Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari stands here on Via Bottelli. This school is more than just a building. It is a place full of history and stories.
The Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari’s origins trace back to the old municipality of Greco Milanese. Greco Milanese became part of Milan in 1923. Between 1858 and 1930, the only two classrooms were on the ground floor of the Town Hall. Today, the Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari stands where the Town Hall once stood.
Until the late 1940s, the school had only five classrooms. It later expanded, adding another floor. This allowed it to accommodate around 300 students both boys and girls. During the war years, German troops occupied the school building for a while. By the late 1960s, the school was overcrowded. It had 400 students but only 2000 square meters of space. According to regulations, it should have had 6000 square meters.
In the 1970s, a new building was built next to the old one. This new building had a refectory and a gym. In 1980, the school was named after Gianni Rodari. He was a famous Italian journalist and writer who died that year. Rodari was known for his intelligent humor. His works often addressed contemporary issues. He also helped to modernize children’s literature.
The Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari embodies Rodari’s values. It focuses on caring for children and listening to their needs. The school treats each child with care. This helps them feel secure. It supports their gradual learning process. The Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari encourages and motivates students. It also helps them develop their individual potential. The goal is for each student to do their best.
Today, the Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari continues this mission. It provides a full-time schedule with 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. The school also offers several projects and activities. These include projects focused on reading, chess, theater and music.
The school also provides services that support students’ well-being. These include counseling and programs for emotional education. There are also activities that promote citizenship and intercultural understanding. One example is the “Raccontare la pace” project in collaboration with Emergency. It uses storytelling to promote peace and respect for human rights.
The Scuola elementare Gianni Rodari stands as a testament to Gianni Rodari’s legacy. It is a place where children are encouraged to learn. They learn through creativity, care, and attention. The school wants to help each child reach their full potential.