Frederick Douglass High School - Polaris Yearbook (Atlanta, GA)

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The Hot Summer 1 Arnita Swanson and April Banks prac- tice marching. 2. Northstarette tryouts. 3. Karen Veale and Michelle Easley decide who ' s going to take the cooler. Preparing For A Good Year Many of us felt that it was sum- mer and time to rest our brains! Though school was out, some of us felt differently, and felt that we should continue to increase our knowledge, so we attended summer school. This year sum- mer school was held at our very own Douglass High from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Student took as many classes as they wanted, or as many as they needed, at twenty dollars per course. We can work and by this means we can retrieve all our losses. Frederick Douglass Some of the rules during sum- mer school were a little different because shorts were not allowed and if one was absent too often, one received no credit for the course ' . Inspite of the limitations of staying in line, the meeting of new friends took our minds off of everything. But besides school, others at- tended auxilary camp. For the first time the Flag Corps, Drum Majors, Majorettes and North- starettes attended the same camp. Marching Auxilaries of America at West Georgia College. The activities included. The Skit and Talent Night, Watermelon Feast, in which participants just ate watermelon and tripped out, and Individual Spirit Competi- tion, in which each school com- peted for the Spirit Baton by showing the most spirit. And last but not least, the girls learned new routines which would come in handy during Marching Sea- son. Student Life Summer 159

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Hardwork In 1. Auxilaries at summer camp. 2. Lutania Ju- han and Shirvica Ladson demonstrate a cou- ple of tennis swings. 3, Terrie Weems and Donya Green lead Neeka Jeter and Luria Bry- ant in some marching techniques. 4. Michelle Easley, Joi Bacote, and Kathy Riley take time out from camp activities to enjoy a snack, and a little clowning around. 158 Student Life Si

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A Day In The Life Of An Astro There is a general feeling among the students of Douglass that the school is second to none in many areas. The mainstay of the school ' s success is the result of one very important element. That building block in our founda- tion is togetherness . The goals to better the quality of educa- tion, to maintain the quality of the learning environment, to pro- vide a good social environment and to prepare students for fu- ture endeavors are accom- plished by everyone working hand in hand daily. Dr. Butts, teacher, parents, secretarial staff, students, cafeteria staff, and custodial staff are all Astros, each representing a part of a whole — a family — striving to make every minute beneficial in a day in the life of an Astro. The major source of the school ' s power is Dr. Lester W. Butts. Continously reminding the students to be about the busi- ness of learning, he gives many of them that extra incentive to excel in their studies. Though al- ways apologetic for interrupting the learning process, it is not un- usual for an occasional reminder to go out over the intercom. He is the first to congratulate stu- dents that have achieved educa- tional rewards around and out- side of the school. During the Summer of ' 82 our principal ap- plied his own philosophy and ob- tained his Doctorate Degree. As a E.E.D., Dr. Butts has enhanced his own educational experience, while instilling the ambition in many students to do the same. The words of wisdom from Dr. Butts are often needed to help students through the trying schedule and rigorous academic program. Each day begins at 8:30 a.m. with homeroom. This is the place where all business is transacted. The morning an - nouncements are presented from station WFDA, students have an opportunity to study, and they have this time to pre- pare for the six classes that lie ahead. Classes from Physical Education and Typing to Foreign Languages and Computer Sci- ence are offered during the day. Classes begin at 8:45, each last- ing approximately 54 minutes. Three classes are held before a locker period is given. At this time students secure books for their remaining classes. Immedi- ately following, the fourth period class begins, during which stu- dents go to lunch that is divided into three periods — A, B, and C. A full course meal is offered. The thing was to get the scholars and to have them thor- oughly imbued with the desire to learn. — Frederick Douglass along with a salad bar. In addition to eating, students are then geared up and ready to attend the last two classes of the day, which ends at 3:15. At this time students prepare to leave for home. Some students walk, some are picked up by parents, other drive, and still others ride the Cheese (National Buses). One thing ' s for sure, they must all go home and prepare for the next school day. It has been said that the teach- ers of Douglass are the best in the business. This quality shines in them when they are seen working that extra hour to tutor students. Each department has a day after school that is set aside for students to receive help, make up work, or receive extra credit points. But, many teach- ers go beyond the call of duty and remain with students on days that aren ' t assigned to them. The short class period is not always enough time to ac- complish some of the things that need to be done in certain areas. In situations as this the die- hard teacher is certainly re- spected. Even more appreciated are those teachers who take the time to counsel students. Peer and social pressures are often more stressful than academic ones. An understanding teacher who has surpassed many an ob- stacle is always helpful to a stu- dent seeking counseling. Without the type of teacher an Astro ' s day just wouldn ' t be the same. It ' s funny how the people that have your name, address and other personal information, the ones that put your name on the roster when enrolling and the people that handle your most im- portant schedules and report cards are sometimes forgotten in the rush of the day. These V.I.P. ' s are none other than the members of the secretarial staff. Many of them are quite visible, because they greet visitors in the main office with their warm smiles and cooperative manner. However, some are not as visi- ble. They work under assistant principals or in the registar ' s of- fice. They contribute much to the Astro family, and should be recognized for the rough routine of the day ' s work. They must work with the principals, teach- ers, and students. These ladies are very much alive and active in the goings on at Douglass. 160 student Life A Day In The Life Of An Astro