Elkhart Memorial High School - Monolith Yearbook (Elkhart, IN)

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Growth mixed blessing The 1984-85 school year brought many academic changes. Some teachers had busier schedules, with more students in each class. “Class sizes in the math department have been large for the past several years. The average class was a little big- ger this year, but the large class sizes were most noticeable in the ninth grade general math classes. Last year these classes had 15-20 students, but this year the average class had more than 30,” said math teacher Mr. James Mayes. In past years, few teachers had six full classes a day. This year at least eight teachers, inclucias English teacher Mr. Larry Pio, did without a preparation period. ‘Having six full classes a day caused a lot of strain, because there just didn’t ever seem to be enough time to get everything done. I ina myself work- ing a lot of late nights, too, making up for that extra hour. Teaching almost became a seven-day-a-week job.” What is your favorite subject in school? Art Business English Industrial Arts Math Science Social Studies Some classes ranged from freshmen to seniors, and this had a different effect on different people. J. R. Robbins, junior, said, “I think it’s an advantage for freshmen and sophomores to be in classes with the up- perclassmen, because upperclassmen contribute their knowledge and advice.” “T think it’s very neat. You get to make more friends who are in different grades,” said freshman Mike Wolf. A teacher of one such class, however, was not as enthusiastic. “Freshmen and sophomores do not have the attention span that older students do, and their in- ability to stay ‘on track’ could sometimes decrease the quantity and quality of the course’s usual requirements,” she said. A sophomores said, “It’s always a lot more fun being with the older kids, but, unless you are a freshman, you have to be with the younger ones, too. So far, it has been a great experience meeting all these new people and having classes with them.” Rochelle Gubi and Cindy Goss learn how to in- terview each other for Mr. Frank Catanzarite’s speech class. Bill Heath carefully sands the wood he is going to use for a project in woods class. Kim McGary and Stephanie Reich painstakingly mass the chemicals they need for their chemistry experiment. Physical education classes work together learn- — ing how to cooperate. In this case, ey get a tire from a tree. Mrs. Janet Hales suggests improvements for Kel- ly DeAnthony’s art project. Foods class proves to be very rewarding when the cook, Deshawn Hunt, is fond of pizza.

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Spirit thrives in change The 1984-85 school year began with anticipation, extensive planning, and a bit of worrying. The special questions waiting to be answered this year were the concerns about the acceptance of the freshmen, the best use of space, the continuation of traditions, and the func- tions of student organizations. The great amount of brain energy spent was worth it, because everything came together. New students did their part to fit smoothly into the diverse student body, and it showed. The newly initiated freshmen teams and organizations showed outstanding aptitude and abili- ty. Organizations gained in strength as well as size. Mr. Donald Litherland, in- strumental director, observed, “The ad- dition of the freshmen increased the ge- nuine enthusiasm towards music- making, both in band and orchestra.” The building was reorganized to ac- commodate the increase of nearly 500 students, faculty, and staff. Some shop classrooms in C hall were converted in- to math rooms, a new computer room was set up to increase the number of computers to 68, and the different departments acquired 26 new staff members. New Indiana state laws provided that student organizations could not meet on recently lengthened school time. This might have made Memorial’s tradition of student involvement impossible, if the administration had not included ac- cumulated ‘‘bank time’ for field trips, early dismissals, and 10 minutes eke for organizational meetings. The administration and student body had major adjustments to make, but they came up with solutions and com- promises that made this year of change a resounding success. The recently reorganized Student Government makes up for a late start by concentrating on new business. Miss Pam Scott, a first year teacher and one of 26 additions to MHS, explains how to write a journal. Much of the school, including the library, was rearranged. Todd Kelley finds the fiction section switched with history.