Tired of the decrepit state of their teachers’ lounges and workrooms, two staff members at Githens Middle School in Durham, N.C., decided it was time for an extreme makeover.
The 1,100-student school’s guidance counselor, Kitty Brawley, and its bookkeeper, Peggie Miller, approached dozens of local furniture and home-accessory stores for donations. They came away with new tables, chairs, rugs, and other items worth thousands of dollars.
They spent their summer picking up donated items and then using them to redecorate six rooms, including three teachers’ workrooms, a lounge, a conference room, and the guidance office.
Many of the rooms had not seen new furniture in 25 years. Some of the furniture was worn beyond repair, or had termite damage.
Teachers were amazed at the results, the organizers said. And the new look has also improved morale.
“Everyone is just loving it,” Ms. Brawley said, adding that it has inspired teachers to be more creative in decorating their classrooms.
