School History

Wanda Hirsch Elementary School opened in September of 1997.  Mrs. Hirsch was a 4th grade teacher in Tracy for 35 years. She grew up in North Dakota, working on a farm and going to school. She attended college in North Dakota before moving to San Francisco to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Due to World War II, she began to work in the shipyards. She was nicknamed ‘Wanda the Welder’. A co-worker influenced her to become a teacher as the war ended. Mrs. Hirsch was also on a women’s baseball team.

Mrs. Hirsch taught at West Park and Central Schools before retiring in 1981.  Wanda Hirsch Elementary School was dedicated on October 24, 1997.  Mrs. Hirsch resided in Tracy until her death on October 19, 2017 at the age of 97.  She loved to read biographies and autobiographies of people who have influenced others’ lives.  Mrs. Hirsch influenced many lives as well. Her service to her country was always strong, which is why she chose Hirsch’s mascot to be the Patriots.