The History of Tamanend Middle School

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    Dedicated in 1959 by the Central Bucks Joint School Building Authority, Tamanend Junior High School opened its doors in 1961 with space to accommodate 825 students. With 31 classrooms, a guidance suite, and a “cafetorium”that seated 325 students, Tamanend was the third secondary school in the district and its name was adopted from the chieftain of the Lenape Indian tribe.

    Over ten principals have led Tamanend through several renovations and transitions. In the mid 1980s, Tamanend was converted to an elementary school. As enrollment in the school district declined, Tamanend was closed briefly. When it reopened for the 1991-1992 school year, the school changed again to Tamanend Middle School and has followed a middle school structure and philosophy ever since. Tamanend was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1994-1995 and again in 1995-1996. Tamanend earned national recognition in 2002 as a National Service-Learning Leader School by the Corporation for National Community Service.
     
    There are many interesting facts about Tamanend’s early days. For example, the school day began at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 3:35 p.m. There were seven class periods, a five-minute period for morning exercises and lunch which cost $.35. Students were not permitted to wear blue jeans and t-shirts and unusual haircuts were prohibited. Some of the original courses taught at Tamanend Junior High School included: American History, Government, World Geography, English, Reading, Algebra I, Geometry, Spanish, French, German,Physical Education, Homemaking, Industrial Arts, and Music. Much like today, Student Council and National Junior Honor Society were very influential on the school community. Male students could play football, basketball, track and baseball while female students could play field hockey.
     
    Today, Tamanend Middle School is home to approximately 900 students. Tamanend has an auditorium that seats 1000 occupants and a cafeteria that can serve 400 students. The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. There are seven class periods, including a resource period, and a lunch. Opportunities for student involvement in the school are many and include clubs and extra/co-curricular activities such as Chieftain Chorus, Gold'n'Blues, National Junior Honor Society, Jazz Band, Swing Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Barbershop Quartets, String Quartet, Reading Olympics, Community Service Club, String Ensemble, Student Council, Tamanend Players, T.V. Media Broadcasting, and Link to Unity. Athletic opportunities are field hockey, football, cheerleading, soccer, tennis, basketball, wrestling, baseball,softball, lacrosse, track, and volleyball.
     
    Students continue to excel in all academic realms at Tamanend through a rich curriculum in a variety of disciplines. Course offerings at Tamanend Middle School are English, Social Studies, Science, Spanish, French, Algebra, Geometry, Health and Physical Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Technology Education, Art, and Music.
     

    Tamanend completed a third renovation in 2010 which added 4 new classrooms, a computer lab, upgraded special education classrooms, art and music rooms, and expanded the cafeteria, administration and guidance suites. Tamanend celebrated its 50 years and welcomed its alumni, students, staff, and community during an Open House Celebration on March 19, 2011.