Fermi High School - Traces Yearbook (Enfield, CT)

Page 11 text:

The 1983 National Commission of Excellence In Education’s report “An Open Letter to the American People, A Nation at Risk” is the result of an eighteen month study of the American educational system. According to this task force, existing educational standards are not meeting the demands of today’s society. This report recommends a renewal of the nation’s commitment to schools and colleges throughout the United States. Enrico Fermi High School challenges this report by offering academic excellence. A total education, including the aquisition of academic skills as well as those talents obtained through participation in sports, clubs, or organizations, is available to every student at our school. J

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DEDICATION When this year’s graduating class entered Fermi High School as sophomores, during the fall of 1981, we were at a great advantage to have Mrs. Sharon Palmer, the head librarian, volunteer as one of our faculty advisors. Our first year at Fermi was a time of trial and error, but with the guidance and support she extended to our class, we were able to learn from our mistakes and proceed in the right direc- tion. She has led our class through dances, proms, homecoming events, the magazine drive, and the graduation ceremony. Largely due to your efforts and devotion, we, the Class of 1984, dedicate our book. Traces, to you, Mrs. Palmer. The school library is a vital part of the complete educational opportunity offered to students at Fermi. Since Mrs. Palmer’s addition to the staff, her expertise has increased the professionalism of the Fermi faculty. She has vastly improved the facilities of the library, and she has also been active in the Human Involvement program, which includes train- ing library aides. Mrs. Palmer utilizes her knowledge and assistance to guarantee that both students and faculty will fully take advantage of the library facilities. Mrs. Palmer, you have been both a leader and a friend, and our success as a class is in proportion to your devotion. It is said that if you give to the world the best that you have, the best will come back to you. This will surely be the case with you. In gratitude, the Class of 1984 wishes to offer you their best. 6

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When educational standards are questioned, It Is possible for society to lose sight of the basic purpose of schooling. The aim is to develop the talents of all students, and to develop them to the fullest. Attaining this goal requires that we must demand and expect all students to work to the limits of their capabilities. We must challenge them with the maximum standards, rather than with the minimum ones. Recently, to raise our standards, the Board of Education has installed more rigid requirements for graduation. First, the passing grade standard has been changed from 60 to 65. Therefore, students must put forth greater effort. Secondly, graduation standards have become more rigorous. To graduate a senior must achieve an overall academic average of a 4.0 (or C-), earn four units of English, two of Science, Social Studies, and Math, and one of Physical Education. Students must carry a full schedule equivalent to a minimum of SVa credits each year, and he must pass a minimum of four classes. 8