Kristie Putt

On one of my many lunch duties, at Park Forest Middle School, I gazed around the cafeteria completely confused and dismayed by what I saw.  There was a barrage of visual stimuli that almost seemed unfriendly to me.  The space made me uncomfortable and I concluded that others must feel uncomfortable as well.  Aside from the obvious absence of windows, the room felt claustrophobic with all the dark, and disorganized images. I thought about the importance of the space.   I thought about the use of the space.  How many people used this space daily?  There were many outside groups who used the commons area after school and on the weekends.  Church also gathered here on Sundays.  After much thought, I decided to propose an entire makeover.  It would start with a mural. My vision was for the mural to be a representation of the State College area and show the four seasons.

Initially I approached the principal to ask for her approval and support, both to which she happily agreed.  Then I recruited the support of our Learning Enrichment teacher, Howard Pillot, because I knew he could help by providing financing and by providing an artist through our Galaxy program that could help me reach my goal. Supplies were gathered, numerous plans were made (there were an incredible amount of logistics that had to be addressed), students were recruited and the preliminary drawings were done.  I had all of the appropriate approvals and lines of support lined up, now we just needed to start!  Planning of the 1500 square foot mural took place the fall of 2008.  The painting began the first half of spring, 2009 and the second half was completed Fall of 2009.  The mural was dedicated on February 4, 2010 with a ceremony including around 200 parents, community members, students, administration, staff members, and school board members.

During the painting of the mural I continued to assess the space and look for ways to improve it.  On another lunch duty day, I came up with the idea to put banners on the ceiling that would complement the mural and the overall feel of the room.  Again, I approached my principal who agreed with the idea.  I found a company online that made custom banners and I picked colors of the rainbow that were found in the mural.  I went to a PTSO meeting and asked for their financial support so I could place the order.  They agreed to pay for the entire order!  I was thrilled!  The banners came the summer of 2009 and were hung in the commons and in the hall which leads into the space from the main office.

The entire space has been transformed.  It now welcomes our students, staff, and guests and provides a happy and warm space for the many school and after school activities.  I have had countless positive remarks from staff members, community members, and students who express their reaction to the space, such as:  “It is such a warm and welcoming space.  It just makes me feel good.”  And  “What a wonderful addition to the school.  It is such a positive thing that makes students proud of their school.”