| San Jacinto Elementary
"The Early Years" San Jacinto Elementary stands as the
forefather of education for Deer Park. Originally located on 204
Ivy Street - now called the Leon Wolters Administration Building
- the school opened its doors in 1930 under the name San Jacinto
Elementary. History
Prior to 1930, each of three schools - Deepwater School, Deer Park
School, and Lynchburg School - offered its own one or two room school
house for elementary education. However, in January of 1930, these
three schools consolidated into Harris County Rural High School
District Number 2 which later became known as the Deer Park Independent
School District in 1940. Construction of a new site for a central
elementary school began and in the fall of 1930, San Jacinto Elementary
was in operation. Dr. B.C. Watts served as the first superintendent
and approximately 60 students attended that opening year. Wooden floors, traditional blackboards,
and ornate architecture characterized the eight room school. The
year 1939 saw an added gymnasium and two additional wings. The following
year, the district became an independent school district and graduated
its first class of eight students. Why Call the School San Jacinto?
The consolidation of the three schools included everyone and the
loyalty to each school traced back for several years. Therefore,
the name selected held no previous association with any one of the
three schools. Hence, the name San Jacinto titled the new facility. Features of the Original School
San Jacinto School had one classroom for each grade level and at
first served up to the sixth grade. The only fireplace in the building
stood in the first grade room. Aside from the required subjects
taught, cooking and sewing were incorporated as part of the curriculum.
Because these children grew up rurally, the need for these extras
was met under the direction of Dr. Watts. The cost for school supplies
ran around 31 cents in the year 1931. Pencils were a penny. For
five cents each, students bought a Big Chief Tablet, scissors, paste
and a ruler. Rounding out the supply list were eight Crayolas which
cost 10 cents. San Jacinto School Relocated
The community wholeheartedly supported the idea for a new location
and so San Jacinto continued. In 1957, the present day San Jacinto
Elementary School opened for operation on Eighth Street. Formerly,
a farmer had owned the land. Stability spread its wings by keeping
the staff and students during the transfer process. Perhaps that
customary stability accounts for the success in all of Deer Park
schools today. San Jacinto Elementary now had its own central library
for the use of all students. Before, each teacher provided books
for his or her own class. Typical School Day for Children
Children started off the day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
United States' flag. Following the pledge came prayer such as the
"Lord's Prayer". Then, children began their education. Children
did not switch classes but kept the same teacher throughout the
day - including PE. Among the more popular activities in PE included
"Drop the Handkerchief", jump rope and jacks. An important aspect
for children included music. "I played my ukulele for my children
in the morning and before they went home, "recalls Mrs. Joyce Gibson,
retired San Jacinto school teacher of 25 years. "Children always
left school happy with a song in their heart." What Happened to the "Old" San Jacinto?
After the new San Jacinto began operation, the historical elementary
school eventually stood vacant. By 1957, the building was totally
abandoned - empty. Many thought that the old school had been forgotten.
Luckily, in 1979, trustees for the schools of Deer Park had a different
idea in mind. Mr. Charles Dorris, chairman of the Historical Museum
Committee, initiated the formation and planning of the Historical
School Museum. The committee planned to restore the facility to
annex the administration building. In addition to the annex, plans
to form a DPISD Historical School Museum were included. "It (the
first grade room with the fireplace) was selected as the room where
the proposed school district museum was to be located, "Mr. Dorris
said. On March 29, 1981, the Historical Museum Committee hosted
an Open House for the new administration building annex featuring
the Historical School Museum. Sixty-one years later, Deer Park still
treasures the traditions and years of hard work and dedication of
the first school house in Deer Park, Texas. Neat Notes
- In 1936, the first PTA began in the "old" building up until
1942. After World War II, the PTA resumed.
- The original stove used for cooking lessons in the '30's can
be viewed in the Historical School Museum. T
- Teachers used to fill out booklets called Teacher's Daily Registers
which included parent/children names, addresses, roll checks and
attendance. Accurate registers were extremely important since
they helped determine the school budget. Today, computers relieve
the pressure of keeping up with student records.
- Mrs. Floy Goodwine Enochs one of the first teachers of San Jacinto
Elementary, went on to serve as principal at both school locations.
- During the late '50's, Mrs. Gibson and her husband took her
class on Fridays to ride horses on the land now known as P Street.
Afterwards, they all returned to the Gibson home for hot dogs,
and lemonade. Parents picked their children up that evening.
- During the late'50's, Mrs. Gibson held slumber parties at her
house for the girls in her class.
- Mrs. Lura Taylor, third grade teacher, has taught 40 of her
42 years at San Jacinto Elementary. She began teaching in 1953
at the Leon Wolters Administration Building. The appreciation
for her dedication and service continues to be enjoyed by many.
- A new library erected during the summer of 1991 was prepared
for use at the beginning of the 1991- 1992 school year.
- Former principals at the Eighth Street San Jacinto Elementary
include Mrs. Floy Enochs, Mr. Arthur Nauman, Mr. JP Dabbs, and
Mr. Louis Guisti. Our current principal in Mrs. Helen Boudreaux.
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