One of Longfellow's strengths is Principal Carl Brush who formerly served as chair of Berkeley High School Performing Arts Department, and as a Vice Principal of Berkeley High. His vision is to integrate arts and technology into each classroom experience to enhance everyday learning. "It's the kind of environment where technical skills are exceeded only by the student's creativity and quest for knowledge," explains Principal Brush. "Learning the internet is intertwined with learning to do research for English and science projects. And drama and music are used in day-to-day assignments to promote improved learning for all subjects, while improving public speaking skills."
Similarly, technology is not taught in a vacuum. Working with local businesses, Longfellow uses its technical programs to expose students to disciplines from journalism to multimedia production, from desktop publishing and telecommunicating to programming, robotics or computer design. Longfellow has developed resources with leaders in many industries who have helped enhance the academic curriculum, including Bank of America, the California Arts Project, and the Center for Particle Astrophysics at UC Berkeley (CPA). The CPA provides hands-on activities for small groups. Last year they taught the inner workings of the lungs and this year sixth graders are making topographic maps of the earth and the moon, using the latest in computer technology.
"Our access to hardware and software is as great as any other Northern California school," says Technology Coordinator, Nancy Elnor. In addition to the computer lab -- used by students during their lunch hour and after school, as well as during school hours -- there are four computers in every classroom. In addition, Longfellow is one of two Berkeley schools participating in the first year of the District's $6.5 million dollar federal technology grant, which will train teachers to use technology to enhance classroom instruction.
You'll find an arts influence in other subjects also. History students studying Egypt design and make their own Egyptian masks, while performing arts are used to create a more interesting way of looking at science, history, or even math. Instrumental music combines with drama for such demanding productions as "The Wizard of Oz," "Oliver," and "The Truth About Cinderella" -- a satirical treatment of the well-known fairy tale. This quest for excellence and innovation is what draws the community to Longfellow.
The smallest of the three middle school campuses, Longfellow offers individual attention to students from teachers, parents and the community. "It is so easy for students to get lost in the cracks if they don't have a personal attachment to adults," sixth grade teacher Betty Merrit explains. "As teachers at Longfellow, we are still able to know all the students and continue to help and guide them whether they are in our class or not." Longfellow also boasts a seven-period day, which means two electives for 7th and 8th graders instead of the one offered at the other middle schools. Students choose electives from French, Spanish, drama, art, personal power, movement arts, as well as computer applications and desktop publishing.
The staff and administration at Longfellow are committed to building a school where all middle school students will grow and learn through use of the arts and technology. Longfellow is truly a school of excellence in the making, striving to live up to its motto: Our goal as teachers is to place a floor under every student and a ceiling over none."