During the2020 - 2021 school year, we were in the midst of a pandemic. COVID-19 caused schools to transition to remote learning in March 16, 2020 and then start remotely for the 2020-2021 school year.
As a result, bus drivers weren't able to drive their routes, so they were assigned to individual schools. Sammy, a Southwest Elementary driver, was placed at Colfax and helped with custodial work, including moving furniture so classes could have enough room for students to return with proper social distancing. In addition, the principal at the time, Mrs. Kimsey, received a phone call from one of Colfax's drivers, Marcus Thompson, who asked if there was anything he could assist with at Colfax. Mrs. Kimsey jokingly asked if he could paint (thinking touching up some of the walls in the building). Marcus responded with, "Well, as a matter of fact, I do paint!" He proceeded to share some of his artwork. Mrs. Kimsey quickly responded with, "Let's paint some murals!"
And he did. Gorgeous murals that continue to tell the story of Colfax. We started with a wall that now has an encouraging quote for students and staff regarding kindness. Marcus painted quotes, a mural celebrating our specialists, Viking ships, street signs acknowledging the work of PBIS at Colfax and our character traits.
Marcus was celebrated on two local news channels and the paper, both are captured in a scrapbook in the front office.
The final mural was one of huge significance at Colfax. It depicts the history of our wonderful school, from the one-room school house in 1875 to the beautiful, modern building that houses our students today. It showcases our spirit rock as well as the state basketball championship won in 1962.
The murals add so much to our building and truly make folks smile as they walk through. Enjoy these pictures of this amazing artwork!
As a result, bus drivers weren't able to drive their routes, so they were assigned to individual schools. Sammy, a Southwest Elementary driver, was placed at Colfax and helped with custodial work, including moving furniture so classes could have enough room for students to return with proper social distancing. In addition, the principal at the time, Mrs. Kimsey, received a phone call from one of Colfax's drivers, Marcus Thompson, who asked if there was anything he could assist with at Colfax. Mrs. Kimsey jokingly asked if he could paint (thinking touching up some of the walls in the building). Marcus responded with, "Well, as a matter of fact, I do paint!" He proceeded to share some of his artwork. Mrs. Kimsey quickly responded with, "Let's paint some murals!"
And he did. Gorgeous murals that continue to tell the story of Colfax. We started with a wall that now has an encouraging quote for students and staff regarding kindness. Marcus painted quotes, a mural celebrating our specialists, Viking ships, street signs acknowledging the work of PBIS at Colfax and our character traits.
Marcus was celebrated on two local news channels and the paper, both are captured in a scrapbook in the front office.
The final mural was one of huge significance at Colfax. It depicts the history of our wonderful school, from the one-room school house in 1875 to the beautiful, modern building that houses our students today. It showcases our spirit rock as well as the state basketball championship won in 1962.
The murals add so much to our building and truly make folks smile as they walk through. Enjoy these pictures of this amazing artwork!
We call this Legacy Lane. This mural is off the main hall and is about 40 feet long. It depicts our long and rich history in the Colfax community.