“Elementary school kids presentation skill are as good as university student’s” said a professor after a visit. Today we are standing in front of the Hisayama Town Municipal Hisahara Elementary School. This school has deep roots in the community. It cherishes local traditions.
Hisahara Elementary School greets its 152nd anniversary in 2024. The wooden schoolhouse is one story. Classrooms and hallways are separated by lattice doors. All desks and chairs are made from local Hisayama wood. Sunlight streams through the many windows. The entire school feels bright and warm. Visitors often say “What a wonderful school”.
Hisahara Elementary School has 17 classes and 380 students. Many children are simple and honest. They greet each other warmly. They clean in silence. They actively engage in reading.
In 2019 Hisahara Elementary School received recognition as an excellent Fukuoka Prefecture public school. In 2020 its research won the most prestigious award nationwide. The award was given at the Nikkyoiko Education Encouragement Business event.
Hisahara Elementary School cherishes tradition. It also actively improves current practices. It embraces new challenges. The school focuses on teacher quality and ability. It aims to improve their skills and work. Since 2019 the school promotes research. They focus on on-the-job training.
The school aims to be a trusted school. They try to strenghten cooperation with parents and the community. Sixth graders learn about the Shuri-Yama ruins. These are nationally designated historic ruins. The students create picture books and maps. They give presentations at symposiums.
Since 2018 sixth graders travel to nearby towns. They walk about 50 kilometers. They visit local ruins and historic sites. During their journey they interact with people. They talk to others involved in preserving ruins and culture. They exchange ideas with sixth graders from other schools. They deepen their knowledge of the Shuri-Yama ruins and local history.
Children plan and prepare for these learning trips themselves. They contact schools and facilities to arrange visits. Parents and community members highly value this learning. They support the school. Hisahara Elementary School has established a school evaluation system. The school conducts self-evaluations. Staff members discuss these evaluations. This helps the school improve.
The school shares its goals with the community. These meetings promote open school management. They strive for improvement. The school motto is to love the community. The school wants children to learn independently. They want them to live strong.
The school uses mentoring. Teachers improve their skills through on-the-job training. Hisahara Elementary School also emphasizes travel. Field trips enrich students’ learning. The school song reflects these values. It speaks of local hills and clear skies. It encourages learning and growth. It celebrates hope for the future.