A photo essay of the historic building I am fortunate enough to work in each day:
My school, Monte Vista Elementary, is now 82 years old. It was opened in February 1931 on a "barren mesa" at the edge of the city and the new school was described as "one of the finest of its kind in the Southwest." It was originally an 8-room school that housed 225 students grades K - 7th. The final cost of the original building was $85,000.
Today, it has expanded to house around 480 students, but retains its original charm and historical significance. Its age definitely presents certain adjustments staff have to make, and we always have to be careful whenever we update the physical building, as we were honored to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places a few years ago. It is a unique building, full of eccentricities (fodder for a future post, perhaps!!)
Yet, despite its age - or perhaps because of it - this old place makes me happy, comfortable. Especially on those days when I don't really want to be facing a day of teaching.
I can pull into my parking space and look up at the large picture windows and red Spanish tile which welcome me - and everything is better.
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The side I park on - usually covered with dark green vines which turn flame red in the fall
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The walkway up to the front of the building
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| The front lawn - a shady, relaxing place to hang out to read or write with the kids this time of year |
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| Our National Register of Historic Places plaque |
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| Many of our walls are decorated with student-painted murals |
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| Love the huge picture windows - the whole building is awash in light |
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| My home away from home - thanks for taking the tour with me. |
Quote of the day: A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.
~Thomas Jefferson
Love, love, love the architecture of the building. the walkway to the front is very appealing, it might even give an upset parent time to rethink a current state of mind.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful school! The grounds, the building, and the hallways...works of art. Lucky, lucky, you!
ReplyDeleteThe structure of the building seems to be so welcoming and inviting. It looks like a very homey place to teach. Thanks for sharing the photos with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming school! You are lucky to teach there!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful campus. I can see why you feel at home here. And a lawn full of shade trees. We never had shade where I taught. Perfect weather had to exist for you to attempt to plan a day outside. Murals by students--precious. Thanks for the tour.
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