Clarence W. Bailey Elementary School welcomed students back on Monday, April 14, with a refreshed look and a renewed sense of community, thanks to a volunteer-led beautification project organized by Longview ISD and members of the local Hispanic community.
The beautification project included repainting the interior walls of the front office and restoring the school’s front gardens. Volunteers from Iglesia Renacer de Longview, a local Spanish-speaking church, joined forces with several Hispanic Bailey parents to plan a special surprise for Bailey Elementary’s staff and students. Their efforts aimed to create a more inviting and uplifting environment for everyone who walks through the school’s doors.
“This kind of partnership shows what’s possible when families and community leaders come together for a shared purpose,” said Francisco Rojas, Community and Family Engagement Coordinator for Longview ISD.
Volunteers began the morning in heartfelt prayer, setting the tone for a day of service and community spirit. With a shared sense of purpose, they organized into teams—some painting the office area in the school’s colors, while others tended to the garden, restoring its beauty. By the end of the day, Bailey Elementary’s entrance had been transformed into a brighter, more welcoming space, reflecting the love and dedication poured into every paint stroke and newly planted flower.
Pastor Jorge Schisano of Iglesia Renacer, a ministry of First Baptist Church of Longview, emphasized the church’s commitment to community service through action.
“Our motivation and passion are to make Christ known, and we believe the best way to do this is through concrete actions—identifying the community's needs and working to meet them,” Schisano said. “As members of the Longview ISD community, we wanted to support our local schools and are grateful for the opportunity to serve the families and students of the district.”
The event was facilitated by Longview ISD’s Community Relations team as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with families across the district. The project aligns with the district’s strategic goals of building inclusive, supportive school environments that reflect the communities they serve.
