Ames High School: Open House(s), Memorabilia, Community Sale

The construction of the new Ames High School is nearing completion and the current high school is scheduled to be decommissioned this fall. The current high school has served Ames since 1960 and has a storied history and innumerable memories. As we approach the end of the school year and the final months of occupying our current high school, plans are continuing to evolve in a number of key areas.

Below you will find information that helps answer the current status of a number of frequently asked questions, including:

• When can I walk through the building one more time?
• What is happening to the memorabilia?
• Is there a way to purchase items currently in the building?
• Will there be an open house for the new building?

Farewell Walk-Through Open House

Ames High School will host an open house walk-through of the current high school on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Whether you are a retired teacher, an alumni of Ames High, or an interested community member who wants to walk the halls one last time, we would love to see you. This walk-through open house will allow guests to view Ames High at their own pace and is open to the public. 

• Date: Saturday, May 21, 2022
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Ames High School

Ames High Memorabilia

Led by former Ames High Athletic Director, Judge Johnston, a committee was formed and determined what memorabilia and trophies will be moved to the new Ames High School with consideration of ways to preserve the remaining items. 

The criteria set by the committee will result in moving the physical team trophies of state qualifiers and above to the new high school. Johnston, along with Ames High Activities Director Lyle Fedders, have met with a vendor that specializes in digital memorabilia displays. The remainder of the trophies, important plaques, images, and other memorabilia, including items in the gymnasium areas are being inventoried and documented for this prospective digitization process. 

A Community Display Day of these items will take place on May 21, 2022, and will coincide with the open house walk-through noted above (11 AM – 3 PM). An additional date of June 4, 2022, is also being scheduled (8 AM – 12 PM in the current wrestling room). These dates will be used for the community viewing of items and as an opportunity to give away selected items to alumni and community members. 

Community Sale / Public Auction

The district is also in the early stages of organizing a community sale/auction of items in the current high school that will take place in mid to late July. This auction provides a mechanism for property disposal in accordance with Iowa Code. The auction will take place online and could include items such as desks, chairs, science tables, lockers, light fixtures, among many other items. More information on this auction will be shared as specific details and dates are determined. 

New Ames High School Open House

We know that there is also excitement across our community to be able to view and tour the new Ames High School building. Based on construction progress, moving schedules this summer, delivery of furniture, and to ensure that we have a timely opening of the building for classes in August 2022, the Open House will be scheduled for later summer or after the school year has started.