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

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Mr. Gerald Canter - counselor Mrs. Betty Moody - counselor Mr. James Wilkie - counselor Helping To Reach A Goal hom did every student at Classical see at least twice during the school year? Whom did students go to for course “} changes? That’s right, their guidance counselor. Blue White interviewed a few of the counselors to find out just what their job consisted of and to learn what the goals of their job were. They all had different views on the subject but each agreed on the basic purpose of their job. A counselor’s purpose is to try to help students evaluate themselves honestly and to encour- age them to obtain goals within their potential. Among those interviewed was Mrs. Corcoran, a junior counsel- or. She felt her job was important because it contribu ted to the improvement of society by aiding the future generation. Mr. Wat- son, another junior counselor, felt his job was to help students through rough spots and shed realism when needed. Mr. Watson also believed that it was important to be a good listener. Mrs. Cabana, a senior counselor, held the opinion that her job Miss Mary Corcoran - counselor Mrs. Cathlene Smith - counseling office was to serve all the needs of the students. She believed it essential to guide the students through their educational planning and, when ever possible, to ease their financial worries. The freshman and sophomore counselor, Mr. Wilkie, dealt with many new students this year. He considered it important to help them adjust academically and socially to their new school. He thought that patting the student on the back every now and then was good for morale. Blue White also questioned the counselors on the problems faced in their average day at Classical. The answer was that each counselor conferred with an average of fifteen students per day. They aided the students in course selections, reported college information, and tried to help students realize their own goals in life. Along with helping the students, the counselors spent time in discussions with parents, teachers, and administration. They also attacked heaps of paperwork, program changes, and question- naires. But, even though they had busy schedules, the counselors al- ways found time to help a student with problems. 15

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14 A YEAR OF CHANGES hen students came back to school this year, they were in for a surprise; a new team of leaders with new outlooks for Classical. The group was composed of Mr. Neil Yesu, as- suming the responsibilities of principal, Miss Ann McCarthy serving as vice - principal, along with Mr. James Nodurf, also vice - principal. Mr. Yesu, a former English teacher and vice - principal, wasted no time in putting his new administrative ideas to work. He was deter- mined to put Classical back on top as a college preparatory school. New homework rules were issued making mandatory two hours of homework per night. Parents received letters informing them of this new ruling to insure its success. Special absenteeism and detention rules were also put into effect. Students who missed 30 days of school or more were automatically required to repeat that year of school. Those receiving detention | i 7 r Mr. Neil Yesu - Principal this year could no longer sleep the time away; they were required to bring study material. Working along side of Mr. Yesu was Miss Ann McCarthy, a former English teacher. As Classical’s first female vice - principal, she worked hard to reach the new goals set for Classical. Besides disciplining students, her job included keeping students off the school’s front steps between classes and keeping peace in the lunch room. Mr. James Nodurf, another member of the team and a former Classical math teacher, also played an active role in running Classi- cal. His job involved student discipline problems, authorization of assemblies, and general enforcing of school rules. The three administrators worked closely together throughout the year. By and by their hopes became reality. The students of Classi- cal can thank this capable team for carrying on the many fine traditions of Classical High School. Miss Ann McCarthy - Vice-principal Mr. James Nodurf - Vice-principal

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Loss Of Tradition? hat’s going to happen to Classical? That was probably a heavy question in the minds of many students this year. ) Plans deciding Classical’s fate had been in circulation for the past ten years. These plans included not only Classical but her partner Technical High School. City officials hoped that Classical and Technical would someday be one school located away from the already crowded downtown area. new school would be needed. Temporary repairs prolonged Classi- cal’s life and kept her in good working condition for many students. But, Classical has reached a point where repairs would be far too numerous and costly: the only option remaining is a new school. The question of what would happen to Classical’s traditional values if it combined with Technical High also preyed heavily on the minds of those associated with the school. Would Classical still be known for her fine curriculum and excellent college prepara- tion? Or, would Classical move toward a more diversified regional high school? For the answer to this and other questions concerning Of course, sad as the idea was, everyone knew that someday a Classical’s future, time must be allowed to take its course. Mrs. Linda Abbott - Math Mrs. Julia Bale - Math Mr. Francis Baran - Science 16 FACULTY AND CURRICULUM Mr. Miguel Ayerue - Spanish Mr. Arthur Barnes - English Mr. Harold Beaupre - Social