Black Tornado Club

Building Updates:

We are pleased to inform you that a new parking lot is under construction adjacent to Tornado Alley. This gravel parking lot will be used to compensate for the loss of student parking due to safety restrictions and construction staging areas.  We anticipate it will be available for student use this week.  Additionally, the district maintenance team has commenced renovations on our outdoor storage facilities at Bowerman Field. These improvements will include new locker room changing areas for track athletes and additional storage for track equipment. These enhancements to our Bowerman Field track area will provide a designated gathering area for PE classes during emergencies or brief periods of inclement weather.  After completion, there will also be space allocated for some weightlifting equipment. We expect the renovations to be completed before spring break.

Demolition Begins:

After reviewing three bids for the gymnasium demolition, Three Kings Construction has been selected for the project. They have already begun moving equipment into position, and their engineers are currently assessing the best approach to manage this task. There are three primary considerations during the demolition process:

1. They are evaluating the viability of the unaffected areas of the gym post roof collapse. Should it be necessary, a full replacement of the gym structure will be considered. If certain sections, such as the locker rooms or lobby, are deemed salvageable, we may retain portions of the existing structure.
2. The demolition team is committed to preserving the gym's historical elements, including championship boards, conference boards, individual accolades, electronic signage, and other noteworthy items.  And, we are also going to “repurpose” some of the large beams and gym flooring in our new facility to bring a bit of the past into the future.
3. Safety is a paramount concern for their employees, our campus community, and the integrity of access routes to parking facilities.

PE Classes Moving Outdoors:

In light of the gym's temporary closure, PE classes will be relocated to our ample outdoor spaces. We remain committed to delivering a vigorous and engaging PE curriculum. We understand the shift may present challenges, but rest assured, your children will continue to receive a well-rounded and enriching PE experience.

Continued PE Curriculum and Grading:

Please note that our PE program will continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the year. We are dedicated to providing education that focuses on fitness, skills development, and teamwork. Our educators are working diligently to adapt lesson plans and maintain a secure and enjoyable learning environment. Grades will be based on daily attendance and active participation.  Students will not be required to “dress out” for PE, but they are expected to bring appropriate footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Spring Sports Update:

Despite the disruptions, baseball, softball, and both girls' and boys' golf teams commenced practice seamlessly on Monday, March 3rd. The boys' volleyball team started practice at Hedrick, though, unfortunately, their equipment remains inaccessible due to the roof collapse. We have procured all necessary items to ensure minimal disruption to our spring sports schedule.

Future Plans:

We have received a commitment from our insurance company that we will have a total replacement at current costs. This means we will not face any “downsizing” of the gymnasium. Preliminary discussions are also underway with the district and the Black Tornado Club for a new indoor training facility. This would serve as a temporary accommodation for weightlifting and PE, eventually offering a long-term solution which would benefit all of our current and future students.  It is important to note that this project will be separate from the gymnasium redevelopment and construction would depend greatly on fundraising efforts by the Black Tornado Club. Further updates will be provided as plans evolve.

While this is a bittersweet moment in the history of the Black Tornado, it also presents an exciting opportunity for growth and progress. We deeply appreciate your ongoing flexibility and cooperation as we navigate these changes. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone, text, or arrange an in-person meeting. Stay tuned—big things are happening at NMHS!

Go Black Tornado!