Picture this. You stand before James S. Bell Junior Middle School. Its walls whisper stories of generations past. This isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to the vibrant history of Long Branch.
James S. Bell Junior Middle School opened in 1966. It replaced an older building. That building served the community for many years. It started as a small four-grade classroom. It was located in an old Baptist Church. Can you imagine children learning in such humble beginnings?
The original Long Branch Public School opened in 1915. It was a four-room school. It had two floors. The second floor was initially used as an auditorium. Students brought their lunches. A parent made hot chocolate daily in the boiler room. How charming and resourceful! The school grew over the years adding rooms. Eventually it became a public and continuation school.
The school was renamed James S. Bell School in 1953. This honored its principal Mr James S Bell. He served the school from 1926 to 1946. He dedicated twenty years of his life to shaping young minds. His dedication is still remembered fondly today. A memorial donation from his widow helped establish the school library.
The move to the current Thirty-First Street location was a significant milestone. It involved extensive planning. The architect Mr. A. G. Elton even invited staff input. The official opening in 1966 drew over 550 people. The event marked a new chapter in the school’s legacy.
Today James S. Bell Junior Middle School continues its mission. It fosters academic excellence. It also emphasizes physical activity and wellness. It’s a school that balances education and a healthy lifestyle. The school’s history echoes in its halls. It inspires the students who walk these same corridors. They carry the torch of learning and community spirit. This is a school that has stood the test of time. It continues to shape the future of Long Branch.