News Summary
Granada West Elementary School enjoyed a significant transformation thanks to a $5,000 makeover sponsored by Crayola. The project aimed to enhance the teachers’ lounge with new furniture, a coffee station, and art supplies. Supported by Walmart, the effort reflects strong community involvement and a commitment to fostering creativity in education. The renovation highlights the impact of local partnerships in improving school environments for educators and students alike.
Phoenix, AZ – Granada West Elementary School has received a significant transformation thanks to a $5,000 makeover sponsored by Crayola as part of the Crayola Creativity Week Sweepstakes. Out of 24 schools chosen throughout the country, Granada West was selected to receive the makeover, which aims to enhance the working environment for educators and foster creativity in the school community.
The renovation included a complete overhaul of the teacher’s lounge, which now features new furniture, a coffee station, a refrigerator, tables, and a selection of snacks. The $5,000 in Walmart gift cards provided by Crayola allowed for $4,000 to be designated for purchasing furniture and decorations, while the remaining $1,000 was allocated for teachers to acquire additional items for the lounge.
As part of the improvement project, Crayola also donated $1,000 worth of art supplies to the school, further supporting the creative needs of both educators and students. The entry into the sweepstakes was submitted by Elizabeth Watkins, the art teacher at Granada West, who desired to create a welcoming space for her fellow faculty members. Upon learning that her school had won, Watkins expressed her excitement and surprise, indicating that she had even forgotten she had entered the competition.
In a creative touch to the lounge, Elizabeth Watkins painted a mural featuring the school’s roadrunner mascot, contributing a personalized element to the renovated space. The makeover was made possible not only by Crayola’s generosity but also by the Walmart Supercenter on 35th Avenue, which is known to employ several Granada West graduates. This local Walmart store supported the project through donations of a refrigerator, microwave, and various pieces of furniture.
Additionally, employees from Walmart dedicated time over several summer days to assist in painting and decorating the teacher’s lounge, showcasing a strong community commitment to the school and its staff. This collaboration highlights the shared focus on enhancing educational environments for teachers to thrive in their roles.
The total collective donation from Crayola’s program to all the winning schools has exceeded $120,000, reflecting a widespread initiative to uplift and support educational institutions across the nation through thoughtful enhancements and resources. Schools were selected for this opportunity through random drawing among the eligible entries submitted for the sweepstakes, marking a significant boost for the educators and communities involved.
The renovation of Granada West Elementary’s teachers’ lounge stands as a testament to the impact of community partnerships and corporate goodwill in fostering inspiring educational environments, helping educators feel valued and appreciated as they support student growth and creativity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MSN News: Crayola & Walmart Surprise Teachers
- AZ Family: Phoenix Elementary School Makeover
- 12 News: Crayola & Walmart Team Up
- Wikipedia: Teacher Lounge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
