Sayreville War Memorial High School - Quo Vadis Yearbook (Parlin, NJ)

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Superintendent Marks 34th Year Mr. Henry Counsman, Superintend- ent of Schools, marked 34 years in Sayreville this year, making him the Senior Superintendent in Middlesex County. He attributes much of his suc- cess to the cooperation of fine faculty, administrators, and students. Our Superintendent began his career as an industrial arts teacher in the high school. He feels his teaching experience has helped him in understanding the pressures and diffi- culties that a teacher must withstand. He was the assistant football coach from 1945 to 1947, and the head coach from 1952 to 1958, showing his interest in the athletic program. He is pleased with the growth of the girls’ sports program, and is thrilled with the success of the girls’ teams. Mr Counsman has seen many changes since the commencement of his career, and is highly in favor of many recent innovations. He felt the tardiness and attendance policies were badly needed and feels that dis- cipline is necessary even with high school students. He also feels the Thorough and Effi- cient Education Program is very Top: Dealing with one of the many problems that reach his desk daily. Mr Counsman calls upon his years of experience in making decisions. Right: The Superintendent con- sults with his secretary on the upcoming Board meeting. important in getting “back to basics,’’ but noted that Sayreville schools have always emphasized fundamentals. Compensatory Education classes were formed for students who per- formed poorly on state tests, although it is still too early to evaluate their suc- cess. The Superintendent also feels the Special Education system, which pro- vides an individual program for those students who need personal attention is important. He would also like to see a broader vocational program for those who do not plan to pursue aca- demic areas. He noted that students’ rights have been expanded during the time that he has been Superintendent. A student’s records are now confidential, and may be released only with his or her con- sent. Also, before a student is sus- pended, a type of hearing can be set up with the parent, teacher, principal and student. In his 34 years, Mr. Counsman has noticed some changes in the students. They are “more mature today and ask more questions.” In comparison with students in nearby areas, he feels Sayreville has less discipline problems, shown by “few fights and little student violence.” Mr. Counsman has found his most satisfying experience as Superintend- ent to be working with cooperative people, and achieving success in the schools. He feels Sayreville is “truly blessed,” and is proud to be a part of its educational system. 20

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Parnell Heads International Committee Dr. Marie Parnell From October 9 to 20, Dr. Parnell vis- ited Geneva, Switzerland to serve as chairperson on a committee to evaluate Geneva's International School. She was chosen by the Middle States Accredita- tion Association which has the responsi- bility of determining if the school meets all of the standards for an accredited sec- ondary school. Every school under the control of this organization must be eval- uated every ten years. Dr. Parnell had many responsibilities as chairperson, including the organization of the visiting committee, consisting of eighteen educa- tors from Europe and Egypt; Dr. Parnell being the only American. Dr. Parnell developed the committee's schedule for the three day visit, and conducted the meetings while they were there. She had to make an oral report to the school at the end of the visit, and wrote an evaluation to be presented to the Middle States Accreditation Association. This will deter- mine whether the school will be accredited or not. Dr. Parnell noted that the school was much different from the American con- cept of a high school. It was on a campus, with many historical buildings contribut- ing to the atmosphere. There were stu- dents from different countries, with a large American representation. The fac- ulty was also multi-national with a major- ity being English. This tended to give what Dr. Parnell described as British overtones to the school, such as teach- ers being addressed by students as Sir or Ma’am . There was even a 20 minute break after third period for tea time. The school day for the international students was much longer than most American students are accustomed to. There are nine class periods, excluding lunch, and the day lasts from 8:15 to 4:45. There are 13 grades, with the 13th being equivalent to the freshman year in college. The students have little choice in their subjects, being required to take aca- demic instead of vocational courses. Each student must study three foreign languages, including English and French. Dr. Parnell noted that the knowledge of group. She noticed that students were quite interested in politics and world affairs, and attributed that to the fact that many of their parents work for the United Nations in Geneva. The teachers were much different from their American counterparts, being less friendly to the students, and conducting the class in a formal atmosphere. They were all highly qualified, and did not con- sider themselves history or biology teach- foreign languages is often more applica- ble in Europe because of the closeness of the countries. Dr. Parnell found little difference between students in Geneva and Sayre- ville, mentioning they also complain about teachers and cause discipline problems. She said because of the diversification of countries there is a wide range of customs and interests within the ers, but historians and biologists. Before arriving at the school, Dr. Par- nell and her husband had a chance to visit some famous landmarks, such as the Matterhorn, Munich and Salzburg. Dr. Parnell, who has served on several similar committees throughout the U.S., found her experience very interesting, and learned a good deal, but was happy to return home. Photography Courtesy of George Parnell.