Slatington High School - Reflections Yearbook (Slatington, PA)

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OPINION Mr. Fred Snyder, a his- tory teacher with pre- vious teaching experi- ence in New York State, and currently detention supervisor at SHS: I would probably rate Slatington High School students' behavior, on a scale of one to ten, about eight. We have our problems, but I think other schools have many more. I do feel in the last few years our problems have become greater. How would you rate Slatington High School students' behavior, on a scale of one to ten, one being the worst and ten being angelic? The REFLECTIONS staff asked this question to three members of the school staff with ex- perience teaching and living in other com- munities. Their an- swers appear on this nage. Mr. Lynn Solt, SHS vice principal The overall behavior of the Slatington High School student body would rate a seven. While thirty percent of our student body is constantly in need of some type of discipli- nary action, the rest of the students work hand at attaining the proper self-discipline needed to survive in today's world. In or- der to maintain the seven level, however, students need to re- member that honesty, good moral character, and giving the best in one's self are attri- butes that will help them succeed in life and keep our student body at a level we all can be proud of in years to ccme. Another SHS teacher with previous experi- ence in an inner-city school district: I feel the student be- havior here at Slating- ton High is a five. I feel this would be an average grade, as com- pared with other schools I have taught at. The conduct problems that occur here may not be as severe as some of the other schools, but the annoyances still have an inpact. I think the students here are less mature, and along with this lack of maturity corns the chil- dish discipline pro- blems. With the right kind of support, these problems could be overcome, thereby not interrupting the educational process that occurs in the classroom, making SHS a better place to learn.

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REFLECTIONS CONTENTS NATION...................6 What happened to the Slat- ington Nigh School populace during 1979-80? This searing •■eport takes an in-depth look at the problems plaguing SHS, covering everything from fam- ine to cheating on tests. Also, a profile on Slatington High's up-and-coming under- classmen. GOVERNMENT...............40 A report on the leaders and policymakers at Slating- ion, including Student Coun- cil, high school administra- tion, and the School Board. MUSIC....................46 1979-80 saw many changes in the music scene at SHS. The music-makers and the mu- sic-listeners are covered in this report. PEOPLE..................62 The Class of 1980 finally comes of age. Who, what, where, why, and what next? SPORTS..................10 3 The winners and losers of 1979-80. ENTERTAINMENT...........144 Plays, musicals, and as- semblies still dominate the entertainment scene at SHS. A review of this year's model along with profiles of some of the more prominent produc- tions. Also, a look at the effects of the professional cheerleading craze on our SHS cheerleaders. EDUCATION...............154 A profile of the molders of Slatington's youth: the faculty of Slatington High. DEPARTMENTS OPINION..................4 LOCAL NEWS UPDATE......32 'TIME STAFF............1

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How has SHS, and Slat- ington in general, changed in the 1970's, and how will it change in the 1980's? We asked this question to three other commun- ity members with years of experience in lead- ership positions. Their answers appear on this page. Mrs Edith Roeder, teacher of English and Department Coordinator: Education at Slatington has greatly changed in the '70's, partly be- cause many students now enroll at Vocational- Technical School. Early in the '70's, the build- ing still looked new, with paint fresh, desks shining, and rooms un- cluttered. Today, how- ever, the library is better stocked, and Slatington students seem more relaxed. Perhaps with the new high school this trend will contin- ue. The conmunity of Slating- ton has changed somewhat with new residents who take interest in school affairs. The only aspect of SHS that has not changed is the literary level of spoken English. Only a very few dare to speak without the custom- ary expressions 'Ain't got none', 'Don't have no', and 'Youse kids.' Mr. Robert Labdik, Mr. David D. Altrichter SHS principal Mayor of Slatington: I can, of course, relate to the changes of SHS better than the changes of the borough area. The high school is in a state of con- stant exploration and experimentation. After many years of study and planning the birth of a new physical plant, recreational facilities, and playing fields are in the making. One need only look around town to see the physical changes we have undergone in the past ten years. A new elementary building was completed which intro- duced a new teaching method called open concept. This past sunnier, construction of our new higfr school began. Main Street has changed too, with the erection of hous- The curriculum will continue to change as the needs of society change-altemat ive programs for students must continue to be explored. The Bulldog athletic teams have expanded to give new opportunities to our young women, and the revamping of the old Lehigh Valley League into the Centennial League has produced more fair competition and our share of league champi- onships . The Northern Lehigh area is in a state of slowly developing pro- gress through the ef- forts of the people in their respective com- munities, and the people who move here to make this their new hone. ing for the elderly. Buildings destroyed by fire were razed to make way for new bus- iness establishments. More important than the structural changes is the change in atti- tude. Students display more pride in their schools. When our fireman was the victim of a hit-and-run ac- cident, we were re- newed with deep feel- ings to preserve our proud heritage. All in all, I look forward to the '80's with great optimism, knowing that as long as people care, together we can build a better community, state, and nation...one day at a tine.