We believe children and teachers perform better in buildings that are well maintained and suitable for teacher instruction and student learning.  It is also important that teachers and students have access to technology and current educational materials. Recent improvements at Morrison Elementary have included:

•   A fresh coat of paint was applied to the school classrooms and hallways during the summer of 1999.
•  Telephones, wall mounted televisions, and video cassette recorders were installed in all classrooms during the 1999-2000 school year.
•  New math textbook materials were acquired for use beginning in the 1999-2000 school year in grades K-6.
•   A new software program was purchased in 2000, for our library which enables teachers to access the total media center collection from their classrooms via computer.
•   The school's parking lot and sidewalk were completely rebuilt and new entrance lighting was installed during the summer of 2000.
•   During the 2000-01 academic year, 108 new computers were added to the school's classrooms.  We also received 18 new printers purchased by the P.T.O., 36 new computer tables, new electrical wiring in all classrooms, expanded internet wiring, highly rated software programs for all teachers, and marker boards for every classroom.
•   Throughout the 2000-01 academic year, teachers at Morrison participated in staff development activities pertaining to a new process for teaching writing called Write Track.  This program has excellent potential for improving the writing skills of our students as was evidenced on Proficiency Tests and in other writing activities throughout the past two academic years.
•   Staff members also acquired new skills in technology through staff development activities in 2000-01.
•   In the summer of 2001, an additional classroom was created for kindergarten by adding walls to an open area. New metal doors were acquired to replace ones on the loading dock and outside storage area, and all outside entrance doors received new hinges.
•    During 2001-02, a new illuminated 5' x 10' school sign was erected in front of the school.  Funds came from the P.T.O., scrip sales, student council, and Kiwanis Club contributions.
•     Eight new block walls were constructed in June, 2002, to replace folding walls that divided some classrooms.  New walls will improve the acoustics in the school and enhance the educational environment.
•   In May, 2003, a new cooling tower was installed at Morrison.  It helps keep the students and staff at Morrison "cool".  New carpet was also installed during the summer of 2003, in the school's library, kindergarten classrooms, some special class areas, and the office to replace carpet that was 23 years old.
•    Through the combined efforts of the Morrison P.T.O.,parents, students, community groups, and the Athens City Schools, 24,000.00 was raised in 2003-04 to acquire a MIRACLE playsystem for the school's playground.  It was installed on November 15, 2003, by about 20 volunteers and school employees.   Also in 2003-04, new language arts textbooks and related materials were purchased for use in all classrooms, more than 2000 paperback books to supplement our instructional reading program were purchased and a special book room was created to house them, a new fire alarm system was added to the building, and 5 new cafeteria tables were acquired.

Last updated on June 16, 2004