HISTORY OF MONRONEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
On April 8, 1941 the Federal Government officially agreed to build Tinker Field on the eastern side of Oklahoma County. This new government facility meant new jobs and many more people in the area. In 1943 the Oklahoma School Board voted to create a new school district in order to accommodate W. "Bill" Atkinson's fast growing community in Midwest City, Oklahom
a. By August 1943 the Mid-Del School District, under the leadership of Superintendent Oscar V. As the Midwest City population grew, so did the need for new schools. In 1953 the Mid-Del School District broke ground for a new, separate, junior high school just off East Reno between Air Depot Boulevard and Midwest Boulevard. This school would be named Monroney Jr. High in honor of Almer Stillwell Mike Monroney, a representative and senator from Oklahoma. High's first year would house 7th and 8th grade students, but would add 9th grade students in 1956. The colors would be light blue and white. The first principal was Calvin T. Smith and the mascot was the Thunderbird. Beginning in August 2007, Monroney Jr. High will be known as Monroney Middle School due to the reorganization of the Mid-Del School District; 9th grade students will move to the high school and 6th grade students will move to the jr. high schools, making Monroney a middle school. Contrary to what most people believe the symbol for our mascot was not based on a jet from Tinker Air Force Base or anything else in the U.S. In 1956 the name "THUNDERBIRD" was chosen for the school mascot and that same year an art contest was held to decide upon the appearance. The winner was George Workman, who slightly modified the 1950s Ford Thunderbird emblem and came up with our current symbol. Not to worry, Ford granted permission for our school to use their emblem. Like many school buildings of its age, Monroney has undergone a few significant changes. Throughout the 50+ years, the student body has continually grown in size. In 1958 shop buildings were added to the east side of the building. In 1986 the band building was refurbished on the south side of the school, and around the year 2000 a new practice gym was added to the south side as well. Over the years the original building has been added on to a number of times. Currently, our school houses 42 classrooms, a large library, two gymnasiums, a large, separated music/band building, performing arts stage, and a beautiful interior courtyard. In 2007 the junior highs in the Mid-Del district changed to middle schools, serving 6th-8th grades, and Monroney Middle School became the new name for the school. Despite a new name, Monroney has always strived for the highest level of education and excellence. Through out history students have been encouraged to study hard and accept nothing but the best. This pursuit of excellence will continue for many years to come.
