Monroe High School - Milestone Yearbook (Portland, OR)

Page 9 text:

The academic aspect of school life is typified by this senior English class where students receive information and exchange ideas. Clothing is representative of majors offered. The-focal point for all aspects of study is provided by the school library.

Page 8 text:

A good name is rather to he chosen than great riches. PROV. XXII, I. J his year the students, faculty, parents, and alumnae of the former Girls Polytechnic High School did just that . . . they chose a good name, James Monroe High School, a new name for a well established school in Portland, but one for which the entire conception has changed since it was first founded in 1909 as a trade school. Now our school provides a full general education comparable to that of any city high school plus the added opportunity for specialization in several fields. In keeping with this change in the course of study, students and faculty have for some time discussed a name which would denote its changing role in the com- munity. Thomas Jefferson said of James Monroe, ‘‘He was so honest, if you turned his soul inside out, you couldn’t find one spot on it.” He served his country long and well as a diplomat and a statesman. For his second term of office as president, Monroe received all the electoral votes except one which was withheld from him only because a delegate from New York said that no president other than Washington should have the honor of being elected unanimously. He is best remembered for the Monroe Doctrine, a great contribution to America’s foreign policy, which is still in effect. His administration was referred to by his political oppon- ents as an “era of good feeling” which cut across party lines and selfish interests, certainly an admirable goal for any school to attain. Despite the flurry of activity attendant on the name change, it was business as usual at James Monroe. A combination of academic and extra curricular activities, in carefully proportioned amounts, is necessary for a well rounded high school career. 1 he academic aspect is undoubtedly the most important. The courses we take and our degree of success in them determine, to a great extent, our post-high school life. Here the academic program is more extensive and varied than that of other Portland high schools. The distinctive high school program here enables a girl to, on graduation, choose either a career in her major field or further her education in college. The library, which houses more books per student than any other Portland school’s, is the source of valuable information which supplements classroom materials.

Page 10 text:

Opening day is an excit- ing and confusing aspect of school life. Girls begin arriv- ing as early as seven o'clock. At eight-thirty Miss Don e be- gins the assembly with her annual welcoming address Filling out forms and paying fees are next in order of busi- ness. Girls try their new lock- er combinations and talk with friends until classes start. By the end of the day most girls are resigned to the in- evitability of classes. 6