remember there was no sixth grade, they all went to Curundu Jr. High.
Laura Anderson
Kay you have great memory of my beloved Elementary school. I was just in Panama last week. Wow. I was so surprised of the long fencing but I am happy to know that it is still standing!
Derrick Shorter
I had Miss Cohen as a teacher for 2nd grade at Curundu Elementary and she dressed up as a witch for Halloween, burst into the classroom and scared this little girl named Kim to tears. I felt bad for her. My fondest memories of Miss Cohen was thatI races her in a math speed test that she used to give every morning and told her I could beat her. She beat me by a 10th if a second and laugh hysterically at me because I lost..lol:) I love that woman.
Derrick Shorter
Kimberly Price
I fondly remember Mrs. Cohen dressing up for Halloween! One year she was in the hospital for a surgery and my mother was her substitute teacher. Unfortunately, my mom didn’t dress up as a witch in Mrs. Cohen’s absence so we all missed out. I lived in 686-B and attended 2-4th grades at Curundu 74-77. I had Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. Daniels, and Mr. Aurich. I also ran on the track team for Coach Stern. I cherish my time spent in Panama and have fond memories of that school and my favorite teacher, Mrs. Cohen.
Monty Burck
I hated running up the hill in back of the school. Coach Stern was cool, we also ran laps in the parking lot. For anyone’s information both Miss Cohen and Mrs Halvosa are deceased. I enjoyed Miss Cohen dressing up like a witch.for Halloween.
Derrick Shorter
I had Miss Cohen as a teacher for 2nd grade at Curundu Elementary and she dressed up as a witch for Halloween, burst into the classroom and scared this little girl named Kim to tears. I felt bad for her. My fondest memories of Miss Cohen was thatI races her in a math speed test that she used to give every morning and told her I could beat her. She beat me by a 10th if a second and laugh hysterically at me because I lost..lol:) I love that woman.
Derrick Shorter
Anthony
I went to Curundu from 1994-1996. 3rd-5th grade. I remember I had Dr, Bridge was my 3rd grade teacher. Ms. Berger was my 4th grade teacher. 5th grade was Ms. Waller. I remember the Host Nation teacher was Senora Calvo. P.E. was the best cause all we did was play kickball and run. I lived in the 600 area of Fort Clayton at the very end close to the 700 area. Riding my bike down the hill across the street was the best!!!
Ray
I went to Curundu Elementary and Junior High from 1985-1988. I live in Fort Clayton in the 700 area. I remember the colored glass hallway and my teacher Mr. Aurich. I went back a few years ago still looked the same, the neighborhood has changed. The houses were given to the locals and they have been adding construction to them. It was nice going back though.
Jacqueline
I also went to the elementary school from 85-87 and I lived in the 600 area.
Paola Alzate
Hi Ray! I also went to Curundu Elementary school 88-89 and my kindergarten teachers was Mrs. Fleshman. I also lived in Ft. Clayton in the 621D area.
Mark Urbin
I lived in Curundu from 1970-1972. Third grade at Fort Clayton Elementary. Started fourth at Los Rios Elementary and finished at Diablo Heights. My dad was on the crew of the Weber.
LaTanya Brown
I attended Curundu Elementary School 1980 to 1983 does anyone remember the female Spanish teacher’s name?
Lavester Greene
I lived in Panama, fort Clayton attended curundu elementary from like 85 to 88. Resided at 635-c. I really truly missed that place such a beautiful day out. My name is Lavester Greene nickname Big Mac. I was around 9 years of age. I remember walking to school cutting through the 700 area 1100 area past the guest house. I remember Ms.Woloughby, Ms.Armstrong as teacher’s of mine. I remember a slew of friends. My father was staff sergeant John Greene if anyone remember me feel free to contact me and catch up at 8436945588. Trying to find me a reasonable price for a house on fort Clayton.
Jacqueline
I also went to the elementary school from 85-87 and I lived at 626-D
Chiquita Neloms
I went to Curundu Elementary School from 1983 to 1986.
Walter
I attended CURUNDU elementary, Curundu Junior High and Balboa High School. My name is Walter Hidalgo. Had siblings did the same, Debbie, Kenny and Johnnie. We now live in Miami and Charlotte. Had an amazing time and life in the Canal Zone.
Theresa Soto
I went to Curundu for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. I had Ms Kruksik, Mrs. Larabee, and Mrs. Gregg. My first best friend ever was Emily Tubbs in Mrs. Larabee’s class. Andy was a boy from Sweden who walked me to and from the gym. I remember a boy named Danny in Mrs. Gregg’s class. He let me try his Doritos. Curundu <3
Lourdes
Holy cow , nice to read your messages about Curundu. I was there 71-77 had Ms Larabee also and Ms O’Brien for Phys Ed . Loved her games, I’m a teacher now and I use one of her games in my gym classes… doctor battle ball!! Best times!!! I also played softball for the Fort Clayton Royals, went to church and was in the choir Pauline and Rob were the directors. Life was so pure and simple then. Thanks for posting!!!
Ann
I went to Curundu Elementary School from 1970 to 1975 for 1st through 4th grade.
Memories: struggling to climb those ropes hanging from the ceiling in the gym! I remember Mr. Stern too.
Memory: We lived in the 1000 area and they bussed us home for lunch. One day I was reading comic books and missed the bus back to school. My parents were away and an older woman was watching me. She sent me walking to school. I got to school crying and upset.
I just looked on Google maps and it was only 1 kilometer away! In my defense I was a little girl and it was in the middle of a hot Panamanian day.
Nicholas Barbella
I went to Curundu for 1st and 2nd grade. I remember a Ms. Nar for 1st, and I think Mulberry ? for 2nd. I, too, remember those ropes in the gym. Wish I could remember some other names.
Gerald B
I went to school here in the 70’s my father was station @ Ft. Clayton…. I lived it. Mr. Ox was and will always be my memory….
Valerie Anderson
Hello everyone my name is Valerie Anderson I’m hearing loss I use to be in curundu elementary school ( don’t know what year) my teacher name is Mrs.COCHEZ I’m trying to find her… if you remember me I never speak much as a kid.
Anthony Scottino
I went to curundu elementary from 1979 to 1983 i had Mrs Daniels 3rd. Mrs mossack 4th ms accosta 5th. Can’t remember 6th. My best friend was Tony Coffey . I loved running track in the parking lot and gym was always fun. I also went to curundu junior high and balboa high school.
Julie
Does anyone have any pictures of the one level duplex housing in Fort Clayton? I lived there from 84-89 when we were evacuated. I was feeling very reminiscint and would love to see any pictures!
Cherryl Carver
Hello! I went to Curundú Elementary I believe in 1992 ish. I am 36 years old. I graduated high school in 2006. All I can remember is that I had a very old and mean female teacher from Turkey. Would be cool to find people who were in my class
Cherryl Kozack-Ritter
Paola Alzate
Hi All, I was a little girl of 4-5 years old back in 1989 and lived in Ft. Clayton and went to Curundu Elementary School. I had Mrs. Fleshman as a Kindergarten teacher. Would like to know if anyone has pictures of the school at that time or of Mrs. Fleshman. Thank you!
Wilson
Wow! I went to this school between 1990-1993! Memories!
Wilson
I lived in the 1000 area. We had so much fun there!
Kimberly Price
Reunion details?
Heather L Penley
Hi all I went to Curundu from 1988-1990, was in 4 & 5th grade. Had Mrs Shoemaker and Mrs Gardner. I remember the gym with fence windows and the principal was Mr Drexler, Ms West. My mom worked in the library. I can’t remember where exactly we lived but I remember our backyard was close to the main road way, we didn’t have a bus to ride because we lived within walking distance to the school. I remember my brother Ian had Ms Fisher as a 2nd grade teacher, she was also our next door neighbor. My friends back then were Linda Botello, Annamarie Fisher, Megan. Annamarie had a brother named Micheal and a parrot who would holler “Michael” all the time. Also me & Annamarie would sometimes talk thru the wall when we were supposed to go to bed. Lol so many fun memories