Reading Memorial High School - Pioneer Yearbook (Reading, MA)

Page 14 text:

Carolyn Donley delivers an essay on Driver Education during commencement exercises for the Class of 1952. Mr. Sussmann presents diplomas to the twins, Ronald and Donald Michelini. The new graduates scan their programs. Richards Burhoe, 1953 President, accepts the torch for his class. John McNabola, President of ' 52, prepares to present the torch, symbol of R. H. S. traditions and ideals, to the President of the Class of 1953.

Page 13 text:

Commercial Course was opened, the principal of the high school recommended to the School Committee a further modifying of our courses so as to offer a wider range of choice to differing tastes and capacities. ' It is evident from this recommendation that as the number of pupils attending high school increased, the more diversified were the pupils ' interests and abilities. Within two years the principal ' s suggestion had been followed, and students enrolled in the General Course had several electives from which to choose. In the 1910 School Committee Report, the group recommended a Domestic Science Course for girls, and the Superintendent recommended that the girls be included in the physical training program. In 1917, the Shop Course was finally inaugurated, and the classes were held in the room which now serves as the boys ' lunchroom. In the early 1920 ' s it became necessary to remove the Shop classes to the Highland School, where they remained until the Parker Junior High was built in the late I920 ' s. The beg inning of the present Home Economics Course came into being with the opening of the junior high, and since then many girls have made the daily journey to their classes. Extracurricular activities were a part of the school from the beginning and gradually increased in number. Language clubs, debating teams, musical organizations, school publications, dramatic groups, in addition to sports, helped to round out student life. It is evident that the present Reading High School has seen many changes during its forty- seven years of existence, a period marked by two world wars and the beginning of the Atomic Age. Only time can tell what changes the new school will see during its years as the center of high- school learning in Reading. When the construction of the latest Reading High School has been completed, the 1953 School Committee might well echo the sentiments of the School Committee of 1906, which in¬ cluded in its report to the Town the following words: Our present new High School building, with its splendid equipment and picturesque situation, is but another expression of the Town ' s devotion to the cause of education. Education, considered in its broadest and best sense, is of the highest importance to all — an education that appeals to the heart and soul, the mind and intellect, and the physical nature, leading to good health of body, mind and soul . . . We would in this connection suggest that in order to make the most possible use of our new building with its modern appliances, we must not forget that building, apparatus, books, and even excellent teachers in addition, cannot make a good school; this can exist only when and where the pupils are willing to do the necessary amount of hard work. In fact, it is but a truism to assert that nothing worth while can be accomplished, nothing of enduring good to the individual can come except by struggle and perseverance, self-denial and sacrifice. A perfect character, which is the end of all life, must be attained by persistent effort of heart, mind and body. We earnestly desire to make our schools bet¬ ter and better, more efficient in building stronger boys and girls, possessing keener minds, healthier bodies and higher moral characters. While we firmly believe that our children will compare favorably with those in other places in like conditions, yet we cannot state our desire too strongly for better results and a higher development. We, therefore, solicit the hearty cooperation of all parents to the end that the educational training which the pupils receive at our hands will not result in disappointment ard failure, but will show its fruitage in a life of never-ending usefulness and efficiency. ' 9

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LouiS Mcl ukikL FACULTY AND CLASSES A school is only as good as the instructors and classes within its walls. Here at Reading High School many subjects have changed since 1906, but the teaching has been of a consistently fine quality. In 1906, the courses offered were almost entirely .academic, while today a variety of courses prepares students for college entrance or other pursuits. R. H. S. is very fortunate to have many teachers who are willing to take on the added responsibility of directing an activity or a group. The new high school will need a larger faculty be¬ cause of the increased number of pupils and class¬ rooms, but the teachers ' purpose, good education, will never change.