Wichita Falls High School - Coyote Yearbook (Wichita Falls, TX)

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One fact will stand Mr. McNew during the salaries. In addition to he came to visit any of ilii:'1it':,f . . , . A., out clearly in the minds of all teachers who served with years 1906 to 1909-he it was who raised the teachers' this, he was delightful to work for, and interesting when the rooms, because an adept in the art of story-telling. Mr. Toland may be known as the EH5ciency Expert. He was a splendid organizer. The present Junior High building was erected in 1910. The first Domestic Economy teacher, Miss Alver, and the first Supervisor of Music and Drawing, Miss Gordon, were employed by Mr. Toland. Miss Jessie Agnew, who interested many with her operettas and music, followed Miss Gordon. At the time of the erection of the new High School, the Alamo School was begun, The old Central School was moved to the present Washington School site, and used for the colored children, In 1915, Mr. Clarke became Superintendent. Among the many things that were added to the schools during his superintendency were three supervisors. Music and drawing were separated: an art and a writing supervisor were employed? these have helped to unify and improve the work throughout the grades. Requirements for teachers were raised: salaries were increased: several new brick buildings were erected: cafeterias were inaugurated: and playgrounds more carefully supervised. Night schools were organized and proved fairly successful, but were later dis- continued. Mrs. M. M. Adickes, the first woman member of the School Board, was elected in 1920. A short time after, Mrs. Buchanan was elected. Since that time, there have been two ladies on the Board, who have proven very valuable-in fact, every member of the School Board seems intensely interested in the educational progress of this city. Dr. J. W. Cantwell, our present efficient Superintendent, entered upon his term of office in 1923, During his able administration, with the co-operation of the School Board, the Junior College building was completed: several new ward schools have been erected: and a modern high school is in the course of cone struction. The Mexican School is proving a success. Additions have been made to the negro school, to take care of the rapidly-increasing enrollment, and to pro- vide facilities for vocational training. With the splendid co-operation of the Board, the Superintendent, and the teachers, .and the organization of a City Teachers' Association. the educational progress in Wichita l'alls will continue to climb to heights as yet undreamed of. has been replaced by one purchased by Musicians' Club x Page

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A Mr. Gladden, a fine man and an excellent disciplinarian, began his three years work in 1889. He helped the inexperienced teachers very much by demonstrating methods and devices through actually teaching classes. During his superintendency, the first organization of the lndependent School District of Wichita Falls was formed. The first bonds were issued August 4. 1890. for 322,500 for the erection of a high school on Bluff Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth. This building has been remodeled and repaired several times, but it is still in use as an annex to the Junior High School. 1t was from this building that the first class was graduated in 1892. Of the five members two, Mrs. Hartman and Mrs. Farris, are still residents of Wichita Falls. It is to Mr. VJ. F. Jourdan of Wichita Falls that the city is indebted for much progress in its school system. During his ten years' service, he met with many difficulties. School was delayed in 1896 until it rained, the cisterns being quite empty and the water system inadequate after a two years' drouth. Lack of teachers was the next trouble. Two were elected the day school opened, in order that the other six teachers be relieved. Dr. G. T. Winston, President of the University of Texaxs, came in 1898, at the request of Mr. Jourdan, to inspect the schools. This was of great importance, for two reasons: first, because it was the first visit of any State oflicial to inspect the Wichita Falls Schools: and second, because the ten aliiliation credits were given. Eight other units were added during Mr, Jourdan's ten years as Superintendent. In other ways, this ten years was one of rapid progress educationally. In 1896 there were 319 studentsg by 1906 there were 975. There were six teachers in 1896: there were twenty-one in 1906. The old Central School, located on Tenth Street, was converted into a XVard School, with Miss Kate Haynes as Prin- cipal and Primary Teacher. Through the untiring efforts of Miss Myrtle Coflield CMrs. Duncan Perkinsl and Miss Kate Haynes, the first piano in a Wichita Falls school was purchased during this period. Several years elapsed before the final payment was made. Many were the entertainments given in the building, faintly illuminated by flicker- ing coal oil lamps, to raise the necessary funds. During the summer months, the piano was rented to The Picture Show for five dollars a month. Today, in its old age, it is in daily use at the Alamo School. at which Miss Kate is the Primary Teacher. Page I4 Our Erst piano, purchased through the finterest of teachers

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PROGRESS OP OUR HIGH SCHOOL