About
Welcome to Longfellow Elementary School!
Longfellow's Mission
At Longfellow, our mission is clear and unwavering: to prepare our students to become respectful, academically competent, self-motivated community members who hold high expectations for themselves, paving the way to become contributing members of our society. We are committed to achieving this mission through:
- Providing a safe and nurturing learning environment.
- Utilizing best practices and continuous assessments to drive excellence in education.
- Offering unwavering support to every child, including necessary modifications and accommodations.
- Fostering increased parent involvement in the education journey.
Longfellow's Vision
Our vision at Longfellow is centered on putting students first to ensure that learning lasts a lifetime. We celebrate and uphold the values of academics, diversity, relationships, and innovation. Together, we strive to create an educational environment where every child can flourish and reach their full potential.
History
Longfellow Elementary School has a rich and storied history that spans over a century. Originally known as West Side School, our institution opened its doors in 1909 to serve the burgeoning community of Pasco during a time of rapid growth and development. At that time, we welcomed 475 eager students, guided by three secondary teachers and 11 dedicated elementary educators.
In 1922, the landscape of education in Pasco shifted when high school students were relocated to the newly constructed "old" McLoughlin High School. Longfellow Elementary became exclusively an elementary school, focused on nurturing and educating the youngest members of our community.
A Test of Resilience
Longfellow Elementary School has weathered challenges that have tested our resolve and showcased our community's resilience. In 1949, tragedy struck when a fire engulfed the original Longfellow Elementary School building. Thirteen classrooms and 450 students suddenly found themselves dispersed throughout the district. Some were temporarily relocated to the Navy Base, while others found refuge in neighboring schools such as Captain Gray Elementary and Whittier Elementary, both of which had to adopt a double-shifting system to accommodate the influx of students. It was a trying time for our school community, but we emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
A Tribute to Henry Longfellow
Our school's namesake, Henry Longfellow, is a revered American writer known for his literary contributions. The name Longfellow, like many other schools in our district, pays homage to this great author. One of Longfellow's most beloved works, "The Song of Hiawatha," inspired our very own Longfellow Song, crafted by past teachers Kelly Gordon and Marti Walker.
Building on Tradition
Today, Longfellow Elementary School continues to build on its proud tradition of excellence in education. Our school has evolved to meet the changing needs of our diverse student body and community. With a capacity to accommodate 500 students, we remain dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for every child.