Forest Brook High School

Forest Brook High School

The former campus of North Forest High School, formerly Forest Brook High School and now Forest Brook Middle School
Location
7525 Tidwell Road
Houston, TX 77016
United States
Information
Type Comprehensive Public High School
School district North Forest Independent School District
CEEB Code 443377
Grades 9–12

Forest Brook High School was a high school located at 7525 Tidwell Road in Houston, Texas, United States. Serving grades 9 through 12, Forest Brook was a part of the North Forest Independent School District.

The school campus which formerly housed Forest Brook High School has a brook channeled through the campus.[1]

The campus is now used as Forest Brook Middle School.

History

The district was established sometime around 1923.[3] The district was originally named Northeast Houston Independent School District.[4] The district originated as a single school in Harris County.[5] It was also named the East and Mount Houston Independent School District.[6] The district originally had a low income rural White population. Schools were segregated until the late 1960s.[7] By the 1970s the State of Texas required its schools to racially integrate. As a result of integration, Forest Brook High School was built to accommodate all the African American who will be attending school in the District.

Forest Brook was built in 1972[2] and opened on August 2, 1972.[1] Forest Brook opened its doors as a part of the North Forest Independent School District. The Superintendent's L.B. Lohn message to the new school, " It is felt that as students of Forest Brook High School, you have had a unique opportunity because of your being part of the first student body to attend this new school. Our school system believes that the future of our country depends upon the education of our children. We believe that we should tech those values which foster honesty, initiative, industry, reverence, and respect for the rights of others, respect for law and authority, self-reliance, and good sportsmanship. I hope that each of you will, in the years ahead, look back to the 1972-73 school year with pride and a feeling of accomplishment."[3] Forest Brook Senior High School Mascot was a Jaguar, with Colors as Blue and Gold.

The First Principal of Forest Brook High School Mr. Alfred Hinton, Message, "As principal of Forest Brook Senior High School, it is an honor and a challenge to me in meeting the educational demands of the youth of our community...I am convinced that forest Brook Senior High School has the best Qualified staff potentials in student body, physical facility, and the hope to become the most outstanding school of the century. This is made known by the academic achievement of our students in their efforts to adequately equip themselves to be actually involved in making worthy contributions to our society." [4]

In addition to Mr. Alfred Hinton being the First executive Principle, there were four Assistant Principals. Mr. Frank Cooper, Mr. Edward Davis, Mr. Dennis Flim, and Mr. Samuel Julian. There were three Counselors, Mr. John Hall, Mrs. Margie Deming, and Mrs. Jessyetene Reaux. moreover, Their staff included Mrs. Jewel Gosey (Registrar), Mrs. Earma Pope (Attendance Clerk), Mrs. Paulette Thomas (Clerk) Mrs. Channie Adams (Aide), Mrs. Gloria Scott (Aide), Mr. Dexter Lewis (Resource Officer), Mrs. Eleanor Guice (Secretary to the Principal), Mrs Helen Watkins (School Nurse). Forest Brook Senior High School graduated its first class on May 18, 1973, of 204 students, valedictorian: Debra Franklin, and salutatorian: Edward Williams. [5] Many students remember that first year because it snowed that winter, and it was the year that the lights went out. Forest Brook Senior High School went on to educate and graduate a number of students who became prominent citizens within the city of Houston and surrounding areas. Forest Brook Senior High School's last class graduated in 2008.

Moreover, the first class of Forest Brook Senior High School 1972-73 Football Team started with high aspiration under the leadership of Head Football Coach David Brown, but failed short of their goals. In fact, they lost every game that year (1972). on Sept 8, they played Lufkin 42-6, Sept 15, Galveston Ball 49-0, sept. 22 Open week, Sept 29, Beaumont Hebert 14-8, Oct 6 Baytown Sterling 28-12, Oct 13 Northshore 21-20, Oct 20 Aldine High 15-7, Baytown Lee 42-0, Nov 3 Galena Park 30-0, Nov 10 (Homecoming) MacArthur 56-0, Nov 17 Smiley 41-6. However Future years from 1973-2008 produce winning teams, and some amazing athletes. The Forest Brook Senior High School Basketball Team of 1972-73 won12 of its 22 with Tri-Captains Joe Ard, Ronald Brazier and Kenneth Williams; The Baseball team under head coach Harry Neal won 3 of its 19 games. Ms. B. Key lead the Volleyball team. Ronald Roberts, Oliver Dardon, Eddie Bell, and Anthony Bush ran Track.[6]

In addition to sports, Forest Brook quickly adapted other organizations such as Foreign Language Club, Band, Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America, Distributive Education, Choir, Drama Club, Jaguar Staff, the National Honor Society, Future Homemakers of America, Future Teachers of America, Jaguanetts, Science Club, Fireman's Club and the Cage. Installation of the first members of the Forest Brook Chapter of the National Honor Society took place in the auditorium January 16, 1973 at 9:30 a.m. The National Honor Society officers for the 1973 School year are: President, Leo Countee; Vice-{resident, Kyria Johnson; Secretary, Felicia Jones; Assistant Secretary, Gladys Pikes; Treasure, Shelia Mayes; Parliamentarian, Joe Ard; and Reporter, Sharon Bryant. The guest speaker for the installation was Rev. Robert M. Hobley, pastor of the Gospel Hill Baptist Church, located in the 7900 block of Hirsh road. Rev Hobley is married and the father of four children. The basis of his speech was directed toward a youth's will to confront a challenge to the best of his or her ability. The program began with a ceremonial procession of members. The officers went to the candle light table. The new members followed and were seated on the first row.[7]

Music has always been an instrumental part of the Forest Brook Senior High School. From the very beginning of the 1972-73 class Forest Brook Senior High School established a premier band. The Forest Brook High School Stage produced an album entitled "The Forest Brook High School Stage Band Plays Jazz with Passion and Style 1977-1979" Stage Band Director Ronald B. Thornton. Produced by Jean Kettler, Technical Supervision by Gerald Bennett. under Hallmark Records, a Division of American Record Corporation 6600 Harwin Suite 111 Houston Texas 77036. The Album Showcased the 1977 Stage Band Members, and the 1978-1979 Stage Band. The Album featured selections (Side one) "Wind Machine"... S. Nestico featuring Land Richards, drums; Barry Jackson, bass; and Frank Crawford, tenor sax. "Inseparable" by S. Jackson featuring Daphne Coleman, vocal. "Round Midnight" by Slater featuring Calvin Hutson, trumpet; Frank Crawford, tenor sax; Land Richards, drums. "Let's Fall in Love"...S. Jackson featuring Clinton Lee, vocal. "Passion is"...H. Harris featuring Nancy Saenz, flute; Frank Crawford, tenor sax; Stephen Baxter, trombone; Giovanni Godley, drums. (Side Two) " Sugar Free"...S. Jackson featuring Nancy Saenz, flute; Barry Jackson, guitar; Stephen Baxter, trombone; Frank Crawford, tenor; Giovanni Godley, drums. "I'm Coming Home again"...W. Brooks featuring Carletta Joseph, vocal. "Willow Weep for me"...R. Hampton -1977-78 band- featuring Wendell Brooks, tenor sax. " Nice 'N Juicy....J. Steinburg -1977-78- band. featuring Wendell Brooks, tenor; James Phillips, trombone; Land Richards, drums. All Songs were recorded and or re-mastered by Hallmark Records. Special thanks were given to Algernon Jones, J.B Richards, Buddy Smith, Edgar Thomas jr., Keena Hughes. At the Time of production Mr. Toley Hart, was Superintendent of Schools. Mrs Mary Jane Reese, Director of High Schools, Mr. Dennis Flim was Executive Principal and Mr. Edgar Thomas, Band Director. [8]

In June 2001 Tropical Storm Allison damaged Forest Brook High School and NFISD officials temporarily closed the school. District officials wanted to put the children on the campus of M. B. Smiley High School. NFISD residents protested the plan. Some argued that because Forest Brook and Smiley were rivals, putting the students on the same campus would lead to incidents. On July 19, 2001 district officials announced that they would move Forest Brook students to B. C. Elmore Middle School until Forest Brook was repaired.[9]

During the 2001-2002 school year, Forest Brook had 1,206 students. It had a capacity of 2,750 students. This gave the school a 44% classroom usage rate.[10]

On July 20, 2007, some teenagers vandalized the school with a water hose.[11][12] The water was left on for several hours, causing part of the floor to collapse. The library and a number of rooms and hallways were damaged.[11]

After the vandalism of Forest Brook High School, North Forest ISD decided to merge Forest Brook's population into M. B. Smiley High School until Forest Brook is repaired. Some parents and observers criticized the decision, fearing territorial rivalries would cause tension between Forest Brook and Smiley students. School officials state that the repair would take at least four months.[13][14] Two former students from Forest Brook were later arrested. One, 18-year-old Demont Demouchet, was a pitcher and outfielder for the school baseball team. The man, who was set to attend Texas College, was charged with criminal mischief in excess of $250,000 United States dollars, a first-degree felony, and was placed on a $999,999 bail. State District Judge Denise Collins reduced the bail to $50,000.[15] The other vandal was Demouchet's 16-year-old brother.[16] Forest Brook re-opened in the spring.

Forest Brook Middle School

The Dallas Morning News wrote a July 21, 2007 article explaining cheating at Forest Brook. The Texas Education Agency declared the school to have had no cheating based on scores from 2006 and earlier. When TEA monitors were placed at Forest Brook, test scores decreased.[17]

In 2007 Johns Hopkins University referred to Forest Brook as a "dropout factory" where at least 40 percent of the entering freshman class does not make it to their senior year.[18]

In March 2008 North Forest ISD announced that it will consolidate its two high schools.[19][20] The new school, located in the Forest Brook location, was named North Forest High School.[21] In September of that year Hurricane Ike hit Houston and Forest Brook received damage. Therefore, the school was relocated to the former Smiley campus.[22]

The former FBHS campus is now used as Forest Brook Middle School.[23][24]

Campus

The Campus is located at 7525 Tidwell Rd. This Campus with thick brush and a brook was named Forest Brook Senior High School. The campus has several buildings located on the grounds. The academic building had 3 floors, it was divided by the brook from the Cafeteria, Edgar W. Thomas Activity center.

The former campus includes the Mark Anthony Wilkins Pavilion ( which includes basketball gymnasium, weight rooms, locker rooms, and additional rooms located on the 2nd floor.) it had a beautiful pond located in front of the building.

The former campus includes the Edgar W. Thomas, Jr. Activity Center. (which includes auditorium, band rooms, choir rooms) The campus also included Baseball fields, an athletic running track, and a football field, tennis courts, student and faculty parking lots. The student parking lot doubled as the band practice field in the evenings after classes.

Notable alumni

References

  1. 1 2 "Home page." Forest Brook High School. November 25, 2005. Retrieved on November 14, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Window on State Government--NFISD Texas School Performance Review, Chapter 5". Texas Education Agency. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  3. ↑ 1973 Forest Brook Senior High School Year Book
  4. ↑ 1973 Forest Brook Senior High School Year Book
  5. ↑ 1973 Forest Brook Senior High School Year Book
  6. ↑ 1973 Forest Brook Senior High School Year Book
  7. ↑ 1973 Forest Brook Senior High School Year Book
  8. ↑ Forest Brook High School Stage Band 1977-1979 Album Cover {copyright 1979} Hall Mark Records; 6600 Harwin Suite 111 Houston Texas 77036
  9. ↑ Stanton, Robert. "WEATHERING THE STORM / North Forest ISD perseveres through difficult year." Houston Chronicle. Thursday December 27, 2001. ThisWeek 1. Retrieved on July 15, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Chapter 5 FACILITIES USE AND MANAGEMENT NORTH FOREST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT." Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Retrieved on November 21, 2011.
  11. 1 2 "Police search for school vandals." KTRK-TV. Friday July 20, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  12. ↑ Tolson, Mike. "Damage forces students to share campus / Act of vandals is latest headache for North Forest School District." Houston Chronicle. Saturday July 21, 2007. B2. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  13. ↑ Arenas, Vicente. "Star athlete accused of Forest Brook High vandalism." KHOU-TV. Wednesday August 8, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  14. ↑ Nguyen, Chau. "Temporary school merger just doesn't add up for some in North Forest ISD." KHOU-TV. Saturday July 28, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  15. ↑ Turner, Allen and Dale Lezon. "Accused vandal's mom asks community to forgive teen." Houston Chronicle. Thursday August 9, 2007. B3. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  16. ↑ Arenas, Vicente. "Ex-Forest Brook pitcher, brother accused of vandalism." KHOU-TV. Wednesday August 8, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  17. ↑ Benton, Joshua. "Monitors came, TAKS scores plummeted." The Dallas Morning News. Saturday July 21, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  18. ↑ Scharrer, Gary. "Report points to 'dropout factories'." Houston Chronicle. October 31, 2007. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  19. ↑ Mellon, Ericka. "North Forest votes to merge schools." Houston Chronicle. Sunday March 16, 2008. B1 MetFront. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  20. ↑ KHOU.com staff. "North Forest ISD to merge Smiley, Forest Brook High; Tidwell, Hillard Elementary." KHOU-TV. Sunday March 16, 2008. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  21. ↑ Mellon, Ericka. "North Forest picks name for merged school / Forest Brook, Smiley students now North Forest High Bulldogs." Houston Chronicle. Tuesday May 20, 2008. B2. Retrieved on August 16, 2009.
  22. ↑ Home page. North Forest High School. Retrieved on November 22, 2008.
  23. ↑ "Directory of Schools." North Forest Independent School District. Retrieved on July 15, 2011. "Forest Brook High School 7525 Tidwell Road Houston, Texas 77016"
  24. ↑ "Home." Forest Brook Middle School. Retrieved on July 15, 2011. "Forest Brook Middle School | 7525 Tidwell Rd. | Houston, TX 77028"
  25. ↑ "I'm Hypnotized by My Ex's Booty. Help!" (Archive). Houston Press. Thursday August 21, 2014. Retrieved on September 16, 2014.

External links

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