Mepham High School - Treasure Chest Yearbook (Bellmore, NY)

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 THOR ABRAHAMSKN Social Studies ANNETTE ADLER Science MICHAEL ANGELLETA Guidance ARLENE AYRANDJIAN Engiich MATTHEW BAKKE Speech ( ARROL BANTA Social Studies RALPH BARKIS Guidance AMY BELLOW librarian WILLIAM BIMBIE Language PATRICIA BLOODGOOD English FRANCES BRANCA Secretary JAMES BROWN Art MARY BROWN Nurse ERICA BROD Teacher Aide C AROL CAPORASO Secretary A GUIDING LIGHT In addition to being a guidance counselor, Ms. Anne Crowley has numerous other positions in the school which make her an integral member of the school staff. While constantly being asked to sit on committees or to coordinate school services, she still maintains a genuine interest in helping students deal with the dilemmas that face them during the decision filled high school years. Ms. Crowley began her career at Mepham in 1963 as a teacher of tenth and eleventh grade social studies. Through her teaching she began to develop close relation- ships with her students and became interested in guidance counseling. After taking a year off to study counselor education of Hofstra University, she returned to Mepham and eventually became chairman of the Guidance Depart- ment. Later she became coor- dinator ot Pupil Personal Services iPPSV Some of her responsibilities with PPS include organizing and distributing the work of coun- selors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. As a guidance counselor, Ms. Crowley is not only concerned with course selection and colleges. She will discuss with her students anything from family troubles to family vacations. By learnng the characteristics of the individuals and speaking openly and honestly with them, she is able to give pru- dent and effective advice that is respected by the students. Another aspect of her counseling is know- ing when it is necessary- to in- tervene with a confused or misguided student — when to allow the student to resolve his or her problem through experience. The outstanding qualities Ms. Crowley exemplifies as a counselor and more importantly as a person are criteria for recognizing her as a speciar staff member — Eileen Rosen — Andrew Ratner 24 TREASURE C HEST

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umming Up The School For the last three years, each high school m our district was evaluated by the research branch of BOCES, teachers, and administrators from other schools in our district, and members of the PTA. Mepham got evaluated during the 1985-84 school year and happily enough, received the most positive evaluation of all the high schools in the district. 'I feel that (the visiting team) came away with the same good feelings I have about Mepham. noted Dr. Fine. The visiting team evaluated Mepham as a learning as well as a community environment. Before com- ing to Mepham. they prepared a struc- tured approach. Our school was divid- ed into 21 academic sections with each section (composed of the subject teachers) writing a self-evaluative report based on their views, both positive and negative. Seven global committees ' covered aspects of the school other than academics, such as physical features. Prior to their visits, the evaluators studied these reports thoroughly, enabling them to better understand our situation. They had a pretty accurate picture of the school, said Mr. Rutley. The team approached each problem specifically. First, it wrote an introduc- tion to the problem and then wrote its commendations. They then inspected apparent needs and gave recommenda- tions to lessen or solve the problems. Three items were said to require at- tention. The first item was academics. The team suggested establishing a social studies resource center, improv- ing the computer program and adding blackboard space in the math and health rooms. It also advocated in- creasing the understanding of regular teachers in relation to special educa- tion students. The second item addressed was communication. It suggested there be more articulation between the driver education teacher and the driving teacher. Increasing communication between the junior highs and Mepham. the team observed, would ease the transition from one to the other. The third group of items concerned attendance and the physical at- mosphere of the school. One recom- mendation suggested a reorganization of the guidance office to make it easier to obtain college materials. Other recommendations included better ventilation in the art suite and parking by permit only in the parking lot. An interesting suggestion recommended that Mepham graduates be sent a survey asking if Mepham had provided them with a solid education. The team was favorably impressed with the openness of the school. They found a warm, nurturing relationship between the teachers and the students, and they felt that the staff was truly concerned about each student's welfare. The team also found our self- concept of the school to be a realistic one. All in all they were very impressed with Mepham. Said Dr. Fine. They came away with a glowing feeling because ... we are doing well. — Amy Susman Custodians R. Bett A. Watts L. Ferrara R. Bursky NOT PHOTOGRAPHED: C. Bene R. Blumenreiter W. Cheeres L. Faltermayer P. Formisano D. Johnson F. Ranelli V. Santonicola J. Scrivano P. Zidlicky Monitors K. Pianka II. Austein A. Carroll NOT PHOTOGRAPHED: A. Cannavo D. Marinello P. Vezina St hool Staff UNCOVERING EXCELLENCE

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ROBERT CHALMERS Science MARGARET CLOSE Secretary PAUL COHEN Math PETER COSTANZO Science JOSEPH CRITELLI English ANNE CROWLEY Guidance HENRY CUCHEL English DARLENE CURCIO Special Ed M. DAMERON Cafeteria PHILIP DELEA Social Studies THELMA DWORKIN PTA GLADYS FELDMAN Language EILEEN FEARON Secretary HENRY FEUERBACH Math PHILIP FITZ Driver Ed Chalmers- Fitz UNCOVERING EXCELLENCE 25 No RUN OF THE MILL TEACHER ulum, created by Mrs. Mills, en- compasses job searching skills, resume writing, and interview preparation. Mrs. Mills believes the course is popular because high school students are ap- proaching a period when many decisions have to be made that will affect their future. Even the most work-conscious individuals need vacations to relax and escape to the more leisurely activities. Mrs. Mills treasures the time she spends at her house in Vermont where she skis and participates in other winter activities. She also enjoys aerobics and gourmet cooking as well as going to concerts and the theatre. For the future, Mrs. Mills is considering law school after she retires from teaching. What is im- portant to her now is helping students reach their potentials. Mepham students are aware of her efforts and appreciate everything she has done for the school. — Eileen Rosen — Andrew Ratner Mrs. Ann Mills came to Mepham in 1965 and has since been teaching courses in the social studies area. Because of her proclivity toward education, Mrs. Mills was attracted to teaching. She also felt that she had to become a teacher out of necessity; teaching was one of the few options open to women at the time. When she arrived at Mepham, she taught Regents, advanced, and elective courses. Four years ago she began teaching Advanced Place- ment American History. Mrs. Mills feels there is a noticeable change in students today from those of twenty years ago. According to her, students come in with less highly developed skills ... as far as essay writing and vocabulary. Regar- ding her A.P. course, she feels she gives her students the chance to reach their potentials. The classes are small and the work is demanding. Anyone who has taken her course can say they have never been pushed as hard in previous courses. Mrs. Mills brought the future elective to Mepham. The curric-