Hopkinton’s Harold Martin School is turning 50, and ready to start a year-long celebration. School officials will hold a kick-off event for the anniversary year on Monday, Sept. 15, beginning at 1 p.m. at the school that will include music and an appearance by New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch.

Lynch lives in Hopkinton, and his children attended Harold Martin School.

According to Principal Bill Carozza, the event is a good way to help students appreciate what the anniversary stands for.

“I think we’re just starting off, and part of the purpose is to start having kids really understand what it really means for a school to be around for 50 years,” Carozza said.

During the week, students will take part in other activities focusing on the number as well, including going outside school to do 50 jumping jacks.

Also at the event, students will be given bumper stickers and each will wear a pin that says, “Harold Martin School – 50 years of learning together.”

Carozza first realized the school was reaching the half-century mark two years ago as he was walking through the halls during the summer. He saw a certificate stating when the school was built, and he has been keeping an eye toward the festivities since.

“There’s a lot of pride in this community. This is where it all starts,” said Carozza. “We take a lot of pride in welcoming new families. We want to make it as comfortable of an experience for kids and families that we can.”

Having student involvement in the ceremony is something Carozza is especially excited about. Former students will be involved as well, as the Hopkinton High School’s band will perform, and students at the town’s other schools have been working on essays about their Harold Martin experience.

“I love mixing adults and kids together. I enjoy most of all having the kids be a part of it,” said Carozza. “We don’t ever want these to seem like it’s just a bunch of adults coming together, so wherever you can get the kids involved. It’s amazing what kids can do.”

The principal is beginning his ninth year at the school, and said many of the teachers he works with have been there for many years, giving Harold Martin a close-knit feeling.

“This is really a family, and people can see that when they walk through the doors,” Carozza said. “It doesn’t matter what you do at Harold Martin, everyone is equal in terms of their vaue and their respect. It takes all of us to really make it work here.”

Carozza also said the event will help show students the importance of the school to the Hopkinton community.

“We want to transfer the level of history to the kids, what it means to have heritage and importance for community,” said Carozza. “Hopefully it’s something kids will remember for a lifetime.”