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HISTORY: The Vandenberg building, originally called the Weaver School, was built in 1952 as the first structure used specifically for the education of the children of Ellsworth Air Force Base. General Hoyt S. Vandenberg (1899-1954) was instrumental in the foundation of the Strategic Air Command under Chief of Staff Dwight D. Eisenhower. When the Air Force became independent in 1947, Vandenberg was its first Vice Chief, and upon the retirement of General Carl M. Spaatz in 1948, he became Air Force Chief of Staff. In 1948, the Berlin Blockade began and Vandenberg's Air Force bore the brunt of that crisis by mounting the successful Berlin Airlift. By his retirement in 1953, he had transformed the Air Force from a shoestring Air Force into the modern power it is today. It was fitting to name the building in General Vandenberg's honor. Built on government land and maintained by the Air Force, the original Vandenberg building consisted of eighteen classrooms. The Rapid City Independent District contracted and operated the Vandenberg School. Because the base population grew so rapidly, in 1955 an eight classroom addition was added to the original structure. By June 15, 1955, using temporary
buildings
on Base and the Vandenberg Building, the present Douglas School System
was in operation. On July 21, 1972, construction of a gymnasium and a
library
was begun as part of an agreement to deed the property over to the
Douglas
School System. On October 16, 1974, the Douglas School System accepted
the land and building with the title being cleared in 1995. Since the
summer
of 1991, the Vandenberg Building has housed fourth and fifth grade
students.
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| Since 1991, many updates have
been made at the Vandenberg Building to meet the ever changing needs of
students and staff. Improved roofing, windows, doors, carpet and
security
systems are just some of the upgrades. Some recent improvements at VES:
*New and improved parking area for staff and visitors. *New and improved
bus loop for student drop off and pick up. *New Boiler for improved heating
efficiency. *Refinished stage and new flooring in
cafeteria. *Fenced in playground area with gates
for improved security Vandenberg's classrooms are wired for high speed internet and networking. Each classroom has access to six ethernet ports that connect to the Douglas Server for networked printing, e-mail, and World Wide Web access Vandenberg may be the oldest school
building
in the district but the improvements made to our school, along with our
quality teachers and staff provide a safe environment and an excellent
educational experience for all students. |
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DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY: We,
the
staff, students, and parents of the Douglas School District, will
provide
a safe and
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Prepare all students to meet the challenges of a changing world. |
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That all
students can learn and have the right to learn. that involved and
informed
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