Submitted article
The first floor entryway at the Bucyrus Elementary School received a makeover this summer thanks to the idea of a small committee to enhance the educational environment inside the building. When visitors come through the main entrance of the building, they will see a beautiful and inviting mural designed and painted by a Bucyrus Secondary School student.
Kindergarten teacher Nancy Lipscomb, third grade teacher Kim Haldeman and Associate Principal Tim Souder selected the first floor hallway as the initial location for a mural because it is the main entrance to the building.
“We wanted to make a good impression right inside the door to students, families and the Bucyrus community,” Lipscomb said. “Some of our staff have been using the “Leader in Me” book and philosophy in their classroom, and this mural is a natural extension in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where students can thrive.”
The tree mural, designed and painted by Bucyrus sophomore Bailey Plumley, symbolizes student growth and the complexity in attaining that growth. It is also used as an educational aide since many grade levels study weather, seasons, animals, habitats and life cycles.
“I was contacted by Mrs. Lipscomb during the summer about the project of putting murals up around the school,” Plumley said. “I thought it was a cool idea and agreed to help with the first mural.”
Given the educational value of the mural projects, Lipscomb and Haldeman were able to secure mini-grant funding from the Bucyrus City School District Educational Foundation to cover the financial needs of the project.
“Art is welcoming and sets the tone for the student growth we strive to attain,” Souder said. “We are planning to add educational murals throughout the school, realizing this will be an ongoing effort that will take years to fill the building.”
Visitors to the Elementary School can view the mural during regular school hours by visiting the building’s main office. For those who would like additional information, please contact Nancy Lipscomb at nlipscomb@bucyrusschools.org.