Austin High School - Comet Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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SFaJisTH HIGH SCHOOL l »L FOREVER Cathy Ramirez A new school sign was placed near the front entrance as a gift from the class of ' 83. HOUSE PARK FIELD The Austin Cowboys during football season. Perry Minfon, Shane Bradshaw, and Scott Montgomery paign was centered around re- vising the revisions in House Bill 72. Our platform verses the brown-eyed party was in favor of the absence policy; in opposition of rules involving unnecessary interuptions of class time; and against the beginning of school after Labor Day. Our party platform rep- resented only a few of our con- cerns for the on-going negative effects the House Bill would have on the Texas public school sys- tem, however we decided to praise the absence policy for its success. Since the policy was already pi- loted at SFA before the state made five days a semester an absence limit, we elaborated its positive effects. First of All, it kept a higher percentage of students pressent in the classroom. As Principal McGee put it: Stu- dents can only learn the material when they attend the their class- es. We argued that if a student did exceed to fi ve day limit, he had the opportunity to appear be- Austin cowboys created to help Key Club promote Maroon spirit By JENNIFER HAILEY An the past, the SFA Key Club has always worked to promote spirit at SFA. In an attempt to create a stronger spirit at Austin High football games this year, the Key Club formed a special group called the Austin Cowboys. The Cowboys helped with escort- ing at the football games, con- trolled crowds at the pep ral- lies, and painted the signs which the players ran through at half time. Key Club Presi- dent, Rod Edens said, Brent Covert was elected president of the Austin Cowboys, and he has done an excellent job of putting together a great spirit organization. The Cowboys worked hard during the week preparing for the pep rally and the varsity foot- ball game. On Wednesday af- ternoons, the group gathered to paint the sign and to dis- cuss duty assignments for the upcoming game. At the games, the members would appear early wearing a cow- boy hat, a long sleeve white button down shirt, bluejeans, and boots. On a special occa- sion such as Homecoming, the group sported blue blaz- ers without hats. As a result of the formation of the Cow- boys, Key Club acquired more members. Eden said, We are trying to get a lot of different people involved. This year we had approximately 70 mem- bers which is almost double the size of last year ' s group. With more man power, we were able to get more done. Although the Austin Cow- boys were not officially a school organization, it was ac- cepted warmly by parents, students, and most faculty members. Covert said, We are a spirit organization formed for the purpose of in- spiring withm the school en- vironment. As sponsor of the Key Club, Gaylord Hum- berger is the link between the school organization and their parent sponsor. The Univer- sity Kiwanis Club. As well as providing services for the school, the Key Club worked with the Kiwanis on fund rais- ing pojects and other worth- while causes. B

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Editor ' s Journal AUGUST Aug. 13 Schedules were sent ti Aug. 24 New student orientation was held in gymnastum. Aug. 27 First day of (all semester where Austin public school enrollment was predicted a record breaking Aug. 30 During second period an in-Bchool new student orientation was held in the gymnasium. Aug. 31 Memorial services were held across the nations for the 269 passengers and crew aboard the Korean Airlines flight that was shot down a year ago when the plane flew into Soviet airspace. Aug. 31 After 33 years of law enforcement, Frank Dyson completed his final day as Austin Police Chief. SEPTEMBER TESMAN ' s traditional Sept. 3 Labor Day Holiday where presidential campaign kicked off. Sept. 4 In Canadian politics Brian Mueroney led Conservative Party to a landslide vie » original cast Sept. 5 Konstantin Cherenko appeared on Soviet panoramic cosmonauts. Although he looked unhealthy. quieted rumors of the 72 year old ' s ailing. Sept. 5 Band. Red Jackets and senit pictures were taken in the east parking I ' ostal Rate Commission price of the first-class stamp iw c ueniB irom u ceniB. The increase was a part of a S2.2 billion rate increase for all mail classes. Sept. 8 The Cars concert performed at the South Park Meadows with sptecial guest Wang Chug. Sept. 8 Austin voters went to the polls to review 31 proFwsitions and decided if they wanted to spend $1.13 billion for bonds to widen roads; build water and sewer plants; buy parklands; and other city improvements. All propositions were approved. Sept. 9 Walter Mondale introduced his federal plan that called for budget cuts and a tax increase totaling $175 billion in fiscal 1989. Sept. 11 Band Jamboree for AISD marching bands were held at Memorial Stadium. Sept. 11 President Reagan invited Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to the White House in order to Sept. 12 Thompsi Twins performed at Palmer Sept. 16 Chicago Live at the Frank Erwin Center Sept. 17 American balloonist Joe Ktttiger completed the first solo balloon crossing of the Atlantic. Sept. 19 Mayor Ron Mullen told the police department to have traffic patrol officers issue three tickets daily. The major wanted to increase the annual ticket average of 416 tickets per officer. Sept. 20 City Council adopted a $860 million budget, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. Sept. 20 Governor Mark While appointed a new State Board of Education to set a pace for a major overhaul of the public school system. Sept. 20 Presidential counselor Edwin Meese was cleared after a five month investigation on charges that he used the White House to advance his personal financial interests. Sept. 21 Joan Rivers appeared at Palmer Auditorium. Sept. 21 Two Americans were killed when a suicide bomber blasted into a U.S. embassy in Lebanon. Sept. 23 George Carlin at the Performing Arts Center Sept. 24 Thirty-ninth session of the United Nations where both Reagan and Gromyko addressed the world Sept. 25 Class officer elections were hel Sept. 26 Gromyko met with Secretary of State George Shultz in Washington D.C. After the three hour meeting, he deeply criticized Reagan ' s administration for failing By MELANIE DUPUY Introduction Loyal Forever. Although the school year was haunted by the negative effects of good oV House Bill 72, students and faculty members magically domi- nated the educational reforms and maintained the human atmosphere and unequalled spirit faithfully found at Austin High. While the legislators were busy defining the mechanical changes, SFA united the campus with a mock election, a fund drive for Af- rica, a Senior Talent Show and a Tenth Anniversary Celebration. While involving the school with worldwide, national and local issues, Austin High excelled academically and victoriously overcame the stress package delivered by the State Board of Education. New state educational priorities After examining Texas school districts in 1983-84, the Select Committee on Public Education, headed by H. Ross Perot, made its recommenda- tions to Governor Mark White. Its conclusion? That Texas schools needed to set new educational priorities. During a special summer session, the Legislature con- vened in order to put the re- commendations into law. Hence, the Select Commit- tee ' s objectives were included in House Bill 72, and Texas public schools were exposed to stricter policies and higher academic standards. Because of the bill, the State Board of Education imposed specific restrictions on ex- tracurricular activities. Stu- dents were now required to pass all academic classes to participate in any extracur- ricular activity. Only five ab- sences were permitted each semester for school-spon- sored activities, and the board was given the power to decide what activities were consi- dered extracurricular or frivol- ous. In addition, the Univer- sity Interscholastic League that regulates high school competitions became directly accountable to the State Board of Education. The Select Committee was also concerned with unneces- sary interruptions of class time. Activities such as as- semblies and field trips were reduced or eliminated. At Au- stin High, the Student Coun- cil, which previously met dur- ing the school day, was asked to meet before school by Prin- cipal Jacquelyn McGee be- cause of the new law. Other activities that once took place during the school day had to be re-scheduled outside of school hours or were can- celed. Even though activities were held before or after school, some students were excluded because of other ob- ligations or a lack of transpor- tation. Under House Bill 72, the teachers were given a minor pay raise. However, only the selected excellent teachers could be rewarded merit pay due to a career ladder plan. After the teachers were evaluated by classroom obser- vations, they were placed upon a ladder of four levels. The first would be recieved upon the completion of a probationary year. Level two would be earned after three years teaching experience and a Bachelor ' s degree, two years teaching experience and a Master ' s degree, or one year with a PhD. Presently only 25 to 40 percent of teachers elig- ible for level two would be placed on level two and thus would receive the raise. This caused considerable dissen- sion among teachers. The third year requires the com- pletion of eight years and a Bachelor ' s, five years with a Master ' s, or three years and a PhD. The final level can be re- ceived upon completion of eleven years and a Bachelor ' s, eight years and a Master ' s, or five with a PhD. Other reforms included re- quiring all Texas schools to re- sume classes after Labor Day, beginning Fall, 1985. The travel industry successfully Leyla Cohlmia lobbied the legislature to delay summer because the Labor Day week vacations would pump millions into the state ' s economy. Students failing academic classes were also provided tutorials by the school district as a result of the bill. In addi- tion, the state required that all Texas high school students pass a basic skills competency test before graduation. If stu- dents fail the competency test in the eleventh grade, they would be permitted to retake the test in their senior year. Finally, to close the education gap between rich and poor districts, the state gave funds to the areas with low property evaluations. Editor ' s note: In the first semester of this year, my Honors Government class held a mock campaign and election for presi- dent of the period. I was Chris Damon ' s running mate in the green-eyed party and our cam-

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Editor ' s JournalF Elton performed at the Frank Erwin Sept. 26 Students were dismissed at 2:25 so t could attend an important faculty meeting. Sept. 27 Police veteran from the Dallas Police Dept., Jim Everett was appointed to replace Frank Dyson as Head Chief of the Austin Police Department. Sept. 27 Walter Mondale met with Andrei Gromyko for 90 minutes to discuss the possibility of the present Sept. 28 The President met with Gromyko for an intense discussion on the sharp differences between Moscow and Washington. Sept. 26 Democrat Lloyd Doggett and Republican Phil Gramm, who were running tor U.S. senator, appeared on I security and national ( OCTOBER •This was reminiscent of t Carole Keeton and Hill Oct. 3 Back to School Night was held at SFA in which the seniors met with their parents before teacher presentations. Oct. 3 The Go-Go ' s toured to Austin ' s Frank Erwin Oct. 7 President Reagan and incumbent Mondale met in Louisville for a nationally televised debate on Oct. 7 Joe Ely performed at Auditorium Shores for KLBJ ' s Tenth Anniversary. Oct 10 Kathy Sullivan was the first woman to step into George Bush and Geraldine Ferraro debated in Oct. 13 SAT testing two days and included a parade, pep rally, dance, I and football game. 19 Staff Development Day Concert at the Frank Erwin Oct. 20 PSAT testing were administered In AHS Oct 21 Reagan and Mondale battled through their second debate marked by pointed exchanges on foreign policy and Mr. Reag Oct. 25 The federal Treasury I $17.3 billion budget deficit in the fiscal year of 1984as the second largest in U.S. history. Oct. 26 Staff Development Day Oct. 27 A 15-month-old girl, Baby Fae, received a baboon ' s heart in a five hour bold surgical effort on her falling heart. She was reported as doing fine at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California. Oct. 27 Culture Club appeared at the Frank Erwin Oct. 31 Assassination of Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, immediately put her son, Raijv in power. Oct. 31 Estimated 50,000 loonies roamed six street in a Halloween celebration filled « spirits. NOVEMBER ' , consider what President Reagan lias dona tor Itiis strength. What is the deal with you Iiberals7 L YNN NUGENT on Reagan ' s first lour years in the White House. Do these students proudly display Reagan bumper stickers on their jackets to represent their opinions or just lo conlorm to this years fashion? ROBERT WHITLEY in a letter to the ffaroon editor. fore an understanding and often lenient review board to receive class credit. When students broke the five day limit by simply skip- ping , our party believed they de- served the consequences. Concerning the unnecessary interruptions of classtime, we tried to represent the overall reac- tion of the class. It seemed drasti- cally unfair that assemblies could no longer take place systemati- cally in order to create school spirit. Teachers and students ag- reed throughout the school that sports assemblies, cultural as- semblies, awards assemblies and spirit assemblies were a neces- sary part of the high school ex- perience. Our party hoped to bring back some of that good ol ' life into a school system that was beginning to appear mechanical. Our last platform issue was an unnoticed reform to the majority of the student body. It would occur the following year. School days were to begin after Labor Day because the legislature was persuaded by the state travel agency to change the date. In doing so, more income could be pumped into the state ' s economy. The school board was considering taking away vacation time from students and teachers alike in order to resume school in Sep- tember to stimulate the economy. The green-eyed party promised to bring a little more care into prop- osing laws for educating the youth. We promised to begin with abolishing this proposal. Criminy! We needed all the vac- ation time we could ' get from these proposed hassles and pressures. Increased Enrollment Enrollment substantially in- creased at SFA in the fall semester, with a count of 1637 students compared to the final count of 1397 students registered the previous spring. The school ' s registrar, Bon- nie McDonald, said that the increase was due to Austin ' s growth and that the people moving to Texas were in- terested in putting their chil- dren into a recognized educa- tional institution like Austin High. Also, since SFA was an- nounced as an exemplary high school by the U.S. De- partment of EducaHon, many in-district transfers took place, as well as transfers from the city ' s private schools. The AISD was expecting a higher enrollment in all the schools. Elementary enroll- ments increased again this year, meaning that the popu- lation of students will gradu- ally grow as the students reach secondary schools. Al- ready the freshman class at SFA ' climbed from 541 to 576 students in the fall semester. With the forecasted in- crease in students, high schools had to consider future problems such as overcrowd- ing where portable buildings could become a necessity and more teachers would be with- out their own specific room. Principal Jacquelyn McGee said that Austin High would not need portable buildings in the immediate future because the institution itself has the capacity to accomodate a larger enrollment. Washington meets Moscow It was the first time that Moscow and Washington talked during the Reagan ad- ministration. Soviet Foreign Minister An- drei Gromyko, the most pow- erful and adept Russian dip- lomat, met with President Reagan at the White House in September. The two great na- tions finally came together for lunch and a three and a half hour meeting after their superpower disputes con- cerning Afgahanistan, the Ko- rean Air Lines and Euromis- siles. As reported, the leaders thrashed over the bitter issues that divided them, but no tan- gible progress was made to- ward any specific goal, such as talks on nuclear arms. Gromyko said he did not come to the White House to discuss arms control, he came merely to meet President Reagan. The President said that during the meeting he sincerely stressed his not seeking superiority over Mos- cow, and he expressed that USSR clearly exceeded its military security for self-de- fense. The day before Reagan spoke with Gromyko, Demo- cratic presidential nominee Walter Mondale met the Soviet diplomat to discuss what principles his possible future administation would follow in foreign relations. Mondale said that only the President could speak for the nation, but if he won the elec- tion, he would drive a tough bargain while meeting the world ' s survival demands to make progress in arms con- trol. He said after a victory, he would seek superpower summits to challenge the Kremlin to temporarily halt nuclear testing. Editor ' s note: While Soviet and American leaders had lost time with mutual suspicions, re- criminations and delays, weapon technology had hurtled forward to an alarming extreme. Now, they decide to meet. Why? Well, it was 40 days to election day. Politics. Talking to Aoscow was a political plus for both Reagan and Mondale. Hopefully, the leaders who met had more in mind