School History
Poe opened at its present location in 1923. It was one of the eight original junior schools, all of which were named after prominent American writers.
Edgar Allan Poe (born Edgar Poe; January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism in the United States and American literature as a whole, and he was one of the country's earliest practitioners of the short story. Poe is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.
Early History
In September 1923, the junior schools of San Antonio were organized to accommodate the pupils of grades six, seven and eight in order to relieve crowded conditions in both the elementary and high schools of the city. It was deemed desirable to set up in these schools a program of education especially designed to fit the peculiar needs of adolescent boys and girls.
According to Dr. Margaret Cantu, Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, E.A. Poe was the first Junior High School west of the Mississippi River.
The first issue of the school paper, The Raven, was published on December 20, 1923.
On Friday, February 29, 1924, The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was organized.
Counselor added to Staff
Full-time services of a counselor were provided, and guidance and testing were stressed in planning each pupil’s progress. A small office was later provided for the school counselor.
The Honorable Hippo Garcia
The Honorable Hipolito F. “Hippo” Garcia III, Federal Court Judge of the United States District, Western District of Texas. He attended Poe Junior High from the Fall of 1937 until Spring 1940 at ages 11-14. His recorded grades at Poe were not very distinguished, but he did not miss a single day of school all three years. For more information about the life of Judge Hippo Garcia, read “ One-of-a-Kind Judge, The Honorable Hippo Garcia," by Joan Cook Carabin, available in the Reference section of the Poe library.
President John F. Kennedy
On November 21, 1963, the students of Poe Junior High were taken from their normal classroom routine and lined up along the east side of the school building on New Braunfels. There they welcomed, waved and viewed President John F. Kennedy and his beautiful wife, Jackie as they drove north on New Braunfels towards the airport. From the airport President and Mrs. Kennedy boarded an airplane taking them to Dallas. The students at E.A. Poe Jr. High were among the last people to view our beloved President before his assassination the next day in Dallas. His last official act was to mark the opening a new Medical Facility at Brooks Air Force Base.
Former Student Sam Hurd
As San Antonians we are avid Dallas cowboys fans. One former Poe student, Sam Hurd, Professional Football Player for the Dallas Cowboys, attended Poe Middle School in 1998.
New Building
May 17, 1998 marked the day a new building was completed and classes began. The old Edgar Allan Poe Junior High School building was demolished and is now a parking lot.
Arnold Schwarzeneger
In 1999 another event happened at E.A. Poe Middle School, Arnold Schwarzeneger (and later Governor of California) visited E.A. Poe Middle School rallying students to commit to physical fitness. He was well received and everyone enjoyed his presence and motivating speech in 2009-10.
Do You Know?
Do you know a tidbit of information we can add to our history? If you do, please contact our Librarian, Mrs. Jeannette Trevino, with your suggestions.