Skyline High School - Origin Yearbook (Dallas, TX)

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Fifties day was one of several special days promoted to boost school spirit. Marian Svacina shows her fifties style. Photo by B. Crosby Beefed-up standards challenge students ong before the first school bell rang in August, news of revi- sions in educational policies began making headlines all over the state. New policies in- eluded a maximum of five ab- sences and minimum “C” average to pass every class. In the classroom, higher state and dis- trict standards brought about by House Bill 72 challenged students and staff members to balance tougher requirements with already busy outside schedules. For some, the challenge presented a hardship. “They’re trying to make us all A” students and not everyone can do that,” said iMarian Svacina. Higher standards, however, warned students to get onto the ball. “Before the changes, people didn’t take school seriously, whereas now they have to,” noted Rhonda Shepard. Besides just altering life in the clas- sroom. the new legislation all but obliter- ated educational experiences outside of the classroom. Field trips were among the first to go. Later, pep assemblies and school-time athletic competitions were also discontinued. Opening 3

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r? hT I 2 Opening J JtA n his last year at Skyline Mr. Guzick ruled with a firm hand. Throughout the year Mr. Guzick could be seen out and around the build- ing. Photq by R. Halford

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Adjustment requires delicate balancing Though all the steps taken were in the interest of education, students felt them to be a little severe. “In the long run. it probably will help education, but why us? questioned Brad Robinson. The new regulations kindled a new attitude in many students. “They’re trying to make us so smart, it makes you want to rebel. They cut too much of the fun. said Latonja Jackson. For whatever reason, many students did rebel. Whether it was wearing radical clothes, supporting the “grey day protest or standing Big Boy in front of the school, students found a unique way to express themselves. As everyone became more accus- tomed to the changes, the school and the lives centered around it began to function normally. Like Rhonda said,“There's got to be something good about House Bill 72. I’ve just been so down on it.’’ Functioning under the new standards required balancing time, attention and energy among many different areas. For the school as a whole, higher standards had to be balanced with the impatience of the students. For the individuals within the school, academics had to balance with other activities. With the exception of a two day blackout and the absence of candy from the D.E. store, the year progressed without major trauma despite the initial adjust- ment problems. Silouettes Melinda Mann and Lisa Chak- makjian take a needed break following summer workout for the drill team. Photo by B. Crosby 4 Opening