Griffith High School - Reflector Yearbook (Griffith, IN)

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trsS z do ' th GRAMMA GRIFFITHLAND ADDS ONE; ALICE DECIDES TO STAY Lost and confused, Alice wandered down the main hall. Students were rushing each to their private destinations. Alice wandered back into the guidance department. A man was working at a desk in a small office that branched off the main one. Alice introduced herself and then blurted out, What do you do in this place? The man glanced up at the frightened girl. He put his work away and beckoned her to sit down. Besides learning the three R ' s there are optional subjects. English classes . . Wait a minute! Alice burst in, I hate English. It ' s dull and drab and all that stuff about prepositional phrases and noun clauses doesn ' t mean a thing to me. The English classes here are different. They are offered in basic, regular and enriched sessions to fit each student ' s learning rate. A new concept for the department is its phase elective program. Instead of year-long classes these are nine week classes ranging from Pioneer Spirit to Family Circle. I wish I had heard of this before. It doesn ' t sound too bad for an English class. There are 18 sections of metal, wood and mechanics that provide a place for the student with creative ability and teach them how to work with these materials. Another choice for the business students is that of working for one school period as a department or office aide. They work as typists or file clerks in such places as the library

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nights a week. Dance-time arrives at least twice a year and the basketball back boards and rims disappear behind a camouflage of crepe paper for Prom and Turnabout. With 70 games a season , the voice droned on, the football field furnishes a meeting place for players, fans and foes. The track around the football field ' s gravel gives runners the needed traction as they participate in six meets a season. Wrestlers use the upstairs gym for their 12 meets while the tennis team has 14 meets outside on the courts. The two baseball teams swing away in their 25 games, while girls participate in GIA sports like volleyball. Wow! What else does the school offer students? The impelling force guided her down a narrow hall into a large quiet room, filled with books. The library offers 17,000 volumes, ranging from cooking to today ' s science fiction. That sounds like a goodly supply, Alice said. Following her nose to the school ' s kitchen, Alice pilfered some cookies and milk. What happens here? Over 21,600 hamburgers and 27,000 fish filets are served here and 83,900 students buy hot lunches yearly. The cafeteria is also used for pom pon squad practice, testing and as a meeting place. The force pulled Alice into an area where students sat chatting. This patio is a favorite gathering place during lunch. Back in the school, Alice found herself in a huge, dimly-lit room filled with seats and a stage. The site of school and local presentations, this auditorium serves both educational and entertainment purposes. After walking all that way, Alice ' s feet hurt. She started to ease herself into one of the comfortable chairs when the force jerked her to her feet. Oh no. Now where to? she moaned to herself. Equipment, an integral part ot lab work, enabled science students to experiment and discover previous unknowns. Not only providing a place for students to refuel, the cafeteria serves as a gathering spot for conversation. Ecology-minded students beat the energy and clean air crises. Bike racks overflowed during a fall gas shortage.

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or Social Studies Department. That ' s fine but what about students who enjoy music? You probably haven ' t developed a Mick Jaggar or Elton John but you must have something. Right, Alice. We have three chorus classes and two concert bands. Talent is present here, though we don ' t boast any million-dollar singers. You might be interested to know that there are classes here preparing students for coping with life. Preparation for adult living is one such class. Foods help students learn the basics and economics of cooking. Is that all? No, there ' re others. Distributive education class helps students learn the skills of a business trade while receiving credit. Work-study system . . . Alice heard a bell ring and noticed a different sound from what she ' d heard during the day. Students were rushing out but a few stayed. Are they being punished? Do they have to stay? No, Alice, the man laughed. These kids are staying to participate in school organizations. About 40 per cent of the student body belongs to at least one club. Clubs range from the Antique, Chess and Booster Clubs to ones that provide examples of governmental structure like Student Council. Alice then felt the Voice force her to her feet and said, Well, thanks. Hope I see you again. She started walking down that empty hall. This place sure sounds better than where I came from! Griffithland Think I ' ll stay.