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

Page 27 text:

in the past few years is that teachers are not only educators but people too. Working Together One of the greatest discoveries that students have made In the past, students had a distorted image of teachers. They were seen as strict dictators who would talk of nothing but their class subject. This often made it difficult for teachers to relate to their students because of the fear students had of them. Many of the past images, however, have changed for the better. Teachers and students are communicating with one another on matters other than class work. They are coming together in such organizations as the Student- Teacher Advisory Board. Here they discuss common interests such as the grading system and student evaluations. Student-teacher relations are also going better from another point of view. Students and teachers are uniting in such events as basketball and volleyball games, and they are working together in fund raisers and benefits such as the annual blood bank. Teachers are also advising many of the student clubs. For example, Mrs. Mazzi of the Foreign Langugage Club heads the group that puts on the international weekend with foreign exchange students. Also, Mr. Grancis Girr heads a group of students inter- ested in the fine arts; they call themselves Culture Vultures. Mr. Craig Dinnie enjoys advising a group interested in the game of concentration, chess. In this way teachers and students are getting together and relating to each other on an equal basis. Mrs. Danforth works with a friend. Mrs. Florence Hallbourg - Math Mrs. Carol Hoffman - Social Mrs. Ann Henry - Dist. Ed. Mr. Armen Jermakian - Math STAFF 23

Page 26 text:

22 STAFF Hidden in a far corner of the basement is a small pleasant room, known to the teachers as the faculty cafeteria. It is a place where the teachers can retreat for a few minutes of peace and quiet, a quick cup of coffee, or lunch and a chat with fellow faculty members. They can eat peacefully without worrying about being trampled by the many students in the student cafeteria. This lunchroom was an appreciated change from the days when the teachers ate in their classrooms. It also eliminated the inconvenience of bringing a lunch from home. The teachers may purchase lunches ranging widely from club and coldcut sandwiches to spaghetti or fish and fries. Whether teachers run to the cafeteria for lunch or to escape from the noise of students, it definitely provides a refuge from daily stress. Mr. Thomas Dowd - Social Mrs. Cathlene Smith - Office Miss Marilyn Freedman - Math = A typical table at the teacher’s cafeteria. Mr. Robert Farr - Science Mr. Gary Watson - Counselor

Page 28 text:

24 WINN == Miss Patricia Keenan - English Mr. Robert Keough - Math Thoughout the decade, students all over the country experienced a greater freedom in speaking their piece. If something bothered them, they would go directly to their teacher or administration and let them know what was on their minds. Classical students also took advantage of the freedom of speech allowed to them. One option was a Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council which was recently established. Selected students discussed problems and aids for the Springfield schools and the surrounding community with the superintendent of Springfield schools. A Student-Faculty Advisory Board also offered concerned students a chance to say what was on their minds. They discussed such aspects as class rank and open campus. They also invited suggestions from the entire school on ideas to be discussed at their meetings. Some of the most concerned members of the student body even attended the Springfield School Committee meetings. There, a major problem concerning the school itself was brought up: the renovation of Classical High School. Little action was taken on that project; however, the School Committee then knew how some students felt on the issue. Since the freedom of speech for students increased during the decade, the school and the surrounding areas also benefited. New projects and ideas were begun due to the fine opinions from the outspoken students from Classical High. STAFF all Mrs. Ruby Kelly - Gym Mr. Michael Kokonowski - English Mr. Euclid Lague - Language Freedom Of Speech mth ili A student talks freely with Mrs. Pieterse.