Springridge Reflections

I have very fond memories of my childhood, growing up in Richardson. I think of "childhood" as that time in elementary school -- after the time one becomes aware of memories, but before tween/teen years. 

So that time period for me includes attending Springridge Elementary School. I didn't really ever think about that school...until about a year ago...I learned from a friend that Richardson ISD had made the decision to close 4 elementary schools and consolidate students due to declining enrollment numbers. Springridge was on the chopping block (closing after this current school year)! Fast forward several months, and Jeff discovered this online:

I had the opportunity to wander the halls of my former elementary school! Before the event, I did dig through my keepsakes to find my only elementary school year book -- from 2nd grade.

Turns out, the organizers also dug through their keepsakes and had old yearbooks and photo albums on display for former students and staff to browse. I totally remember the playground looking like this when I attended there in the Fall of 1979 thru the Spring of 1985. Yes, it was the 1900's, people! Safety hazards everywhere!

I also remember going through a phase where I regularly drew these little creatures, including for this entry selected for the annual PTA directory! (NOTE: Terry McCants, one of the twins -- there were two sets of twins in our grade -- was one of my good friends, and a much better artist than me!)

The layout of the school was very memorable, but all the décor was obviously totally different. I remember the classrooms being divided by movable/folding doors, but now they are permanent walls. I also remember the cafeteria walls being painted in sections by the 6th grade students each year, but that has since been covered.

I kept my eyes and ears open for anyone that happened to mention the years they attended (they totally should have had color-coded names tags tickers or something!), but I did not encounter anyone from my time. I did talk to someone (Donna C) that attended before me and was just one year older than my sister.

One of my fondest memories was in 6th grade, when I finally got to be on Safety Patrol! The Spring Valley and Spring Creek corner was the best assignment -- because it had lots of kids crossing from the neighborhood, a steady flow of cars to stop and there was no adult required on this corner! Looking back I can't believe they sent 3 unsupervised eleven-years-olds out there every morning and afternoon to step in front of cars with just an orange sash and pvc pipe with a small flag on the end! But it's ok, we were safety-trained! It was awesome.

There was a school district historian on-site recording peoples' memories (recent and former students). I have no idea if my interview made the cut, but it was fun to remanence and share my story!

While in the area, we drove around the neighborhood and swung by my old house! (It looked the same as when we drove by during the height of Covid times in April of 2020.)

A really pleasant walk down memory lane!