It was an exciting week at Topeka Public Schools as teachers
returned to prepare for the start of the 16-17 school year. One of the
highlights of the week was the unveiling of a special project at Ross Signature Music Elementary School and
Eisenhower Middle School: The Bridge.
Many people know that the elementary and middle school are
connected by a hallway. In the past, that hallway has, at times, had a negative
connotation. This summer, Eisenhower principal Leosha Giardina and music
teacher Stacy Neumann set out to change that. They gathered volunteers together
to implement their vision of a colorful and inviting hallway connecting the two
schools, and they named it The Bridge.
Many people worked together to create a fun and welcoming
space, including three very special Eisenhower students. Abel Robles, Aldo Tinajero and
Isaiah Kinkade tirelessly painted a massive piano mural that pays tribute to
the schools’ music focus.
The mural isn’t quite finished yet; Neumann hopes to add
silhouettes of students to the walls and a gallery featuring student art work,
but the Bridge is already looking like a signature piece for both Ross and
Eisehnower.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Bridge possible:
Diana and Bob Swafford, Colorworks Paint and Supply, for
guidance on color and brush selection
Scott Udey, Eisenhower art teacher, for materials, help in
painting the silhouettes, and art for the gallery
Chelsea and Ken Neumann, daughter and husband of Stacy
Neumann, for their assistance in painting
Jose Tavares, Crystal Southen, Kathy Southen and Jeff Parker
for beautifying the floors
