[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF SAM HOUSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the 100th anniversary of Sam Houston Elementary School in the 
Oak Lawn neighborhood of northern Dallas.
  On December 6, 1909, the Oak Lawn School opened its doors to roughly 
200 students under the leadership of Principal Mary Spears. The school 
included eight classrooms, five of which were used for academic 
purposes, and was located near the corner of Throckmorton Street and 
Dickason Avenue. Within a year, a petition was filed with the Texas 
Board of Education to begin a kindergarten program in the unused rooms 
of the school, and in March 1910 the first free kindergarten under the 
control of the Dallas School Board opened with an attendance of 25 
students. Shortly thereafter, the Oak Lawn School changed its name to 
the Sam Houston School in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle 
of San Jacinto.
  Today, Sam Houston Elementary School stands as the oldest school in 
the Dallas Independent School District to continue to operate in its 
original building. For 100 years, the faculty and staff of this 
institution have educated young people in North Texas to become 
responsible and productive members of society. Through their hard work, 
Sam Houston Elementary has developed a legacy of excellence, and I am 
so proud to have this school within my District in Texas.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in 
celebrating the success of this institution's century of existence and 
to recognize the faculty and staff's hard work and continued 
determination to ensure a quality education for children in north 
Texas.

                          ____________________