Niles Township High School West - Spectrum Yearbook (Skokie, IL)

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Parents Enlightened On Wednesday, October 26, parents of Niles West students had the chance to meet the “ogres” of their children’s classes, at the 27th annual Open House. Open House gives parents an opportunity to experience the students’ point of view of classes, teachers, and the bustle of a school day. With the frequent mod bells, some parents were confused about when to be¬ gin and end classes. As one parent said, “1 just don’t understand how you kids do it.” In the cafeteria, parents were able to meet with the different organizations such as AFS, Student Union, Class Cabinets, and a few of the athletic teams. While meeting with these organizations, parents were able to munch on goodies ranging from apples and donuts, to popcorn. In the background, the Westones, along with Or- chesis, performed as entertainment. Be¬ cause of this friendly atmosphere, parents were drawn to the cafeteria rather than classrooms, not unlike their children. Publication teacher J. Orr speaks to news writing students’ parents at open house. He explains such things as classroom activities, homework, and the grading system. Above while enjoying a cool glass of cider, a parent listens to junior Valerie Attia and senior Jacqueline Plonus explain the complicated Niles West map. Both Attia and Plonus are representatives of AFS. Right at open house cheerleaders serve as aids to parents in finding their way around. Senior Jill Piper directs this parent to his daughter ' s class. 25

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Frosh-Soph Meet Over 200 underclassmen attended this year’s Freshman-Sophomore Mixer, which was sponsored by the Sophomore Cabinet. This event took place October 1st and pro¬ vided numerous forms of entertainment. Music was played in the contest gym, but instead of the usual band, disc jockey Don Diwis was hired to play all the latest songs. Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Billy Jean,” and the song “Maniac,” from the hit movie “Flashdance,” inspired many people to get up and dance. In the north-south gym, students could partici¬ pate in team sports such as basketball and volleyball. During the course of the even¬ ing students could visit the cafeteria to find out about some of the clubs offered at Niles West. Some organizations that were represented were Spanish Club, Aeronau¬ tics Club, the Theater Department, the Pom-pon Squad, Student Union, and Stu¬ dent Senate. The purpose of the event was to introduce freshmen to Niles West life and to the people that will be sharing the next four years with them. “Everyone on the dance floor!” said the D.J. The freshman are booging to the beat, and as David Bowie would say, “Let’s dance.” Above. Meeting new people for freshman has to be the most scary experience on entering high school. Here freshman chat and get to know each other. Right. There were things to do at the mixer besides dancing and talking to have some fun. This freshman takes his best shot at making a basket.

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New Homecoming Activity; A Success Niles West held its first after-school pep assembly on Friday, October 28. Just like last year’s twilight pep rally, it was held outside at Basrak Field. This change was made in an attempt to gather more people together for the assembly. At the assembly, last year’s Homecom¬ ing King, Van Stamos, and Queen, Cindy Atsaves, crowned Jacqueline Plonus and Steve Erickson as the new Queen and King. They also acknowledged Homecom¬ ing Court members Lynne Levey, Jackie Levin, Devra Lipsky, Staci Munic, Jeff Joss, Tony Konsewicz, Joey Rodgers, and Ramsey Rodgers. The assembly continued with speeches made by Robyn Harris and Erica Stone. Fans helped cheer along with the Varsity Cheerleaders. The assembly was highlight¬ ed by the routine done by the Pom Pon Squad. The traditional burning of the Highland Park effigy brought the assem¬ bly to its end. The Homecoming Parade followed the conclusion of the assembly. At the outdoor assembly the varsity football players show their enthusiasm by cheering on the speakers, their captains, Tony Tripicchio, Jeff Okamura, and Jim Baffa.