Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Fundraising efforts underway for second gym at NR-S

"There's going to be a lot of memories made in that gym." This statement comes from David Bymoen, more frequently known as Tubby.

And Tubby would know. He has decades of experience in education and athletics. Even more, he has been spearheading the effort to construct a second building adjacent to the existing New Rockford-Sheyenne school gymnasium.

It's been seven years since Tubby retired from his teaching position at NR-S, but he pays visits to the school regularly. By day he's a substitute teacher. By night, this roaring Rocket fan comes to life cheering on the local teams.

The second gym, as it is envisioned, would have a footprint of 90-by-70 with a breezeway to the existing gymnasium. and would facilitate additional space to be used for athletic activities and events. The new space would facilitate a full-sized basketball court as well as two volleyball practice courts and have bleachers along the east side. The estimated cost is around $600,000.

As the plans become solidified, the time for fundraising becomes imminent. Tubby, who is a 1964 NR-S graduate, began by drafting a letter to his fellow alumni asking for their contribution. This letter will go out to 2,700 proud former Rockets, regardless if they call New Rockford or Sheyenne home, or if they live somewhere else.

The goal is to build this gym without imposing any additional taxes on area residents, meaning that the project will be funded primarily through donations. The New Rockford- Sheyenne Public School Non-Endowment Fund was established in 2020, and offers donors a way to make tax-deductible donations to benefit the New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School system.

The fund will assist the school in accomplishing its mission by helping pay for various projects and programs outside of its regular expenditures. The current focus of the non-endowment fund is the construction of a second gymnasium.

The fund is managed by the North Dakota Community Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under IRS code 501(c)(3) and North Dakota law. Gifts to the fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of state and federal law.

In Tubby's words, a second gym would open a multitude of possibilities for students. Not only would practice times and gym accessibility be more equitable, but there is also a great opportunity for NR-S to host some really great tournaments. Gym class could better accommodate student classes and students would benefit from the space when it gets too cold for outdoor recess. The outcomes of this second gym are truly endless. With a little community support, we can create a lasting space to be used for generations to come.

 
 
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