Carverdale

Carverdale School had its beginning in 1925 when Louis Depsloff, a German dairy farmer, offered his one-room wood frame farmhouse to the residents of Independence Garden, currently known as Carverdale. The Tanner Road farmhouse served as both a church and the first school for students who lived in the community of Independence Garden in Fairbanks, Texas. In 1926, the farmhouse was moved to Dancy Road. The school, then called Fairbanks Colored School, opened its doors to 19 students in grades one through six. Lacy Houston, the school’s first teacher, taught for one year during the the 1926-1927 school terms. Melissa Depot taught the following year,1927-1928. Then during the 1928-1929 school term, Clara Scott began teaching in the one-room farm house. Since the farmhouse was also used as the community church, Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, each Monday Scott’s students stacked church benches to the back and replaced them with desks. At the end of the day on Friday, the desks were stacked away until the next school week.

Educational pioneer Clara J. Scott would ring the clanging bell that sent out a welcome to students who had just finished their one- to four-mile trek to school in 1928. 

In 1937, the Wright Land Company donated property on Clara Road (named in honor of Clara Scott). By 1938, the old Bane Elementary School building was moved to the Clara Road site, and this became the first permanent school building for Fairbanks Colored School. It was not until 1938 that Scott had her first official graduating class of four students – Savannah Jones, Bertha Mae Strait, R. A. Strait and Hazel Scott. At that time students who finished grade seven would attend school at Harper Middle School and then Booker T. Washington High School in Houston Independent School District. Scott would continue as the single teacher of Carverdale Colored School until 1951. She and her husband John dedicated the property for the new wing and new parking lot area for Carverdale School.

PRINCIPALS ASSIGNED AT CARVERDALE 

In 1951, the school received its first principal, E. S. Waddy. By this time, the old Bane building was moved to the site on Clara Road. The name of the school was then changed to Fairbanks Elementary School. Waddy had three teachers on staff: Clara Scott, Madgelene Snell and Arlene Archer.

In 1955, J. D. Richards became principal, and he had a staff of 11 teachers. The campus now featured a library, band hall and choir room as well as multiple classrooms. By the following year, the school was officially dedicated as a fully fledged campus consisting of grades 1-12. The school was also renamed Carverdale in honor of the surrounding community.

Four years later in 1959, W. M. Batts became Carverdale School’s third principal. Batts was a progressive principal and assessed the community for future growth, shared the information with the school district administration, and later the School Board decided to purchase land to expand Carverdale School into a 25-acre campus.

Carverdale's first principal was E.S. Waddy. He was then followed by principals J.D. Richards, W.M. Batts (pictured above) and Bob Davis.

When the school’s new wing was completed, it boasted a modern home economics department, an auto mechanics shop, a state-of-the-art science lab and multiple classrooms. Later a new gymnasium was added. Batts started Operation Head Start at Carverdale, utilized the Teacher Corps Program from Prairie View A& M College, and was one of three Cy-Fair ISD schools to pilot the open concept model that was also at Bane and Lamkin elementary schools. Dr. Eaton and two professors from the University of Texas directed the project that would allow for large-group instruction led by one teacher while the other teachers assisted students. When appropriate, students could also be divided into smaller groups to receive more individualized instruction. More than 200 educators from all over Texas visited Carverdale to observe the open-concept method.

In 1966, Carverdale School had a total of 214 high school students, 200 junior high school students and 350 elementary students. Carverdale School was the life’s blood of the community. Carverdale teachers and staff invested in the personal education of each student. All teachers had bachelor's degrees and many had or were pursuing master’s degrees. No one ever questioned the work ethic of Carverdale teachers because they worked hours well beyond what was expected. Teachers arrived early in the morning and worked later than established working hours, planning ways to enhance and extend their students' learning. Carverdale teachers were firm, focused and instructed with love. They understood the value of teacher training and continuous improvement, and as a result, participated in professional development. They also utilized the latest innovative teaching methods. Not only did the teachers evaluate student progress, they also re-evaluated their own methods, resources and evaluated whether to change or adapt lessons and re-teach. Carverdale teachers never sat behind their desks. This was mainly because they were aware of economic needs of students in the community. Many teachers kept extra supplies on hand for those students who could not afford them. They interacted constantly with each student, individually as well as in group settings. Establishing a close relationship with each student and maintaining high expectations were paramount to improving student achievement.

Since Prairie View A&M College was only 30 miles from the Carverdale community, teachers constantly encouraged students to think early about going to college. For students who were interested in a more urban college environment, teachers reminded them about Texas Southern University and other historically black colleges and universities in and beyond the state of Texas.  Not only were teachers hammering home the value of education, but office workers, like Bertha Lee, bus drivers like Doc Murrell, custodians like Isaac Alfred and cafeteria workers like R. A. Strait and Earnestine Lewis were all on board to keep Carverdale students walking in the right direction.

Academic achievement was the primary focus and priority for Carverdale elementary and secondary students. The students understood their teachers expected them to become successful, independent, and self-confident learners. In addition to students being immersed in their six or seven classes of English/language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and after-school tutoring (as needed) students were also encouraged to participate in a wide-range of extra-curricular activities.

In addition to their regular course of study, Carverdale students were immersed in extra-curricular activities that helped to extend their academic knowledge. These after school activities allowed students to meet and make connections with students who have similar interests. Students also learned the value of teamwork, individual and group responsibility as they socialized with their peers. Organizations like Student Council, National Honor Society, Cobra Year Book Staff, Spanish Club, and Future Teachers of America reinforced many concepts learned through the regular curriculum.

Teaching students leadership skills, etiquette and social graces were also important. Several clubs and organizations focused on respect for self and others, table manners, good sportsmanship, values and ethics as well as building positive relationships. The Mademoiselles helped young girls to master these skills whereas the young men were involved in The Esquire Club. Other organizations that helped model appropriate social skills were participation in coronation balls, Future Homemakers of America, and Cadets, Explorer Scouts, and Class Favorites.

Carverdale had many clubs and organizations that supported the athletic and general school program. The Choirs (general and a cappella), the Cobra Band, Drum Major and Majorettes, Cheerleaders, and Drill Team all contributed to school pride and spirit.

Homecoming queens and attendants and prom queens were also a major part of school life.

Every teacher was committed to sponsoring some after-school activity which kept students heavily involved in wholesome activities that kept them safe and engaged. Assembly programs showcased students’ talents and Spelling Bees tested their knowledge of vocabulary. Occasionally, special guests like Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman George H. W. Bush and Dr. Thomas Freeman (debate coach from Texas Southern University) spoke at assembly programs. 

 

The Carverdale Athletic Department was a major part of the extra-curricular program. Boys and girls could choose from among football, basketball, baseball, and tack.

Longtime Carverdale residents R.L. and Cora Johnson, who have worked tirelessly over the years to improve their community, took time to enjoy the historic celebration. The Johnsons first moved to the Carverdale community in 1959 and have been advocates for the area ever since. R.L. served as president of the Carverdale Civic Club beginning in 1973 and Cora representing her community in the early 1990s as a member of a citywide citizens participation group created by then-Mayor Kathy Whitmire.

June 27, 2016—It was an evening filled with joy, laughter and reminiscence as members of the Carverdale community reunited for the first time after 44 years for A Night to Remember at Sterling Banquet Hall on June 17.

“This memorable event will forever remain in the hearts and minds of all who attended. It was such an awesome experience to watch the excitement and fellowship as former students embraced and shared fond memories,” said Lester Whiteing Jr., community involvement coordinator for the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development department and a Jersey Village High School graduate who was raised in the Carverdale community.

Carverdale alumni from all graduating classes reunite on June 17 after more than 40 years during the historic Carverdale Reunion at Sterling Banquet Hall.

The All Classes School Reunion was hosted by the Class of 1968 alumni and spearheaded by a nine-member committee including the event’s program manager Robert Bradshaw who opened the evening with a welcome and introduction to the evening’s activities.  

 “Our reunion team is composed of committed members from our Class of ’68 who have remained in contact since our high school years. The success of [this event] can be attributed to teamwork and the ability to recognize and appreciate each member's skill sets.”

Members of the Carverdale Reunion committee from the Class of 1968 are (L-R): Robert Bradshaw, Bessie Steward, Deborah Jenkins, Sherron Roberts, Relinda Grant, Eleanor Goines, Winston Stein and Jesse Mitchell III.

Members of the committee who met and held conference calls frequently throughout the past year in preparation for the historic event include: Bessie Steward; Deborah Jenkins; Eleanor Goines; Jesse Mitchell III; Relinda Grant; Sam Robert Johnson Jr.; Sherron Roberts; and Winston Stein.

“Our committee came to an early realization from past events we have sponsored to understand that there is indeed no "I" in team and that working together allows us to succeed; and we believe we can accomplish whatever it is we desire, by working together.”

Gospel recording artist and Texas Gospel Music Awards’ Female Vocalist of the Year Angela Alfred Richards engages the audience with a gospel original during the Carverdale Reunion on June 17. Richards is a CFISD retiree who gave 22 years of service working with special needs students.

This is exactly how Carverdale’s All Classes School Reunion “Celebrating 44 Years of Academic Excellence” came to fruition. With the hard work and careful planning by the committee, attendees experienced a memorable evening featuring: entertainment from gospel recording artist and CFISD retiree Angela Alfred Richards; a savory chicken and steak dinner; Carverdale trivia; numerous door prizes; and an open dance floor to close out the night. However, even more purposeful in the committee’s planning was the tribute to Carverdale history made by former staff members and alumni as well as special recognitions and presentations.

On behalf of the Mayor’s Office, Whiteing presented a Proclamation declaring June 17, 2016 as Carverdale Senior High School 44^th Anniversary Reunion Day. Additionally, a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on June 15 in honor of the Carverdale Reunion—the flag was presented to coach Tom Johnson as a tribute for his outstanding contributions in athletics and academics at Carverdale.

Class of 1970 graduates Anthony Murrell and Anthony Howard fold the flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on June 15 in honor of the Carverdale Reunion. The flag was presented to Coach Tom Johnson for his outstanding contribution in athletics and academics at Carverdale.

Whiteing also presented Certificates of Congressional Recognition from U.S. House Representatives Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee to the reunion committee, Carverdale alumni, and Greater Macedonia Baptist Church for hosting a continued Carverdale celebration on June 19.

In addition to the recognitions, the display of joy and laughter as well as the stories that were shared by Carverdale alumni attested to the unity of one community that overcame obstacles and leaving a legacy of love and strength. In closing to represent this legacy, alumni sang the school's Alma Mater, "Firm may she ever stand; through storm and rain ..." and "May our love cling with thee ..."

According to Whiteing, the entire event was monumental.

“I tip my hat off to the Class of 1968 for spearheading this unforgettable evening of precious memories,” Whiteing said.

See Carverdale Reunion photo album.