Weequahic High School - Legend Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 13 text:

Bernstein, now principal of Livingston High School, and Dr. David Wcingast, now Assistant Superintendent of Schools in charge of secondary education in the city of Newark. Mr. Epstein’s bible-reading is followed by the traditional Lord's Prayer. As a student steps up to the microphone and begins to recite an appropriate poem, the flag is carried to the stage by a member of the Honor Society, accompanied by a color guard. The flag salute is duly chorused and our national anthem is sung. Now that the introductory exercises are completed, the students may resume their seats, and the actual program commences. The assemblies are conducted by the officers of the Orange and Brown Association, and are supervised by Mrs. Weinstein of the English Department. Diversified programs arc presented to interest every type of student. Their subject matter may range from pure entertainment to student debates on current events to speeches by prominent members of the community. To the chagrin of most students, all assembly periods must come to an end. When the alloted hour is over and the passing bell rings, the students file slowly out of the auditorium and trudge back to their homerooms to retrieve their books. At the ringing of another bell, they proceed to their first period classes, taking some solace in the knowledge that on assembly days periods are only thirty-five minutes long. The preliminaries are over, the day begins in earnest. As likely as not, the first class is English . . . 9

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Students of Weequahic, anticipating an escape from the usual routine, look forward to scheduled assemblies with great expectation. When the bell rings, students snap their books closed and line up to leave their homerooms. The converging lines clamor down the stairs and through the halls. These are the times when: ... the talkative boy marches into the empty sagamore’s chair, and then is hit smack in the stomach by an enormous, swinging, fashionable handbag . . . . . . one tries to stay away from opening doors but still manages to have a few close calls when the door of the girls’ room pops open unexpectedly, or the cafeteria door is swung open by an impatient student taking a shortcut from one side of the building to another . . . . . . one holds his breath while passing the chcm lab, yet at the same time, gives an I don't smell a thing” smile to Mrs. Yellin . . . . . . one takes a drink from the already gum-loaded, warm, water fountain. The students eventually reach the auditorium and, knowing that they have the next hour to relax, settle back in their seats and wait for the program to commence. Mr. Epstein, our principal, rises from his seat at the side of the platform and moves toward the lectern, King James Bible in hand. Without preamble he launches into a few timely verses from some handy psalm. Mr. Epstein has been principal of Weequahic High School since the beginning of the September, 1961 school year. During the last four years, he was preceded by Mr. Julius 8

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English Department: Since an understanding of the English language is a prerequisite to success in one’s chosen career, English is a required course for all students in all patterns. This department helps the student develop his ability to communicate, both in writing and in speaking, to read with comprehension and discrimination and to listen intelligently, interpret what is said, analyze the facts presented, and synthesize the ideas offered. Through some excellent teachers, it attempts to acquaint the pupil with literature that will give him a knowledge of his cultural history and American heritage, and 10 help him to form his convictions and ideals. By introducing a variety of topics into classroom discussions, the English department strives to improve social attitudes and behavior patterns, with emphasis on better human relationship, service to society, and pride in the democratic institutions of life. Headed by Miss Janet McKenzie, this department offers a variety of courses that appeal to the interests and needs of the students. An honors course is now available to those students who have shown aptitude in the English language and in English literature. Th;s course is comparatively new to our school, having been started only three years ago. The honors course delves more deeply