Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/556394
And the winner is… The jaws of Madrid Middle School employees dropped when they were informed they'd been selected winners of a contest providing $7,500 for a school lounge makeover. Most didn't know Principal Bonnie Tanaka had entered the contest on their behalf shortly before her retirement, because she wanted to do something nice for her staff to show appreciation for all their hard work. After the April announcement, staff were asked what they wanted to see in their new digs. Most said they wanted something soothing, relaxing and comfortable, with a "beachy" feel. So designer Brieannon DuBois and account manager Marc Canady of EON Office got to work, transforming the setting from dreary to cheery. Staff were asked to steer clear during the three-week redeco- rating process. On the morning of the Big Reveal, 45 minutes before the morning bell, employees gathered outside the lounge eagerly waiting for the door to open. Mountain View Education Association members and classified staff confided they looked forward to finally having a pleasant place to seek sanctuary. "I'm absolutely excited," said Maria Lara, an English and history teacher. "It was looking drab in there and not very exciting. The drapes were the yuckiest color green." "I'm looking forward to spending some time there," chimed in Susan Dluhy, who also teaches English and history. "Our other lounge was not in the least bit relaxing." Science teacher Tammy Capilla admitted she "peeked" during the redecorating process. Without divulging what she'd seen to curious col- leagues, she assured them the lounge looked "pretty cool" and they would be pleased. "I'm so happy," shared s p e c i a l e d u c a t i o n t e a c h e r Dona Tully. "I love our school. I love our staff. And I love that our principal Bonnie has done something so nice for us. What a wonderful parting gift! Our old staff lounge was incredibly dingy. It didn't feel clean or welcoming. It wasn't any place you'd want to be." California Casualty's School Lounge Make- over contest started in 2011, and Madrid Middle School is the 10th winner, beating out 33,000 entrants. Past California winners are Quartz Hill Elementary School in Quartz Hill, Warner Middle School in Westminster, Sunnydale Elementary School in Lancaster and Gilbert high School in Anaheim. Teachers and staff applaud the new lounge after the three-week makeover. Principal Bonnie Tanaka gets a hug from staff after winning California Casualty's $7,500 School Lounge Makeover contest. "I love that our principal Bonnie has done something so nice for us. What a wonderful parting gift!" 31 V O L U M E 2 0 I S S U E 1