Los Angeles Valley College - Crown Yearbook (Valley Glen, CA)

Page 48 text:

will S fy Miss Eleanor Vactor, coordinator of noon recreation program at Valley, interviews Robin forthe noon aide position. Head recreation director ofthe Kester Avenue School, Leslie Preston, discusses playground procedure with Robin. Robin Saunders is one of the many students applying for the noon recreation job. She first talks to Miss Eleanor Vactor, who explains the duties and require- ments of the director. Robin then makes an appoint- ment with Dr. Livingston-Little, who explains the ad- vantages of the recreation director. One of the many advantages is the good pay. For an hour's work she receives 52.28. Most of the work periods are from 12 noon until 1 p.m., but some schools have an hour and a half period. There are also three to five directors at each school depending on the size of the school. Another one of the advantages is that there is no training or experience required, and the actual hiring is done by the school principal. Robin was then given names of several schools where she could apply for jobs. She then called for an appointment with the principal. Robin applied at the Kester Avenue School. First, she had an interview with the principal who de- termined whether she was the type of person he wants to supervise his students. She was then notified of her acceptance in the mail and when she was to report for work. On the job Robin finds several aims and objectives she has to attain, such as: 1. To observe simple courtesies and proper table manners in the cafeteria and at other eating areas. 2. To leave eating areas neat and clean. 3. To proceed to assigned play areas in a quiet orderly manner after eating. 4. To observe all safety and game rules. If there are ever any problems, Robin goes to the principal, who is her immediate superviser, or to the teacher who serves as chairman of Noon Duty play- ground director. Problems of routine nature may be discussed with the teacher and serious matters can be taken up with the principal. The principal will also advise Robin as to the best use of other resource personnel such as the school nurse, physical education director and the youth services spe- cialist. Minor injuries are referred to the school office. ffsisf 'v 3 ,,.ys,f ,f S 1 ':aziEgi

Page 47 text:

Pupil in distress folks over problems with Valley College student Robin Saunders, her noon recreation director. Recreation is education A new program has been introduced by the Division of Elementary Education for the 1963-64 school year. It appears to be one of the most interesting and profit- able for students who plan to go into teaching or other related fields. The purpose of the Noon Duty Recreation Director program is to relieve teachers of yard duty during the noon period, thus helping the school to increase the effectiveness of its educational program and improving teacher planning and education. It also contributes to teacher morale by recognizing the importance of the professional role of the elementary teacher. This also enables the schools to provide constant supervision of children in cafeterias, eating areas and on playgrounds. It improves the position of the Los An- geles Schools with relation to teacher recruitment. Val- ley College is just one of the many colleges in the L.A. School District offering this program. Helping to introduce this program at Valley were Miss Eleanor Vactor, associate professor of English and coordinator of noon duty recreation, and Dr. Dallas Livingston-Little, job placement coordinator. The pro- gram is mainly offered to students who are elementary education majors who wish to get practical experience by working with the schools. This job is open to any student interested in working with children or planning on going into another phase of teaching. The students participating in this program are in direct contact with children by helping them on the playground. This gives the students invaluable aid in how to cope with problems they will someday ex- perience in a class. The training that they receive here will be a good recommendation in the future for apply- ing for a job as a teacher.

Page 49 text:

. 'ff' Q. '- L Vx l---an-. , - 'TT aim Thrift is one lesson 'fought to Kesfer Avenue youngsters by director Robin Sounders. While on duty, noon aide Robin Saunders must observe the program in the area for which she is responsi- ble, taking note of needed improve- ments and suggestions to the teacher chairman or principal. In some cases she may be asked for an evaluation sheet on which will be recorded the organization, attitude of children, knowledge of game safety and needs, safety hazards and supply needs. When Robin is assigned to the yard, leave there learn to be she must meet children as they the eating areas and remain until it is cleaned. She has to to be safety conscious but not over-protective, watch for haz- ards on the schoolground and report them to the principal. The whistle is to be used sparingly and only for discipline. Robin must also be under- standing when children bring their problems to her. Although the work is difficult and many times trying, Robin finds much satisfaction when pupils consider her as a someone to come to with their problems. If a student is scared of the director this accomplishes noth- ing and may hinder the director's supervision of the grounds. The noon period is a vital part of a child's school day and should con- tribute to his physical, mental, moral and social development. Because this job is so important, Robin feels that she is assuming a professional re- sponsibility, not only to the school but to the pupils who depend on her supervision. The supervision that Robin gives will enable the educa- tional system to improve.