Dick Hankinson attended Leverett Elementary School from 1951-1956, when the present school was just one year old. Dick recalls there were four classrooms with two grades in each, eight grades in all, and about 112 students in the school. The teachers Dick most remembers are, Mrs. Dunbar and Mrs. Briggs. He remembers Mrs. Dunbar as a very nice teacher, and Mrs.Briggs as a bit strict.While Dick was in school, he did not have any algebra or geometry, no homework, and no TV! He had some supplies of pens, ink, paper, and books. The students got pens once a week, and used ink wells. It was an honor to go get the ink and hand it out to the rest of the students.
The school hours were 8am-3pm. The playground had a jungle gym, merry-go-round, (which is now located at the Leverett Co-op), and a slide. The students were very well behaved, so there was not a lot of discipline. The rules they followed are still the same rules as today. Children rode the bus to school. On warm days kids either rode their bikes or walked. Some children were driven to school by their parents. One of his funny memories is when a 7th grade girl kissed a 7th grade boy! Dick also recalls the Korean War going on when he went to Leverett Elementary School.
Dick still lives in Leverett in his same childhood home. And now his own child attends school here also.
Ashley & Sam