CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CURTIS MIDDLE SCHOOL

WRITTEN BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

In 1994, Curtis Middle School opened its doors to 635 students, marking the beginning of a journey built on the values and dedication of its namesakes, Walter and Lois Curtis. Over the past 30 years, the school has grown and remained a pillar of the Allen ISD community, serving students and families with the same spirit that the Curtis family exemplified for decades.

The Curtis Legacy: A Family of Service

Before the school bearing their name was built, Walter and Lois Curtis had already spent a lifetime serving Allen. Once a small railroad water stop, Allen was a place they believed had potential, particularly in educating its children. For more than 70 years, they worked tirelessly to support the district’s growth.

Walter Curtis dedicated 26 years of service to Allen ISD and the city as a tax assessor and collector. He extended his contributions beyond his official role, helping with basketball games and transporting Allen’s first football scoreboard on a grain truck. His philosophy was simple: If something needed to be done, he believed the citizens should take care of it.

Lois Curtis served Allen ISD for 37 years, starting as one of Allen’s first PTA presidents before becoming the district’s food service director. She ensured students were well fed and well cared for, becoming a beloved figure in the district.

The Curtis family’s commitment to education spanned generations. Walter’s father served as a school board president, while his brother was a superintendent in Allen. When the district named the middle school after Walter and Lois, it was a fitting tribute to two individuals who had devoted their lives to Allen ISD.

A Flagship Campus

Curtis Middle School opened as a leader in educational technology. Through a partnership with MCI and Cisco, the school became a flagship campus for communication technology, preparing students for a digital future. Curtis set a standard for technology integration in the classroom, keeping students connected and informed.

In 1997, Curtis temporarily housed 9th-grade students while Allen High School and Lowery Freshman Center underwent construction. Enrollment during that time surged to over 1,400 students, and portable classrooms were added to accommodate the growth.

Despite these challenges, Curtis continued to thrive.

In 2009, major renovations added classrooms and an orchestra hall. Additional expansions in 2010 and 2012 brought more classrooms, a second gym, and updated facilities to serve the growing student body.

Leadership and Community

In 30 years, Curtis Middle School has had only five principals, each contributing to its legacy of academic excellence and service. Current principal Sonya Pitcock, who has been with Curtis in various roles since 1997, reflects on the school’s long-standing impact.

“Curtis is a wonderful campus with dedicated educators willing to do anything for our students.” said Pitcock, “I’m proud to get to be a part of such an amazing school community.”

After nearly three decades at Curtis, Pitcock has seen the school grow and serve generations of Allen families. “I am truly thankful for being part of this wonderful school since 1997 and supporting generations of families over all these years,” she said.

Looking ahead, Pitcock is excited for the future of Curtis Middle School: “Curtis holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and I look forward to seeing the next 30 years of support for our students and families.”

A School Built on Tradition

Today, Curtis Middle School serves 1,350 students in grades 7-8, continuing its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Curtis honors the legacy of Walter and Lois Curtis, whose dedication to Allen ISD laid the foundation for the school’s success.

From its humble beginnings with 635 students to the thriving campus it is today, Curtis Middle School upholds the values of service, dedication, and a focus on the future. Walter and Lois Curtis believed in the potential of Allen and its students, and that belief continues to inspire the Curtis Middle School community today.