Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School was one of 48 projects featured in the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) 2020-21 Exhibit of School Architecture.
The online exhibit of new and renovated Texas school facilities includes projects that are newly constructed or renovated public education facilities completed in the past five years and not previously submitted in the annual exhibit.
Additionally, projects can be awarded Stars of Distinction for Excellence in one or more of the following six areas: design, value, sustainability, community, planning, and school transformation. Cannon Elementary earned a Star of Distinction in school transformation, making it one of just 25 projects to earn a star of distinction.
Created thanks to the 2016 bond package and in partnership with architectural designer Huckabee, Inc., the newly constructed campus of Cannon Elementary officially opened its doors to students in 2019. According to Huckabee, “Aesthetically, the design aligns with secondary education facilities. Functionally, everything moves, creating an environment that is interactive, technology-driven and fun for young learners.
“Six learning pods feature classrooms that can be subdivided into four sizes. Each pod has a teacher planning room. A volunteer lab is located at the front entry, allowing for community and parent use without having to pass through the secure entry vestibule. Indoor / outdoor connectivity is prevalent. A stage in the cafeteria opens into an outdoor amphitheater, and a grow garden will provide vegetables for the lunch room. Other features include a robotics arena, collaboration spaces, maker spaces, two-story media center, silent reading nooks and learning stairs.”
The Exhibit of School Architecture is part of the 2020 TASA/TASB Convention, which will be conducted virtually September 30-October 2.
TASA is the professional association for Texas school superintendents and other administrators. The mission of the organization, which focuses on professional learning, advocacy and member engagement, is to promote, provide and develop leaders who create and sustain student-centered schools and develop future-ready students.
TASB is an association established in 1949 to serve local public school boards. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve approximately 5.3 million students. TASB’s mission is to promote educational excellence for Texas schoolchildren through advocacy, visionary leadership, and high-quality services to school districts.