Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jackson Forderer
Wells, Minn.

Out with the old school, in with the new in Wells

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Starting school at a brand new school
Fathers Rob Passer, left, and John Meyer, right, say goodbye to their kindergarteners Ethan Passer, 6, and Madison Meyer, 5.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News

Classes started Wednesday for students at United South Central Schools in the southern Minnesota town of Wells. The new academic year means the celebration of a new $28.8 million school as well as an opportunity to honor memories at the old building, which stands nearly empty across town.

Freelance photojournalist Jackson Forderer documented the first-day-of-school activities (new building) and vacant scenes (old building) on Sept. 4, 2014.

Gallery
20 of 20
The cafeteria in the old school
The cafeteria at the old United South Central building is nearly empty.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News
1 of 20
Starting school at a brand new school
Fathers Rob Passer, left, and John Meyer, right, say goodbye to their kindergarteners Ethan Passer, 6, and Madison Meyer, 5.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News
2 of 20
Curtains in an old kindergarten classroom
A section of curtains hang in a kindergarten classroom in the old building. The elementary rooms in the new school are much bigger, according to teacher Cheryl Koestler.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News