Restore The Roar At Calvin Donaldson
June 20 – At Calvin Donaldson, the classrooms are about to get a fresh new look—and the entire community is invited to help make it happen.
This summer, teachers and school leaders have come together with one big goal: to paint all 25 classrooms before the school year starts. They call the project “Restore the Roar,” and it is more than just about putting color on walls. It is about creating a bright, welcoming place where the community feels welcomed while creating a new space for students to learn for the new school year. This event will take place Friday June 20-Sunday June 22 in shifts from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m – 4 p.m.
Amanda Edens, Calvin Donaldson’s Dean of Students, has been hitting the pavement to get the word out about this event. “We want Calvin Donaldson to be looked at as a school that is a huge success story for Hamilton County Schools. And starting with little things like this, making a school project more of a community-involved project, is how we see the beginning of success for the school year.” Christen Ellison, an RTI teacher who has been at the school for several years, said it best: “There are a lot of classrooms that will get some love and attention. Some of the rooms have been prepped for painting.
“We have a phenomenal custodial staff that has helped us pull stuff off the walls in preparation for the painting. We want to take the room from the different shades of green and blue and make the rooms feel brighter.”
Ashley Shrum, another long-time staff member, added, “Some of the rooms are just darker because of where the sun shines into the building. The newly painted rooms will have a warm, inviting feel that students need.” Edens added, “This facelift is about showing students that we care. We are taking care of our space so they can take pride in it, too.”
The goal is to paint 25 classrooms, plus office spaces, hallways, and more which totals to about 36 spaces total. The project is powered by teachers, families, volunteers, and community partners, and it is open to anyone who wants to lend a hand.
“Anybody who can paint – that’s from teenagers and up – are our ideal painters,” said Edens. “We are reaching out to mentoring groups, churches, businesses, and families. We want this to be a project for everyone.”
Not only will volunteers get to paint and meet other community members, but the school is also providing food, drinks, and music to keep the energy going. “It is going to be a party with a purpose,” Kristen said with a smile.
For the Calvin Donaldson team, this is not just a one-time fix. It is the start of something much bigger.
“We want this school to be a destination,” said Edens. “When people say ‘Calvin Donaldsonl,’ we want them to be extremely proud. That starts with a beautiful learning space, but it also includes high-quality academics, student belonging, and community involvement.”
And the school has more plans for engagement throughout the year, including celebrations of learning, family nights, pep rallies, and house parties that bring parents, students, and neighbors together.
“Education is a family endeavor,” Kristen said. “It is not just for teachers and students. It is for everybody.”
So if you are looking for a way to make a difference, grab a roller and join Calvin Donaldson’s painting project. Whether you are a parent, neighbor, mentor, or just someone who cares about children—this is your chance to help Restore the Roar.
To volunteer, contact Amanda Edens at Edens_A@hcde.org to sign up or for more information. She can also be reaced at (931)247-5815 or stop by during the painting days. All helping hands are welcome—and appreciated.
