A Fresh Coat of Paint Goes A Long Way

Written by Jeff King, principal

Establishing a school environment that is warm, welcoming and puts kids first is a critical element to improving student achievement. Creating this environment includes making sure the building receives proper “cosmetic” enhancements that make the school feel like a comfortable place children can call their “home away from home.” This past summer, thanks to the help of several businesses and a dozen and a half volunteers, Myers Elementary was able to repaint its restrooms, give them several fresh coats of paint and make them kid-friendly.

Back in October of 2010, Myers Elementary applied for a True Value paint grant, which if selected, would provide the school 40 free gallons of paint to repaint its restrooms. As part of this grant, Myers offered its student body the chance to develop the restroom designs, six in all, serve as Assistant Project Manager for their respective design and have lunch with me (Mr. King, the principal). The students jumped on this opportunity and submitted some terrific designs and ideas. In March of this year, we received word from True Value that Myers Elementary was a recipient of one of their grants, and we could precede with our “extreme restroom makeover.” (Thank you True Value!) Upon receiving word of this opportunity, several staff members reviewed the student designs submitted back in November and selected six designs from five students. The students and designs selected are as follows:

• Alyssa Kennedy created an insect and nature design; along with a sports theme
  
• Sydney Ford developed a gigantic caterpillar and nature scene
  
• Gabrielle Rutkowski sketched another nature theme with a “tree of life” as its centerpiece and creative words and quotes meant to inspire the student body
  
• Nina Fredrickson crafted a “diva’s” restroom full of jewelry and make-up accessories
  
• Amber Davis designed a “Rock ‘n’ Roll” theme

All of these designs wove in the virtues of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect and responsibility (the cornerstones of good character).

After selecting the winning designs, I sought out the support of businesses and volunteers needed to make the designs come to life. And, I have to say, I received tremendous support! First, I would like to thank Menard’s for donating more than $300.00 in supplies. These supplies included paint brushes, trays, plastic tarps and cleaning supplies. This act of extravagant generosity got us one step closer to making this project a possibility and completing it during the week of June 20-24. Second, I would like to thank all the volunteers that gave of their time and committed to turning these inspirational and artistic ideas into a reality. These volunteers include:

• Frank Odar, president of AER Appraisal Group, a Valparaiso-based real estate appraisal firm
  
• DeeDee Bairaktaris, Dalia Delgado and members of the Myers Student Council Portage 1st United Methodist Youth Group members.
  
• PTS art teachers Bridget Nadolski and Jack Rowe.
  
• High school freshmen Megan Nadolski and Angelica Lopez.
  
• Instructional assistant Teri Lopez.
  
• Myers students Alyssa Kennedy, Sydney Ford, Nina Fredrickson, Jenessa Carlislie, Gabrielle and Emma Rutkowski, Taylor Brosky and their families

Thanks to the extravagant generosity of everyone mentioned above, Myers Elementary has six freshly-painted, vivid and fun, kid-friendly restrooms meant to improve the school environment and make it feel more like a “cozy home” for our students.