East Haven High School - Pioneer Yearbook (East Haven, CT)

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 complete sound system. This would be for study periods only, of course! If the senior class had the chance to create the ideal classroom, some drastic changes would occur. Wall to wall carpeting would replace the tile floor covering. Soft cushioned chairs with separate desks would serve as furniture. An occasional chaise lounge, soft music over the intercom, and subtly colored walls would produce an atmosphere conducive to learning. The room would look as if it were a page ripped out of Better Homes Gardens, complete with a color scheme, matching curtains, and hanging plants. For the students’ recreational pleasure, the room would include a stereo, television set, and AM FM radio. The teacher would no longer stand at the front of the room lecturing and distributing assignments. He or she would be only a moderator for open discussion embarked upon by the entire class. The student would not have the same schedule every day. A rotating schedule would be instituted, proving that diversity is important in making the school day interesting. The words “East Haven High School” may be interpreted by all of us in “our own way.” Regardless of our differences, we are one class unified by a common goal — wisdom and truth. One student described the school as “my second home. I spend an equal amount of time in both places. Another said, “School spirit is everyone’s business and this year I believe we have achieved this goal.” When we leave these familiar rooms and corridors, we will be traveling on a road uniquely constructed for each and every one of us. In four to five years, the medical world will note an increase in medical technologists, registered nurses and psychologists. The business world will be swamped with accountants and legal secretaries. The fine arts will gladly welcome a group of talented actors, artists, singers, and dancers. Some of us will patrol the nation’s forests until the sun sets. Others will spend their days in airport control towers, helping the country’s largest jets make their touchdowns. Even with such individual interests, our class works together as a whole unit, as it someday will in the community of life. It doesn’t matter what changes we, the class of 1979, make in our school or which of life’s avenues we chose to pursue, as long as each of us achieves our goals “Our Way”. 11

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daily for those who work. The workers have time to go home, eat their lunch, and rush to their place of employment. This well planned school day allows for only five minutes between each class. Suggestions to increase the amount of time allotted for passing range from seven to ten minutes. At the beginning of the 1978 school year, a fifteen minute break was incorporated into our schedules. A definite asset, it gives us time to run our errands, talk with our friends, and munch on the candy bars so frequently sold in the halls and classrooms of our school. The school store opens for those who desire a wider variety of snacks. But still others dream about the benefits cafeteria food could have during this time. As a matter of fact, the majority of the student body would like the cafe to be open all day so that nutritional food would be available to them during their studies. The seniors indicated they would like a liberal, campus-like atmosphere. An attractive aspect of this less regimented program would be allowing students to leave school during their study. Others suggested that study halls be replaced by constructive classes, such as drama, philosophy, or driver’s education. These courses would be filled to capacity, if offered. Many feel that some of the subjects in the curriculum taught today are neither applicable to life situations nor specific enough to aid students in preparation for their chosen careers. College bound students hope for a course entitled, “What to Expect”. This would entail learning how to take notes, how to concentrate more effectively, and how to read with a greater degree of comprehension, as is expected of col- lege students. The detention system would be replaced by demerits or abolished altogether. Laten'ess would be tolerated to a certain degree, and it would be one’s own decision as to whether or not one wished to attend class. Consequently, a student might recognize the importance of attending his classes and might become a more responsible adult. Smoking between classes would be reinstated, along with smoking during the fifteen minute break. Lavatories would be available throughout the entire day instead of just during the break or at other specified times. The Class of 1979 hungers most for senior privileges other than the exemption from final exams. Those with cars dream of a student parking lot. Others hope for a senior lounge which would include a snack bar, soda machine and 10

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 V’ve lived a life thats full V traveled each and every highway 12