Wellesley High School - Wellesleyan Yearbook (Wellesley, MA)

Page 18 text:

We Welcomed Our New Principal to Wellesley Timothy Connors, Wellesley High’s very own Jimmy Carter. Mr. Connors’ first year as principal of Wellesley High School was a year of new experiences and new faces for the tall, well-dressed man from Smithfield, Rhode Island. His outgoing personality and distinctive three-piece suits, along with an effi¬ cient administrative ability, received a warm welcome from both the faculty and the student body. The new principal’s educational philosophy of of a school as an open and optimis¬ tic environment for learning was Mr. Connors’ top priority. He found Wellesley High School students mature, spirited, ambitious, and . . open to the instruction of an excellent faculty. Firmly believing in a scholastic atmosphere of interaction rather than of authoritarianism, Mr. Connors stressed the importance of the student as an individual. He attempted to become acquainted with the entire student body and he earned a reputation as a regular spectator at all student activities. Among Mr. Connors’ accomplishments last year were the reorganization of the curriculum, the direction of all school-oriented programs, and the excellent manage¬ ment of his daily administrative duties. The major problem facing the new principal was the critical situation involving the Wellesley High School’s accreditation. Placed on probation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Wellesley High School was forced to re-assess its budget situation. Mr. Connors worked in conjunction with acting-superintendent, Theodore Rokicki, to solve the accreditation crisis. As the year drew to a close, Mr. Connors stated that he had made the right deci¬ sion when he decided to come to Wellesley and he believed that he really belonged at Wellesley High School. His job as principal developed into much more than a job for Mr. Connors; it became a consuming experience to help young people to grow. Mr. Connors mingled with srudents during his many strolls through the halls. (Kate Morgridgc, Mr. Connors, Amy Goganian) Mr Connors and Mrs. McGilvray reviewed Business Department curriculum materials. Hard at work in the office. 14

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Erin, YESTERDAY was clash day ' ” (Erin Stimmell, Mrs. Barrett) We used Ultra Bright! (Mr Goddard, Mrs. Bretzhold) Mrs. McCoy and Joan Pitski rapped in the cafeteria. Today, your neck; tomorrow . (Mr. Connors, Ken Wentwroth) 13

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ADMINISTRATORS ASSISTED MR. CONNORS PETER VASATURO, Assistant Principal Along with the customary difficulties of running a school, the Wellesley High School administration welcomed a new principal, Timothy Connors. The trans¬ ition was enacted with excellent administrative efficiency. Mr. Connors appreciated the dedication and cooperation of the staff. Assistant Principal Peter Vasautro added the responsibilities of the STUDENT HANDBOOK, the curriculum, and the chairmanship of the Steering Committee to his already heavy schedule. Assistant Principal Richard Carbone had the monu¬ mental task of scheduling every student for his or her desired courses. Mr. Vasaturo and Mr. Carbone, along with administrative assistant Barbara Steeves, did an admirable job. The diligent administration directed Wellesley High School through another year. BARBARA STEEVES, Administrative Assistant Mr. Vasaturo assisted Mr. Connors with the transition. RICHARD CARBONE, Assistant Principal THE “ROCK” ROLLED ON Mr. Theodore Rokicki emerged from the crowded halls of Wellesley High School in 1976 to become the Acting Superintendent of Schools. Finding his new job quite a challenge, Mr. Rokicki was responsible for budgeting the school system’s money as well as for maintaining a smooth liaison between the school committee and the school system. Mr. Rokicki’s subordinate employment as assistant superintendent of curric¬ ulum planning also provided our former principal with ample work. His pri¬ mary goal in this area was to develop several long-term curriculum plans for the school system and especially for the high school. 1976-’77 was a year of experience for the Rock” and, in spite of the fact that he missed interacting with the student body, he enjoyed his new position. Our former principal, Mr. Rokicki, became Acting Superintendent of Schools in Wellesley. 15