New Trier Township High School - Echoes Yearbook (Winnetka, IL)

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(Doughty, Rosenberg} Solitude removes one in every way from those around him. Everyone needs a few minutes to be free from the in- fluence of others, to create a domain for himself, to be alone. In a classroom the student is a part of a unit; in a place of retreat he operates independently. The search for such a place could begin in the con- ventional quiet places, such as the library or the various resource rooms. The regular pulse of an activity passes by— but the interrupting conversation of a friend, the giggling freshman girls at the next table, or the looming presence of a teacher can intrude upon one ' s circle of quiet. A window ledge, little used hallway, or a patch of green grass in nice weather offer the solitude needed to escape pressure. Centerites take a step forward in learning about different walks of life. Koppell The Center for self-directed learning has continued to flourish in its isolated corner of New Trier for six years. Along with age has come an acceptance by students in the parent school of the Center ' s place as a viable alternative to formal education. The Center can, admittedly, be a cop- out for those who do nothing; on the other hand, it doesn ' t pressure the student, which may consequently help him to think. A requirement of 25 hours of study per week can be fulfilled at home, in school, or through an internship. Success or failure remains a personal choice, but work is evaluated by a faculty facilitator who acts as a guide throughout the course. Strong points and shortcomings of the course are discussed during small group community meetings rather than during the massive meeting of the Town hall. The Center tries to instill a sense of self-pride and responsibility in each Centerite and encourages him to think and express his thoughts independently. .STUDENT LIFE ' 25

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Working on the premise that at times it is easier to learn from a fellow student than a teacher, Student tutor- ing contributed to another year of academic excellence at New Trier. Proving the program to be a worthwhile ex- perience for both tutee and themselves, 47 volunteer tutors worked an average of two periods a week to help students with individual problems in subjects such as math, English, and foreign language. Tutors who excelled in a subject were matched with students who were having trouble in that same subject. Once a haven for the studious, the library has now replaced the student lounge as THE place to socialize. (Doughty, Mengel) 24 STUDENT LIFE

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BUREAUCRA® You are a small, glittering silver ball. You are battered and bashed from one situation to the next and rarely do you have time to pause and reflect on the past or the present or the future. Inside the machine you are too close to see the direction you are taking. Inside the machine you can hear only the buzzers and the bells; you can see only the flashing lights; you can feel only the bumpers and the springs. Inside the machine you believe that you are ricocheted aimlessly, and you are confused. But, in- side the machine you change, and you grow. Each tilt, each replay, each situation shapes you or stimulates you. t Well, you see, there was a power failure on our block last night and all the clocks stopped, so my alarm clock didn ' t go off this morning and my mom woke me up late and then the newspaper boy tripped on the steps and my mom had to drive him to the hospital and then when she got back she had to catch the end of her favorite game show and that ' s why I ' m late for school. (Padgitt)