There’s something about Broken Arrow School. People come, and then find that they never want to leave.

In 35 years, the school at 2704 La. has had just two principals.

Longtime teacher Pam Williams also thought there had been only two secretaries and perhaps three custodians.

“We don’t have a lot of change here,” Williams said. “And I think that speaks to our environment.”

The school celebrated its 35th anniversary Thursday at Lawrence High School. Approximately 100 past and present teachers, parents and students attended the event, which included a motivational speech by Zacharie J. Clements.

Melissa Alley-Sears, who attended fourth grade at Broken Arrow in 1970, was in attendance, this time as a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

Another Broken Arrow teacher, Ginny Turvey, came to Lawrence 27 years ago with her husband.

Lawrence was just going to be a step along the way, she said, but it soon became permanent.

“We probably have a staff that has more longevity than most schools in Lawrence,” Turvey said. “It’s not uncommon to find staff that has been here for more than 20 years.”

Broken Arrow School, 2704 La., celebrated its 35th anniversary Thursday.

Many credit the school’s philosophy with its success.

Built in 1968, it was modeled on an open-space concept in which several classes are taught in one large room. The idea emphasized flexibility and integration, said Larry Bakerink, the school’s principal for the past 21 years.

And although some areas have been partially enclosed in recent years, Bakerink said “teaming and working together is one of the things that has not changed.”

Collaboration is a catch phrase in educational circles, he said, but at Broken Arrow it’s a must.

“Teaching can be a pretty isolated situation,” Bakerink said. But “without doors we’re in a situation where we’re working together.”

The anniversary served as a reunion for many people, who counted supportive staff and parents among their fondest memories.

And the student-turned-teacher Alley-Sears said, “It’s great to be in the teachers’ lounge now.”