Hayes Elementary School in Davenport Marks a Century of Excellence and Welcomes a New Academic Year

Celebrating a Century: Hayes Elementary School’s 100th Anniversary Bash

Hayes Elementary School, a cornerstone of the Davenport community, recently marked a significant milestone—its 100th anniversary. The celebration took place on a balmy Friday afternoon, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant hub of family interaction, delicious food, and joyful festivities. This commemorative event coincided with the school’s annual back-to-school cookout, creating a perfect occasion for families to come together and kick off the new academic year.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as families enjoyed a classic picnic spread that included hot dogs, cupcakes, and an array of other delightful treats. Principal James Goddard underscored the importance of such gatherings, noting, “Having parents participate in this with us is just super fun, because we can engage parents, children, and build a connection with the school.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the school’s mission of cultivating excellence not only in education but also within the community fabric.

Parents echoed this sentiment of community and connection. Donnielle Bushong, a proud mother of two Hayes students, expressed her approval of the school’s family outreach efforts. “It’s awesome to have events like this,” she remarked, highlighting the family-oriented nature of the staff. “They’re always inviting families to come in, so I do appreciate this type of stuff and all the events they have.” Bushong’s son, Terrace Andrews, who is in second grade, delightedly noted that eating lunch with his parents was a highlight, although he playfully lamented his lack of a cupcake, unlike his younger sister.

Children’s voices shined brightly at the event. For second-grader Kristina Rogers, the day was all about enjoying her mother’s homemade Salisbury steak paired with a chocolate cookie from the school. After lunch, she joyfully snapped photos with a mascot of the Hayes Bulldogs and even posed with an actor portraying President Rutherford B. Hayes himself, played by local performer Ted Brown. For Brown, engaging with the children and sharing historical tidbits felt like a rewarding way to contribute to the celebration. “It’s fun, and it will just be for a couple of hours,” he said, revealing his enthusiasm for the occasion.

As the celebration continued, Principal Goddard reflected on the school’s rich 100-year history. The school is currently adapting innovative teaching methodologies, having implemented programs like HMH Into Math and Amplify CKLA, aimed at enhancing student learning in subjects like mathematics and reading. “Honestly, the culture we’re building with our staff here is absolutely amazing, and we’re seeing some really significant growth for the kids,” Goddard stated. His pride was palpable as he acknowledged the teamwork between staff and parents, which aims to cultivate an environment where students can thrive.

Parents are recognizing and appreciating this positive culture. Sabra Rogers, Kristina’s mother, applauded Principal Goddard’s dedication to fostering family engagement through meaningful events. “He ensures there are activities for us to connect with our children at school. I haven’t always seen that in schools, but they make sure to really make that happen,” she commented.

This engagement is not just important; it’s enriching for all involved. Another parent, Alicia Townley, shared the joy her son, first-grader Keegan Shrum, felt while enjoying strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce during the event. Keegan exuberantly exclaimed that his favorite part was seeing the Hayes Bulldog mascot, encapsulating the pure joy children experience during such engaging community events.

A Glimpse into Hayes Elementary’s History

To appreciate the festivities fully, it’s essential to understand the history of Hayes Elementary School, located at 622 South Concord Street. The site was initially an athletic field under the Davenport Independent School District before a successful bond referendum in 1923 paved the way for its construction. The school initially served as a two-section K-6 establishment, with expansions and renovations undertaken in the following decades, including the addition of a preschool between 1999 and 2001.

As Hayes Elementary transitions into its next century, it stands strong on the foundation built by decades of community engagement and educational success. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the school staff, students, and parents during the centennial celebration serves as a testament to its ongoing legacy. Moving forward, there is palpable excitement about the potential of what the next hundred years will bring for Hayes Elementary School, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the Davenport community’s educational landscape.