Robson Elementary teachers surprised with $5,000 lounge makeover from Crayola, Walmart

Teachers at Robson Elementary School, 2122 E. Pueblo Ave.,  Mesa, got a colorful surprise July 31 when Crayola and Walmart unveiled a newly renovated teachers' lounge.

The campus was selected as one of just 24 schools nationwide to receive a $5,000 Teachers' Lounge Makeover through the Crayola Creativity Week Creative Teachers Sweepstakes.

The surprise renovation, funded by Crayola and Walmart, is designed to give educators a welcoming space to relax, recharge and collaborate while recognizing the important role they play in students' lives.

The makeover included $3,000 in Walmart gift cards from Crayola to purchase new furniture and décor, along with an additional $1,000 in Walmart gift cards for teachers to personalize the space. Crayola also donated $1,000 in art supplies for the school.

Volunteers from Walmart's Supercenter on South Stapley Drive in Mesa spent time cleaning, painting, assembling furniture and helping complete the renovation. The team will also provides breakfast for teachers during Friday morning's surprise unveiling.

Earlier this week, Walmart and Crayola completed a similar teachers' lounge makeover at Wilson Elementary School in Phoenix.

Robson Elementary earned the opportunity after participating in Crayola Creativity Week in January, a free annual program that encourages creative learning through hands-on activities and virtual sessions featuring artists, authors and other creative professionals.

Launched in 2022, Crayola Creativity Week has grown into a global event, with more than 13 million students from all 50 states and 122 countries participating each year. The initiative is part of Crayola's Campaign for Creativity, which promotes creativity as an essential skill for academic achievement and future career success.

This marks the second year Walmart has partnered with Crayola on the Teachers' Lounge Makeover Sweepstakes, which donated more than $120,000 in cash, gift cards and supplies to winning schools nationwide. Schools were randomly selected from eligible entries submitted during Crayola Creativity Week.