Mud pies. Gel pens. The teachers’ lounge. 

When I enrolled at Pinkerton Elementary School as a fourth grader in 2017, I noticed the vibrant posters, spirited teachers and welcoming peers the moment I entered; they portrayed a narrative of warmth to me. These three simple things later affirmed my perception. 

Recess was not just playtime; it was a world of its own. Nearly every day, a large group of students gathered to run our pretend bakery – leaves being our currency and exquisite mud pies sold as sweet treats. Everyone was assigned a role, becoming a system where collaboration and creativity thrived. 

Taking over the playground economy once again, we drew gel pen tattoos on each other for leaves, as another example of Pinkerton’s connectivity. 

But, the memory that has stayed with me into my senior year of high school is camping night. Right on Pinkerton’s campus, tents pitched, my fifth grade teacher Erin Baker led my peers and I into the teachers’ lounge, where we ate ice cubes, read scary stories and played hide and seek. 

The building is not just classrooms; its small class sizes and kindhearted staff make it about connections, community and care. So, with the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees voting to consolidate Pinkerton Elementary School into Wilson and Austin Elementary campuses on Sept. 30 to address CISD budget concerns, I am deeply disappointed.  

Let me be clear – I understand the complexities and financial obligations behind the decision. However, watching parents and students holding signs in protest on the side of the road and teachers in tears at school board meetings is a powerful reminder of why Pinkerton is so beloved.

Pinkerton is unlike other schools. Its strengths come from its small, close-knit nature. The bond between parents, students and staff creates a sense of unity and family.

The small class sizes allow students to work closely together. Teachers within grade levels swap classrooms to teach their specialties, making learning feel dynamic. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs, each student is encouraged to pursue their passions and explore new challenges. 

I have participated in some of the most unique grade school projects at Pinkerton. From producing a Five in One Fabulous Foundation makeup prototype for our “Shark Tank” project to researching and presenting in front of peers and parents for our IB exhibition on women’s education rights, it became clear learning is not just about meeting standards, but growing as individuals.  

But, what truly sets Pinkerton apart is the exceptional staff.

I think of art teacher Kristin Huckle who always supported my quirky artistic endeavors, physical education teacher Colleen Michaelis teaching me the importance of determination during lacrosse and counselor Kathy Kirkley, who always offered a listening ear, supportive of my development. 

And Baker, bringing laughter and support to the classroom, someone who goes beyond learning to foster relationships that stick with her students. 

As the board continues to navigate these difficult changes, I urge them to hold onto the values making Pinkerton an important place to its people. The achievements of its students speak to the kind of environment the school fosters. 

With careful planning, the consolidation should not just focus on resources but also on preserving the culture making Pinkerton special. We are not just losing a school; we are losing a piece of our Coppell identity. While Pinkerton’s doors may close, its lessons and values don’t have to.

I hope no matter where the students, staff and families of Pinkerton end up, its community lives on. Though losing Pinkerton is a deep loss, its memories cannot be forgotten. Every child deserves their mud pies, gel pen tattoo endeavors and a teacher like Baker taking them to the teachers’ lounge: connections extending far beyond the classroom, staying with us for life.