Former McLaughlin students, Jon Mensing and Kaycie Isom, met in the hallways of the elementary campus in 1978. Forty years later, and now married, they visited McLaughlin Elementary one last time as they reminisced over memories of the school. Meeting in fifth grade, the two continued in CFB for their education and had classes together at R. L. Turner High School. Both recounted fond memories of teachers, principals, classes, and the character values they learned while in CFB. The two remembered some features of the school that are no longer extant – including water outdoor fountains that used to pepper the sidewalk. They also recalled attending a Halloween carnival in the courtyard in 1978. The low ceiling by the library, that they remembered jumping up to try to touch, is now easily reachable by both. The ramp down the hall had been remembered by both as a 45° angle descent, now seen as a gentle slope.
Originally Webb Chapel Elementary, the school was constructed in 1959. The name of the school was later changed after the death of its first principal, Neil Ray McLaughlin, in 1967. McLaughlin also served in the school district as a teacher at Carrollton High School, assistant principal at Vivian Field Middle School, and principal at the old Farmers Branch Elementary School.
Fond farewell to McLaughlin
This is the last semester that classes will be held in the building before it is demolished. Students will attend McLaughlin-Strickland Elementary across the street in the Fall. Former McLaughlin students and staff that would like to take a final walk through the campus, may do so on May 22, 2018, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. You can let fellow alumni know of the event by sharing it on Facebook.
Share your memories of McLaughlin
Do you have photos, videos, or other memories you’d like to share about McLaughlin Elementary? We’d love to hear your great stories. You can post them to our Facebook page or other social media using the hashtag #mclaughlinmemories.
View more photos from this visit in our Flickr gallery.
