In recent weeks, you likely would have had to step over a tarp or two as you walk through Kipling Elementary School. A bright new mural by artist Kevin Luthardt graces one wall in the second grade hallway. Designed with input from the 5th grade students, and painted with their help, the mural shows scenes of many things that are unique and important to the Kipling community: the little red schoolhouse that sits in the history village adjacent to Kipling; flags that wave on Field Day; children playing sports, painting, studying on a laptop. The mural is a legacy gift donated by the Kipling class of 2012. "It is hands down a phenomenal student-centered work of art," says Kipling Principal Adrienne Moseley. "I hope that we can spread the child-centered spirit of this mural throughout the walls of our building in the years to come!"

In addition, all staff and students got in on the artwork act by painting colorful handprints surrounding the gym. Kipling had commissioned a handprint project for the school's 50th anniversary in the 1990s, but a recent required paint job covered up the artwork, and the school didn't want to lose the child-focused spirit. Physical education teacher Marianne Getz and principal Adrienne Moseley worked together to organize the painting of a new set of handprints. Kipling PTO volunteers and older Kipling students helped to ensure that everyone had a hand in the project.