The first school in Almelo Township was a sod dugout located on NW 26-5-25 which was George Miller's land. This school was taught by Maggie Reichert. The first frame schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1886. This was located on SE 23-5-25 which was H. C. Vahling's land. The first term of school opened on November 15, 1886 and ended on March 3, 1887. A Mr. Paul Hickey was the teacher. There were 31 students enrolled. The second teacher on record was Maggie Noone taught from November 14, 1887 to February 1888. The teachers that followed were Maggie Reicher, Mrs. M. E. Underwood, Mrs. M. Still, Ella Lunney, Fanny Whitely, Charles Palmer, Olive Swain, Onnie Costello, Maggie (Noone) Seifke, Theodore Cooney, James Frazier, Emery D. Woody, Frank Gleason, H. C. Stewart, Ethel Palmer, Mary Arnoldy, and Marie Hickert.

On January 4, 1902 District 13 was closed and the building sold to Anton Wahlmeier for $200. He moved it to New Almelo and converted it into a home, general store and post office. School was held in the old stone church. In 1903 a new frame school building was built on SW 25-5-25 which was H. C. Vahling's land. A parachial [sic] was held in the old stone church and advanced students attended District 13 public school. This continued until 1907 when District 13 was again closed. From 1907 until 1917, Rev. J. B. Vornholt taught in the Parochial school. From 1917 to 1922 the teachers were: Miss Linhier, Elizabeth Dierke, Miss M. Sonderman and Antoinette Sankey.

In 1922, a home was built for the Sisters and one room added to the old stone church. In September two sisters of Saint Joseph were hired to teach. There were 43 students enrolled.

In 1942, District 13 school house was moved to the Church property. This gave more room and now school operated as a 3 classroom unit, with an enrollment of 63. By redistricting, more students were added due to the leadership of the new unified board composed of Mr. Robert Getty, Mr. Henry Hickert and Mr. Frank Otter. District 13 students attended the parochial school. A new bus owned and operated by Alva A. Carpenter transported the pupils to and from school.

In 1951 the Parishioners of Saint Joseph's Church built a new school building at a cost of $40,000. District 13 now operated a 3 classroom school. In this modern building a kitchen was built and the hot lunch program was added.

In 1957 an auditorium and a larger kitchen were added. Another classroom was added in 1964. In 1966, another change came. Lenora, Edmond and New Almelo unified. Each school operated independently with a principal at each school and a Superintendent over all in Lenora. Sister Eugene was hired as the New Almelo principal.

By May of 1973 the enrollment has fallen to 25 students.

By the end of May 1973, the enrollment was so low our Sisters moved on to larger schools. New Almelo operated in 1974 with 2 teachers and 25 pupils enrolled in 6 grades. Mr. Strevey and Mrs. Mason were our last teachers. It is with sad heart that we bring to a close the record of this school which has served our community so long and so well. Mr. Strevey will join the Lenora faculty next year and Mrs. Mason will be teaching next year at Marysville, Kansas.

Athletics at New Almelo became much more active with the building of the new gym in 1957. Father Hecker especially encouraged sports programs. Mr. Andy Stephens helped to coach the teams in the early years and this helped to develop an active sports program.

For ten years in succession, New Almelo won trophies in Athletic events. Our boys won 10 basketball trophies, the girls basketball 4 and baseball teams one 3. From 1962 till 1967 Clayton and New Almelo had many close and exciting contests, especially at the Clayton Tournaments. In 1968 Clayton and Jennings consolidated their schools. In recent years Leoville and New Almelo have played many close games and enjoyed a friendly sports rivalry. Sincere thanks to all those who contributed time and effort to working with these teams over the years.

Serving on the school board is both an honor and a responsibility. Many times it requires much sacrifice of time and work. Over the years this community has been ably served by many sincere and dedicated board members. Some of those who have served include:

In 1951 the hot lunch program was started. Over the years the cooks at New Almelo have done an outstanding job of providing meals to our students. Some of the cooks who served include: