Frontier Central High School - Gateway Yearbook (Hamburg, NY)

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ADMINISTRMTEON -....... .... ,...... , .J-...........V., Dr. Robert O. Starr ln June of 1977, the sixth graders were leaving the elementary schools, and breakfast was held in their honor. For many, this was the first time they had met Dr. Starr. He was thc mystical figure teachers always hope would attend their Christmas pageant. Now he was seated next to the principal, sixth graders watched him in awe. In their limited experience, Dr. Starr was only a few steps below the President. Since that day, Dr. Starr has become a more and more familiar figure to the students of Frontier, and the awe has evolved into respect. Dr. Robert O. Starr is retiring July first, ending the 23 years he has devoted to the Frontier District. I-Ie has been Superintendent since 1974, after serving since 1960 as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Board President Stanley Figiel described Dr. Starr as a man deeply dedi- cated to education as a teacher and administrator who has served the community wellf' There was deep regret on the part of the board at his loss. For the class of '83, they have never really known an- other Superintendentg Dr. Starr has been with them since before sixth grade. They are only glad that they will not have to face his loss. Loss it will be, when this intelligent and honest professional leaves. It is obvious that he will be hard to replace, both in his experience and in his generous wisdom. as W Mrs. R Bulger Mr. J. Meaney Mr. R. Rosinski Assistant Assistant Director of Health and Suplylnstruction Supt.fBusiness Physical Education Administrationf 19

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Nl Neal K. Ballard J. Baker S. Figiel ' President

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...Fi .1 ' '..,a A x. 'z' ' :., L' ,. , PRINCIPAL Mr. G. R. Baldelli Principal lflfhlr. Betldclli The Next Frontier by Gerald R. Baldelli The evolution of the Frontier Central School District occurred in 1952, as com- mon school districts in the hamlets of Woodlawn, Blasdell, Lakeview, Wanakah, Athol Springs and Big Tree centralized into one of the largest school districts in New York State. In 1955, Frontier Central High School opened its doors for the first time, housing grades 7-12. Student enrollment peaked to 1850 in the early 1960's in a building whose capacity is 1500. Today, Frontier is the fourth largest high school in Western New York. Frontieris first renaissance occurred in the late fifties, shortly after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. Our district responded to the national commitment of sci- ence development by revolutionizing our mathematics, science and foreign language programs which today serve as models throughout Western New York. As the 60's rang out a cry for increased student rights, a militant mood emerged amongst college and high school students causing rebellion and violence throughout the nation. Students became more aware of the Viet Nam conflict and became di- vided in their allegiance during the draft controversy. Frontier responded to student needs by permitting more student representation in the formulation of educational policies and programs. Significant advances resulted in vocational education, work study programs, industrial arts education and student publications. Students and teachers united to weld fractures that existed between the administration and the student body. With a general decline in basic skills and standardized test scores typifying the 70's, a call came to return to the Basics, Frontier designed a proliferation of English and Social Studies Electives to fulfill the interests and deficiencies of students. The Board of Regents established standards that would ensure minimum competency levels of all high school graduates in New York State. Our schools became more responsive to the exceptional child. The adolescent as well as the adult began to feel the impact of the noticeable decline in student popu- lation, the inflated economy, the unemployment crisis, the collective bargaining pro- cess and the equal rights amendment. As Frontier enters the decade of the 80's, it must deal with the vived manifesta- tions of the gifted child, the futuring of our business, industrial arts, and home economics curricula, the education of students from a global perspective fprepara- tion of students at all levels with a proficiency in a second languagej, and the explo- sion of computer technology. The mere fact that we have not yet solved the problems of high unemployment and the needs of an exacerbated technological crisis should serve as an inspiration to our students as they project their career goals. The historical Frontier, with its mis- takes and accomplishments will assist our educational community in tackling the challenges of tornorrow. This years student body is an affirmation that we can look to the next Frontier with optimism towards a more imaginative, prosperous and con- QTUOUS SOClCl.y.