One of the deadliest and most destructive tornadoes in the history of the United States ripped through the southeast Missouri town of Joplin on May 22, 2011. As it traveled along a 13-mile path it claimed 161 lives and caused more than $151 million in damages. Ten schools were damaged or destroyed and Joplin High School was a total loss. Just 48 hours after the storm, Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff promised the 2011-12 school year would start on time on August 17. To complete this feat, the district relied on local and national experts to design and construct an interim high school within 55 business days. The school, located inside a 96,000 square foot vacant big box retail space, has transformed the educational model for Joplin Schools. After an onsite tour, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan proclaimed the school a model for the nation. Funded by a $1 million donation from the United Arab Emirates, Joplin Schools implemented a 1 to 1 laptop program in the interim high school. The 1 to 1 initiative, along with the innovative interim high school design, has moved Joplin Schools to 21st Century learning environments for its students.