Wonder what stories these walls could tell. We are standing in front of the Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule. This school has seen generations of students pass through its doors. The Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule started as the II. Gemeindeschule Mariendorf in 1902.
Imagine children filling these halls for over a century. Initially, boys and girls learned together. The first classrooms were in different buildings. In 1903, the school found a permanent home. The building was in the Jugendstil architectural style. It was located on Ackerstraße 2–4. In 1906, the street was renamed Königstraße. The school’s address then became what it is today.
In 1920, Berlin expanded. The school became the 7. Grundschule Berlin-Tempelhof. World War II caused significant damage. Parts of the school and the gym were destroyed. Reconstruction began in 1955. A new wing replaced the destroyed west wing. This addition used a post-war modern style. However, this addition meant the building could not be listed as a historical landmark. In 1956, the school was named after Ludwig Heck. He was a famous Berlin zookeeper.
A significant change happened in 1958. The school began a three-year pilot program. It focused on all-day care. The goal was to help children who lacked parental supervision. These “latchkey kids” received educational support and meals. About 160 students stayed for afternoon activities. The program ended in 1961. The school lacked the space and consistent attendance.
More construction occurred later. A two-story gym was built in 1970. A new building with classrooms followed in 1972. The original building was renovated in 1983. After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the school connected with the 17. Grundschule Berlin-Lichtenberg. A friendship and support group formed in 1994.
In 2002, the school celebrated its 100th anniversary. A large festival marked the occasion. Space became a problem again in 2005. Classrooms were converted into recreational areas. In July 2007, the schoolyard was redesigned. It now featured an artificial hill with a climbing wall and slide. The new yard opened in 2008. In 2010/11, a connecting building was renovated. It provided after-school care for older children. The school celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2012.
In 2013, Sibylle Kähler-Schubert became the new principal. Soon after, the school’s namesake became controversial. Ludwig Heck’s association with the Nazi regime was revealed. Starting in 2014, parents and the school sought a name change.
The school faced overcrowding. Enrollment was limited. Some fourth-grade classes moved to a nearby school. In 2016, the city planned an expansion. Twelve million euros were allocated for this project.
Finally, in 2018, the school was renamed. It became the Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule. This honored the poet Mascha Kaléko. The name change took place on her birthday. Hans-Günther Bauer became the new principal in 2018/2019. Since February 2020, Keith Zimmermann has been the school’s leader.
Today, the Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule continues to evolve. It provides education and support to its diverse student body. The school also provides open all-day care. This ensures students are cared for beyond classroom hours. Lunch has been free since 2019/2020. The Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule collaborates with other institutions. These partnerships support students and their families. These collaborations include the police. They offer safety and violence prevention programs. The Mascha-Kaléko-Grundschule has a rich history. It shows a commitment to education. It reflects the changing needs of its community.