Larson Elementary fifth-grade student Mariana B. isn't a big reader, which she admitted with a giggle to her new buddy Kofi B. The Lamar High School student didn't think it was all that funny. "Reading is going to get you through elementary school, through junior high school and through high school," he told her. "You can't even get through life without reading." | Lamar High School football player Kofi B. reads to Larson Elementary fifth-grade students Leo S. and Mariana B.

Libraries don't usually command the most foot traffic during an open house, but not all of them look like the new digs Rankin Elementary is sporting. Large, bright, colorful and modern in design, the new library was a big hit on Thursday, trumping the new kitchen and even the new wing where 11 new classrooms were added. Rankin was one of three AISD schools to get makeovers and/or renovations during the summer. Knox Elementary has a new sixth-grade with four additional classrooms, 11 refurbished classrooms and a renovated gymnasium. Blanton Elementary has 10 new classrooms and a kitchen/cafeteria expansion and renovation. | Blanton, Knox and Rankin elementaries (pictured top, middle and bottom) all had major renovation and/or addition projects completed this summer.

When Morgan E.'s school day at Arlington High School ends, her other day begins. That's the one of lyrics and beats, of tone and diction, of high pitches and low notes. By the time her classmates are heading off to Art Club or French Club or nesting in front of a television set, Morgan is belting out songs in a recording studio. Her songs. Often written or co-written by her. | Arlington High School sophomore Morgan E. has been working on a new pop album.