The Waller Community Celebrates the New H.T. Jones Elementary School
Prairie View, TX – On October 8th, VLK Architects attended the dedication ceremony of the district’s sixth elementary, H.T. Jones Elementary. This 106,300 sf replacement facility, located in the City of Prairie View, has 42 classrooms with instructional and flex spaces for 800 students. All classrooms have a conjoined door to allow for shared supervision and collaboration. The school is equipped with a state-of-the-art media center, computer labs, gymnasium, and multipurpose café. In addition, the clerestory windows throughout the corridors provide an abundance of natural light into the interior of the facility.
“I think this new elementary school is a testimony of the community coming together for the betterment of their students,” said VLK Architects Partner, Todd Lien. “Without the community’s involvement and proper district planning, the success of this project may not have been possible.”
The school’s namesake, Herman Theodric Jones dedicated over 24 years to educating and encouraging students and families in the Prairie View area, retiring as the principal of Prairie View Training School in 1971. Several years later, the Prairie View Training School campus was renamed and converted to Jones Elementary School, honoring the beloved former principal.
Jones Principal, Carol Bates stated, “It takes a community to educate and to make sure each student is prepared for the now and for what is to come. There is no doubt that Waller ISD has built a premium facility in which students can be afforded many opportunities. It is my desire and the goal of the entire Jones community to produce students who are ready for the 21st Century. It is our goal to prepare students for the future, and to be equipped with both academic and social skills to compete with anyone, anywhere, and anytime.