Blair High School - Saga Yearbook (Pasadena, CA)

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THE PIIIDIDWIWWWITPPPQTI WII, A Talk With IVIr. Parcell This year the SAGA staff con- ducted an extensive interview with Principal Charles Parcell. We would like to share with you some of the excerpts from his interview. SAGA: What specific changes need to be made in order to make Blair a more educationally sound school? PARCELL: I feel we have to deal in the area of a new concept which I call new realism . I think we have to possibly step away from the traditional concepts which in- volve the basic SR type things and see what is really practical for today's students. Traditional education is good, but in today's society it's not always the answer. To meet the needs of the students who are not planning to attend college, we should teach the traditional things yet at the same time, pursue career types of education. SAGA: What is the most demanding task you face daily and perhaps over the year? PARCELL: I like to be involved in things and I think the most demanding task is to meet the needs of the students as well as parents and faculty. This is one of my reasons for wanting to become principal. I feel I'm geared in that direction. The job is very demand- ing but I would like to improve the morale of all people involved with Blair. This will take alot of time and thought. SAGA: What gives you the most personal pleasure in your work? PARCELL: I think planning something, working with the management and staff, putting together a program from a philosophy and seeing it carried out, is the most pleasing part of be- ing involved in school administra- tion. Naturally those things that I do myself and I think up myself give me the greatest personal satisfac- tion. ABOVE: At a breakfast given by Norm UPPER RIGHT: Enjoying a friendly conver- Morrow, Chuck parcel' chats with Sam sation, Darlene Briggs talks over school Anderson. matters with Chuck Parcell and Sam Ander- son. SAGA: Can you be specific about your goal of having a stronger P.E. program? PARCELL: First, I feel that we have a fine program now. By stronger, I mean I would like to see more kids involved in different areas of Physical Education. We need to put more emphasis on sports which can be shared with a person's family in later years. Things like golf and tennis. Even skiing is good. I think that in the past we have failed in this respect. When I was in high school, for four years I learned to knock someone down on a football field. When I married, I had to go back and pick up recreational sports which I can now share with my family. I would like to see more of this kind of program here at Blair. SAGA: I know from ex- perience that a number of students are in fact against you. Are you in- terested in improving your relation with them? PARCELL: Yes. When teachers have asked me to talk to their classes about problems here at Blair, I have been more than will- Ing to do so. I am always willing to

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l2P9R9?lW7C?ll29l9lL talk to students and help them in any way that I can. But I have had a stigma put on me as the dean, as the bad guy, as the person who won't listen. All that is part of being the dean. As the dean, I was fair but firm, and didn't compromise. As principal, I operate the same way but in other areas of concern. l'm sure I have other areas of concern. I'm sure I have an image from back when I first came to Blair that will take time to overcome. SAGA: We recognize that be- ing principal ofa high school is not an easy task. What makes it worth it? PARCELL: I think the joy of working in all areas of education is what makes it worth while. I have the opportunity of working not only with students but parents, teachers and the community. I have enjoyed the experience of observing different classrooms and different teaching techniques this year and I feel teachers have the ability to turn people on. To see this is really great. This year as principal has opened my eyes in many areas. By Janice Spindt Assuming the responsibility of directing a student body and their instructors in their varied fields and activities has presented a marvelous opportunity and challenge for me. Without you, it wouldn 't ha ve been possible. I wish you, my first graduating class, good health, much happiness and success. -Charles Parcel!