Eureka Springs Elementary School teachers and other staff had a late Christmas present when they showed up for school January 6. The old, outdated teachers’ lounge had been transformed by volunteers associated with the First United Methodist Church.
Each August the church participates in the Yards and Yards and Yards of Yards Sales citywide sale. A portion of the proceeds goes toward a community service project.
“We decided to do something nice for our sweet teachers at the elementary school,” Melinda Eskridge said. “Over the Christmas break, we painted the lounge, got new chairs and had two beautiful new tables handmade by one of our members, David Henke. New appliances were purchased, and the countertop and cabinets were sanded and re-stained by Mike Nettleton.”
Brad and Melinda Eskridge are retired teachers who moved here from Dallas, Texas. They had some extra time on their hands, and a friend suggested they substitute teach as it is often difficult for local schools to find good substitutes. Melinda said they found out they enjoyed the substitute teaching, which they now do part time.
While substitute teaching, they noticed the elementary teachers’ lounge was badly in need of updating.
“It was not a warm place to go for lunch,” Melinda said. “Teachers only get a thirty minute break for lunch, and many of them were just eating at their desk in the classroom.”
The Eskridges decided Christmas break would be a really good time to do the project with the teachers being out for the holidays.
“So that is what we did,” Melinda said. “They were really surprised when they came back. It was like a little Christmas present for the staff. Before there was just a hodgepodge of chairs in there. We bought new matching chairs, plus a new sofa and side table. It all came together beautifully.”
Teachers were really excited at the improvements.
“They told us now they now look forward to their break,” Melinda said. “Today four or five teachers who normally don’t eat at the lounge were eating in the lounge. I know they were very appreciative.”
Elementary Principal Clare Lesieur said the renovation was kept as a surprise.
“I actually did not even peek in myself over vacation,” Lesieur said. “When they first came to me, they discussed fixing up the lounge a little bit, and when I came in it was almost like an extreme makeover on TV. Teachers have made wonderful comments. It is great to have a comfortable and beautiful place to eat lunch, grade papers or take a break from our day.”
Lesieur said it was heart-warming to have their substitute teachers as part of our community giving back to the school the way they did.
“It is so kind,” she said. “They took time out of their holiday schedule to come and do something special for us.”