Memorial High School - Reata Yearbook (Houston, TX)

Page 157 text:

with problems turn to Deputy of Personnel Dr. Don Stacy, aid. Dr. Stacy works through paper work in office at the Administration Building. Photo David Young. ..,,wN-,Mx Spring Branch Superintendents Front row: Dave Figari, Administration: Bobby Laird, Auxiliary Affairsg Bock row: Don Killough, In- struction: Wade Pogue, Internal Affairs and George Hagan, Finance take care of general administration in the district. Photo by Suzi Holloway. School Board Vice president lack Holloway explains a report to one of his constituents, Marion Pearson. Northbrook High School hosted the conference. Photo by lim Tomforde. Superintendents I 153

Page 156 text:

Administration of approximately 33,000 students, 4,000 district employees, a school board's policies and 40 school campuses is an awesome job and in the Spring Branch School District, that respon- sibility is given to General Superintendent Henry Wheeler. Working in congruence with six Deputy Superintendents, Wheeler and his administrative staff follow through on the decisions of the school board. Our purpose is to make sure the school board policies are carried out, said Wheeler. Finishing his third year in this posi- tion, Wheeler's attitude towards the district is a positive one. The district is in good shape. It's even more impressive when you've been somewhere else, as I have, and can really see the difference, Wheeler said. Wheeler also acclaims the students in the district and denies the common assumption that the quality of students is declining. You must remember that today's students have a much harder work load than those that they're being compared to. SAT tests have changed and comparing the scores of a 1980 student with the scores of a 1960 stu- dent, who didn't learn nearly as much material, is unfair, he said. The quality of the students seems to directly affect the quality of the district. Our students make the district impressive. Their competitive nature, talent and support from their parents all play major roles in the development of such good students, said Wheeler. One program which Wheeler believes is unique to this district and which shows the cooperation bet- ween the students and the ad- ministration is student press con- ferences. These conferences give Headed by Dr. Evelyn M. Clark, the school board for the Spring Branch District was ex- pected to make decisions such as the bond issue. Photo by Kim Barfield. Closely studying yet another report are Bonny Laird, Deputy Superintendent of Auxiliary Af- fairs, and Wade Pogue, Deputy Superintendent for Internal Affairs. Photo by David Young. 152 O Supermtendents Stiperirwieriderit Supt. Wheeler recognizes student talent, ab' ' me a chance to hear what the students have to say, he said. It also keeps the students informed about what is happening in the schools. Mr. Wheeler called a press con- ference every two to four months. The editors of school publications as well as student government leaders attended. A major concern of the administra- tion was the falling enrollment rate. Enrollment has been declining for several reasons. First, the Spring as mgnrjgpv' 1l1t Branch Independent School Distri has limited space for growth. Als there's presently a zero birth-rate n tionwide, and the expensive price 1 property makes it hard for your couples with children to move in. This year, though, it's leveled o nicely for us - it's stable, sa Wh l . ee er w by Melissa Communication between the students M an administration was increased at student conferences held by Superintende nt Henry Wheeler. Photo by lim Tomforde. .w I. . . . : X

Page 158 text:

u, 17 K . B fx' L - W 154 0 Faculty Projects, discussion, skits encourage student inpu Teaching methods at Memorial were as varied as the teachers who practiced them, but the type of stu- dent produced remained consistent. Discussion, working with students one-on-one and special projects were methods employed by teachers to in- spire student response while creating a more trusting atmosphere between teacher and student. Discussion proved to be an effec- tive means of reaching students for many teachers. Class discussion, very open, is my best teaching method. It gets people thinking and curious and asking questions, said Biology I and II teacher Mrs. Carolyn Schofield, who shares the post of chairman of the Science Department with Mrs. Linda Andrews. Because my class curriculum focuses on reading and studying American literature, much of my class time is spent discussing American authors and their work. Without discussion, an accurate understanding of the themes of the novels could not be had by the average student, commented junior English teacher Ms. Nelda Bristow. Individual aid, in conjunction with discussion, facilitated teacher- student relations. Discussion methods were used extensively in my classes, but I also try to work on a one-to-one basiswith those who need it, contributed Mrs. Lola Kelley, Senior English teacher. There is no substitute for one-on- one teaching for effectiveness. However, public education does not afford teachers the luxury of such a method. Fortunately, I teach a subject that illicits meaningful discussion from students, commented Freshman English teacher Mrs. Theo VanWinkle. Special teaching methods such as projects, reports and games served to bring out each student's individuality and creativity while providing a lear- ning experience. I love games. People can learn so easily from them, and the competi- tion keeps things interesting for the students. I enjoy designing the games because I get a special feeling seeing the results, said Mrs. Schofield. My students involved in the Ad- vanced Placement American History program were required to complete a Bored with conventional teaching, English teacher Mrs. Lila McGaw allows juniors Kelli Ickard, Carol Youngjohn and Clara Bui to recite poetry. Photo by Grant Olbrich. project which focused on a specii person or event which was an esse tial part of American History, add Ms. Bristow. Although teaching methods had great effect on students, one of tl most important factors of studer teacher relations was teachi attitude. continued on page 156 Health instructor as well as Iunior Varsity a Sophomore basketball coach, Coach Howard takes time out for a Mr. Pibb. Photo Iim Tomforde.. if Careful explanation of difficult concepts in novels such as A Separate Peace aid students in Mrs. Elizabeth Bond's Sophomore English class. Photo by Dan Thompson. Teachers often had boxes of papers they to search through. Mrs. Mary Hall searches elusive paper out of a stack of many. Photo Howard Holsomback.