An ELHS AP Art student works on a mural. The class painted murals at each of the district's six elementary schools. (Courtesy of Elise Millard)

ELHS Students Paint Murals at East Lansing Elementary Schools

East Lansing High School (ELHS) AP art students are hoping the murals they created have a positive impact on elementary school students. 

The students painted Second Step murals at each of the six elementary schools in the district. These murals are intended to function as a tool for students to work through emotional problems in a healthy way.

A finished mural at Whitehills Elementary School. (Luke Day for ELi)

“The murals painted at each elementary school are a visual representation of the STEP Problem Solving Routine that our elementary staff will use at times with our students when they find themselves experiencing a problem at school,” Paul Shanks, East Lansing Public Schools behavior systems specialist, said in an email to ELi.

The STEP Problem Solving Routine comes from the social emotional learning curriculum Second Step, which is used at the elementary level in the East Lansing school district.

“The STEP Problem Solving routine is meant to provide students and staff with a tool that illustrates how people can process problems and conflicts in a non-adversarial manner and one that avoids blame or shame on anyone,” Shanks said.

STEP is an acronym for the four steps in the routine:

  1. Say the Problem
  2. Think of Solution
  3. Explore the Outcomes
  4. Pick a Solution
The murals show the STEP Problem Solving routine. (Courtesy of Elise Millard)

The murals themselves feature footprints for students to stand on while working through this STEP routine. Each school has unique footprints based on the school’s mascot. The murals can be found on the school playgrounds. 

“These murals are one additional layer to supporting our students to find positive outcomes when they encounter problems at school,” Shanks said. “And this routine is also used during the day, there are posters and lanyards worn by staff that display the routine throughout the schoolhouse.”

AP art students from ELHS were enlisted to help make this vision become a reality.

“I was so excited when Paul came to ask about my AP students getting involved in this project,” Elise Millard, art department chair and art teacher at ELHS, said in an email to ELi. “I love when my students have the opportunity to make art for others and for their community.”

ELHS AP Art students work on a mural. (Courtesy of Elise Millard)

The behavior system specialist team spent several weeks planning the murals to best represent the STEP routine. Staff from curriculum, maintenance, art, and health and safety departments were also involved in making the murals a reality.

The painting by the high school students was done over two mornings.

“I really enjoyed getting outside, and also making a change in the elementary schools that will have a lasting impact,” Maggie Carney, ELHS senior and AP art student who helped paint the murals at Marble and Green, said in an email to ELi. 

The students were able to return to the elementary schools they attended to leave their mark.

“I loved working on a mural at my old school with my friends,” Calvin Bosanic, ELHS senior and AP art student who helped paint the mural at Glencairn, said in an email to ELi. “Great, full circle moment.”