Bob Hope ES History
Opened: 2021
OPEN
The original Bob Hope school, Bob Hope Primary School, opened in the Fall of 1980 as a new school on Kadena Air Force Base, serving about 500 students in grades Kindergarten through grade 2. The original school was named after Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope, the comedian, actor, singer, and dancer. Bob Hope entertained active-duty US military personnel around the world during his 57 tours for the United Service Organizations. He became an honorary veteran of the US armed forces in 1997. The school received a letter from Bob Hope, giving his permission to use his name. Bob Hope Primary School became Stearley Primary School in 2021. When Bob Hope Elementary School was opened, the letter from Mr. Hope was then housed at the new Bob Hope school.
Department of Defense Education Activity’s Pacific South school district opened Bob Hope Elementary for the 2021-22 school year. Construction on the new school began in November 2018 and was completed in November 2021. When the school was opened it was the latest 21st century school on Okinawa.
To fill the new school, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade, DODEA-Pacific closed Stearley Heights Elementary and shuffled attendance zones. Students from Yomitan, Kadena Town, Sebille Manor, and the area of North Terrace east of Fairchild Avenue were assigned to Bob Hope Elementary. Students from Stillwell Park were reassigned to Kadena Elementary. Bob Hope Elementary School opened its doors to approximately 700 students for school year 2021-22.
The school features classrooms without walls called “neighborhoods,” collaborative teaching, and data-driven instruction. Bouncing balls for chairs, water-bottle stations, and laptop docks were the most popular features with students. Bob Hope Elementary featured new furniture, new technology, a new playground, and a new performance space.
The administrators for the new school were Lorrie Vallone, principal, and Dr. Ramona Williams, assistant principal. Kristopher Kwiatak became the principal the second year of the school. The school colors are green and orange, and the mascot is Shi Sas, a Japanese dog. The school’s enrollment has been between 650 and 680 students in Prekindergarten through fifth grade.
The new school started many traditions and incorporated several yearly events. The yearly events included celebrations for the Month of the Military Child, Read Across America, Red Ribbon Week, a Fall Festival, Black History Month, and Storybook Character Parade. Students also participated in Kindness Week and family nights. Clubs at the school included fitness, gardening, board games, yearbook, video production, and safety patrol. Other clubs that are unique to the school are Student Innovators, Ballet Folklorico, Lego Robotics, and Girls Who Code.
Information from the school’s website and yearbooks