Thomas Lane Pink Elementary School proudly opened its doors for the first time on August 25, 1997. Serving the community of North Richmond, the school was named for the distinguished African-American educator, Thomas Lane Pink. Mr. Pink was born and educated in Kendleton, Texas before matriculating at Prairie View Academy and continuing on to Prairie View College. After a distinguished career in professional baseball, Mr. Pink returned to Texas and began an even more distinguished career in education. When he retired after 38 years in the field, he reflected that "the greatest accomplishment during my 65 years of life is the inspiration and motivation I feel I have given to. . . children."

Sparked by the accomplishments of our namesake, Thomas Lane Pink Elementary School has begun the challenge of encouraging excellence in its students. A variety of programs is offered to meet their diverse needs. Student-led announcements delivered over closed circuit television begin each day. Student success is recognized at the end of each grading period with Success Assemblies, Citizenship Bingo Parties, and Breakfast with the Principal. Third-grade Watt Watchers make sure that energy is conserved daily. Interested students in fourth and fifth grade can choose to participate in the T. L. Pink Comet Choir or the Art Club. The T. L. Pink Branch of Norwest Bank received its charter on February 5, 1998 and began operations with a staff of 16 fourth and fifth grade students. This program continues to be an effective real life experience for students. A Safety Patrol program operates daily to provide fourth and fifth graders with leadership training. Innovative instructional programs include a Reading Intervention Model, Leveled Readers, the 4-Block Literacy Model, flexible grouping, Everyday Calendar Counts, and Daily Oral Math.