Lufkin Middle School

6/5/01 I almost didn't find Lufkin Middle School. It is in the middle of an industrial park. Which surprised me until I learned that it was a renovated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Which explains this impressive smoked glass entrance. It is probably the most attractive school I have ever been in. Apparently the county experimented with the cost of renovations vs building new buildings. My two gracious hostesses, Diane and Sandra, could not tell me what the county determined by its experiment, but the school is lovely.

We actually did talk a lot about media center issues, and will do so again on subsequent visits, but taking in this impressive facility was a big part of my first visit and a good place to begin the record of my visits there.

One of the things I particularly liked were the broad, expansive hallways. There is something oppressive about low ceilings and narrow halls with dully painted cinderblock. The whole building has a light, airy feel. This is the entrance to the media center.

This stunning piece of artwork is leftover from the building's previous owners. There is a plaque describing its imagery with relation to the corporation's vision. After the building became a school, resident artists created work along with students to decorate other areas of the building.

This is a mural painted on the walls to resemble a mosaic created under the direction of a resident artist. It is directly across from the media center entrance.

But, of course, it is not the building that makes the school. However, having the funds to create an attractive, exciting learning environment does have an affect on student and faculty moral. They are certainly off to a good start here.