LaSalle-Backus Education Campus: A History of Community and Education in DC
The LaSalle-Backus Education Campus, a cornerstone of the Washington, D.C. public school system, has a rich history interwoven with the city's social and educational evolution. This article explores the campus's journey, highlighting key events, the individuals who shaped its character, and its ongoing commitment to serving the community.
Early Days of DC Public Schools
The Washington DC public school system started in 1804; however, it did not begin naming schools for people until 1864. Prior to that, schools were numbered by level, such as Primary School #1, and the buildings were named for their location. The first school buildings were the Western and Eastern Free Schools, which opened in 1806, accompanied by schools in Georgetown and the County.
In 1864, a significant expansion of the school system was authorized to accommodate black students, the increased post-Civil War population, and more girls, who had only begun attending public school in the 1840s.
The Naming of Schools: A Reflection of Values
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DC had a habit of naming schools for former chief executives of the District of Columbia as well as former Presidents. Every chief executive between Robert Brent (1802-1812) and C.H. Rudolph (1910-1913) had a school named for them except Daniel Rapine, John Douglass and John Wight. Every president between J. Adams* and Coolidge had a school named for them except for Benjamin Harrison and Warren G. Harding.
In the early 20th century, the school board shifted its naming philosophy, opting to honor teachers, principals, superintendents, and school board members. This change reflected a growing appreciation for the contributions of educators within the community.
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Key Figures in DC Education
Several individuals have left an indelible mark on the DC public school system, and some have even had schools named in their honor. Here are a few examples:
- George Jacob Abbott: An educator, diplomat, and private secretary to Daniel Webster, Abbott was a leader in transitioning the DC school system to the New England system. He was a member of the DC Board of Trustees of Public Schools from 1845 to 1851.
- Maude E. Aiton: Principal of the Americanization School from 1918 to 1945, Aiton was also president of the DC Grade School Teachers Union and the NEA Department of Adult Education.
- Enoch Ambush: Co-founded Wesleyan Seminary, a school for free black children, in 1833. He also assisted in opening a school for free black girls in 1850 and founded St. Paul AME Church.
- John A. Chamberlain: Supervisor of Manual Training in the DC School system for nearly 20 years, Chamberlain established the system of manual training in the schools and broadened the course to both high and elementary schools.
- John F. Cook Sr.: Principal of Union Seminary, a school for free black students, from 1834 to 1855.
- Hugh McCormick: Supervising Principal, 4th District (1845-1851).
LaSalle-Backus: A Merger and a Tragedy
LaSalle Elementary and Backus Middle School merged, forming the LaSalle-Backus Education Campus.
The campus experienced a profound tragedy on September 11, 2001, when one of its students, Asia Cottom, and one of its teachers, Sarah Clark, perished on American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon. They were en route to California to participate in a project with the National Geographic Society.
A Rose for Remembrance
In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, a rose planting ceremony was held at LaSalle-Backus to honor the victims of Flight 77. The rose, an original hybrid called the Patriot Dream rose, was the sixth of 11 roses named in honor of the victims of 9/11. The nonprofit organization Remember Me Rose Garden hybridized the roses for the occasion, with previous roses including Firefighter, Soaring Spirits, We Salute You, Forty Heroes and The Finest, all of which are available in garden centers. Sue Casey, the founder of the Remember Me Rose Garden, sought to create a living memorial to the victims of 9/11.
Current Initiatives and Community Engagement
LaSalle-Backus continues to be an active participant in the DC community. Joyce Hill, a first-grade teacher and DC SCORES poetry coach at LaSalle-Backus, has shared her experience of some of the most important moments in American history with her students. Hill joins the LaSalle-Backus coaching team and Washington Spirit and D.C.
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The school also partners with organizations like Teaching for Change to bring enriching experiences to students. For example, author Zetta Elliott visited LaSalle-Backus in 2017 to share her stories with middle school students.
Addressing Challenges and Promoting Equity
DC Public Schools face ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to education for all students. A recent report highlighted how equitable access benefits at-risk students and significantly changed enrollment patterns for some schools.
The district is also working to address issues such as truancy. Kramer Middle School, for example, dropped its truancy rate by 60% in three years by asking students what opportunities they needed.
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