McCluer North High School - Polaris Yearbook (Florissant, MO)

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SS Move over-we re growing: each in independent ways Having willingly provided comprehensive educations for more than 20,000 students during the 1970’s and early 1980's, McCl uer North readily accepted a unique group of students during the 1982-83 school year. The new group was com- prised of sophomores and, for the first time, freshmen: the latter being the class of 1986. Moving over and making the sophomores and freshmen comfortable was almost routine. Moving over and making friends with them was often fun. And moving over and helping them feel like indivi- duals was a universal responsibility ac- cepted by all upperclass students and faculty as well. That responsibility required both time and attention. Many newcomers didn’t fully understand the philosophy and dis- tinctiveness of their new school. “When McCluer North got started, they intend- ed it to be different from other schools — and it is,” said Mary Reynolds, senior. That difference was characterized by special people and special programs, both on and off campus. For instance, accept- ing the responsibility of commons was a significant difference encountered by the freshmen and sophomores. From commons and other experiences, though, the newcomers learned to obey the school guidelines, to function by themselves, and to evaluate worthy and unworthy behaviors. From that shared responsibility, then, they grew to understand a special place. ‘“McCluer North is a school that stands behind its students, whether they need a friend or a shoulder to cry on,” said Barb Spellmeyer, senior. Standing at attention, Michelle Pickler, senior, gets ready for her next move on the field. Chaining his bike to the closest tree after riding to w= school, Bob Carpenter, sophomore, prepares for the ischool day. ————SE———— ey Sree er eT Rie ee Opening 3

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Playing a new song on the field may be hard at first for Mary Kay Conway, freshman, who isn’t quite yet an “old hand.” koe at school in the@prly light was nothif or Graig Kallen, senior . Al An early practice, re Lease, sp bth Zl ashe pate on ? Tera at ue. ad 2 vy aes a i) » Ect LT

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Move over Growing Together If there was a word to describe the con- course in the mornings, it was ‘‘together- ness.” In the concourse students felt a sense of belonging. Sitting in a booth, if one was available, students heard the scores of the latest athletic event, what practices were scheduled for after school, or if John Doe was still mad at Jane Smith, his ex-girlfriend, for dating his best friend. No matter what question was asked, the answer was available in the concourse. But “togetherness” was also found all over McCluer North, in the clubs, March- ing Band, athletic teams, and many more places. Kara Kretzer, junior, said, “I love to run with people in track and especially in cross country because it’s a time of lei- sure and also a time of showing my sup- port for my school.” Many of the teams not only practiced and played their sports together but also went out on weekends together. Varsity soccer play- er Bill Reichmuth, junior, commented, “We've played soccer together for years and we’re all good friends.” But students didn’t have to be sports fa- natics to feel the togetherness of McCluer North. They felt it in the groups made up of only selected students and in the clubs open to all students. Kevin Ma- loney, freshman, said, “It’s neat because most students in the computer workshop have not had a chance to see what school is really like.” Not matter what interests students had, a group or place where they felt a sense of belonging or togetherness was just around the corner. Laughing together as they look over some pictures, Ann Borch, junior, and Billie Teneau, acting teacher, enjoy the moment. 4 Opening Trying to sneak ina little homework, Paul Martin and Eric Brunson, juniors, Mike McCammond and Dwayne Mattmueller, seniors, spend commons to- gether. Taking Timothy Stokes aside in the concourse, Col- leen McCloney, Child Development teacher, sn eaks in a hug when she thinks no one is looking.