Shaker Heights High School - Gristmill Yearbook (Shaker Heights, OH)

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Old-fashioned hard work. 38 Schools in Nation Publish academic honors. When in doubt give the lower grade. ' Frequent tests. ' Provide adequate library. '

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(?) I 1 Albert T. Senft Assistant Principal Coordinator of Guidance Gladys C. Burgess Dean of Girls 1ft Robert J. Morris Dean of Boys HOARD OK KI.KC.TIONS Russell H. Rupp Principal Former President of P.T.A. Mrs. Lincoln Dickey shows community interest by voting for the 53 mill additional taxes which passed by an emphatic 64% margin. Shaker Rated Among Top William Slade Superintendent of Schools What are the best schools in the country? To answer this question Dr. Robert Marschner, president of the Board of Education in Hopwood, Illinois com- piled a list of the schools that in the last two years have produced twenty or more finalists in the National Merit Scholarship tests. (Shaker had 28.) Placing on such a list may not be the only criterion of academic excellence, but Shaker, nevertheless, is proud to be included. Time magazine, which reported the results of Dr. Marschner ' s question- naire to principals, gives the reasons for the excellence of these schools. First is a keen desire to achieve academically and a natural ability. Shaker students average I.Q. is 117. Important also is a high educational level in the community. The percentage of college graduates in Shaker Heights ac- cording to the last census was twenty, the median schooling 13.6 years. It matters, too, whether parents are actively interested in the schools, the P.TA.. and in the voting of taxes. Shaker citizens have just passed a 5.3 mill levy of new taxes for operating expenses and salaries. Mention must be made of old fashioned hard work, and Shaker believes in homework. Students with outstanding records are publicly honored. At the end of the first semester of the senior year all Shaker students who have maintained a 4.5 average or better, are given scholarship keys provided by the Dads ' Club. Another reward is the accelerated classes offered in English, mathe- matics, and American History for students of exceptional ability Capable, well-trained, and dedicated teachers guide Shaker students toward their goals. Very few academic classes have an enrollment of more than twenty-five. Teachers can give a maximum of attention to each student. The Shaker faculty are reluctant to accept mediocrity. They feel they should, when in doubt, give the lower grade. Along with these reasons we might invite attention to the kind of training provided in Shaker junior high and elementary schools. 26

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English Department Works for Clear Expression of Thoughts The clear expression of one ' s thoughts is of the utmost importance; therefore, particular stress is laid upon the study of English. Skill, taste, and knowledge are de- veloped through composition, grammar and usage, spelling, vocabulary, and reading. The sophomore year aims at introducing the student to the different types of literature. Several biographies, novels, essays, and plays are read during the year. Junior English classes read the works of American authors, which tie in with their studies of American history. Control over lan- guage consists not only of the ability to read and write intelligently, but also the ability to speak with clarity and poise. All juniors spend three weeks each semester in speech classes. English literature plays an important part in senior English with special emphasis placed upon Shakespearean tragedies and British novels. The English department also offers a reading improvement course which develops reading speed and comprehen- sion. This year Shaker started a three year accelerated .English course which gives the student with greater vocabulary and reading skills the opportunity to read and discuss literature beyond that of the regular course. w4 Mr. Dale Kittle Drama Production Stage Manager Miss Kathleen Macdonald Mrs. Ann Harbourt Miss Agnes Palmer Mrs. Louise Keating Junior Class Sponsor Mr. N. C. Davis Speech Club Miss Grace Graham Mr. Kelly Danford Thespians, P. A. Technicians Judy Greenberger gives spirited reading of Shakespeare ' s epitaph. 28