Suddenly the bell rings. It signals the end of class at Tsukudajima Elementary School. Tsukudajima Elementary School stands in the heart of Tsukuda. It is a place where young minds blossom. The school serves the children of 1-chome and 2-chome.
Tsukudajima itself has an interesting story. It was once a tiny island in Tokyo Bay. Fishermen from Osaka migrated here in the early 1600s. They created a community known for Tsukudani. Tsukudani is a preserved seafood dish.
Now, about Tsukudajima Elementary School. Chuo City Board of Education operates it. They oversee both elementary and junior high schools here. After elementary school, children from Tsukuda attend Tsukuda Junior High School.
What is a typical school day like? PTA helps international students with questions. The school year includes many events. There is an entrance ceremony in April. Students wear white shirts and socks. School lunch starts soon after. Physical measurements take place. Students bring gym uniforms for that. Dental checkups happen. Students are asked to brush well. Eye tests and hearing tests are conducted. Students clean their ears before the hearing test. Urinalysis is also part of the routine. Students collect urine samples at home. Parent-teacher meetings are held in the gymnasium or classrooms. Indoor shoes are required.
Older students in 4th to 6th grade take the Grade common examination. It covers Math, Japanese, Science, and Social studies. There are excursions. For example, planting sweet potatoes at Kashiwa in Chiba prefecture. Personal meetings with teachers are scheduled. Disaster drills prepare students for emergencies. Saturday open school days allow parents to observe classes. Indoor shoes are needed for these days too. There are also sports tests. Swimming classes begin. Students need towels, swimsuits, caps, and goggles. Fourth graders go on an overnight trip to Kashiwa-Gakuen. Third graders attend special classes at the education center.
Other events include a seaside excursion at Kamogawa for three days. Summer swimming lessons are optional. Supplementary learning provides extra help in small groups. Stage play festivals, music festivals, and art festivals rotate yearly.
Tsukudajima Elementary School even had initiatives related to the Rugby World Cup 2019. Third and fourth graders learned tag rugby and Australian football. First and second graders learned about Australian food and animals. Older students studied Australian culture and the Tokyo 2020 Games. The school planned to invite an Australian athlete for a talk and running session.
Tsukudajima Elementary School partners with schools internationally. There is an online exchange meeting with Tsukuda Elementary School in Osaka. This shows that Tsukudajima Elementary School is a vibrant place. It is full of learning, culture, and community.
As the sun sets, the school building stands quietly. It awaits the return of its students. The story of Tsukudajima Elementary School is one of growth. It is community and connection. It is a place where the future is nurtured.