Julie Glibbery, Board member, PTA president, Susan Buhl, decorator, A.J Summers, architect, Robby Speegle, Knox County Schools contractor, Tony Buhl, Board member, president, Class of 1959, Kevin Sparks, Board member, treasurer, Kathy Bryant, Board member, vice-president, Ken Dunlap, principal, Noell Lewis, Board member, gather as Sharon McIntosh, Board member, secretary, Class of 1959, prepares to cut the ribbon to the staff area entry.

Sharon McIntosh literally jumps for joy, knowing how important a staff work area is to a school's faculty and staff from her own teaching career and her work in schools across the country with textbook publishing.

The ribbon is cut and the room is ready for the official opening with much excitement! Entering the newly renovated area, there is a great deal of change to see. First are the computer areas. There are three new up-to-date computers for teachers to use as they review software, complete records, and plan instruction. Plenty of elbow room is provided in separate work areas for ease of use.   

New computers replace the single old one!

More room was created by removing cabinets that were on facing walls. New cabinets, sink, backsplash, and lighting on one wall provide all the space and ease of used needed for an efficient small kitchen area. And just look at the garbage can now! What once was a huge garbage can “in your face” if you were working at the one and only computer available, is now tucked under the countertop for quick drop-in of trash! What a change!   

New cabinets, countertops, and sink area

Now that’s a hidden away garbage can!

Available for those who wish to microwave a lunch brought from home are two mounted microwaves along with a coffee machine for that quick pick-up before the next class. Instead of a huge long conference table with miss-matched chairs taking up most of space, several new tables with matching comfortable chairs have been added. These individual tables may be moved together for conferencing and meetings or separated for individual meetings and work areas. It was a special treat at the dedication as the Beta Club used the tables together to serve a delicious lasagna supper for the staff and Board during the ribbon-cutting activities.   

New tables and chairs; new refrigerator to replace the small, sad, avocado sixties oldie!

Great serving area for drinks and desserts at Beta Club supper! Board members are pictured along with architect, A.J. Summers and decorator, Susan Buhl.

New pendant lighting can be seen over the area and ceiling fan movement helps move the air, making the space much more comfortable, not so stuffy as before.   

Ceiling was redone with new lighting and fan options.

Even the restrooms got a makeover. It is amazing what new tile, sinks, mirrors, paint, and lighting can do to ease a few burdens for the few moments in a restroom! Shelving has been added for storage as well.   

View of women's facilities

There are a few more touches to be added throughout: some artwork to spark up the walls, a cold drink machine, and some other minor additions. All in all, the renovation project was conceived, implemented, completed, and now appreciated in just a short period of time. The Foundation was formed during the summer of 2009, and already by 2010, we have accomplished two great projects!   

Our Fall, 2009 project involved new technology in the classroom affecting incoming freshmen students.   

Our Spring, 2010 project was an important undertaking to provide for the comfort and efficiency of a teaching staff, also affecting instruction of more than 3,000 students   

Spring, 2010 Project: Before Renovation 

Our second project was chosen to show our gratitude to our past teachers while supporting today’s classroom teachers in the hard work they do each day for Panther students. The project has been planned to provide an efficient, functional, attractive teachers’ lounge and work area. Teachers will be more able to devote their best efforts to students and instruction with the support of the Foundation. Taking on the project became a priority after the Board of Directors visited the area early in the fall of 2009. Pictures barely begin to describe the overcrowded area, the lack of computer support, the issue of garbage cans “in your face” and the huge “elephants” in the room (copy machines, drink machine, refrigerator from the avocado sixties, snack machine, and huge long conference table). Also, there is only one very high window with little light. When you walk into the room, it is not a pleasant experience—in short a stuffy, smelly, dark, dreary, crowded area for the use of over 110 teachers!     

Read more about the Spring Project. We welcome your comments and recommendations!     

Fall, 2009 Project: Technology in the Classroom

I-Pod storage and charging unit      

Student working with I-POD

 “Mom! I need to get an iPod for school!” Yeah right, thinks Mom. Nice try. As school begins, kids come home with all kinds of demands for the new year—scientific calculators, trumpets, football cleats – maybe – but iPods? What’s an “iPod” anyway? For the technologically challenged, iPods are small hand-held devices made by Apple Computer that function essentially the same as a computer. Apple also makes a cell phone version called the iPhone.     

 Our first project was identified and voted for funding unanimously. An I-Pod storage and charging unit for a classroom set of I-Pods is now installed in the freshman geography classroom, a high-tech enhancement for motivation and ease of communication with classroom work!     

 Article by Greg Householder of Powell-Shopper News     

 Read more about our Fall, 2009 Project. We welcome your comments and recommendations!