Nov. 18, 2021

Although McCallum’s relative lack of renovations since it first opened for business in 1953 does mean the building has infrastructural issues, it also means that the nature and scenery on 5600 Sunshine Drive has remained relatively unchanged for nearly 70 years. The untouched central Texas nature as well as nostalgic architectural styles of the past highlight the often overlooked charm of our school. Photo by Caroline Owen.

 Nov. 20, 2021 and Jan. 13, 2022

Often called “The” Tree, the giant oak next to the soccer field is a staple of the Mac landscape yearound, whether it’s lush and green or deciduous and frigid. Photos by Caroline Owen.

Nov. 30, 2021

Although relatively new, the row of murals behind the outdoor stage have already become a centerpiece of McCallum’s art repertoire. They add a colorful, refreshing flare to the vast, once bare brick wall that was practically begging for artwork. Photo by Caroline Owen.

Jan. 13, 2022

Providing shade and ambiance for the picnic tables and walkway below, the sycamore in the courtyard across from the cafeteria acts as a functional but attractive canopy over this popular dining spot. Photo by Caroline Owen.

Oct. 19, 2021

Although the entire celestial sphere doesn’t technically belong to McCallum, we can’t forget to mention the Texas sky when it comes to scenery on campus. Even if you just choose the outside route to get some fresh air during the passing period, the big, vibrant, firmament above never seems to disappoint-even if you’re looking from asphalt between the math and science halls. Photo by Kenta Asazu. 

Nov. 19, 2021

The courtyard right beside the breezeway is undoubtedly the primary outdoor social spot on campus not only because of the ample seating and shade, but because of the nature. Surrounded by both small and mature trees as well as other shrubbery, the courtyard provides a shaded and scenic corner of campus for students to gather. Photo by Camilla Vandegrift.

Nov. 30, 2021

The patterned concrete wall behind the field house is an architectural gem on campus that often goes unnoticed. The brickwork and the greenery sprawling through the gaps makes this corner of campus unique, retro and representative of the building’s elements of mid-century architecture. Photo by Liv Tornbjerg.

Nov. 19, 2021

Although hidden corners of campus like this spot at the back of the building facing Grover are rarely acknowledged, the small, pleasant details become more noticeable upon second glance. The brickwork on the wall is a pattern seen all around campus, as are the giant trees. However, something about the architecture along with the small pockets of light in the grass left by gaps in the tree canopy is what makes this spot so interesting. Photo by Esme Ostrow. 

Nov. 18, 2021

The view from the back of the band hall, peering out on the recreational field, where students like to sit with friends and play soccer, the tennis courts, and Grover Avenue, a popular street to park on.  The tall, modern apartment complex, “The Pearl,” is a relatively new neighbor to McCallum, existing since 2020. Its prominent palm trees can be seen from behind the band hall. To the far left, lies the blue, red and grey empty building which was once Dart Bowl- the beloved bowling alley that didn’t survive past 2020. Photo by Caroline Owen. 

Nov. 2, 2021

An outside view of the fine arts building, which contains the art classrooms, an art gallery, the fanciest bathrooms in the school, and the theater, which are all very important to the McCallum community. The wide-open fine arts building also serves as a voting location and recently as an AISD Covid-19 testing location. Photo by Dave Winter.