Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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Teens Learn Law One of the popular courses taught at Classical this year is Teenager and the Law, taught by Mr. Daniel Meder. The background of the course’s origin is unique; it first began four years ago and was offered as a replacement for Open Campus to seniors. The class’s first teacher was a local lawyer, Mr. Philip Joseph. The course’s popularity grew quickly, and it was soon proposed that it be added to the curriculum as a credited course, rather than something only students with free time could participate in. The School Board approved, and the change was made. The subject is now taught solely by Mr. Meder. Students research such areas as the Bill of Rights, the workings of our legal system, and what to do if arrested. In addition to the use of textbooks, such materials as newspapers and magazine articles are frequently used to keep the subject matter of the course current. Mrs. Erline Provost - science Mr. John Sweeney — assist. principal Mrs. Audrey Szlachetka — science Dr. Philip Miller — language Miss Maria Santos — language Mr. Jerome Shea — science FACULTY 19

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Miss Carolina Accorsi — language “In teaching, I keep in mind those pu- pils who will learn all that I teach, those who absorb an average amount, and those who will learn the minimum or less. In recent years, of the first type there have been few, and the average students have grown in numbers. Our age is one of many choices and direc- tions for both pupils and teachers. There is hope!’’ Mr. Harold Beaupre — social studies “T just want to congratulate the gradu- ating class. They are a fine group of students, and I’m sure they will help to make the second two hundred years even better than the first .” Mr. William Conway — social studies “With all of the criticism heaped upon young people of today, some of it is justified but most is not, one thing stands out glaringly to my way of thinking. Today students are far, far ahead of what we were. The ‘good old days’ — they can have them.” Mrs. Iris Danforth — social studies “My career in teaching allows the op- portunity for human relationships on several levels. This helps me to realize how beautiful my world is.” Mr. Philip Hart — assistant principal “How is it possible for the uninhibited young people of today to have so many hang-ups when the problems of the past were a result of the inhibitions forced o n us by the structured society which has been replaced by the permis- siveness of the seventies?” Mrs. Ruby Kelly — gym ‘“A minute is eternity if nobody loves we you. Mr. Howard Lynch - science “From 1940 to 1975, Classical graduates have won distinction in college and in careers. Today, colleges are crowded and expensive. Our pupils continue to meet stringent requirements for en- trance and for scholarships. Classical pupils who are not preparing directly for careers share the most important benefits of education: training in the three r’s and in critical thinking.” Mr. David Macomber — language “There are numerous universes to ex- plore through literature. Reading is es- pecially interesting if it is not a home- work assignment. Grab a book instead of turning on the set and find out.” Dr. Philip Miller — language “During the twenty years that I have been teaching in Classical High School, it has been my privilege to teach and hopefully to influence in some way thousands of young men and young women of whom our school can be proud. I congratulate the graduates and wish them success in their future ca- reers knowing that we will be equally proud of them.” Mrs. Erline Provost — science ‘My wish for our present group of stu- dents is that they rediscover the excite- ment and challenge of academic pur- suits. This intellectual curiosity was so very characteristic of Classical High students of the past!” Miss Maria Santos — language “La ociosidad es madre de todos los vicios.” Mrs. June Schoppe — art “It is encouraging to see the renewed interest in crafts taking place today, for Faculty Members Would Like You To Know Miss Carolina Accorsi — language 18 Mr. William Conway — social studies Mr. Philip Hart - assist. principal it seems to indicate an increasing trend toward appreciation of everyday arts” by a broader section of people. “Functional or non-functional, art for | everyman recalls the ideals of the mod- | ern day craftsman’s Yankee counter- | part with whom he shares a timeless | tradition as artist, creator and inven- | tor.” Mr. Jerome Shea — science “In the world of life, success is mea- sured by survival. The failures can, only be fossils. The survival is never of individuals — only of life itself.” Mr. John Sweeney — assistant princi-| pal “It is a pleasure to be associated with the many fine students at Classical High School. Each school year has many pleasant memories.” Mrs. Audrey Szlachetka — science “Remember that these are your ‘happy days.’ ” Mrs. Ruby Kelly — gym Mr. Howard Lynch — science

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The Time Machine Travel back in time almost 150 years from 1976 to 1828, the year that the school now known as Classical High School began. It is eight o’clock in the morning, and you find yourself in a small brick building with scarcely fifty other students. You are headed for a class in prosody, a required course in the rhythm of speech. Although you had a choice to take what was termed an English curriculum or a Classical curriculum, prosody is required, whichever you choose. Both the English and the Classical curricula are college preparatory in nature, modeled after those of New Hampshire’s Philips-Exeter Academy. The course requirements (approximately seven per year) never vary. Following an English curriculum, you proceed from prosody to surveying, and then to navigation. Later in the day you attend classes in math, English, and history to fulfill requirements still in effect today. Students opting for the Classical curriculum take courses focusing primarily on Latin and Greek but also fulfill a two year requirement in both math and English. It’s last period now and off to forensics (debate) and declamation, another course required by both curricula. “Give a speech? Who me?” As you stammer through a talk on the virtues of temperance, your thoughts race ahead to 1976 and the world of open campus and electives. “Take me back to 1976,” you scream, ‘take me back ... ” Awakening with a start, you find yourself alone in the familiar Coffee House, the bell faithfully signaling the start of the day. The Kitchen Staff Mrs. Betty Moody — counselor