Homer L Ferguson High School - Mariner Yearbook (Newport News, VA)

Page 10 text:

The major changes as I see it are students not wanting to learn, the lack of manners students display, a lack of interest and pride that stu- dents take in their school and them- selves. The care of equipment and books throughout the school has greatly decreased. But the teacher- teacher relationship is a good one. The change has caused a decrease in the extra-curricular program. The standards in classrooms must be lowered so some students can keep up to grade level. Mr. Speaker , Joyce Curtis, listens to a pro- posal during a mock congress session. Straightening her books, Mrs. Linda Holmes moves out of the film projector ' s sights. Mr. Robert Ackerman takes time out to talk to boys in a deserted hall during school. Blond hair and black arms on the FHS mascot reflect the changes brought about by busing. In the middle of his Senior English class, Mr. Don Roberts makes phonemics relevant. Typist Rom Rinkes looks over an assignment before continuing to punch the correct keys. •» 6 ; ,,• -j -

Page 9 text:

Understanding both sides bridges Black-White relation gap Before this school year began I was very pessimistic about its outcome, and my attitude was that of a spoiled child who had lost his only toy. But then I began to look ahead and to think of the advantages of busing; in only 12 weeks I have gained many meaningful friendships. I have been exposed to a more realistic way of living together — Black and White. Personally, my grades have dropped drastically and I ' m not showing any type of spirit. I ' m in nothing but I.C.T. because I ' m just not interested in anything right now, but maybe later everything will be better. 72 class president Linda Kliewer, barely es- caping a surprise bath, heads for safety. Life ' s confusing; so is art, thinks Patti Maus- teller as she peeks at another ' s work. Masses of raised hands and off-key voices proclaim Ferguson number one in football. Graphic wall murals fascinate Daniel Slade on one of the entry halls to an art class. 5

Page 11 text:

... though I found myself in the building I had taught in for several years it actually was a different place because the people in a building determine its personality. I had to adjust, too, and this I had not anticipated. It is an astounding fact that the black students and white students get along well in my classes. I find less cruelty between students and that there is an obvious attempt at pleasant relationships, which was not true in previously all white classes. m Students appreciate Dan Shanks ' humor as he speaks his mind in a give-and-take session. That ' s how it is, explains Mrs. Mary Deal to Beth Saliba as Nancy Weiner stands by. Students pass in their history assignments to Mrs. Susan Taylor as they leave class. Poised and waiting for the music to start, free floor gymnasts exercise in a FHS gym. Bongo drums and records establish the right atmosphere for visiting dance instructors. Delinquent teachers sneak out of school to make their weekends just that much longer. Words of advice from Coach Freddie Travis boost team moral in a basketball time out.