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

Page 11 text:

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

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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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It is easy to picture the Madison campus as a reflection of the larger San Diego community. There are a variety of political, religious and academic standards. These ideas represent some opinions that are held by our society as a whole. When a concern over the Viet Nam war and the draft were major interests of the nation, the vocal and involved students of the school participated in discussions of the issues. Recently, apathy concerning national policies has developed. Student participation has not changed, however. The status of the American economy, and controversial foreign affairs have helped to increase the interest for an awareness of politics. A growing popularity of marijuana and alco- hol are other indications of the changes in the society and in the conduct of students on our campus. A general mood of boredom is seen by some as the link between the two. Recent state approval of school smoking lounges and the lessened penalty for mari- juana possession are initiating a need for re- sponsible student action. These changes in legal policy will add to the sophistication and acceptability of the new moral conduct. 8 Opening