By Brynna Williamson
The new Mineola primary school is “fabulous, dahling” (be sure to read that in a Zsa Zsa Gabor voice)!
Seriously, though, the new educational center for grades one through six has pretty much everything any child—and administration—could ask for from a school. Pretty, colorful tiles line the walls; the new playground sparkles outside, although it’s under a wide canopy top to keep the kids from getting too hot; the gym is much bigger than they’re used to; and oh, the cafeteria!
The Cafeteria
There is so much about the new MISD primary school that students love. One of these was the school cafeteria, which boasts more than 5,000 square feet of space, featuring stunning, high-rise ceilings and artistic, hexagonal lighting.
The tables at the school are ultra-modern: circular tables with tiny, kid-sized seating to promote friendships and foster good conversations adorn the adorable cafeteria.
The cafeteria itself, aside from the seating, is pretty impressive, too: stainless steel appliances, sliding trays, and more are meticulously clean and waiting to be filled with food for the students. It has the feeling of a very fancy cafeteria, which—according to students, faculty, and staff—it is.
The cafeteria even features hand-designed windows from East Texas architect Perry Thompson, who owns Thompson Architectural Group. The windows for Mineola’s primary school cafeteria are formed in interesting and unique shapes such as “beehive” combs, rhombuses, octagons, and more.
And the best part of the cafeteria—if you ask some of the students (who generally range in age from 4-8 or so)—is that they “just love eating there,” according to one of the little students with a shy smile.
The Gymnasium
Of course, the school is so much more than just its cafeteria. Teachers and students are also very proud of the new school gym, which is—shall we say—a lot bigger than the old one. The previous gym was “just a play gym;” however, this new one is “regulation size.” Students like that.
The Playground
The kids of Mineola, Texas’ new primary school are also very happy with their new playground. Featuring a double swing set, several different slides, a spring-coil bouncy grasshopper, climbing equipment, and more, it’s every kid’s dream.
“Weston, what about your favorite part?” asked one of the administrators. “Recess,” he answered (very quickly, we might add). “The playground? The playground itself is protected by a huge, blue, triangular canvas shade. That way, the students won’t get heatstroke, won’t get sunburned, and won’t hurt their eyes playing out in the Texas sun.
The Library
While it will be less than surprising to all adults to hear that the kids were enthusiastic about the playground, it may be a pleasant surprise to hear that the majority of the kids waxed eloquent about the benefits of their new library, too.
“This morning when I came in, I saw Paw Patrol (books),” said student Jimmy Jennings. “I love Paw Patrol!”
“(My favorite thing about the new school) is the library,” said student Xaniah Hunter.
“(What I like best is) all the books you can read, ‘cause there’s different books,” said another student, who also added that the new library is bigger than the old one.
With their new decorations, larger space, kid-sized furniture, and colorful themes, the administrators of the new school are doing all they can to get Mineola kids interested in reading and exploring new worlds.
The Classrooms
Even the classrooms at the new Mineola primary school are nice. They’re colorful, they’re pretty, and they feel big and open.
The computer room is full of little workstations for the children. The music room is bright, and colorful, and has instruments all around the room. The study rooms are quiet, lit with low-light bulbs, and have comfy, reclining furniture. The regular classrooms have rugs, furniture, cubbies, and smart TVs to help make the teachers’ jobs easier and more efficient.
And speaking of making teachers’ jobs better, the Mineola ISD superintendent mentioned that, with the new building, each classroom for first grade and under have an attached bathroom. This helps students who are still on the latter end of potty-training, as well as teachers who would otherwise have to constantly disrupt class to let kids in and out for bathroom breaks.
The Summation
All in all, this new Mineola ISD facility has been a resounding success so far. The teachers love it, the students love it, and the community loves it.
“You guys like the new school?” I asked. One of the little students who helped give me the tour summed it up and minced no words: “YEAHHHHHH!”