“Safety first” is more than just a saying at Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School. This school in Chiba Prefecture takes student safety very seriously. Let’s step inside and discover its story.
Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School opened its doors on April 1 1976. But its roots stretch back much further. It began as Meiji 18th and Heisei 25th Miyoshi Primary School.
In 1902 disaster struck. A powerful wind and rainstorm destroyed the school building. Children from Komaki went to Yamakura School. Today it is Asahi Elementary School. Children from Wabito went to Yokaido Elementary School. Today that is Yokaido Elementary School.
Local residents rebuilt the school in 1912. They provided funds and materials for the village land. The locals called it a temporary school building. The name Yotsuwa comes from Yokaido Station area and the children of Wabito.
In 1920 the temporary Yotsuwa school building became Asahi Miyoshi Elementary School Yotsuwa branch school. Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School was reborn in 1976.
The school has grown over the years. In 1983 a second playground and storage were added. A cooking building was renovated in 1985. The school celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1986. In 1990 a pool was completed.
Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School further expanded in 1991. It separated from Wabito Elementary School. The school now includes Miyoshi and Warabigaoka in its area.
The school celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1995. A large-scale renovation took place in 2002. Earthquake-resistant work was done on the gymnasium in 2011. In December 2020 each student received a tablet. The north side restrooms were renovated in 2022. A Japanese language guidance room opened in April 2024.
Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School focuses on safety. The school conducts traffic safety measures. The school does this in cooperation with police and local groups. These measures aim to protect students on their way to school. Green road markings help drivers see pedestrian areas. They also use poles to separate cars from walkers. Protective posts prevent cars from entering the sidewalk.
The school teaches children about reducing waste. City staff give lectures to fourth-graders. These lectures teach about waste reduction and separation. Students learn about the amount of waste produced. They also learn how to sort waste correctly. The school hopes students will practice waste reduction at home.
The school’s motto is to nurture children. It aims to help them have dreams and grow rich in spirit. The school wants children to learn actively. It also encourages them to care for others. It promotes healthy and safe habits.
Yotsukaido Municipal Yotsuwa Elementary School is more than just a school. It is a place where children learn grow and stay safe. It’s a place where the community comes together. It is a place where children are educated about their environment.