By Marianne Lincoln

Today, November 8, 2023, was the Open House for the new Gates High School. The building is familiar, it was formerly Collins School. The Collins Elementary students are now in a new building to the west on 128th Street. This past year, the Franklin Pierce School District has been remodeling the building for the older students.

Many community members came out to see the change. Particularly interesting was 99 year old Joe McGuire who attended the school in the 19030’s. He arrived with his three children who also attended Collins, and a scrapbook of PTA memories from the 1960’s.

Collins first iteration was a small wooden building constructed in 1908. The brick structure was built in the early 1930’s by the WPA (Works Progress Administration). Several other area schools were also built by the WPA in the 30’s. Superintendent Lance Goodpastor, Facilities Director Robin Heinrichs and Principal Val Jones were all in attendance at ceremonies in the school gymnasium for the Gates Gators.

Here are a few photos of the day.