School Colors and Mascot

The school colors for James B. Morris Elementary are blue and gold.   These colors were selected by students during the 2003-04 school year. The mascot for our school is the bison.

James B. Morris-Military Service

The first regiment that was dedicated to the training black officers to serve in the United States Army during World War I was the 17th Provisional Training Regiment.  It was located at Fort Des Moines from 1917 to 1918.   Graduates from this training regiment, including James B. Morris, went on to distinguish themselves through service in France. Many returned from war to distinguish themselves in the fight for racial equality in our country.

After graduating from the first officer training class at Ft. Des Moines, James B. Morris was assigned as a second lieutenant to the 92nd Infantry Division. The image at the upper-left is the patch worn by the 92nd Infantry Division which includes the profile of the American bison, or buffalo. This symbol represent a long and proud heritage of the “Buffalo Soldier” in the United States military.