Each year, Frenship ISD’s nine elementary schools select a campus theme to spark creativity and engage students in learning. These themes transform hallways into colorful, educational displays that make learning fun and meaningful.
This year, Westwind Elementary is embracing its local roots with the theme Live, Love, Lubbock. Under the direction of Principal Dawn Powell, the hallways highlight different aspects of Lubbock’s rich culture, from art and agriculture to music, weather, and local universities.
Each grade level at Westwind Elementary is highlighting what makes Lubbock unique through creative hallway displays. Pre-K and Kindergarten showcase the local art scene with designs inspired by the Lubbock Art Trail, while first-grade focuses on agriculture and Lubbock’s role as one of the world’s largest cotton producers.
Second-grade transformed their hallway into scenes from the Ranching Heritage Center, with iconic structures from the museum. The third-grade hall celebrates Texas Tech University sports, and the fourth-grade explores the unpredictable West Texas weather with windmills and dust storms.
Fifth-grade pays tribute to rock and roll legend Buddy Holly, and the 500 Hall spotlights Lubbock Christian University’s history and traditions. The Specials Hall adds a playful touch with Prairie Dog Town, teaching students how to safely enjoy the local wildlife.
Powell shared that the goal of this year’s theme is to educate students about Lubbock’s cultural diversity while instilling a sense of pride and appreciation for the Hub City.
“Our students live here and should know about the culture of living in Lubbock,” said Powell. “We want them to have pride in where they live. We are building curiosity, so they want to visit the places they learn about right here in their city.”
Throughout the year, each grade level will become experts in their hallway’s theme through guest speakers and field trips. They will then present what they’ve learned to the entire school, ensuring every student gets the chance to explore each aspect of Lubbock’s culture.
Powell said the excitement surrounding this year’s theme has been contagious among both students and staff.
“This is the best, most enthusiastic year we’ve had about our hallways,” she shared. “Giving it purpose and meaning reminded our staff what a little gem we live in. Our parents and guests have also commented on how incredible the halls look. Once students present, it will all come alive.”
Through Live, Love, Lubbock, Westwind Elementary is not only celebrating the city’s culture and history but also inspiring students to take pride in their community and appreciate the place they call home.