Studies have shown that classroom environments can affect student learning, and a local school district is making sure the learning spaces in their new school allow for the flow of knowledge.
Liberty-Eylau Independent School District's new elementary school is scheduled to open in August. District spokesman Matt Fry said they chose a colorful accent palette for the classrooms and hallways that will hopefully let children know the school was built for them as a space to learn and grow.
"There have been several different studies talking about student achievement and how the environment makes them feel," he said. "We don't ever want them to question when they walk in that this place is built for kids."
Fry said they worked to create an open and flowing environment, not only in the colors and structure of the school, but also with the furniture.
L-EISD Board of Trustees approved $812,116 in new furniture for the school during its regular meeting Thursday. Each of the pieces, which will be purchased from Ledwell, is movable, Fry said. Some items will be custom-made for the school, including teacher podiums designed to hold laptops and document cameras and a shelf for papers. It's also on wheels so teachers can create flexible learning environments. Each classroom will have tables and cabinets with magnetic whiteboards on top and chairs that can be easily wheeled into small groups.
"When our kids walk into this school, I want them to know 100 percent this school was built for them, and the furniture needs to reflect that," Fry said.
A representative from Ledwell brought furniture to the campus for a couple of days earlier this year for teachers to try out. Fry said this was a success, as teachers were able to communicate what they needed in their classrooms, and the representative was able to answer their questions.
"I think the most valuable thing is the fact that for two days they came and they listened to our teachers," he said. "There was some trepidation, because it's like nothing they've ever seen before. For them to try out the furniture, I think that gives us some more buy-in and really calmed the nerves of the teachers."
For more information and updates on the school's construction, go to leisd.net.