For most teachers, the first day of school is a celebration... And for a group of retired teachers in Manhattan Beach, that celebration continues every year.

More than 50 retired Manhattan Beach teachers, staff, and administrators gathered on Wednesday at Urban Plates for their annual first-day-of-school gathering.

The luncheon, organized by longtime Manhattan Beach Unified School District teachers Tracey Windes and Ro Schreiner, along with retired Pennekamp Principal Dale Keldrauk and retired Pacific Principal Rhonda Steinberg, brought together old friends to catch up and reminisce. 

"It’s always exciting on the first day of school in Manhattan Beach when retired teachers, administrators, and staff get together to celebrate and share memories from all their years of teaching in Manhattan Beach," said Windes, who is also a former MBUSD school board member. "And everyone loved their job; that’s why it’s always so wonderful to celebrate the first day of school together."

Together, the members in the group averaged 25 years in the district. That represents a whopping 1,200+ years of service to Manhattan Beach schools.

"Ro Schreiner wins the award for teaching the longest in the district - 51 years at Manhattan Beach Middle School," noted Windes.

However, added Windes, the oldest attendee was Shirley White, formerly of Pacific School. The group joined White in celebrating what was her 94th birthday on Wednesday.