School History

WMS HISTORY

 

West Junior High finished construction on February 16, 1960. When the school opened that fall, there was more than just seventh, eighth, and ninth graders. West was also joined by the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from Sunset Hill Elementary. That arrangement would last for two years until Sunset Hill was expanded. 

In the school's first year, West Junior High featured a variety of courses and clubs that differed from today's West Middle School. It had the Future Farmers of America Club, an elective which covered topics related farming and agriculture. Only four languages were taught: Latin, French, Spanish, and German. The school also boasted a course for Driver's Education. 

Early on, West had a strict dress code. Girls were permitted to wear skirts and blouses or dresses. No jeans, shorts, or culottes were allowed. The hem of the dresses was expected to be beneath the knee. Boys, meanwhile, were required to wear clean jeans or slacks with a belt and their shirts tucked in. Lettering of any kind on their shirts was strictly prohibited. Of course, boys' hair was to be above the collar. 

The 1967-1968 school year found West bursting at the seams. The school had well over 800 students, with many forced to share lockers. There were even four portable restrooms parked around the school in order to help keep up with demand. 

The ninth grade class of 1968 made arrangements for a new cornerstone to be put in place which has stood in place ever since. Additionally, one of the many leaders in that class, Steve Maturo, designed the Warhawk tile which still remains in the WMS commons to this day.

During the 1972-1973 school year, the newest thing at West was "Stepping Stones". One day every week, all hours were shortened and they finished regular classes by 1:00 p.m. Then, for one hour, the students learned how to knit, square dance, pitch a tent, make candles, make candy, and build model planes. It was admittedly hectic, but the students found it fun. 

Mr. Dee Hargadine, West's first principal, retired at the end of the 1975-1976 school year. As he prepared to leave, the school district finally got around to enlarging the school's library, an upgrade that Hargadine had famously advocated for since the very beginning of his tenure. Known now as the Hargadine Media Center, it stands today as an ongoing monument to a Warhawk who took a chance on leading a then fledgling school, advocated for the improved education of students, and challenged everyone to be the best that they could.

In the fall of 1976, Mr. Hull became West's new principal. Hull had served as a counselor and vice-principal since West opened. Soon after becoming the school's principal, he was kindly given the nickname of "Papa Warhawk" by students. 

During the late 70's, West did away with common learnings at the seventh and eighth grade level. Boys and girls began to share gym, shop, and home economics. Sports became more widely available and important to West students. West even got the track paved and the field fenced in. Additionally, the school auditorium was built during the 1979-1980 school year.