School

Welcome to Jefferson Elementary, home of the Eagles!

Mission Statement:  As Jefferson Eagles, we SOAR to new heights, by creating a Safe learning environment, Organized systems, fostering Responsibility, and Respecting every learner.

Vision Statement:  Our Students are given the tools for success to Achieve In Life. (SAIL)

 
We believe in the 3 P's:
  1. Providing basic needs for our students and families.
  2. PLC collaboration with all parties; parents, colleagues and communities. 
  3. Fostering a positive environment.

History

Old Jefferson School

(91 Van Giesen, Richland Washington)

Jefferson Site: Land bounded on the west by George Washington Way, on the north by Van Giesen Street, on the east by Hunt Avenue, and on the south by a line perpendicular to George Washington Way extending along the south boundary of the tennis courts from George Washington Way to Hunt Avenue (July 10, 1952). It consisted of 12 acres. 

Cost: 
1944: $114,672 (9 classrooms)
1948: $451,000 (12 classrooms); reroof gymnasium
1954: $351,359 (2 kindergarten and 9 primary classrooms)
TOTAL: $917,041

Occupied the building September 11, 1944 with an enrollment of 270 which was 35% overload. In 1948 the enrollment was 578. In June 1970 the enrollment was 815. With the additional elementary school in 1970, enrollment dropped to 442 in 1971. Special Education was give the use of some of the classrooms.
It is of frame construction, with brick or concrete fire walls separating each wing. 
 
Capacity: 625
Square Footage: 63,034
Property transferred to School District in 1958.
 
Principals:
  • 1944-1947: Louise Johnston
  • 1953-1973: Arthur E. Lind
  • 1973 -: Gerald Lane

The school was named after Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) who was the author of and signed the Declaration of Independence.; was first Secretary of State; he established the District of Columbia; organized the Democratic - Republican parties; was Minister to France; elected Vice President in 1776; wrote the Kentucky Resolution; was President of the United States 1801-1809.  His native state was Virginia where he graduated from William and Mary College. 

Most of "old" Jefferson School was demolished in 1982. A replacement school was occupied February 1982. 

Jefferson Elementary School, 1525 Hunt, Richland School District (Benton County, WA). The old Jefferson School building was first occupied in September 1944. By 1980 the building needed so many costly repairs the school board decided to build a new school on the same site. The new Jefferson school was occupied on February 22, 1982. The old building was demolished that same year. The name Jefferson had been selected because Thomas Jefferson was president of the United States during the Lewis and Clark Expedition which opened the Pacific Northwest to settlement.

Source: Name on the Schoolhouse, An Anecdotal List of Some Historic Names of Schools in Washington State, Compiled and Edited by Kenneth L. Calkins.1991. ISBN 0-9630702-0-7

District and School Report Card Information

Are you interested in knowing how your child's school did on state assessments? Visit the Washington State OSPI Report Card at: https://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us. 

The Report Card contains valuable information about test results as well as other statistics about our schools. To find results for our district and your child's school, use the webpage drop-down menu to find Richland School District and press GO.