Rogers High School - RYB Yearbook (Michigan City, IN)

Page 9 text:

1 Every hour smokers congregate outside the door to have a quick cigarette between classes. 2 Michael Wright relaxes in the quiet atmosphere of the library. 3 Tom Oakley and Mike Manthey enjoy another exciting hour of lecture. 4 joe Olenjniczak and friend size up the dance floor. 5

Page 8 text:

Silence is boring If total accomplishment gained from four years of high school depended solely upon attendance to class and individual contribution to that class, many Rogers students would consider high school a complete failure. Some students chose to develop individual attendance policies . . . attend school Monday, Wednesday, Friday . . . skip school Tuesday, Thursday. For this privileged few, off days became a blur of lies and excuses in an effort to avoid truant officers. Many students came to school physically, but couldn't seem to muster enough “umph to contribute much to the classroom situation aside from mere presence. The “Silent Majority” ranged from those who were simply quiet types, to those w ho held grudges against teachers or school, to those who hadn’t prepared for class the previous night. The causes were varied, but the effect the same — boring silence. The infamous Sandman made regular visits to many classes. The showing of filmstrips or movies provided the perfect setting for “catching a few winks.” However, it wasn’t always possible to be so discreet. Students slept behind books or purses, and the very bold (or very tired) simply placed their heads on their desks and drifted off to dreamland. The reasons for extreme fatigue were varied. Boredom probably reigned supreme, but the task of holding down a job, keeping up homework, and attending school regularly proved too much for some. With sleepers and mutes,” the task of making class interesting became increasingly difficult for some teachers. Some faculty members resigned themselves to the fact that “you can’t please everyone and continued to conduct class in their usual manner. However, there were teachers who refused to admit defeat and altered teaching styles to steer away from the conventional lecture (sometimes monotoned) and encouraged more class participation. Is this situation improving? That depends largely on the class (subject matter) and the instructor. Students should note, however, that in most situations the benefits attained from a certain project are directly proportional to individual input. 4

Page 10 text:

Students are to be seen For centuries education has been basically the same, and it will probably remain the same for centuries to come. However, student reaction to education has changed drastically. Students of the past accepted instruction without doubts or questions. The few who dared to disagree were labeled rebels and cast out. Individuality was unheard-of because everyone knew that high school kids were too young to make their own decisions. By the time they progressed from students to human beings, they were programmed to be exactly what society wanted — silent, passive followers. The role of today’s students depends almost entirely upon the individual. He can choose his curriculum, classes (or lack of classes), teachers, clubs, friends and goals. Students are free to reason and question individual classes, curricula, and entire departments. Some even dared to reject the entire system. Many students are still silent, passive followers, but by choice, not necessity. More and more students are being heard as well as seen.