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

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Mrs. Shirley Harrington-Office Then... and Now Classical has changed a good deal since some of its present teachers attended school here themselves. Classical was known as the best college preparatory school in the area. The academic pressures here were very strong; most Classical students felt considerable pressure to make the honor roll. Years ago, Classical also had no general program. Today the academic situation at Classical is somewhat different. Although a student still receives a good education here, the academic atmosphere seems less severe, more relaxed. There is generally a younger faculty to relate with than there was years ago. Some of the teachers who received their high school educations here are: Mr. Dinnie, Ms. Keenan, Miss McCarthy, Mr. Macomber, Mrs. Mushok, Mr. Podworski, and Ms. Tammi. These teachers have generally agreed that they enjoy teaching the student body here. Miss McCarthy stated, “The kids are special, and it is a privilege and pleasure to work with them.” She still thinks that Classical is the great school it has always been. “Teachers learn from students,” Mr. Dinnie stated. The learning process at Classical is not just a one-way street; the student-teacher relationship aids in the Mr. Henry Brady-English Here’s the famous Dinnie smile. learning process. Many teachers expressed the view that a few years ago students feared their teachers, making it difficult for students to ask questions. Today, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and students recognize their teachers as being human. Mr. Robert Farr-Science eae ERE RR Ms. Camp relaxes like a typical artist. 22 |[e] FACULTY Mr. Arnold Matz-Language

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Mr. David Meder — History . Ly ® : i z . B ® z : x 2 2 : ‘ s t = ee eee ee ee eee ee ee State Street on a quiet day. my — eo : ee mee Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons — Science Mrs. Andrea Tarczynski — Language Urban Advantages Springfield has a complex city environment that offers educational advantages to both Classical teachers and students. Many teachers choose to work in Springfield particularly because of such advantages. For instance, there are many places for excellent field trips for Classical’s various classes. This year, students from Miss McCarthy's journalism class were able to visit the Springfield Newspapers; students from Mr. Kokonowski’s English classes visited Stage West to view a play; the psychology classes went to Monson State Hospital, and the American Studies class visited Sturbridge Village. One teacher at Classical, Mrs. Erline Provost stated that “Springfield has provided for me the opportunity to be involved with fine young people, to share the wonders of the living world through the science of biology, and to enjoy the intellectual life and cultural diversity that can only be found in a city environment.” Although students find this city environment particularly useful in schooling, they also discover something else just as important; they find a future in the city for a variety of careers and educational opportunities after high school. When the time comes, many students will choose to work in this city. 21 [fe] FACULTY

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Mr. Daniel McLaughlin-Gym Mrs. June Schoppe-Art Mr. Robert Stevens-Math Learning: a two-way Street If a Classical student were flunking a subject this year, at least he had something to look forward to, and that was being tutored. This year at Classical, students were provided with improved facilities for tutoring. Instead of being in the counselors’ office, which could get very distracting when trying to study, the tutoring room was changed to room 139. Tutoring aids Classical students a great deal. Sometimes it is difficult for a teacher to take the time to individually explain a point to a student during class, and that is how the tutoring process benefits the student, for with a tutor, students can get individualized instruction. The tutors at Classical are all volunteers and are usually obtained through the National Honor Society or through one Poem teree comer inevexpertice witht Deidra of the counselors. Seniors Kathy LaMotte and Peter Speliopoulos were both tutors this year. Kathy stated | that, “It was a learning experience for both of us.’”” Kathy Peter, who also tutored twice a week, found it enjoyable. | tutored a student twice a week. Tutoring only twice a week “It’s rewarding to know that you are helping someone,” gave the student time to collect questions and a chance to he stated. Peter feels that he “really helped’ the work on his own. It is not good to have the student too student he tutored. Tutoring is a learning experience dependent on the tutor. The duty of the tutor is to help for both parties. Although a student may not the student, not do his homework for him. The student also necessarily enjoy being tutored at first, where would has to ask questions in class. he be without it here at Classical? FACULTY |[@ 23