Learning Environment
From kindergarten to 12th grade, American students average 11,700 hours in school facilities. Research correlates learning environments to academic achievement, as well as how students envision their long-term potential. Our network takes collective responsibility seriously and has a vested interest in our improving our students’ learning environment.
What Drives Us
- Disproportionate number of aging campuses. 52 years is the average age of the Dallas ISD school buildings
- Research shows that joyful, enriched learning environments can increase productivity and engagement by 15% or more
- Positive learning environments can also lower teacher turnover rates by 25%
Community Campus Day
This signature program occurs across each of our Dallas ISD elementary partner schools and is a high-energy opportunity for community investment. Campus leadership identifies and designs a campus enhancement project to implement in collaboration with community volunteers. Projects range from aspirational murals to outdoor science classrooms, all galvanizing community investment and improving campus culture.
Get Involved
Staff Appreciation
We provide staff appreciation meals or snacks to celebrate and enhance our relationships with campus staff. A back-to-school treat, holiday meal, and a meal during STAAR Testing season are provided to support staff across all our partner schools throughout the academic year.
Campus "Lift-Offs"
Campus “Lift-Offs” are offered to select campuses to elevate the start of the school experience for students and staff as a part of our annual Learning Launch campaign. Select principals can choose enhancement options such as balloon arches, a DJ celebration, petting zoos, or healthy snacks for the staff lounge.
Professional Development
We provide curated opportunities for professional development and collaboration related to creating aspirational learning environments and best practices for Community Campus Day project implementation and use, such as Gardening 101 and Utilizing your Spirit/Incentive Store, etc.
Learning Environment Impact
68
Campus Projects since 2018
80
Sponsors
More than
850
Volunteers
$400k+
Raised
Campus climate not only sets the tone for every learning experience a child has on our campus, but it also determines what students ultimately believe about their own potential.
– Katherine Wanserski Eska, Principal, North Dallas High School (formerly of Kramer Elementary)
To learn more about how we build aspirational learning environments, contact our Director of Learning Environments, Meghann Zenteno, mzenteno@unitedtolearn.org.