Our School
Home of the Explorers
Mission Statement
"At Richard Gordon Elementary School, our mission is to ensure that every student attains high levels of learning. Drawing on our proud legacy of academic excellence, our staff works collaboratively to establish a safe and nurturing learning environment for all. We employ effective strategies to empower our students, fostering their achievement and success.."
Our Gordon Way: S.T.A.R Expectations:
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S: I am Safe with my body and words.
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T: I use Teamwork by building community with everyone.
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A: I Act respectfully to all people and things.
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R: I am Responsible for my effort, work and actions.
At Richard Gordon Elementary, we have high expectations of our students. Our S.T.A.R expectations serve as a guide for all of our students to strive towards excellence in every aspect of their school life. First and foremost, we prioritize safety. We teach our students to prioritize their own safety as well as the safety of others. This includes being mindful of their words and actions and ensuring that they do not cause harm to anyone. Our next expectation is teamwork. We believe that building a strong community is essential to creating a positive learning environment. We encourage our students to work together and support one another, both in and out of the classroom. We act respectfully is another core value at Gordon Way. We teach our students to treat all people and things with kindness and consideration. This includes respecting diversity and valuing different perspectives. Finally, we emphasize responsibility. We want our students to take ownership of their actions and decisions, and to be accountable for their effort and work. We believe that this helps to develop a strong sense of integrity and character that will serve our students well in their future endeavors.
Overall, our S.T.A.R expectations serve as a foundation for our students to excel both in their academic pursuits and in their personal growth. We are committed to helping our students become the best versions of themselves and we believe that these expectations are an essential part of that process.
About Richard Gordon
![Richard Gordon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689614469/nkschoolsorg/fji8uqq52bkwqvuw3cjo/RichardGordon.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689614469/nkschoolsorg/fji8uqq52bkwqvuw3cjo/RichardGordon.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689614469/nkschoolsorg/fji8uqq52bkwqvuw3cjo/RichardGordon.png","width":800}])
Celebrating the Legacy of Richard F. Gordon Jr. at Richard Gordon Elementary
Richard F. Gordon Jr., the iconic figure that Richard Gordon Elementary is named after, was not only a celebrated NASA astronaut but also a renowned figure in the field of space exploration. His life and accomplishments reflect an indomitable spirit of exploration, determination, and dedication, values that we strive to cultivate in the young minds at Richard Gordon Elementary.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1929, Richard Gordon graduated from North Kitsap High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Washington. This early educational foundation laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in the U.S. Navy, where he earned his wings as a naval aviator and eventually became a test pilot.
NASA took notice of Gordon's talents and he was selected as part of the third group of astronauts in 1963. His contributions to space exploration included serving as a pilot for the 3-day Gemini XI mission and as the command module pilot on Apollo 12, the second lunar landing mission. These remarkable achievements left a significant impact on the history of space exploration. Gordon's total time spent in space was an impressive 315 hours and 53 minutes, a testament to his tireless pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
The legacy of Richard F. Gordon Jr. remains very much alive at Richard Gordon Elementary. His life story serves as a powerful inspiration to our students, fostering in them a strong sense of curiosity, exploration, and dedication to learning. From the moment our students walk through our doors, they are encouraged to view themselves as explorers, much like Gordon himself.
Our commitment to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment, structured around the needs of our students, reflects the discipline and respect for procedures that were integral to Gordon's success as a test pilot and astronaut. The comprehensive education provided at Richard Gordon Elementary helps equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to face the challenges of the future, much like Richard F. Gordon Jr. did in his remarkable career.
Richard Gordon Elementary is proud to carry forward the legacy of its namesake. We believe that by fostering a spirit of exploration, perseverance, and commitment to knowledge, our students can also reach for the stars and make their unique contributions to the world. May the life and legacy of Richard F. Gordon Jr. continue to inspire our students at Richard Gordon Elementary to be brave, curious, and forever explorers.
Richard Gordon Elementary School
26331 Barber Cutoff Road
Kingston, WA 98346
(360) 396-3800
Fax (360) 396-3950