2 Dec 2006
School Named for Longtime Supporter of Education
DALLAS—Dallas Independent School District officials were joined by community leaders, parents, students, and elected officials Saturday, Dec. 2, for the dedication ceremony of Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School, 2808 Running Duke Drive, Carrollton.
The $12 million elementary school, located in the Wellington Run subdivision of Carrollton, serves 800 students. The two-story building with two wings is named for former Texas Instruments chairman, president and CEO and dedicated supporter of education Jerry R. Junkins. With a true passion for education, Junkins used his influence to help create model Head Start Programs for the Dallas ISD and fought for education reform by promoting the use of classroom measurement and accountability standards.
Principal Susan Walker opened the celebration that included the T.C. Marsh Middle School Leadership Cadet Corps and a performance by Junkins' kindergarten and first-grade students. Carrollton Mayor Pro Tem Larry Williams welcomed guests and acknowledged the new school as an important enhancement to the surrounding community. The event also included remarks from Dallas ISD Trustee Edwin Flores and Associate Superintendent for Construction Services, Phil Jimerson.
Max Post, retired vice president of Texas Instruments, spoke about Junkins' devotion to the betterment of education in Texas. "Jerry Junkins was one of our community's greatest advocates for education," said Post. "He believed that all children should have opportunities to learn and achieve in life. Texas Instruments cannot think of a better way to honor Jerry's memory than with a school that will touch young students and prepare them for the future."
District 7 Trustee Flores highlighted the school's emphasis on science and technology. The school's curriculum calls for students to create yearly technology and science projects and each grade level will complete a six-week earth science project. After school activities include a science club, a Child Science Investigation program that will teach students about forensics, a Spanish language club, competitive sports and University Interscholastic League competitions.
The school is equipped with computers in every classroom, a computer lab, electronic grade books, a distance learning lab and the capability for web-based communication with parents.
The 90,000-square-foot school includes 37 core classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, media center, auditorium, art room, gymnasium, and cafeteria and kitchen area. Outdoors, a playground provides students and neighborhood children opportunities for physical activity and play.
Junkins Elementary received students from Nathan Adams, Anne Frank, and John J. Pershing elementary schools. Students will continue their education at E.D. Walker Middle School and W.T. White High School.
The construction and design team included program manager, DMJM Management; architect, PBK Architects; and builder, Ratcliff Constructors, LP.
The 2002 Dallas ISD bond program funded a total of 21 new schools, more than 30 major additions and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School is the 11th new school dedication of the 2002 bond program. To date, 15 new schools and 94 of 155 renovations are complete. Thirteen hundred twenty-seven new classrooms have been added across the district with the capacity to serve more than 30,000 students.
The last Dallas ISD school scheduled for dedication in 2006 is Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School, which will be dedicated at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Four additional schools will be dedicated next spring.