In January 1967, ten acres of land was donated by brothers J. L. and C.A. Ginnings as the future site of our elementary school. The Ginnings brothers were residential builders and were developing the area called Royal Acres. The school was to serve this area. Once the land was given, construction started immediately. In the fall of 1968, Ginnings Elementary, which was named for J.L. Ginnings opened and was dedicated. The first principal was Mr. Joe Brooks.  The school served grades 1-6, with 2 teachers per grade level, part time librarian, part time speech therapist, full-time PE and music teachers. There were approximately 300 students that first year. 

 

In 1972 a primary wing was added due to increased growth. By 1974, the student enrollment was up to 800+. In 1975-76, deaf education, remedial reading, and language learning disabilities programs were added.

 

In 1984, the students of Ginnings first saw computers. In 1985, the school added a new gym and library.

 

Mr. Brooks retired in 1986 and art was added as a special area to the curriculum. In the fall of 1986 Mrs. Amanda Bean became the new principal. While she was principal the following programs were added: EXPO, reading recovery, DFG, student council, and Accelerated Reader.

 

In 1996, Ginnings was a Recognized School by the state of Texas for their scores on the TAAS.

 

In 1997, Mrs. Bean retired and Mrs. Mary Helen Martin became the new principal. In 1997-1998, sixth grade was moved to the middle schools and Kindergarten became a full day program.

 

Renovation was started on Ginnings in 2000-2001. This included new offices, a gym, a primary playground, and cafeteria. This allowed new spaces for Kindergarten, EXPO, music, art, ALS, and Dyslexia classes. The school also added a bus lane, staff parking, a Math and Science Resource room, a Literacy Library, a new staff lounge, and a card access system. A rededication ceremony was held on November 6, 2001. 

 

In 2005, Debi Lokey became the fourth principal of Ginnings.  She served for three years until 2008.  Then in 2008, Missey Chavez was named principal and is still serving in that role today.

 

Ginnings Elementary celebrated 40 years of serving the students in northern Denton in 2009.  Photos from the celebration can be viewed here.