Ionia High School - Ionian Yearbook (Ionia, MI)

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Sagacious Administration Defines; Able and progressive men make up the Ionia school board. Their concern is to maintain and improve the educational standards provided in the community. They put in many hours without public recognition except their own knowledge that they are providing an efficient school system, the return for the school tax dollar, and fine opportunities of schooling for Ionia vouth. Members of the school board are, from left to right. A. V. Wright, Jr., Robert B. Boyce, Edward Ruehs, Flint C. Watt, Fred D. Keister, III, Leonard Schwab, Dale J. Rosccrance, Robert O. Smith, M.D. Melbourne Stebbins, member and secretary of the Board of Directors of Ionia Public Schools for ten years, died suddenly on October 25. His death was a loss to the community and to the Board where he functioned as a business man capable of grasping complicated finan cial considerations, and as a parent with tolerance and understanding of hu man foibles and problems. Superintendent Robert Boyce is responsible for the efficient operation of the entire Ionia school system. He provides a liaison between the board of education and the community, interpreting and explaining the administration of school affairs to the public. Of prime concern to the superintendent are financial and curriculum problems and their solutions. Robert B. Boyce, B.S., A.B., M.A. Western Michigan University University of Michigan Mr. Joseph Harrison, as principal of Ionia High School, assures the students of the proper educational leadership. He is concerned with the smooth, effective functioning of the school faculty and with expansion of the school curriculum in conformity with the basic program. Joseph M. Harrison, B.S., M.A. Western Michigan University University of Michigan Mr. Kenneth Click, assistant principal of Ionia High School, is a new member on the staff. He serves as attendance officer and investigates absences. Mr. Click also acts as counselor when any student has a problem and needs advice. Kenneth Click, B.S., M.A. Central Michigan University Michigan State University 10

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Faculty People are always working together. The administration of Ionia High School consists of people working together for the common benefit of us, the students. We are fortunate to have good talented people who are sincerely dedicated to their work of improving educational opportunities and facilities. They are continually pressed with problems seemingly insoluble and yet we trust that they can find solutions and they do. Perhaps at times they must get discouraged when their never-ending tasks and responsibilities appear to pass unappreciated and unnoticed. Youth shows gratitude in strange ways, in silence, in nervous laughter, in pure emotion, in grief, and in carelessness. Yet inside, the heart burns to say what words or expressions cannot: Thank you.

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Helpful Personnel Executes Policies The task of running such a large organization as Ionia High School cannot be undertaken by a superintendent or principal alone. A large full-time office staff is required to properly carry out the many diversified activities inherent in any school. Such a group is the main office staff. From left to right: Henrietta Graham, Esther Hickok, Maxine Whitford, Dorothy Balzell and Mildred Brindle. Controlling the affairs of the Junior High School department is its principal, Mrs. Harriet Kelly. Although not looked upon as part of the high school proper, the job of running the Junior high is an important one. It is here that young students get their first taste of high school life and form the habits that will be with them throughout their academic careers. Such a job requires not only an able but also an understanding administrator. Mrs. Dorothy Glasson, the principal’s secretary, copes with scores of students who crowd into the office, especially in the morning, seeking special excuses and permits. She records grades and attendance, takes telephone calls and messages, processes college applications, tests and forms, and handles Principal Harrison’s correspondence. Mrs. Mary Kirgis works with Mrs. Glasson in the principal’s office, helps in recording attendance and grades and does clerical work for the school librarian. 11 Mary Kirgis and Dorothy Glasson share the clerical duties of the Senior High.