School History

In the early 1950's, the Oak Forest area was expanding rapidly. Built as a relief school, Lulu M. Stevens opened its doors in March of 1954. About 600 students transferred from Oak Forest Elementary along with a number of the faculty. Dr. Joseph Diahron, principal of Oak Forest, acted as principal of Stevens, for the rest of that school year. Miss Margaret McConnell was appointed the new principal duties in September, 1954. She had previously been the principal of Cage Elementary and taught at River Oaks Elementary before that.

The original building had 14 classrooms. In 1959, the first additional permanent building, with 8 classrooms were added. In 1961, a second additional building was built with 10 classrooms and a library.

Ms. Lulu M. Stevens

Lulu M. Stevens was born on a farm near Mount Vernon, Iowa, on January 5, 1881. Miss Stevens earliest education was received in country schools.

After graduating from Grinnel College in Grinnel, Iowa, she moved to Chicago where she attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. After receiving her degree, she was appointed music critic at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Miss Stevens came to Houston in 1915 as Assistant Supervisor of Music in HISD. A year later, she became the director. Those who knew her describe her as having a gracious manner, and having a magic way with children. She held the position until the time of her retirement in 1942. Miss Stevens then moved to California where she passed away in North Hollywood on July 31, 1942 at age 61.