A time capsule sealed decades ago at R. Roger Rowe School will be cracked open Monday, Oct. 5, launching the Rancho Santa Fe School District's centennial celebration.

The adult-only event begins at 5 p.m. in the district's Performing Arts Center at 5927 La Granada in Rancho Santa Fe. After the unsealing, attendees can view the capsule's contents up close during a reception with refreshments.

The event is adults only.

The capsule, known as the 50th Year Time Capsule, was buried at the district's 50th anniversary to preserve memories, milestones and the spirit of the campus community. The district was formed in 1927, making the 2026–27 school year its 100th.

Superintendent Kim Pinkerton said in a news release reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune that the celebration honors the families, educators and community members who built the district over the past century. She encouraged all residents to attend, whether they have lived in Rancho Santa Fe for decades or just a few months.

School board Vice President Kerry Vinci called the centennial a milestone that belongs to the whole community and invited longtime and new residents alike to help mark the occasion.

The district is also collecting historical documents, photographs and personal stories for its permanent archives. Past and present residents, alumni, staff and families can contribute. A "StoryCorps"-style recording booth will be set up at the Oct. 5 event so attendees can share memories and reflections about the school and the Rancho Santa Fe community.

The 505-student district operates two schools on a single campus: R. Roger Rowe Elementary, serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and R. Roger Rowe Middle School, serving grades six through eight. The middle school was named a 2026 California Distinguished School. The district also debuted a new logo in June 2026 featuring the founding year 1927 and the mission statement "discovery, learning and growth."

The campus received summer upgrades ahead of the centennial year, including a resurfaced blacktop, landscaping improvements, new audio systems in the Performing Arts Center and new percussion and rock band rooms, according to Union-Tribune coverage of the district in August.

To submit historical materials or learn more about the Oct. 5 event, residents can contact Beth Engstrom at [email protected].