Weldon E Howitt High School - Hi Life Yearbook (Farmingdale, NY)

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Forty Minutes of Freedom A teacher is absent and class is cancelled, a lunch period, and a “study hall” all have one unifying factor. Whether it’s hanging out in the Commons, selling or buy- ing items in the Green and White Shop, finishing up some homework in the library or milling about by the pool, they all constitute 40 minutes of doing what one wants to do. One of the favorite areas to spend a free period is in the Commons. The large courtyard, which was enclos- ed 12 years ago, has become the social center of the school. “I like the Commons because you can sit down and do almost anything you want,” explained Donna Hammelman, senior. Virginia DeSimone, junior, added, “The Commons is a place where I can forget that I’m in school, and just hang out with my friends.” The library is another popular spot, especially in extreme temperatures. It is the only place that is air con- ditioned where students are permitted to be. It is also one of the warmer areas to be in the winter. In addition to the comfort, the library provides a quiet atmosphere in which one can study, do homework or research work, or even take a make-up test. “I like the library because you can work there, and it’s about the only quiet place in the whole school,” commented Dorothy Lohnau, junior. For many students, the area outside by the pool is the place to spend a free period. Still, others use their free time to go for extra help in troublesome classes. Some students prefer to use their free time to gain a little selling experience. For this purpose, the Green and White Shop proves to be the best outlet. “It’s good ex- perience working behind the register. Besides, you meet a lot of people,” explained John Butcher, senior. But, the benefits of the store are not limited only to those who work there. Candy,note books and other school sup- plies, school jackets, and T- shirts are sold. In addition, there are also stuffed animals and small gift items that students can purchase. The candy is probably the most popular item. It satisfies those mid-morning munchies and sometimes serves as lunch for those students who don’t have a lunch period or who dislike the food in the cafeteria. Whether it is the areas within the school or those outside and around it, most students will agree that they are able to find one stop to spend a free period in, the spot they feel comfortable in, a spot they can call their own. A student uses her free period to take a quick nap on a bench in the Commons. Free Periods 19

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A student receives her change from Lorraine Landahl while Sue Dicks helps another customer in the Green and White Shop. Several clubs have their own places to hang out in. Christa Spreizer relaxes on a couch in the Hi-Life office. The area outside by the pool is often a favorite place to just hang out. Many students choose the cafeteria as a place to spend a free period. The library is used by Karen Moore and Pat Muscolo as a refuge in which to study. 18 Free Periods

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School calendars are mail- ed out every August, and if students can force themselves to look at them, they do so for one reason on- ly, to count the number of holidays. It is amazing how grey squares with the words “Schools Closed” interspers- ed frequently enough among the white squares can restore students’ courage to face the upcoming school year. Of course, everyone enjoys the week-long vacations, but one and two-day holidays are appreciated as well, especial- ly when they fall on a Friday or Monday and thus extend the weekend. “With three- day weekends you can go away or do whatever you want,” Beth Rosen, senior, remarked. Thanksgiving They Do holds double appeal; students can leave school on Wednesday afternoon with the mouth-watering prospect of the next day’s meal, plus the welcome thought of four days rest before returning to school. Without a doubt the spirits of students and teachers alike are at their highest dur- ing the Christmas-Chanukah season. Although the last week of school is often crowded with tests and major assignments, and the frantic and exhausting process of shopping begins to wear peo- ple out, there is an uplifting feeling of eager expectancy in the air. “Christmas vacation means joy and relaxation, and just thinking about it makes everyone feel hap- Principal John McLennan Terri Cloonan holds a carnation carves a turkey at the FBLA given to her by John O'Neill for Thanksgiving dinner. Valentine’s Day. A field full of pumpkins is a com- mon sight once Halloween approaches. Wonders for Morale pier,” John Dellis, senior, commented. Clubs are busy planning parties and charity events. Students are seen carrying gifts for and from friends, and the Commons and front lobby are strung with garland. The last day of classes is marked by a carefree atmosphere which culminates in the festivities seventh and eighth period. A week and a half off for Christmas seems like plenty of time when it’s just start- ing, but New Year’s Eve comes and goes too quickly. After that it seems like no time before students are back in the classrooms, wistfully reflecting that a few days earlier they weren’t out of bed before noon. After two years with only two days off, the return of the week-long February vacation this year was a relief to almost everyone. “I think I would have gone crazy without that week off,” Rosie Zipper, senior, exclaimed. A cold weather vacation isn’t universally appealing, however, and some enjoy the spring break more, especially since the important Easter and Passover holidays mean a great deal to many students. Holidays can be religious, . political, or seasonal, and dif- fer accordingly in their significance to students. All holidays, however, are eager- ly welcomed as temporary periods of relaxation in the long school year. 20 Holidays