Hall County School District announces completion of learning commons at district schools
The Hall County School District recently announced the completion of new learning commons at Flowery Branch High, West Hall High and Wauka Mountain Elementary.
A press release from the school district said the upgrades were funded by a $100,000 donation from the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation, each school received $25,000 to create inspiring environments for innovation.
The names for the commons include the Diane Darby Learning Commons at FBHS, the Amanda Griffith Learning Commons at WHHS, the Mary Jane Murray Learning Commons at JHS and the Alana Rochester Learning Commons at WMES.
The Ivester Foundation also provided $1.5M to enhance three Dual Enrollment Career Ready labs at Lanier College & Career Academy. The money will provide students with real-world skills and hands-on learning experiences.
The labs were named in honor of people who have made significant contributions to the foundation and its support of education in the Gainesville-Hall County community:
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Advanced Manufacturing Lab – Named in honor of Brian Rochester
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Auto Collision Repair Lab – Named in honor of Oliver "Tuffy" Murray
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Design and Media Lab – Named in honor of Swinton A. Griffith III
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ivester Foundation for their commitment to providing world-class learning environments for our young people. These new learning commons and Career Ready labs will have a lasting impact, equipping students with the tools and experiences they need to succeed in an ever-changing world,” Superintendent Will Schofield said.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/3/1289643/hall-county-school-district-announces-completion-of-learning-commons-at-district-schools