Angel Tchigui cutting the ribbon with Superintendent Blanco and students
(Photo – Eunbee (Grace) Am)
On Tuesday, November 19, at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, representatives from the College Football Playoff Foundation, School Specialty, the Tournament of Roses Foundation, the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent’s Leadership Team (SLT), and other community members, students and staff, joined Principal Lori Toulumian and the Marshall Fundamental Community in the Marshall Library Media Center Reveal.
By Felita Kealing
The event began in North Quad with a performance by MDT (Marshall Dance Team), followed by the Marshall Jazz Band. Then the crowd of delegates was led into the Marshall Library by the Drum Corp and members of the Marshall Cheer and Football Teams.
Britton Banowsky from the College Football Playoff Foundation emphasized the importance of partnerships with the Tournament of Roses Foundation and the Pasadena Educational Foundation. The Marshall Library marked the 66th library completion project and the last of the PUSD Middle School Series.
The furnishing in the Library was designed by School Specialty who supplied and completed the library environment based on the Marshall Fundamental Library School needs. Michael Crumlin from School Specialty mentioned how the Marshall Fundamental Library makeover completed the plan set in motion two years ago when they introduced the idea of makeovers to all Pasadena Unified School District Middle School Libraries. As a secondary school with 6th through 12th students the high school is also reaping the benefits of their generosity.
Principal Lori Touloumian mentioned. “Our library is a mecca for literacy across the curriculum. The new furniture is not just about aesthetics, it is about creating and maintaining a positive and inspiring learning environment for all students.” Angel Tchigui, the Middle School Associated Student Body President in her speech mentioned, “The library is an inviting space where I can work quietly. The library is a space for all students. It is a place for book clubs, study groups, and tutoring.”
There was such positive energy in the library. Students and staff have been able to use the transformed library since the beginning of the school year. Librarian Sara Scribner is excited about the flexibility of furnishing, and how it can accommodate various groups with a lot more creativity in the space. It has enhanced how students are provided literacy support and the study carrels are the most popular spaces.
The Marshall Fundamental Books Clubs are extremely happy with their space with a conference table and bookcases with book club books on full display.
Library makeover (Photos – Felita Kealing)
Students with Sara Scribner, School Librarian, and Lori Touloumian, Principal (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
(L-R) Helen Chan Hill, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer; Sergio Canal, Ed.D., Chief Human Resources Officer; Hilda Ramirez Horvath, Public Information Officer; Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D, Superintendent; Saman Bravo-Karimi, Chief Business Officer; Julianne Reynoso, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Student Wellness and Support Services (Photo – Eunbee (Grace) Am)
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