Canastota High School - Toot Yearbook (Canastota, NY)

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THE TOOT 0 CLOCK TICKS WVYW- —»YWYy I--U-»-yy-K-inr«-ymn— --«-imrnnrt ooooor I am Seth Thomas, the tyrant of the Study Hall. These atoms of humanity seated before me watch every position of my face and each movement of my hands which directs them hither and thither. I am stern and harsh; I am exacting in my commands; I am old, so old. Since the days when your fathers recorded the passing hours with pebbles and stones I have measured the ages to eternity, and long after you have ceased to worry over Miss Kimber’s harsh rule and have passed out of the world of motorcycles and sewing machines, I shall still remain relentless in my powers. So be it. Yes, Darrie, I see those lovelorn glances which you cast upon that girl with the curl over her shoulder, but stop and consider the long years before you shall be an accomplished Jesse James and will wish to ask this little girl for her hand. Oh, Betty, do not become jealous if he looks upon another but remain true and he will return to you. And Charles, with your pretty rosy cheeks, why do you use those kid curlers? You think the girls like you so much more because of your good looks? You tell’em! Avery, my child, why are your jaws in perpetual motion and why do you persist in being teacher’s “pet”? The shaking victims who are awaiting the time when they shall speak before their fellow classmen and enemies need have no fear. I, with my masterful hands, will protect you. Oh Teddy, and Don: why not hasten your footsteps to reach the halls of learning on time. Of course, I see those rare occasions on which you do come in before the last bell, but your teacher does not always see you. Reform and break aWay from your family custom. I see Travis’ mournful glances as he gazes upon his lady love while Susan, with her head held high in her new responsibility, goes to answer the call of the office telephone. I also hear the whispered confidences between several female members of the Junior High School. As the days roll by I see Katie in her front seat with her refractory curl, vamping all the young speakers, and I watch the animated conversations between Dorothy and Peggy. “ Gene,” in his pink shirt and noisy tie, sits near his beloved teachers everywhere he goes, and there in a back seat I see “Dor” using her eyes and other various charms on all her friends. In the back row are the stately Seniors who “seam” always to be studying, and in front of them the society of the “Busy Bees,” mem- bers of the jolly Junior class. Next come the Sophs and Freshies, 1 J

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3 THE TOOT Your School and Mine By Supervising Principal E. G. Simmons Too often we think of public institutions as something apart from ourselves and for which we have no direct responsibility. But each citizen is a joint owner of every public institution. We must learn to think of each public institution as something we have created, some- thing we will help to maintain, and something whose policies, pur- poses and products are our handiwork. The schools are not different from other public institutions. They depend upon the people for support. They are a concrete expression of community spirit. Their improvement depends upon the time, thought and money furnished by the people of the community. As the measure of a nation is its public institutions, so the measure of a community is its community institutions. Nothing is more directly derived from the community than the public school, and nothing has a more direct influence on the community of the present or future than the public school. It is true that no factor, not even the school, can take the place of the home in moulding men and women, but the home is a product of the family, the school a product of the community. Man gives of himself to his family through the home; he may give of himself to the community through the school. There is no better medium through which we can provide for the future welfare of our community than the public schools. Every improvement in the elementary or secondary school system has its source in a fuller realization of civic oppor- tunities on the part of one or more citizens. At the same time it has a definite effect in the increased opportunity for every boy and girl— the future citizens. The Canastota of tomorrow is built upon the Canastota Public Schools of today. Continued on page 24

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10 THE TOOT who have not yet passed beyond the age of notes and signals. All over my kingdom I see the powder puff used without discretion on many a rosy cheek, and very few ears are visible among the ladies on account of the prevailing fashion in hair dressing. Many of these small beings are evidently interested in the affairs of the nation, for during chapel many a small head is bent indus- triously over the daily papers. You, Jim, seem most interested. Do you expect to become a presidential candidate? Here I see Foster running hither and yon without his pass. Be- ware, my child; some day you will be caught. Cootie, why did you spend so many hours on the piano stool when you might have been squirming comfortably in your own seat? I notice, Mary, that your shoes are as noisy as the wearer. I should advise all those who wish squeaky shoes to patronize your favorite store. I see the Juniors file out each Friday afternoon, watched by the wistful Sophs and Freshies. Rarely the ancient Seniors join this procession. I hear the giggling Mildreds, but looking into their future I see them as dignified teachers punishing small pupils who have chanced to let forth a little mirth. They seem to have forgotten their far away childhood. I hear your noonday attempt, dear Erma, and I certainly admire your pluck. But keep on and perhaps in ten years’ time you may be one of the most renowned chorus girls in Wampsville. Those weird grunts of Marie, are you speaking Sweedish? It certainly doesn't sound like Latin or French. Oh! Mattie, with your rhyming tongue. Does Roger still admire you? Why, Glenn, I no longer see your graceful limp. When did you leave off? My eyes pierce the walls behind me and I view with interest the many events in the drawing room. My hands are tired. My face aches, and . . I. . . . guess....I. . ..must..........be running.............down. “ Here, Robert, you’d better take the baby and let me carry the eggs. I’m afraid you’ll drop them.” Question—“What do you do with your shoes when you wear them out?” Answer—“ I wear them back in the house again.”