Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

Page 18 text:

Principal Is Weather Prophet Principal Frank Thomas entered his sixteenth season at the helm of Grants Pass Senior High School with his optimism unsullied and his sense of humor undampened. His efficiency had increased over the years and his confidence in America and its youth was unshaken. When queried on his duties, official and otherwise, Mr. Thomas was quick to enumerate his most distressing chore. This was the annual decision on whether to hold commencement exercises outdoors or under cover while Oregon’s cloud-banked skies threatened a deluge. So far, much to his credit as a weather prophet, he has always made the proper decision. Other duties that devolve upon him are the responsibility for the building and personnel of the high school. He directs the teaching program and acts as custodian of student body funds. 14

Page 17 text:

Is Big Business Jesse Loffer Athletic Director Warren Cook Curriculum Director Thomas Denney Attendance Director George Buck Assistant Clerk Encompassing over 24 square miles, School District 7 is the largest single employer in this area. With 202 certified employees and 65 non-certified its payroll of $112,000 per month is surpassed only by Bate Lumber Company and Southern Oregon Plywoods. The district owns outright over 1100 acres of land, the bulk of which is tied up in a school forest of 1000 acres. The district operates six elementary schools, two junior highs as well as the senior high school. It has taken an option to purchase a new elementary site. The school board, elected by voters of the district, acts as a policy board while Superintendent Ralph Jones as head of the administration, is responsible for putting that policy into effect. Departments within the district in addition to education itself are maintenance, transportation, office and custodial. DISTRICT 7 OFFICE STAFF L. to R. Marjorie Todd Payroll Clerk Lilian Fosbery Bookkeeper Thelma Christenson Superintendent’s Secretary 13

Page 19 text:

Deans Have Long Tenure Graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a Bachelor of Science degree, James Keith, Dean of Boys, spent his first year out of school teaching at Alsea. The following year he came to Grants Pass Junior High School as a social studies teacher and football coach. Upon the establishment of a six-year high school, Mr. Keith was promoted from frosh coach to head varsity coach. After a two-year break with the U. S. Navy, Mr. Keith returned to the newly created office, Dean of Boys. Since then he has procured a Master of Education degree and the name “Tuffy.” The degree was from Oregon State College, “Tuffy?” . . . “Couldn’t tell you.” An “old timer” at G.P.H.S., Bertha Calhoun, Dean of Girls was born in Ashland, but attended Grants Pass schools after moving from her birthplace at the ripe age of six months. After being graduated from this school, Miss Calhoun received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State College near Areata, California. Starting her career as a teacher, Miss Calhoun first taught grades 1-8 at Fruit-dale school. Teaching geography to 7th and 9th graders preceded her appointment as Dean of Girls. Having held the last position for the past five years, Miss Calhoun has been loved and respected by the many girls with whom she has become acquainted.