The impact
Ponderosa Elementary is more than 50 years old—originally opening in 1971—and is SISD’s third-oldest elementary school, according to the news release.
Per the release, the $50,000 grant will fund a full redesign, which will include:
- New furniture
- Technology updates
- Science, technology, engineering and math-related additions
“Every single student in our school goes to the library at least one time per week,” Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Floralba Reyna said in a statement. “The library is our heart.”
How we got here
One of six Greater Houston-area schools to be chosen, Ponderosa Elementary School was the recipient of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Makeover Project grant, according to the news release. The nonprofit:
- Has remodeled spaces for more than 60 schools across the U.S.
- Targets schools in cities where the College Football Playoff National Championship will be held—Houston is scheduled to do so in January 2024
“The library is a space where we can empower our students and inspire them,” Reyna said. “It’s also a space for our teachers, where librarians and our teachers collaborate on special projects, so I’m excited for this because we’re going to be able to help more teachers and more students.”
