Thomas Elementary School Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence

May 15, 2009

James Lawrence Thomas, namesake of Thomas Elementary School, lived by the philosophy that, "Time alone did not change things, but in time people made the change."

Mr. Thomas would be proud that, over the past 30 years, time has seasoned his school with educational excellence focused on citizenship, character and discipline, the hallmarks of his life as a Plano humanitarian and entrepreneur.

Thomas Family members, honored guests at the school's anniversary celebration, included (back row, l-r) Cealee Thomas, Dollie Thomas, Elias Thomas, Kealei Oliphant, Tysha Oliphant, Kealyn Oliphant, Chase Thomas and James Brown; and (front row, l-r) Toni Thomas, Peggy Young, Betty Henderson, Sharon Thomas, James Thomas, III and Trevor Thomas.

Thomas Family members are pictured at the 1978 school dedication.
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Anniversary Celebration Program

School Achievements & Recognitions

Thomas Elementary School Principal Lynn Swanson opened the 30th anniversary ceremony with a history of school namesake James Lawrence Thomas.

Principal Lynn Swanson and School Board Vice-President Brad Shanklin visited while ESL Teachers Sheri Lutz and Carolyn Beall cut cake.

School Board President Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins greeted guests and described the school's many accomplishments. Among the most impressive have been the National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education; the completion of major capital bond improvements in 2002, which added 35,000 square feet to the school; and the fact that Thomas Elementary School has earned the "Keep Plano Beautiful Award of Excellence" three times.

President Jenkins shared that Thomas Elementary School values and celebrates diversity. "Thomas has one of the largest ESL (English as a Second Language) student populations in Plano ISD," he noted. "Among the students and families at the school, 28 different languages are spoken."

James L. Thomas Family Greetings

James L. Thomas, III, grandson of the school namesake and a longtime employee of Plano ISD, told guests, “The Thomas family continues to be grateful to the city of Plano and Plano ISD for choosing to honor my grandfather with the naming of a school in his behalf.  As we reflect, we are also proud that they chose to name this school, after a black man thirty years ago, at a time when it may not have been a very popular thing to do. To name a school after a man who was a 'custodian' says so much about a city who obviously values humanitarian qualities."

Thomas anniversary celebration speakers and guests included (l-r) Jackie Blalock Robinson, mother of Justin Blalock who plays football for the Atlanta Falcons; Kim O'Bryon, former Thomas PTA president (1996-98 & 1998-2000), Thomas employee (1999-05) and current communications department employee; Erika Durbin, former Thomas student and current Plano East Senior High School student; and Erika's father Harold Durbin.

Teachers & Students Show Thomas Texan Pride

Thomas teachers shared "Thirty Great Things About Thomas", sentiments which were offered by students and teachers across the school. Alecia Menke, current Thomas teacher and former Thomas student, designed a presentation for guests which featured the Thomas Elementary School History. Kindergarten students read "What I Love Most About Thomas" comments from their peers in grades k-5.

Dee Phelps, second grade teacher and the only original Thomas staff member remaining at the school, shared her reflections on the day the school opened. "There was no kitchen, few teaching supplies, no playground equipment, and very limited technology. In spite of this, the Thomas teachers could teach and the students could learn. The teachers' goals then, and now, have always been to have students achieve academically and to grow up to be good citizens. Thomas has always been committed to wanting the best for all students."

Dee Phelps, who teaches second grade at Thomas, is the sole remaining original staff member at the school.

The Thomas Fifth Grade Honor Choir sang two songs - both the old school song "Da Doo Run Run" and the new school song "Deep in the Halls of Thomas" - under the direction of Brooke Grall and Lekeistrise Blunt.

Former Thomas Students Say 'Thanks'

Jackie Blalock Robinson, mother of former Thomas student Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons Football player, presented the school with one of Justin's signed jerseys and football.

Plano East Senior High School Senior Erika Durbin also made comments at the anniversary celebration. "While you're here at Thomas, form your dreams and when you leave Thomas, make them happen," she encouraged the 750 students in attendance at the ceremony. "

Alecia Menke, former Thomas student and current Thomas staff member, prepared a presentation for guests which featured an historical perspective on the 30-year history of Thomas Elementary School.