葛飾区立鎌倉小学校

“Is this where dreams begin?” a small voice whispered beside me. We stood before Katsushika Ward Kamakura Elementary School. The Kamakura Elementary School has been nurturing young minds since its establishment on September 1, 1952. Originally, it was part of Katsushika Ward Shobu Elementary School, known as the Kamakura branch. Just a few months later, on November 1st, it gained independence and became Katsushika Ward Kamakura Elementary School. This date is celebrated annually as the school’s anniversary. Over the years, Kamakura Elementary has seen its share of changes. In 1957, the school celebrated its 5th anniversary, adopting a school flag and song. A gymnasium was built in 1963, marking the 10th anniversary. The school continued to grow and evolve. A pool was completed in 1975. Various renovations and improvements followed, including a new gymnasium in 1989, computer rooms in 1997, schoolyard renovations in 1999, and the installation of air conditioners in classrooms between 2005 and 2007. More recently, solar panels were installed in 2010 and an air conditioner in the gymnasium in 2021. Kamakura Elementary celebrated its 70th anniversary on November 1, 2022. The school’s motto, “Play well, study well,” embodies its commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals. They strive to cultivate students who are eager to learn, think creatively, and maintain good health. Students primarily come from Kamakura 1-chome, parts of Kamakura 2-chome, Kamakura 3-chome, and Kamakura 4-chome. Interestingly, due to the school’s proximity to the Edogawa Ward border, some children from Kita-Koiwa 6-chome in Edogawa Ward find Kamakura Elementary closer and more convenient than their designated school. Graduates of Kamakura Elementary typically go on to attend Katsushika Ward Okudo Junior High School or Katsushika Ward Shodo Junior High School. The choice depends on their residence within Kamakura. Some students, although a minority, choose to attend Katsushika Ward Kosago Junior High School or Koiwadai Sann Junior High School in the adjacent Edogawa Ward. Katsushika Ward Kamakura Elementary, a place where young minds take flight, stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to education. “Maybe,” I answered the child, smiling. “Maybe this is exactly where they do.”