Pleasantville High School - Green Quill Yearbook (Pleasantville, NY)

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Superintendent DR. HENRY VERSNICK PHS has altered much under Dr. Versnick, Superin- tendent of Schools. In addition to the eight period day, these changes include the restructuring of the art, music and physical education courses and the reorganization of the newsletters sent home to parents. Another of Dr. Versnick's accomplishments was the submission of a superintendent's report to the Board of Education. ln this report which was partially based on the Middle States Evaluation, Dr. Versnick pointed out the need for improved physical educa- tion and science facilities. Also mentioned were the advantages in building a multi-media center for research which would be equipped with slides, films, and other facilities for the collection of data. Board of Education The main concern of the Board this year was the bond issue, which provided plans for a new elementary school and for renovation of the high school. The decision for proposing the plan lay in the hands of Mr. Loewenwarter fPres.j, Mr. Faber Nice Pres.J, and the other members. Sitting: Mr. Paul Loewenwarter, Mrs. Felice Friese, Mr. Ben Lane, Standing: Mr. Robert Allen, Mr. Harold Faber

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Principal 5 RONALD MCCREARY Mr. Mac was actively involved in many changes that took place this year in PHS, both physical and organiza- tional. Fire doors, an altered time schedule, plans for improving the school with new programs and facilities-all of these required his attention and concern. But through it all, one thing did not change: his dedication to the best interests of Pleasantville High School students. Assistant Principal CHARLES WRIGHT As Assistant Principal, Mr. Wright retained most of his old respon- sibilities such as attending all home and away events and, of course, handling all disciplinary problems. This year also found him taking care of fire and air raid drills, having full control of the attendance registers and handling all schedule changes. He hopes the last bur- den will be lessened next year when the scheduling will be done by computer. This year, because his duties are so onerous, he is not teaching-much to his regret. No school year commences without changes-some noticeable, some almost imperceptible. No genera- tion of students graduates without leaving its mark on the institution. Athletic teams bring honors, students with high achievement win awards for themselves and make their classmates, friends, and family proud. Certain teachers have devoted their lives to the tradition of PHS. Others have died in tenure. Familiar figures retirey younger teachers assume their duties. The institution has been enriched by all of them. Perhaps the most noticeable changes were physical. A familiar classroom changed its function for greater flexibility. The art room was moved to new quarters. Typing was moved to a more sound-proof room. Fire doors were installed. The present year was a year of decision. The proposition to be placed before the citizens will have de- termined, if approved, whether the school buildings and the curriculum will keep pace with the changing social order. While PHS has not lagged educationally, modernized facilities will certainly be conducive to greater progress, provided the program and the facilities are matched. Given improved facilities, faculty and administration will be inspired to expand and revitalize the curriculum in order to tune in with the present. It was increasingly apparent that many you ng people were seriously appraising the present cur- riculum. Several teachers were intrigued by the possibilities in individualized courses as new resources for research became available. With more space and the modern, sophisticated equipment available, students would be encouraged to pursue knowledge in greater depth than heretofore possible. With a multi-media center containing tapes and microfilm, in carrels equipped electronically, a student with advice from a cooperating teacher might find the inspiration for knowledge our young people say they are seeking. There are those among us who resist change and find it disturbing. Thoughtful people will remember that change is like time and tide. Change is inexorable. PHS belongs to the group whose philosophy might be expressed: Be not the first by which the new is tried, nor yet the last to lay the old aside. May the seventies be a decade of progress for all who are and have been associated with Pleasantville High School. Mr. Mac 13