Students and staff at Clara H. Carlson School are turning an ordinary hallway into something far more meaningful—one filled with color, creativity and messages of encouragement. Through a new mural initiative connected to the district’s Inclusive Community Read Program, the school is creating a space that not only brightens the building but also reflects the values of kindness, confidence and inclusion.
The project is led by the school’s Building Advisory Committee (BAC), a group of staff and sixth grade students who work together on initiatives that strengthen school culture. For this effort, the committee brought in students and staff to collaborate on designing and painting murals along the main downstairs hallway, transforming a once dim space into a vibrant, student-centered environment. Each mural is inspired by a book from the Inclusive Community Read Program and paired with uplifting messages like “You are brave” and “You are bold.”
Assistant Principal Richard Mansfield, who oversees the BAC, said the group meets regularly to plan events and initiatives that enhance school culture, from projects to programs that promote inclusivity and school spirit. The mural project, he noted, had been in development for several years as the committee explored ways to brighten the heavily used lower hallway, which houses the cafeteria and gym.
Leading the effort is first grade teacher Samantha McNamara, a BAC member who helped bring the idea to life. “We really wanted to brighten up and make it colorful. There were some older murals there that were very dark and older,” McNamara said. “There are these hand selected books that are selected by our curriculum team with hopes of promoting and discussing those themes, but also promoting diverse literature.”
The first mural, inspired by “We Are All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio, a picture book adaptation of “Wonder”—features the story’s main character, Auggie, and the affirmation “You are brave.” The book, which explores kindness and acceptance through the experiences of a child with facial differences, was chosen because of its familiarity across grade levels and its strong message of empathy.
Sixth graders Valerie Aparicio and Madison Sledge volunteered alongside committee members to help paint the mural, gaining both artistic experience and a sense of pride in contributing to the school community.
Aparicio said that it is more vibrant and colorful than it was before and instills positive messages for other students when walking through the hallway.
Sledge added that the mural is “more impactful” and eye-catching overall, helping draw students’ attention while encouraging them to think about the story behind it.
Both students said they hope younger children will feel excited when they see the mural and be inspired to read the book. Aparicio is hopeful that students will look at it and it will encourage them to want to know more about the story.
McNamara noted that the project has already generated enthusiasm among students. As the mural was being painted, many stopped to identify the character and share their familiarity with the book, sparking conversations and excitement throughout the hallway.
The next mural will feature “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family” by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, paired with the affirmation “You are bold.” School leaders anticipate the mural will resonate strongly with students, particularly those who see their own cultures and experiences reflected in the story.
Looking ahead, the school plans to expand the initiative and further involve students in the creative process. After the next mural is completed, students will be invited to suggest and vote on future book selections, ensuring their voices help shape the school’s environment.
“We have a large population of students who wear hijab, McNamara said. “So I'm very excited to see how they connect with that next mural, I feel like it's going to put smiles on a lot of faces.”
