Old Orchard Junior High School

Old Orchard Junior High was constructed in 1959 and 1960 after Sharp Corner School became too small for the growing district population. In the fall of 1960 the school opened and 6th graders attended the junior high for the first time. In 1969 and 1970 the west side of the building was added to provide space for even more students. At its peak, there were 1400 students in the building.

In 1965 the school was hit by a tornado and part of the gym roof was torn off. The flag pole was bent over, but no one was hurt. Several faculty vehicles, however, were severely damaged. In 1970, Vice President Hubert Humphrey visited our school to present us with a library award.

Now with student population stable at 600-700 students, part of the school has been turned over to the Early Childhood Center. That area was formerly typing rooms, faculty lounge and home arts rooms. For a time the space was used by the district office.

In the past several years major renovation has taken place to bring the school up to modern standards. However, the majority of the structure has held up well thanks to the outstanding planning of long time Buildings and Grounds Superintendent, Charlie Kalmes.

The latest construction converted an old stage space into an orchestra room. Music rooms, the art room and other spaces have been renovated. The gym locker rooms have been separated and now girls and guys will have separate locker facilities on each level.