<![CDATA[Iowa Heritage Digital Collections]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/browse/8?collection=64&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle&output=rss2 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:01:08 +0000 publications@silo.lib.ia.us (Iowa Heritage Digital Collections) Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[071_Goodrell and Warren Harding Junior High Schools]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51822

Title

071_Goodrell and Warren Harding Junior High Schools

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

071_GoodrellandWarrenHardingJuniorHighSchools.jpg

Transcription

East High faculty members and students presented her with a silver goblet commemorating her life as a teacher and student. As president of the East High School Alumni Association, Miss Goodrell received a number of honors. To show their appreciation of her leadership and guidance at East High School, the alumni sent her to Europe with all expenses paid. Throughout her 40 year career she had three basic characteristics. She was always described as strict, firm and fair. Mr. L. K. Boutin, a former pupil under Miss Goodrell, described her as "well respected and well thought of." Dr. Harry Dahl, a member of the school board when May Goodrell was built, described her as "outstanding." Miss Goodrell was rushed to the hospital on August 29, 1939 after she suffered a fracture of the right hip in a fall. Bronchial pneumonia resulted. This disease was given as the cause of her death. May Goodrell died September 3, 1939 at the age of 80. Her sister and family are still living here in Des Moines. Her memory is still kept alive by the school that was named after her - MAY GOODRELL - THE PRIDE OF DES MOINES. In the mid-1970s Goodrell finds itself faced with a number of empty classrooms. The opening of Hoyt Middle School to the east of them took a good many students who were formerly in the Goodrell attendance area. Their enrollment in 1972 was over 1000 and in 1975 was about 720. Their educational programs include Title III Career Interest Student Survey as well as Title III Rent-A-Kid. In the World of Work they have typing and business training. They participate in the Police-School Liaison program and have a learning disabilities resource teacher. They also maintain a math lab, special help for reading improvement, student tutoring and peer counseling. Principals of Goodrell Jr. High School have been: 1955 - 1959 Merle F. Schlampp 1959 - 1971 Raymond D. Bishop 1971 - Norman Miller Harding Jr. High WARREN HARDING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Euclid Ave. and Cambridge Grades 7, 8, 9 Naming of the School About the time this school was being built, there seemed to be a marked tendency to name school houses after American presidents. Warren Harding Junior High, completed in 1926, was no exception to that rule. It was named for the then recently deceased Warren Gamaliel Harding, 29th President of the United States, who had been in office only 29 months when his death occurred in 1923. Dates of Construction The corner stone of Warren Harding was laid on Thursday, May 7,1925. The student body and faculty moved into the building in February 1926. During the 1959-1959 school year, a complete remodeling of all shower and locker facilities was done in conjunction with the building of a new gym for the boys. All hall lockers were replaced and a new inter-com system installed during the summer of 1971. The Student Council financed the purchase of placement of a monument at the corner of East Euclid and Cornell during the 1971-1972 school year. The monument enhances the corner and gives the name of the school and the year of its opening. Brief History Warren Harding Junior High, built at a cost of $587,692, opened its doors in February, 1926, with an enrollment of 525 students. There was a steady increase in the student population until a peak enrollment of 1095 was reached in September, 1960. The new gym and remodeled facilities put into full use with the opening of the 1959-1960 school year enabled Warren Harding to have an expanded physical education and intramural program.
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:37:46 +0000
<![CDATA[072_Harding and Amos Hiatt Junior High Schools]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51823

Title

072_Harding and Amos Hiatt Junior High Schools

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

070_HardingandAmosHiattJuniorHighSchools.jpg

Transcription

70 In the fabulous 50's came Sputnik. The schools reorganized their curriculum to meet the need for a more scientific approach. While struggling to revamp curriculum in the early 60's, rights, riots and supreme rules had a serious impact on schools. Warren Harding Junior High administration, staff, and the Des Moines Schools, made what they thought to be a just decision regarding "black arm bands". The Supreme Court of the United States, in its decision, over-ruled the opinions of the lower courts and the school district. Tinker vs Des Moines Schools became the basis for the many student rights decisions which have followed. What began and had its inception at Warren Harding Junior High has had a profound effect on all schools in the United States. January 10, 1974, oil, from a broken feeder line, ignited, causing extensive smoke and fire damage. Temporary school facilities were set up in space available at North High. Accommodations were crowded. Three weeks after the fire, we were allowed to return to our building. Two other fires occurred, during a short period after our return, which were determined to be the work of an arsonist. During the 1975-1976 school year, Warren Harding Junior High will celebrate its 50th anniversary of educational service to the community. Educational Program The organization of a junior high school geared to meet the needs of the adolescent involves a varied program built around the activities of this age group providing valuable training in scholarship, sportsmanship, leadership, and service. The program at Warren Harding is planned to provide continued training the basic areas of knowledge; to enable students to explore academic and non-academic areas for vocational and avocational possibilities dependent upon their interest, apptitude and ability; to learn to live with and understand those with differing backgrounds or customs; and to achieve a better understanding of their own rights and responsibilities to their self and others. With student rights, teachers rights and the rights of the individual the mid 70's finds our programs being constantly examined. The rights of all interest groups are thoroughly explored by all 8th grade social science students during an extended unit on American Diversities. Career Education has been integrated into all subject area teaching. Students learn the what, the why and the how of their career interest. On the job visitations in differing career interests are a part of our program in Manpower and Economics. Learning Disabilities are receiving much recognition. Our Special Program Utilizing Resource Teachers (SPURT) is enabling students to examine their basic fundamentals and improve them where they find themselves to be weak. Volunteers have been beneficial in making the program work. They provide the one-to-one learning situation which many students need. During the 1975-1976 school year Warren Harding Junior High will participate in the Statewide Mathematics Assessment Program. Interscholastic athletic events at the 9th grade level, for boys, began in 1967, with competition in basketball, wrestling and track. Competition, for girls, began in 1973, with softball, basketball and track. In the mid 70's Warren Harding Junior High continues to maintain a high student population. They participate in the voluntary transfer program which permits innercity black students to elect to attend Harding. They participate in the Title III Career Interest Survey and the Title III Rent-a-Kid program. Other programs, which they participate in are, the World of Construction, Police-School Liaison and SPURT, the program for students with learning disabilities. Principals 1926 - 1956 James M. Sterrett 1956-1971 Chester A. Pratt 1971 - Robert J. Donly AMOS HIATT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL E. 15th and Garfield Grades 7, 8, 9 HISTORY OF AMOS HIATT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 1918 - 1965 Amos Hiatt Junior High School had its beginning in the building on E. 12th and Court. This building, known variously as "Old East" and "Old Amos,'1 was first occupied in March, 1891 when pupils from Webster and Bryant marched over in a snowstorm to be the first occupants, From 1891 to 1903 it was a grade school and high school combined, then Gary was built to house the elementary grades. Mr. Amos Hiatt was superintendent of East Des Moines Schools, and his office and the office of the board of education was at the E. 12th and Court location.
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:38:14 +0000
<![CDATA[073_Hiatt and Hoyt Middle Schools]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51824

Title

073_Hiatt and Hoyt Middle Schools

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

071_HiattandHoytMiddleSchools.jpg

Transcription

71 Hovt Middle School 1700 E. 42nd Street Hiatt Jr. High (Photograph) Amos Hiatt Junior High School was established September, 1918, following reorganisation of the Grammar School. Mr. R. J. Cornell, its first principal, pioneered the junior high school movement in Des Moines. During the summer of 1918 the Parent Teachers1 Organisation cooperated with the school officials in the selection of a name for the school. The name of Mr. Amos Hiatt, 18 years Superintendent of East Des Moines Schools, was chosen and permission to use his name was obtained. Announcement of Mr. Hiatt's letter of permission was made at a student assembly and this assembly then voted on the school colors, green and gold. During the 1967-68 school year Amos Hiatt celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The PTA planned several events in honor of the celebration with all activities culminating on April 23, 1968. At that time an open house was held so that former pupils teachers, adminstrators and patrons could meet for an evening of reminiscing and renewing of past friendships. During this period of time typing was initiated to the junior high program and a work experience program which gives on the job training at the junior high level was instituted. Both have proved to be popular and productive courses. The attendance at Hiatt has declined somewhat in the past few years and in 1975 has an enrollment of about 630 students. Their programs include Title I Spelling as well as Title I Reading. They have an active New Horizons program. They have the World of Manufacturing as well as the SPELL program. They have the community cultural recreational program as well as the Police-School Liaison program. Principals who have served at Amos Hiatt are: 1918 - 1923 R. J. Cornell 1942 - 1946 Elmer Betz 1923 (Jan.-June) Mae Goldizan 1946 - 1960 L. L. Wires 1923 - 1929 R. I. Grigsby I960 - 1961 Robert Denny 1929 - 1935 S. E. Thompson 1961 - 1964 Gareld Jackson 1935 - 1939 C. O. Hoyt 1964 - 1966 Bruce Gardner 1939 - 1942 Victor Mastin 1967 - Phillip Cooper Hoyt Middle School opened as an elementary building in September, 1968. The building was designed as an elementary building that later could be expanded to a junior high school structure. This was done with an eye to the future and an analysis of the enrollment trends. It was seen that a junior high school building would be needed to relieve the enrollment pressures that were taking place at Goodrell and Wilson Junior High Schools in the eastern part of the city. Hoyt was an elementary school from 1968-1972. A great deal of work planning and study went into the matter of developing a middle school at the Hoyt site. The result was that the Hoyt Middle School was opened in September, 1972. The new Hoyt Middle School addition consisted of 21 classrooms, an auditorium, cafeteria, gym and a library. The total amount spent on construction was $1,684,000. In August, 1974, a contract was let for an addition of a music room and practice areas in the amount of $103,500. In 1975 still another addition was contracted for expanding the industrial arts shop area and the amount of the budget allocated for this project was $120,000. The open areas of the new Hoyt Middle School presented a different organizational pattern and team teaching situation. The Citizens' Planning Committee that worked on this decided they would like the head of the school called an executive coordinator with the other jobs indicated as an administrative coordinator, coordinator for instruction, coordinator for pupil affairs, and a coordinator for community affairs. In this last respect a very active adult program is taking place at Hoyt with hundreds of students and adults from the area participating in the nighttime use of the building. The 1975 Hoyt curriculum includes four general related areas of study taught by teaching teams. I Math/Science - Continuous progress and ungraded. Outdoor class room and problem solving techniques incorporated. II Language Arts/Social Science - The Social Science vehicle is used to teach Language Arts. This team has a four year teaching cycle and a highly organized basic skills program. III Fine and Applied Arts - Art, Music, Career Education Exploration, Business Education, World of Manufacturing, World of Construction, Consumer and Family Education. IV Health/Physical Education/ Recreation (co-educational) * Physical Education, Health, career approach to Communication Media as well as the Hospitality and Recreation cluster, Leisure Reading, Group Guidance. There will be a Learning Disability program, Pupil Services as well as full extra curricular and club program, Hoyt continues to individualize instruction and offer options. The staff is differentiated. The philosophy embraces field trips, volunteer workers and extensive community input through an active Community Advisory Board and P.T.A. Hoyt maintains a business alliance project with John Deere. The organization since 1973 has continued to include sixth graders from the area,
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:38:52 +0000
<![CDATA[074_Hoyt Middle School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51825

Title

074_Hoyt Middle School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

072_HoytMiddleSchool.jpg

Transcription

Hoyt Middle School (Photograph) since there is not room for these students at the McKee Elementary and Douglas Elementary School. Thus for 1975-76 the grade range for Hoyt is grades 6 through 9. Following is a description of the life of Cress O. Hoyt, the person for whom this building is named. Cress O. Hoyt was a teacher coach, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in the Des Moines schools from 1922 until the time of his death on March 1, 1957. Mr. Hoyt was born February 26, 1891, on the family farm in Adair County. His father's early death left him as the oldest boy in the family, then living at home. He and his brother, Charles, stayed out of school for two years and farmed the land. In 1914, when his brother Charles was graduated from high school, his mother moved the family to Grinnell in order to make it possible for the brothers and sisters to attend college. Mr. Hoyt joined the family and entered Grinnell College where he played left tackle on the undefeated football team, which in 1916-1917 met major competition including the University of Iowa. He was voted one of the two outstanding linemen in the state in 1917. Because he was the oldest boy in the family, the students gave him the nickname of "Dad." He was known by that name the rest of his life. When World War I came, he enlisted in Naval Aviation. In the Spring of 1918, on leave from the Navy, he was graduated with his college class. He was discharged in January, 1919. He became a teacher and coach of football in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in September, 1919, and in 1922, accepted the position as social studies teacher and football coach at East High, Des Moines. During the rest of his life he was contacted by former players and students who so greatly respected and admired him - a great tribute. In 1935, Mr. Hoyt was appointed vice principal at East High School. In 1936 he became the principal of Amos Hiatt Junior High School, and in 1939, principal of Roosevelt High School. In each school he was highly successful and when he was appointed assistant superintendent of schools, he had a host of friends and supporters. In 1955 Mr. Hoyt was appointed to the superintendency of the largest school system in the state. He had demonstrated his leadership qualities, his teaching skills, and his dedication to education in all of his previous and diverse experiences. His ability to instill a sense of high endeavor in his colleauges, his vision and courage, will long be felt by all in the field of education. Mr. Hoyt was fortunate in his personal life. He enjoyed life and living. He had the devoted and stimulating companionship of two unusual women who enriched his life. In 1920 he married Mary Bartlye, a home economics teacher at Roosevelt, who died in 1937 leaving Mr. Hoyt and a son, Jack. In 1942 he married Genevieve Anderson, the Director of Elementary Education in the Des Moines School, who later became a professor at Drake University. Mr. Hoyt had many and varied interests in educational and community organizations. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, president of Iowa Schoolmasters' Walt Whitman Club, member and officer of the Des Moines Educational Association, the Commission on Teacher Education and Professional Standards, Nataional Education Association, American Association of School Administrators and Iowa Educational Association. He was also a 40-year member of the Baldwin Patterson American Letion Post, the East Des Moines Club, member and president of the Lions' Club, Capitol Masonic Lodge, Commandry and the Za Ga Zig Shrine. He was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church. C.O. Hoyt was a big man, a sensitive and perceptive man of unique personality, who had the ability to establish close rapport with all of his associates. He was a generous man who had a sexth sense concerning human relations - a great humanitarian. Principals: Wendell Webb 1971 - Students rode streetcars 1920's, 1930's and 1940's (Photograph)
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:39:21 +0000
<![CDATA[075_Washington Irving and Louis Kurtz Junior High Schools]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51826

Title

075_Washington Irving and Louis Kurtz Junior High Schools

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

075_WashingtonIrvingandLouisKurtzJuniorHighSchools.jpg

Transcription

73 Irving Jr. High (Photograph) WASHINGTON IRVING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 16th and Forest Grades 7, 8, 9 The cornerstone was laid on April 28, 1925, and classes began September, 1926. Washington Irving Junior High School is named for Washington Irving, America's pioneer in the field of general literature. It was given this name in 1918. Washington Irving came into existence in 1918 as one of the first two junior high schools in Des Moines, Amos Hiatt was the other one. At that time Irving was housed in the old Forest Home building on the southwest corner of 13th Street Place and Forest. This building was erected in 1925- 26. It was added to the Nash elementary structure that existed on the site. Thus there was both an elementary and a junior high school under the same roof. Because of the nature of our school, the Irving faculty must continually be aware of their responsibilities in guidance and citizenship. They need to help pupils grow in self-realization through the mastery of basic skills and a better understanding of the world in which they live. This must be accomplished by awakening their interests in learning through motivated instruction on such levels as they are successfully able to master. Irving in the mid-1970s finds itself with a reduced student enrollment due in large measure to the voluntary transfer program. Many of the junior high school students have elected to be bused to other junior high schools in the city. As this report is being written one of the recommendations for desegregation would be to close Irving junior high school in September 1976 This was adopted by the Board of Education in June, 1975. The exact distribution of students now in the Irving attendance area is still a matter of discussion. Previous principals: 1926 - 1941 Walter O. Allen 1961 - 1965 Donald R. Emanuel 1942 - 1945 L. L. Wires 1965 - 1966 Earl Bridgewater 1945 - 1946 Victor E. Mastin 1966 - 1970 Lacey Spriggs 1946 - 1954 Emmett J. Hasty 1970 - Gerald Conley 1954 - 1961 Warren W. Nixon 1961 - 1965 Donald R. Emanuel 1965 - 1966 Earl Bridgewater 1966 - 1970 Lacey Spriggs 1970- Gerald Conley LOUIS KURTZ JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL S.W. 12th & Porter Grades 7, 8, 9 Since the incorporation of Bloomfield Township in 1919, Southwest Des Moines has witnessed a great expansion in the building of churches, stores and motels. But what is most remarkable about the south side is the great increase in the number of new homes being built. It is fitting then that Kurtz Junior High School has been erected to serve the educational needs of this rapidly developing community. The floor plan of Goodrell Junior High was also used for the Kurtz building. Mr. Schlampp who was the first principal of Goodrell also became the first principal of Kurtz. Louis C. Kurtz was a pioneer Des Moines businessman who served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Board of Education for many years. In this tradition, Kurtz Junior High School will strive to maintain high standards of educational and social development for the students who will be the citizens of tomorrow. Continual increase in numbers of students team teaching and large classes in English and social science. Kurtz operates with no bells, no student council and no hall monitors; all students have their own places to sit in the lunchroom. Contract Let September 1957. Date site was acquired 1951 to 1955 Date construction started October 1, 1957. 30 classrooms Grades 7 through 9 1000 students
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:40:07 +0000
<![CDATA[076_Kurtz and McCombs Junior High Schools]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51827

Title

076_Kurtz and McCombs Junior High Schools

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

076_KurtzandMcCombsJuniorHighSchools.jpg

Transcription

Kurtz Jr. High (Photograph) FACILITIES Staff Offices, Cafeteria and Kitchen Auditorium Seating 750 Double Gymnasium with Folding Bleachers Seating 700 Library Kurtz junior high in the mid-1970s finds itself with a sharply reduced student population. This is due in large measure to the opening of McCombs school to the south of them. The programs at Kurtz include the Title III Career Interest Student Survey as well as the Title II Rent-a-Kid program. They offer a student potential enhancement program at the 7th grade level. Their career education program is especially broad since it includes the following; Communication and Media, Environment, Public Service, Marketing and Distribution and World of Work Economic Education. Beginning in 1974 the school has a spring greenhouse project. This has been a dynamic arrangement whereby most of the* students at Kurtz are involved in this ecological movement to grow and sell plants. It has proved to be a unique learning experience that is being copied in other junior high schools across the city. The 7 period day allows all 7th and 8th grade students to have Physical Education every day and both boys and girls in the 9th grade to have Health class alternating with Physical Education. The nurse and a male Health teacher work as a team to plan and teach this practical course unique in Des Moines Schools. All 7th, 8th and 9th grade students receive First Aid training. All teachers and 9th grade students completed the Red Cross First Aid Course. The Developmental reading program provides daily reading instruction for 7th and 8th grade students. Independent reading, an elective for 9th grade, is taught by the librarian. . 8th Grade students operate the K Math Company. All aspects of an employee's life where money is concerned are covered including social security, taxes, wages, etc. Industrial Arts and Homemaking are coeducational as well as many Physical Education activities. Art in 7th grade, and music in 8th are offered every student daily. One of the most successful activities in the student activity fair which is held in the fall semester. Every department in the school presents a demonstration and/or sells a product made by students in that department. The project was planned as an approach to open house which had suffered declining attendance. It was very well supported by the community as a family open house involving students, parents, teachers, and others in the community. Principals of Kurtz have been: 1959 - 1965 Merle F. Schlampp 1965 - 1971 Donald Emanuel 1971 - Velma Cross McCombs Junior High School 201 S. W. County Line Road Grades 7-8-9 Dates of Construction: 1973 Principal 1973 - Wendell Miskimins McCombs is a modified open-space school. Some areas are semi-open and others are quite self-contained. The students have the experience of working in both kinds of situations as they go through school. The space is used to benefit the students according to the need of the individual child and according to the most satisfactory means of his learning the various areas of the curriculum. The goal is to help each student. Effort is made to find out at what level of learning each student is and to help him to go from that level. To accomplish this special skill groups have been established in language arts and social science. This is to teach the students what they do not already know or to teach them something new to them. In math the students are placed at the level where they are and where each one can succeed and move onward. The reading program is highly individualized. The groups are carefully selected. Some students do not take reading because they do not need it. There is a Skill Lab manned by volunteer parents or community residents. This has been successful.
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:40:58 +0000
<![CDATA[077_McCombs Junior High School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51828

Title

077_McCombs Junior High School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

077_McCombsJuniorHighSchool.jpg

Transcription

McCOMBS (Photograph) The curriculum is extensive in the fine and applied arts areas. Offerings include band, orchestra, chorus and music. The art courses are on a three-year cycle so that a student wanting three years of art may experience different kinds each year. In the shop area there is the world of construction, world of manufacturing, world of communication including experience with printing presses. McCombs is the first and only junior high school in Des Moines to offer an Agri-Business course. (Seventy percent of all business in Iowa is related to agriculture.) A student may choose to take three years of home economics including vocational home economics. The curriculum is career education oriented. McCombs school has been designated for one year as a career education junior high. This is the only junior high in Des Moines with a Career Education Advisory Committee. Members include faculty and parents from McCombs and its feeder elementary schools. The science program, Intermediate Science Education Studies (ISES) is based on the scientific methods of experimentation. In addition the students have courses in environment and Unified Science and Math for Elementary Schools. (USMES). The physical education program for both boys and girls include cross country, soccer, basketball, volley ball, softball, golf, tennis and recreational games. Interest activities serve as the core-curriculum and they are adjusted to the needs and interest of the students. Students with special interest in athletics may use the gym every morning from 7:15 to 8:15. After school there is an intramural program involving home rooms or by signing up for a team. McCombs students also have a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities to choose from including Drama, Photography, Future Homemakers, Future Farmers, and Art Club. These offer many worthwhile and interesting activities and experiences. Service Club, Y-Teens and Pep Club offer opportunities for service to McCombs as well as social activities. 75 Students talented and interested in music are encouraged to try out for Swing Choir and Stage Band or join the chorus. In addition the newspaper staff provides an outlet for creative ability and Student Council an opportunity for participation in the democratic process as well as developing leadership potential. McCombs is a community school where many activities take place during the week after school. In addition to those named above they have recreation for the students and night school for students and adults of the community. There is an on-going Parent Action Group. It has long been a custom in Des Moines to give to a school the name of a person who has made a significant contribution to the fields of education, government, and social organizations. Many of these persons have been nationally known figures as well as community leaders. Newell Devin McCombs is eminently qualified in all categories for this honor. He was a nationally known educator who held positions in Iowa public school systems for thirty- five years, the last nineteen years being with the Des Moines Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent from 1937 to 1941 and Superintendent from 1941 to 1956. Mr. McCombs was born December 13, 1895, in DeSoto, Iowa. He died May 27, 1966 at age seventy, in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he and his wife lived in retirement for ten years. He was graduated from DeSoto High School in 1914 and entered Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa in 1915 where he worked to earn money for his schooling waiting tables and serving as a student instructor in chemistry. He concentrated academically on the areas of physics, chemistry, and economics. He played the cornet and was a member of a quartet that traveled extensively in the midwest during vacations. His education was interrupted after two years when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War I, serving primarily as a special lecturer and instructor of wireless telegraphy (radio) at Harvard University. He returned to Simpson College after discharge from the service in 1919 where he completed two years of schooling in one year, graduating at the top of his class with a B. A. degree in 1920. He spent one year training at an automobile dealership before accepting his first position in education as a high school science instructor in Cherokee, Iowa in 1921. Four years later (1925) he became principal of the high school and one year later (1926) he was appointed as Superintendent of Cherokee Public Schools. He attended summer sessions at the University of California and the University of Iowa, receiving his M.A. degree from the University of Iowa in 1927. He continued graduate work during summers at Northwestern University, Chicago University, and New York University. He served in the capacity of Superintendent of Schools at Cherokee, Iowa until 1936. He then became Superintendent of Schools at Muscatine, Iowa for one year before accepting the position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Des Moines, where he completed his career as an educator. In 1943 he received, from Simpson College, the honorary degree of Doctor of Education, and in 1944 he received, from Drake University, an honorary Doctor of Laws . degree. "Mr. Mac" was a man of high ideals and great intellectual ability, a man of many accomplishments, a man of friendly dignity, and a man of quiet courage and strength, the "likes" of whom will not be seen for a long time, if ever.
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Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:42:09 +0000
<![CDATA[078_Meredith Junior High School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51829

Title

078_Meredith Junior High School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

078_MeredithJuniorHighSchool.jpg

Transcription

76 MEREDITH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL West 48th and Madison Grades 7, 8, 9 Meredith Junior High School was opened September 2, 1962. This building honors the memory of Edwin T. Meredith who served Iowa and the nation in the following capacities: Secretary of Agriculture of the United States Trustee of Drake University and Simpson College Publisher of Better Homes and Gardens, Successful Farming and others. Director of United States Chamber of Commerce Director of Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President of Associated Advertising Clubs of the World Member of the British War Commission The Meredith family donated the 50 acre site upon which Meredith Junior High School and Herbert Hoover High School are located. Meredith was originally planned and built under the "little school" plan, which involved three schools within a school, each with its wing principal. During the three year period the student was at Meredith he or she was assigned to the same homeroom and the same wing. This basic concept was followed until approximately 1970, when the adminstrative structure was changed to provide for a principal, one vice principal, and a centralized counseling arrangement. The original plan for Meredith involved the future addition of a senior high to the north of the junior high building. This was accomplished in the fall of 1967 when Herbert Hoover High School accepted its first students. These buildings share some common facilities, including the Meredith kitchen which prepares food to serve both schools, the Hoover auditorium is available for use by the junior high, and other sharing of facilities and staff. This joint sharing was further facilitated when the current principal of Meredith was appointed to administer both buildings in January of 1974. This has resulted in the plant and transportation force being combined under one head custodian for both buildings. An addition to the original structure opened in 1972. This addition included three general classrooms, a music room, and the remodeling of existing rooms to provide additional art and homemaking spaces. This addition allowed the removal of three portable classrooms that had been in use for several years. While the capacity of the original building was 750 students, enrollment had climbed to a high of 1,011 students in September of 1968. The use of the portable classrooms plus classroom space at Hoover was required to accommodate the overflow of students. A boundary change in 1968 transferred several students to Franklin and enrollment has gradually moved to approximately 850 students per year the past few years. Meredith Jr. High (Photograph) The school is continuing to maintain its student population, largely because of the open enrollment and the voluntary transfer program. Approximately 10 per cent of the current enrollment is made up of students who live outside the designated attendance area. The school operates on a basically traditional structure with various patterns of instruction, including team teaching and individualized approaches. Recent years have seen the addition of specialized personnel, including a police liaison officer, a social worker assigned to all schools in the area, a specific learning disabilities resource person, specialized reading instructor, and a special education resource person. Thus, while the thrust is still toward providing a basic background in the academic areas, increased provision is made to help all students according to their needs and abilities. Meredith received national publicity in an article, A Junior High Lhtle School, written by Dr. Robert Denny and Dr. Victor Mastin for the June, 1963, of the American School Board Journal. This article was reprinted in the October, 1963, issue of Midland Schools. Detailed information about Meredith: Original Building Size 81,350 square feet Contract let March 18, 1961 Site acquired (gift) 1957 Construction started — May 1, 1961 Cost General contractor Mechanical contractor Electrical contractor Total Architect's fee $68,690 Equipment $188,000 (Cost per square foot $16.90) Principals: 1962 - 1970 Victor Mastin 1970 - Gerald Dockum
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<![CDATA[079_Merrill Junior High School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51830

Title

079_Merrill Junior High School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

079_MerrillJuniorHighSchool.jpg

Transcription

MERRILL JR. HIGH SCHOOL 52nd and Grand Grades 7, 8, 9 Merrill Jr. High School was opened for students in September, 1961. This building honored the memory of a man who had devoted the major portion of his life to the education of boys and girls in Des Moines, Mr. Albert W. Merrill. Mr. Merrill's long tenure is given below: Principal, Forest Home High School 1892 - 93 Teacher, West High School 1901 * 11 Principal, North High School 1918 - 23 Assistant Superintendent 1923-34 Acting Superintendent 1934 - 37 Superintendent of Schools 1937-41 With the opening of Merrill, the junior high at Roosevelt ceased to exist and it became a senior high unit. Merrill too, provided some relief for Hanawalt Elementary School. It is interesting to read in the Grieder Building Study of 1939, that the site at 52nd and Grand should house all of the elementary pupils at Hanawalt "plus a small junior high,11 The reverse has happened with a small elementary enrollment attending with a much larger junior high group. Jordan Elementary School stood on the Merrill site in the early part of the century. Specific information about Merrill is given in an abbreviated fashion below: Contract let — September 15, 1959 Site acquired — 1944 to 1959 — 9.5 acres Date construction started — September 19, 1959 24 classrooms Grades 7 through 9 Plus 4 elementary classrooms 750 students Merrill Jr. High (Photograph) 77 Facilities Staff offices, cafeteria, master kitchen Lecture room seating 250 Double gymnasium with folding bleachers seating 500; Library Future Expansion Two story classroom addition Contents 89,500 square feet 900,000 cubic feet Cost General contractor $1,081,147 Mechanical contractor 268,500 Electrical contractor 98,493 Total $1,448,140 Architects fee $ 42,407 Cost per square foot — $16.18, exclusive of Architect's fee Builders — William Knudson & Sons, A. J. Allen Plumbing & Heating Co., Weston Electric. Grades fifth and sixth remained at Merrill until the Fall of 1973 when the construction of a new addition to Hanawalt Elementary School allowed for the departure of the elementary grades. During this time the peak enrollment was 867 in 1968. Beginning in 1968 Merrill was designated as a receiving school for the Voluntary Transfer Program initiated by the school district to provide for better city wide integration of minority students. The first year eighteen students were bused to Merrill. The program expanded over the years so that 72 students were scheduled to attend Merrill in the Fall of 1975. Merrill has maintained a rather traditional curriculum through the years in terms of courses offered and skills taught. Most students tend to take a full schedule with many students taking a foreign language and many others involved in excellent vocal and instrumental music programs (Band and Orchestra). In 1972 Merrill became the first secondary school to provide a program for students with learning disabilities. For the next two years, until other schools developed programs, students were enrolled from all areas of Des Moines. Recently the school has been actively involved in other district programs such as Career Education, Business-Education Alliance, and remedial reading. Mr. Edward Bigot opened Merrill in 1961 and continued in the post of principal until his retirement in 1974. Principals of Merrill have been: 1961-1974 Edward Bigot 1974--John I Barrett
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<![CDATA[080_Nathan Weeks Junior High School]]> https://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/51831

Title

080_Nathan Weeks Junior High School

Description

This is a page from the collection "Bicentennial Reflections: History of Des Moines Public Schools, 1876-1976" by Dr. Robert R. Denny, published by the Des Moines Public Schools in Des Moines, Iowa in 1976.

File Name

080_NathanWeeksJuniorHighSchool.jpg

Transcription

Weeks Jr. High (Photograph) NATHAN WEEKS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL S.E. 9th and Park Avenue Grades 7, 8, 9 On April 16, 1952, the school board asked for bids on construction of Nathan Weeks Junior High School. The bids were opened May 20 at a public hearing and A. H. Neumann and Brothers firm received the contract. This culminated years of planning a junior high school to serve the southeast area of Des Moines. Construction started May 26, 1952. During the summer of 1953 a prolonged strike of local building unions (May 1 to July 8) caused a halt on construction. Twelve classrooms were completed by September 8, 1953. The rest of the building was ready for use December 8, 1953. The lunchroom was not completed until February 8, 1954. Construction is now going forward for an addition of ten classrooms and a library to be added at the west end of the building. This addition should be ready in the spring of 1966. The move to name the school in memory of Nathan H. Weeks, for thirty-nine years a teacher and administrator in the Des Moines Public Schools and the first principal of Lincoln High School, was started by the Howe School Parent-Teacher Association. Mr. Weeks had been a long time resident of the district and active in all movements for the good of the area. Other organizations and residents of the south side where Weeks was a leader in community activities then backed the idea. Included were the Build Lincoln Higher Club, the Lincoln High School P.T.A., and more than seventy-five individuals who signed a petition asking that the name be given to the new school. Weeks, a graduate of Amherst College, who also attended Hartford Theological Seminary, entered the Des Moines School System as a history teacher at West High School in 1903. He later was appointed vice-principal of that building. In the fall of 1923 he was assigned to the new Lincoln High School as its first principal. He continued in this position until 1935 when he asked to return to the teaching of social science at Lincoln. He taught until his retirement in 1942. While at Lincoln he established a scholarship loan fund available to deserving Lincoln High graduates. The School Board voted to name the new junior high school for Nathan Weeks, July 18, 1951. Remarks About Educational Program, Accomplishments, etc. After the School Board approved preliminary plans for a junior high school to be located at S.E. 8th and Park Avenue, the architects, Wetherell and Harrison were authorized to proceed with the preparation of working plans and specifications. The building was to be located on 16.08 acres of land purchased from Edward Van Ginkel and Frank Gillaspy. It was to be of brick one and two story 356 by 252 feet. Glass bricks were used in parts of the building. No plaster was used. Waylite concrete blocks were the principal material. The only wood floors were in the gymnasiums and the shops. Asphalt tiles were used on all other floors. Although construction had begun May 26, 1952, a strike of building unions in 1953 held up completion of the building. Because of this strike school opened September 8, 1953, with only twelve westwing classrooms of the total nineteen finished. Therefore, double sessions consisting of six thirty-five minute periods were conducted morning and afternoon. There were 462 students enrolled in the sixth through eighth grades. The sixth graders were students from over-crowded elementary schools. Later there were just seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students. An old-fashioned hand bell was used to signal the end of classes because there were no clocks. The bell system was not yet working. The nurse's quarters were used as temporary offices. Small cardboard boxes that had contained blocks of floor tile were used as teachers' mail boxes. A school banner in memory of her husband was given to the school by Mrs. Alice Weeks. The banner was formally presented to the school at an assembly by Aaron Hutchens, Principal of Lincoln High School. It was designed by Carl Linder, art teacher at Weeks. It carries a torch and a portion of a favorite motto of Mr. Weeks: "Striving for Better Things and Finer, Fuller Lives." A framed portrait of Nathan Weeks was presented to the school by the Build Lincoln Higher Club. The presentation was made by Mrs. Fred Brown. Vice-principal Ralph Tomlinson accepted it.
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