Highland High School - Iris Yearbook (Highland, IL)

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Goodbye Fun and Games It's changing before our eyes. The world is now saying goodbye to the era of video games and moving on to the more serious side of the computer industry. Principal Fred Singleton stated, “We're no more in an industrial society. Now 65% of the world is an information society. School's are trying to pass this on to stu- dents for help in future jobs.” The students at HHS began grabbing hold of the help offered by the school. The jump from 89 students taking computer classes in 1983 to 135 in 1984, showed the growing importance in academic instruction. Junior Tammy Imboden, data processing student, stated, ‘“Com- puters are taking over everything. If you know how to use them, you'll have a better chance at getting a job. They make things a lot easier, and with people being so lazy...” The importance not only affect- ed those who are planning to further their education in a busi- ness field, but was also seen in the agriculture department as stu- dents worked to raise money for their own computer. “Learning the basics here can give you a better advantage against others in your job field. What we're trying to do here is teach those basics,” stated Single- ton. The basics were taught in classes such as data processing, computer literacy and advance programming by Ms. Cheryl Swafford and carried over into Stumped by one of the school’s computers, junior Gordon Rogier dwells deep in his mind for the answer. Rogier is one of the fortunate students who owns his own computer. the math department through the interest of Mr. John Hester and Mrs. Jeanne Probst. The question of how the school could manage to finance the growing field of computers is one that was often asked. Faced with the problem of the computers be- coming out-dated, the school wrote for grants and used part of the student activity fund to pur- chase new equipment. Education Plus also helped in any way they could by supplying softwear. The computer has also begun playing a large part in the smooth operation at HHS. Moving from a semi-computer system in 1983, the school converted to their own in house computer system, to speed up averaging grades and distribut- ing report cards. Mini Mag 7

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Teaching—More Than Just a Profession “There is so many neat things about teaching,’’ was business teacher Miss Cheryl Swafford’s reply when she was asked what she liked most about teaching. Qualifications for a teaching posi- tion at HHS are much more than obtaining a degree in education. The degree must be accompanied by the ability to discipline stu- dents while establishing a close friendship with them and an understanding for them. Sacrific- ing hours of their free time, in- structors at Highland High School give up much of their time with families to concentrate on school activities, such as grading papers and coaching as well as advising classes and clubs. A survey was distributed to the faculty to gather information on teaching likes and dislikes. The replies revealed teachers’ opinions on various subjects. When asked about advising clubs and classes, Mr. Thomas Koch, Ag teacher, responded, “‘It’s super—I enjoy working with stu- dents in and out of the classroom atmosphere.”’ Another teacher commented, “Advising a class or club both result in additional demands on one’s time. | have enjoyed both activities when | have gotten the cooperation and support needed from the stu- dents. You do get to know stu- dents better than you ordinarily would if they were just in your class or not in class at all.” Miss Swafford stated, “It gives you a different perspective of the student outside of the classroom. On the other hand, it gives that student a different perspective of you.” HHS faculty also proclaimed what they liked most about teach- ing. “Sharing the good that we know and passing it on to others who want to know about our Mini Mag 6 subject and grow in it.” “Being around and working with young people. It keeps one young,” was the response of one teacher. Another commented, ‘Being able to see students achieve and being part of that achievement.” One liked “the hours and summer break.” One of the questions asked the teachers was what one thing they would like to change about their teaching professions. Many replied that the salary should be higher. Others responses included, “Student respect and quick mouths which respond before thinking,” “The last two weeks of school,” “Il would like to see a better working relationship between students and teachers. | would like to see more students take their role more seriously.” Because of the size of enrollment at HHS, relationships between students and teachers are easily established. Students find themselves going to teachers for help with personal problems as well as difficulties with school. Classroom size is small enough that many teachers can work on a one to one basis with most. The faculty was asked how strong they feel a student - teacher relationship should be. Many teachers agreed that relationships should be strong, but most important they should have mutual respect. Another respond- ed, “I think that students should respect their teachers and use them as a resource person—not an excuse for failure. | think teachers should see students as individuals and give them as much positive support as possible to encourage learning.’ Others feel they should be “strictly pro- fessional, though closeness is not unacceptable.” When one educator was asked about all the tasks that are in- volved in teaching, he summed it all up by stating that “It’s all part of the job!” Outside the classroom, Mr. Tom Koch, Agriculture teacher, holds the head of a young calf while a group of youngsters look on.

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—s Hush Over the Crowd A spotlight shined on an empty theater in ’84, as HHS faced no spring musical. No curtains opening. No spotlights or musical numbers. No leading actor or actress or even a supporting cast. No applause or standing ovation from the audi- ence. When it gets right down to it, it all means no school musical. For 16 years the musical has been an annual event at HHS, dating back to 1967 with “Bye, Bye Birdie.” In the years that fol- lowed, the musical gained immense popularity with the stu- Mini Mag 8 Falls dents and community. Yet, in the 83-84 school year, a change was made; this was the year there would be no musical. According to principal Mr. Fred Singleton, several reasons brought about the decision for no musical. With the leaving of Mrs. Sue Hill, drama teacher, two years ago, the problem of finding someone “in house” or in the school, to do the directing arose. Faced with this problem in the 1An empty theater faces the set from the 1983 musical titled “The King and |,” but in '84, the empty theater will face an empty stage. 82-83 school year, the school looked to the outside for help. Graciously stepping in to take the reins of directing was Mrs, Shirley Schaeffer, who did an ex- cellent job,” stated Singleton. Yet, problems became noticable during the 6-8 weeks of getting ready for opening night. The largest problem seemed to be filling the gaps, between the students, director, and the school system. Singleton worked to close those gaps, but due to health problems in '84, he was unable to take on the responsiblities that accompanied working with an outside director. A low rate of enthusiasm also played a large part in cutting the musical this year. In '83, the school was forced to have more tryouts then expected due to lack of participation from the stu- dents. This lack of enthusiasm could play a large part in the coming years. Singleton stated, “We'll give it a shot next year and if we can’t get a full cast, we may go to every other year.” For years the musical has pro- vided an outlet for students not involved in sports, band or any other form of activity. It gave these students a chance to show their talents to the public. Junior Kyle Schumacher stated his opinion on the issue. “I was really mad that there wasn’t one. It gave people something to do in the spring when things are dwin- dling down. It serves as an out- let.” Singleton stated, “The public is amazed at the talents students have. Outside people see students in a different light, | enjoy that.”