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In September 2005, Irving ISD began
construction of its 38th
campus, a 100,000-square-foot elementary school near the intersection of
Beltline and Shady Grove roads in southwest Irving. It opened in
August of the 2006-2007 school year.
In keeping with the district’s goal of
providing a safe, secure and orderly environment at school, IISD
trustees acquired land to build the school to help relieve
already-crowded conditions at the district’s existing 19 elementary
schools caused by a steadily increasing student population. Demographic
reports predicted that, despite a relatively static supply of housing in
the district, the student population would continue to rise.
The projected cost of the school was
$13.1 million. The architect for the project was SHW Group and the
contractor was Charter Builders. Both were companies with extensive
experience in school design and construction. SHW had also designed another
district school, Townsell Elementary, a building which won awards for its architectural design.
Stipes accommodates 46 generous-sized
classrooms, one computer lab, one spacious art room, one delightful
music room, and two full-size gyms. The school library is located
at the heart of the school, visible and available for all who quest for
knowledge. The front corridor is open and vibrant with color,
reflecting the vast expanse of ideas and thinking that will occur as
dreams are set and goals are established. The cafeteria overlooks
the original prairie land where horses still roam and keep us mindful of
the beauty and peacefulness of nature.
The school opened with about 400-450 students, leaving room for growth of
the surrounding housing development. Statistical data reflected
that about 350 children would live within the new development that surrounds
the campus. Since the school opened at half capacity, it began
with a small staff which will continue to grow as the enrollment
increases. With the opening of its doors,
this great facility has become a schoolhouse - a place to develop minds,
relationships, traditions, celebrations and accomplishments.
The opportunity awaits. The choice to believe, to dream, to work,
and to succeed lies within each of us. |
