Ross and Eisenhower Build a Bridge

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