Wall graphics to brighten up new H.O. Brittingham

Miniature Vikings charting new courses across seas, deserts and snow will be part of the scenery when the new H.O. Brittingham Elementary opens.

On Jan. 25, the board unanimously approved brightly colored wall graphics to decorate the school – a decision made following discussion in December about the graphics.

“TetraTech picked up on the exploration theme, and that's what became the graphics,” Capital Projects Director Brian Bassett said about the school architects during the December meeting.

TetraTech designed the wall graphics as part of interior design budgeted following a major capital expense referendum approved in 2016 for new and renovated elementary schools.

The images show a Viking on a clipper ship exploring various places – earth, air, land and sea. Though not a typical Viking ship, Bassett said, designers went with the clipper ship because it was more visually appealing.

The graphics are designed to go on a full wall. Entering the new school, one of the images will immediately greet students and visitors in the lobby, with words in both English and Spanish.

“I think it's extremely important for all of these images to be in both English and Spanish,” said Jessica Tyndall, vice president of the board.

Board member Julie Derrick said she wanted the Viking depicted in the graphics to be inclusive for all students.

“I would like the Viking person be more identifiable with the student population,” she said. “Have girls, Latinos, Viking boys. I would like the students to be able to identify with what they see.”