James Madison High School - Prospectus Yearbook (San Diego, CA)

Page 10 text:

With this constant swell of activity and change, everyone needs some extra time to get away from it all. Moving from a busy world to one of relaxation calls for some adjustments in itself. Trying to unwind and forget the day's pressure can transform free time into a battle with frus- tration. Although more students are on shortened school days, free time is still scarce. Student employment has grown, giving many a close look at what responsibilities, pressures and problems are included with the independence and security of a steady, full-time occupation. 6 Opening

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Time has changed our environment, our com- munity and our organizations. Our patterns of friendship and love have experienced this same pressure for change. More cliques exist to help fulfill each person's expression of individuality. The need to be different is still with us, but most use a more subtle method to achieve a sense of nonconformity. Our basic campus organization, the A.S.B., has helped modify the role of each group at our school. By helping to develop spirit and enthusi- asm for involvement, the A.S.B. has increased the number of students who have actively partici- pated in making things happen at Madison. This burst of school spirit is an example of the slow transition which is becoming evident after many years of growth. Two hundred years of liberty and the bicentennial celebration are bringing a sense of pride to our community as well. This glance to the past doesn't distract us from the rapid changes our society is experiencing. New standards of morality exist, and we find ourselves faced with increasingly difficult alternatives to right and wrong. The extreme situation of change in our economy, as well as the shift in opinions regarding the government, have brought the outside just a little closer to home. The gradual adjustment to life never seems to prepare us for the unexpected adaptations we will need tomorrow. Opening 5

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How can students find time to take it easy? Six minute passing periods rarely leave a moment for silence or drifting thoughts. Aware of this need, the administration has tried to create classes which encourage the creativity and self-expres- sion needed to ease the anxieties over math tests and late term papers. Painting, sewing, singing or acting can bring relief and fulfillment, as well as the achievement of credit and a letter grade. Even students who concentrate on academic subjects can find a small diversion by participating in active sports during P.E. A winter trip to Mammoth, a weekend at the desert or simply skate-boarding downtown are other popular ways of gaining relaxation, fun and entertainment. For others, a walk alone in Balboa Park or at the Shores is the only way to enjoy a free afternoon. As our need for spare time ac- tivities has increased, so has the spectrum of possibilities. Recently, many of these activities have become increasingly difficult to participate in. The inflationary costs of the adequate and necessary forms of transportation lessen the range of activities for students. Opening 7