Masuk High School - Exodus Yearbook (Monroe, CT)

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Out of necessity . . . . . . grew the educational system in the expanding Monroe community. During the 1950's Monroe was basically known as a small, country town. Lacking their own high school, students attended Bassik High School in Bridgeport. This program was followed until the late '50's when Bridgeport decided that it would no longer accept any more students from the surrounding communities. Recognizing the needs of the growing town, Mr. and Mrs. Semyon Masuk and their sons, Peter and Paul, donated a 22- acre plot of land to Monroe for the new high school. Mr. Masuk, an immigrant from Russia, donated the land as an ex- pression of thanks for the many bounties which he experienced as a citizen. This land, combined with 10.6 acres purchased from the Bridgeport Hydrolic Company, served as the basis for Masuk High School with projected completion costs under the one and one half million mark. Opening for the first time in September of 1958, this facility had a 568 pupil capacity and included grades seven through eleven. Included in the new building were nineteen regular classrooms, two science labs, one homemaking room, one room for shop classes, cafeteria space, kitchen facilities and administrative offices. With continued population growth and the needs generated by an expanding cur- riculum, Masuk soon needed an addition. Begun in late November of 1963, this ad- dition created classroom space, expanded shop facilities, made room for special education programs and included elec- tronic language labs. By 1974 Masuk was again feeling the squeeze of changing times and population growth. Under evaluation by the New England Association of Secondary Schools and colleges, the evaluation committee cited Masuk's existing facilities as inade- quate. Faced with possible loss of ac- creditation, the town with state aid, once again supported a renovation project and purchased 12 additional acres of land with costs reaching $9,084,000. This project changed forever the life of the Masuk students. Thirty-eight learning stations greatly enhanced all department accomodations. The greatest changes oc- curred in the Media Center and sport's facilities which included the William D. Benedict football field, the indoor swimm- ing pool, the track, and the tennis courts. With the increased mobility of the stu- dent body, the parking lot was expanded to accomodate 450 cars. Although of humble origins, Masuk has grown from a simple building in 1958 to a modern facility matching the educational and social needs of its 1140 students. Already in the five year span since the completion of the second renovation, Masuk's growing curriculum needs have made the existing computer lab seen anti- quated. If past history can be a teacher, we can expect that the next twenty-five years will bring changes that mirror societies growing needs. A The Thanks Are Mine Monroe School Land Donor Seeks To Repay U.S. for Its Kindness. April '58 4 Anniversary

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Mrs. Sapei, who came to Masuk in 1960, remembers when the library consisted of only two classrooms and a couple of stacks of books which had been donated by the townspeople. Recalling the early days, Mrs. Sapei speaks of the library club she once advised. Profiting from an extreme- ly successful book sale, the club purchased the trophy case which is still on display in the front lobby. Mrs. Sapei actively participated in providing input for the design of the library's pit and open table area. The modest accommodations of those early years are a sharp contrast to the spacious, well-equipped media center Masuk students enjoy today. Mrs. Brown began teaching at Masuk in the business department in 1959, serving as department chairperson from 1962 to 1965. Although her tenure at Masuk was interrupted in the late 60's to teach in other states and to work for the U S. Civil Service over seas, she considers herself a veteran of Masuk. From 1959 to 1964, Mrs. Brown took on the responsibility of book- keeper for student activities, which were mostly well-attenaed dances. Her office was the current vault here at Masuk! Mrs. Brown recalls with pride, advising the Masuk Mirror with Mr. Hastings. In those days the students on the staff had to diligently type and duplicate the whole paper after school. This would present a pro- blem today with so many students working after school. The paper is now printed by the graphic art's teacher and students. Mrs. Brown remains active today in Masuk activities. She has been a member of the MRA since 1976. Recognition Mr. Ronald Custaitis has had the unique oppor- tunity of viewing Masuk High School as a student, a teacher, and an administrator. Reflecting on his memories, Mr. Custaitis recalls that school rules and regulations were much stricter in the early sixties, and that being a teenager was the most unsettling of times. A member of the Class of '63, Mr. Gustaitis par- ticipated in many clubs and activities, receiving awards in both basketball and baseball. He was also an active member of the band, throughout his years at Masuk, serving as band president in both his junior and senior years. Music continues to be an im- portant part of his life. Returning to Masuk as a math teacher in 1969, Mr. Gustaitis remembers those times as turbulent. The relevancy of everything was questioned, including curriculum. Thus, teaching proved to be his greatest challenge. The most rewarding of his three roles at Masuk has been ad- ministrating. As a facilitator, Mr. Gustaitis feels that he can be most helpful in making the necessary changes that time demands. As an effective administrator, his desire is to help guide Masuk to a position of excellence in the years to come. t 1970 3

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History of Masuk 5 Masuk addition work started; September 64 completion seen. December '63