Both schools were in final construction stages when we moved one block east of them in June 1957. Both opened for the start of the school year in September 1957. I did not attend DuPuis due to my dad keeping me in the Catholic parochial schools until I finished 7th grade and transferred to Palm Springs Junior High in September 1960. It was really nice having both schools so close to our homes because of the vast open spaces of grass to play on, basketball courts and high bars. A good chunk of the former green space has been converted to parking lots, trailer parking and more buildings.

I hate to say it but DuPuis Elementary is now far more attractive than Palm Springs Middle and it didn't used to be that way. This is due to the attractive landscaping and trees to provide shade at the elementary. The middle school looks like it belongs downtown or in an industrial area with the huge addition constructed on the previous beautiful grass lawn with trees and shrubbery along W. 56th Street and the overall lack of landscaping. I imagine the neighbors across the street were more than disappointed to see their adjacent green space wiped out by a huge ugly building right in front of their homes.