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History
of Mendenhall Elementary
Mendenhall Elementary was built in 1952 as Plano’s first separate
elementary school. It was named Plano Elementary School until
its name was changed in 1961 to honor Aline Harrel Mendenhall, long
time Plano educator.
The first principal of the school was David
McCall, Jr. He served until he retired in May 1955.
Floyd Jolly was principal from 1955-1975. Martha J. Hunt,
a former teacher at Mendenhall and curriculum director, was named
principal and served until she retired in 1997. Cathy Taylor
was then named principal.
When the building was first constructed,
it consisted of the present east wing, the cafeteria (now library),
and the front west wing, which was shorter. The first addition
to the building was before 1961 when two rooms were added at the
west end of the front west wing.
In 1965 the wing for fifth and sixth grade
Open Classroom Team Teaching was added, and also the gym.
That wing is the area now called the multi-purpose room, and the
second grade.
Further remodeling and renovations were
done in 1973, 1987, and 1991. The last additions being the
new kitchen and third, fourth and fifth grade wings.
Mendenhall has initiated such programs
as the Goddard Environmental Camp, the elementary bilingual program,
and the elementary science fair. Mendenhall continues as a
lighthouse for learning and its dedicated staff strives to make
a positive difference in the youth and families it serves.
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