School gussied up for 40th anniversary presentation - Renovations completed in time to mark Vivian Field's four decades

About a year ago, Vivian Field Middle School looked more like a maze than a school.

Blocked halls, dead ends and closed classrooms were the norm while the school underwent $11 million in renovations.

The dust cleared last August, and students got to share their newly remodeled surroundings with about 500 visitors at the school's 40th anniversary last week.

Changes include a new gymnasium, remodeled classrooms and a new entranceway and office area.

Carrollton- Farmers Branch Superintendent Annette Griffin, school board trustees and a gaggle of public officials turned out March 7 to welcome parents and alumni for a tour and a presentation on the school's history .

"Construction began in June of 2000, and we basically had one hallway open," said Kelly Calvery, principal of Vivian Field. "We've been working on this presentation for the past two months, and teachers, parents and students were all involved in it."

She said the school had undergone many changes since it first opened its doors to students in 1961. During a visual presentation in the school's new gymnasium, guests were treated to a slide show featuring photos of all the principals in Vivian Field's 40-year history .

Students gave tours and helped visitors navigate the new wings and introduced them to teachers, all of whom opened their classrooms for inspection.

"I'm glad all of the construction is done," said Scott Parker, a seventh-grade student who attended the event.

By far, the most extensive construction was the new gymnasium, a sparkling structure with light wood floors and plenty of seating.

The construction, part of a $198.6 million bond package passed two years ago, also provided for an on-site health clinic.

Dr. Griffin said the changes would enable teachers to better serve students with updated facilities and equipment.

"These teachers go the extra mile," she said. "They come early and stay late to make sure students get the best possible education."

Staff members also displayed old yearbooks, photos and the contents of two time capsules that were uncovered during construction - one from 1994 and one from 1974.

Alumni gazed over their old photos, and current students discussed fashion trends of years past.

"Wow, the girls had huge hair," said seventh-grader Derrick Garcia, commenting on the hairstyles of the late 1960s.

The Dallas Morning News - Friday, March 15, 2002
Author: KATHERINE MORALES, Staff Writer
 

Vivian Field Middle School Celebrating 50 Years Of Education

Rep. Kenny Marchant

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Vivian Field Middle School. As a former student of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, it gives me great satisfaction to recognize Vivian Field Middle School for its five decades of educational excellence. In 1960, Tom Field, a former county commissioner and staunch supporter of public education, donated 7.5 acres of land to Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD for a new school. Mr. Field, however, had one requirement of the school district: the new school had to be named after his wife, Vivian. The school district honored his wish and constructed Vivian Field Junior High School. Vivian Field Junior High School opened in the fall of 1961. The school consisted of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The main building was structured with three wings which were connected by a gymnasium on the southeast side and a cafeteria on the west side. In 1969, to accommodate its growing student body, Vivian Field Junior High School constructed an additional wing, providing a formal entrance and additional classrooms. Since opening, the school has changed its name to Vivian Field Middle School to better reflect the grades and programs. Today, Vivian Field Middle School has approximately 900 students across three grades. The middle school has been honored by the Texas Education Agency as a ``Recognized'' school from 2005 to 2010, and has been commended on the State and National level for continually providing an outstanding education for its students. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the administrators, teachers, and students of Vivian Field Middle School for its five decades of exemplary education in our community.