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

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Science By studying science, Classical students can participate in gaining knowledge by firsthand experimentation instead of the more passive learning situation provided by the sole reading of text- books. Mr. Howard Lynch, chairman of the science department, emphasizes the need for extensive science study as preparation for college and careers in related fields. The advanced physics and biology programs have been espe- cially helpful in this area. Mr. Lynch also adds, “Since we live in a world of science, its study is needed as a matter of general culture, applicable to conser- vation of energy as well as to the use and possible dangers of atomic ener- gy.” Science is also essential to aspects of life to which it is not directly related. As Mrs. Ellen Barkhuff, a science teacher, notes, “It gives students a broad background and trains their minds, while teaching logic and disci- pline.” Both Mr. Lynch and Mrs. Barkhuff have noticed a recent decline in student interest but are encouraged by the high caliber students choosing to pursue the study of science. Art, Shop, and Gym Do you want to see some action classes instead of the lectures and class discus- sions that are supposed to be preparing you for college? Well just come down to the gyms, art rooms, or shops and get involved. As Mr. Joseph Nai, an art teacher, explains, “These non-academic subjects give students an opportunity for creative self-expression, making them more well-rounded. Designed to give students a greater perspective of color and design, Classical’s art courses also provide students with an aware- ness of their surroundings and an ap- preciation of sculptural form which will help them even if they do not be- come “artists.” Despite limited facilities, Classical stu- dents can also “get into action” by tak- ing gym. Mr. Alexander Schmid, a gym teacher, stresses that the physical edu- cation program now includes what are called “carryover sports’ such as ten- nis, volleyball, and golf that can be successfully pursued after a student leaves school. The traditional varsity Gmnrses That Get Us Out From Behind The Books Mr. Joseph Nai — art Mr. Dave Stratton — gym Mrs. Gale Sullivan — science sports, such as wrestling and basket- ball, are interspersed with these new selections to spark enthusiasm. For the mechanically inclined, Classi- cal offers courses in technical drawing and wood shop. These courses, formed primarily for avocational application, acquaint students with the various tools and their uses while encouraging creativity. Mr. Robert Donovan sees increased interest in the shop courses, especially among Classical’s girls. He finds that girls seem to be just as suc- cessful in shop as boys are and find it just as useful later in life. i “ is LETS Mr. Miles Tipton — drivers ed. FACULTY 27

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A Time To Sing Quality singing groups have long been a tradition at Classical, and much of the credit for the vocal music program’s success belongs to Mr. Paul Robbins. For eight years this veteran music teacher has directed the girls’ and boys’ chorus as well as the choir and the madrigal singers. As if that were not enough, Mr. Robbins also teaches classes in music appreciation and American History which is his ‘second interest.” Mr. Robbins admits with pride that Classical not only has one of the best programs in the area, but also that the program includes 140 students, more than any other high school in the city. Ample proof of the talent in the vocal groups is that all twenty Classical students who auditioned for the Western Massachusetts District Chorus in 1975 were picked to perform. Many Classical singers have voiced their displeasure at the type of music sung. Mr. Robbins explains by saying, “Some students dislike the fact that we don’t sing popular music, but all these students are already familiar with popular music. The purpose of the choral groups is to broaden their knowledge and interest of different forms of music. That is the principal reasons why classical and folk music are used, while popular music is not.” Mr. Francis Baran — science Mrs. Ellen Barkhuff — science Mr. Robert Donovan — shop Mr. Robert Farr — science Mr. Francis Lamoreaux — science 26

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Generations of people have passed through the halls of Classical, and each one has presented a new idea to the world. Every class has thought it was different and has competed to prove its individuality. This individuality seems to fade away, though, with the realization that all students have been faced with the same problems, the struggles of life in a constantly changing world. Yet a closer look at the past and present reveals the different value systems of former generations and how they change as time moves on. One change, that of the open campus system, was devised when space problems arose due to the tremendous population increase at Classical within the last ten years. The system allows most seniors and any underclassmen who are on the honor roll for two consecutive marking periods to leave the building. Students may be assigned to a study if they wish, but most ‘people find more interesting ways to spend their open periods. If you take a walk down to the small cafeteria any period of any day, you will be sure to find a heated ping pong match in progress, or look into the band room and you will see band members and their friends practicing or just making music together. Of course, some people prefer to study and find that either our - own school library or the city library is more conducive to learning than the cafeteria or a study hall ‘Course changes have also developed as time moves on. Within the past few years, one semester courses arose to be devoted to more pertinent subjects For the last six years, Math 4rc and Math 4rt have been around as review courses especially designed to help students with their college boards. Other semester courses, such as Teenager and the Law and Psychology, deal with contemporary concerns and interests of the students revol utionaries whereas in Classical’s early years, subjects taught were on purely rigid,’ classical topics. Another aspect of change that has developed recently is the use of independent study. With the approval of the department chairman and teacher, students are given the opportunity to learn without the structure of a class. The student must still do the work of his class, but he also has the advantage of doing research on topics he is interested in — but those not necessarily covered in a class. If a student has enough self- discipline, independent studies provide the opportunities to learn a great deal. Since Classical’s establishment in 1897, clubs, clothes, courses, and ideas about anything from smoking to politics have all changed, but it is a slow moving revolution, because underneath it all, everyone will always have the same life struggles to cope with.