Old gym converted into pre-K classrooms
Arlington ISD’s 2019 Bond program is a lot more than the big noticeable projects, like the brand-new Rodriguez Junior High School or the new Glaspie Field stadium that opens later this week.
The bond program is also making huge improvements at schools that have served the Arlington community for decades. Like Miller Elementary, which opened in 1981, and has had construction ongoing at the campus for over a year. You won’t notice much different if you drive by Miller, but the district’s volunteer Citizens Bond Oversight Committee got to go inside last week and see what’s been done.
And it’s a lot.
The committee started their tour in what used to be Miller’s gym. The entire space has been renovated and converted into four pre-K classrooms.
“It’s been an amazing journey into the new classrooms,” said Miller principal Angela Robinson. “Those kids that have been here are amazed to see what was once their gym has turned into four amazing classrooms.”
Then throughout the building, the school received new ceilings and lighting, along with new paint in the hallways, brightening the school and giving it a fresh, happy feel. Plus, 44-year-old restrooms have been completely renovated.
After walking through the school, the committee left the main building and went outside to the see biggest project – a new gym. It’s not done yet – they’re targeting the end of October for completion – but it’s looking good.
“They’re all so excited about our new gym,” Robinson said about Miller’s students. “It’s going to be so much bigger than what they’ve had, and it’s state-of-the-art. They deserve this. They’re excited and it’s really pumped them up for a great school year.”
The new gym is worth being excited about. At 5,000-square-feet, it will have six basketball goals with striping for basketball and volleyball, two restrooms, an office, and storage. Plus, the new gym is a storm shelter, sized to accommodate the entire student and staff population.
See photos of the construction progress at Miller.
Miller isn’t the only school getting a new gym in the 2019 Bond. In fact, Duff, Key and Pope elementary school already have new gyms, and new gyms will open soon at Johns and Foster elementary schools. Construction for a new gym will start soon at Swift Elementary.