News Summary
Cumberland Elementary School in Nashville has received a $5,000 makeover for its teachers’ lounge through a grant from Crayola and Walmart. Selected from over 8,000 participants, the school transformed its outdated lounge into a vibrant space with new furniture and art supplies. The renovations were made possible largely due to the initiative of a curriculum specialist, and staff members expressed joy at the improvements. Walmart’s support included volunteer efforts and supplies for the lounge. This project highlights the importance of community partnerships in enhancing educational environments.
Nashville, Tennessee – Cumberland Elementary School has received a vibrant $5,000 makeover for its teachers’ lounge, thanks to a grant from Crayola and Walmart. The school stood out among more than 8,000 participants in the Crayola Creativity Week, becoming one of only 24 winners nationwide, and the sole winner from Tennessee.
The grant included $3,000 in Walmart gift cards designated for new furniture and decorations, along with $1,000 worth of Crayola art supplies. Additionally, another $1,000 in Walmart gift cards was allocated specifically for the teachers at Cumberland Elementary.
Significantly, the teachers’ lounge had not been updated in over two decades. The recent renovation has completely transformed the once drab space into a bright and welcoming environment filled with colorful designs and enhanced amenities. With the new upgrades, the lounge now features a coffee bar, storage shelves, and original artwork, greatly improving the overall atmosphere for educators and visitors alike.
Chriseni Pulse, a curriculum specialist who has dedicated decades to education at Cumberland Elementary, played a pivotal role in applying for and securing this competitive grant. Her initiative during Crayola Creativity Week ultimately led to the successful funding that has revitalized the teachers’ lounge.
Staff members at Cumberland expressed their surprise and delight upon discovering the newly renovated lounge. The vibrant colors and new amenities have significantly shifted the ambiance, contributing to an uplifting environment for teaching staff. Pulse conveyed excitement regarding the transformation, highlighting that the improved space would have positive effects not only for teachers but also for students and the broader school community.
Walmart further demonstrated its commitment to the project by offering additional support, including volunteer labor to assist with the makeover and also stocking the lounge with drinks, snacks, and cleaning supplies. Walmart representatives mentioned they collaborated closely with Cumberland Elementary to realize the school’s vision for the lounge, ensuring that the final result aligned with the needs and desires of the staff.
This enhancement to the teachers’ lounge aligns with Crayola’s advocacy program, which emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity as an essential life skill. The program aims to inspire schools across the nation to recognize and incorporate creative solutions to enhance educational environments.
Prior to the renovation, the teachers’ lounge at Cumberland Elementary had been perceived as lacking vitality and engagement. The updates have not only reinvigorated the space but have also served as a reminder of the significance of creating supportive and engaging environments for educators, which in turn can positively impact student learning and development.
The Crayola and Walmart partnership has sparked positive change in Cumberland Elementary’s teachers’ lounge, offering educators a much- needed space to relax and recharge, thereby promoting a healthier school environment. The revitalization efforts demonstrate that community partnerships play a crucial role in advancing educational facilities and supporting the overall well-being of staff, students, and the school community as a whole.
As Cumberland Elementary enjoys its vibrant new lounge, the success of this project serves as an inspiration for other schools to seek out creative partnerships and explore opportunities for improvement within their own facilities.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 5: Cumberland Elementary Wins Teacher’s Lounge Makeover
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- WKRN: School Selected for Teacher’s Lounge Makeover
- Google Search: Teachers Lounge Makeover
- People: Nashville Family’s Garage Makeover
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- News Channel 5: Local News
- Google News: Cumberland Elementary Makeover
Author: HERE Nashville
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