September 30, 2026 | In a competitive win for our PreK–12 team, the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has awarded Judson ISD Selma Elementary School 3 “Stars of Distinction” in the juried categories of Design, Value, and Wellness.
“The students and staff have responded enthusiastically to the variety of spaces – for group learning, breakout work, individual quiet time, and outdoor activities – and are thriving in a learning environment that supports all students,” relates Nicki Marrone, AIA, Principal.
As a longtime partner of Judson ISD, our multidisciplinary team approached the design of a new elementary school as an opportunity to collaborate and advance their vision for a Future-Focused campus. Our goal was to create a new Elementary School model that offers the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of its students and to evolve with changing technology and teaching practices over time.
The design team is pleased to highlight the following key ideas and strategies implemented in support of Design, Value, and Wellness at Selma Elementary School.
Design: Raising the Bar
Beginning with the project’s first goal-setting sessions, our collaborative design process helped Judson ISD set a new district-wide standard for elementary school design.
- Flexibility, Safety, Future Focus and Joy emerged as touchstone concepts.
- Flexibility is expressed in versatile “plazas” occurring along “educational streets”
- “Creating a Safe Harbor:” the building wings surround a Central Courtyard, prioritizing safety – both actual and perceived.
- Using standard materials in novel ways and maximizing adjustability in the plan signal the elementary school of the future.
- Daily “joy” moments of discovery, physical play, and movement enhance all students’ ability to focus on classwork and boost overall well-being.
Value: Key Strategies
With a goal toward cost-effectiveness, we identified key strategies to deliver value in design. At the same time, we created a forward-looking design language for this new District standard of elementary school design.
- Standard Building Materials Used in Creative Ways
- Flexibility as Future-Proofing
- Multiple Functionality Maximizes Investment
- Color and Graphics Add Value and Joy
- Investment in Outdoor Landscape Creates Additional Learning Spaces
Wellness: Guidelines
Architecture, interior design, and landscape design work together to create a healthy environment for teaching staff and students alike.
- Healthy Balance of Group vs. Focused Learning Spaces
- Furniture Enhances Individual Wellbeing
- Natural Daylighting and Exterior Views provide a Healthy Connection to Nature
- Opportunities for Play, Movement, and Joy encourage Physical Activity
- Outdoor Learning Environments embrace best practices
