School History & What We Value at LeConte

The first LeConte Elementary School...

was established in 1892, which means our school is nearly 120 years old. It was named after Joseph LeConte, a founding member of the Sierra Club. The main entrance was on Russell Street and the school only served student in grades kindergarten through third grade for most of its existence.

The building has undergone major renovations including additions for more classrooms, the second floor, the farm and garden, and relocation of the main office and library. Recent construction was for the garden near the rear playground and site landscaping in 2006. This summer, the interior and exterior of our school was repainted and classrooms received new flooring and carpeting.

To honor LeConte’s 100th birthday, our school received a congressional recognition certificate signed by Ron Dellums, then a member of the 8th Congressional District, and a proclamation signed by Loni Hancock, then Mayor of Berkeley. It includes language that continues to highlight the promise and legacy of our school:

WHEREAS, LeConte is committed to serving a multicultural student body in an atmosphere of cooperation and community collaboration, and

WHEREAS, LeConte demonstrates a continued commitment to the environment with its unique farm, garden, and environmental education program; and….

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Loni Hancock, Mayor of City of Berkeley, proclaim May 30, 1992 as
  
LECONTE PRIMARY SCHOOL DAY
in the City of Berkeley and hereby commend the entire staff for tirelessly working to promote excellence in education in the Berkeley community.