Whitehall High School - Whitehall Yearbook (Whitehall, PA)

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Scary best describes the first day of high school tor freshmen, but especially frightening is a mixed-up schedule. These ninth grade girls want theirs straightened out before the big day. Decisions that will affect his future are being made by freshman Mike Yost as he chooses his electives with the aid of guidance counselor Randy Rice. Freshmen, however, were restricted to basic requirements. 15

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CRITICAL DECISIONS Students accept responsibility in planning their program of studies. In previous years there was never much of a decision to make in planning a schedule. A student merely decided which curriculum he wished to follow and took the courses which coincided with it. Most of the electives were the same every year and provided little if any variety to the students' school day. This year however, a big change was made as to which courses are required. The classification of ACP, CP, or general no longer existed. Students selected, with the advice of their guidance counselor, courses that filled their individual needs. :reshman and sophomore counselor Randy Rice believed the change to be advantageous. “The new schedules were much more flexible, he explained, “and all the decision making was where it should be, with the students. Mr. Rice added that scheduling was a little more difficult, but if the students showed responsibility in selecting courses, it was well worth it. In order to satisfy the ambitious students who, because of the lack of challenge in high school speculated the possibility of seeking college credits earlier, a new advanced placement program was initiated, junior Dave Stein was the only one who decided to forego his senior year and attend Moravian College as a freshman. He did this by fullfilling his requirements needed to graduate in his junior year. Many students recognized the educational value fo this system but didn't want to miss senior year social activities. Dave will return, however, to graduate with the class of 75. Another alternative for the student who wasn't quite ready to take on the full college load but still desired more advanced courses, was spending part of the school day at a local college to gain extra credits. College bound junior Dave Stein discusses his requirements (or an early entry into college, future at Moravian College with his guidance Dave was enrolled in two night courses in math counselor, Richard Berner. To complete his at Lehigh County Community College. 14

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 Innovations and improvements were characteristics of Whitehall's campus when students returned to school in the fall. A new building under construction on the corner grounds near MacArthur Road will house kindergarten through fourth grade next year. The Whitehall-Coplay Elementary School will finally bring together the young school children of the township and the borough under one roof. In the past they were scattered in small schools throughout the area. The middle school, located opposite the high school, accomplished this same goal for fifth through eighth graders four years ago. The advantages of having kindergarten through twelfth grade, all on the same campus are tremendous, stated principal Clayton Northup. Now even a first grader will be able to enjoy the planetarium and other educational facilities the high school offers without traveling any distance. Many other improvements of the high school and the campus also marked the year. Completion of additional bays in the bus garage made it possible for the entire fleet to be housed. For the benefit of the athletes a field house was erected at the north end of the football field. Whitehall also had its first night games under new stadium lights. In order to seat more people at outdoor sporting events, contracts were signed for extension of the stadium bleachers for next year's games. Over the summer a new roof was put on the gymnasium, and the classrooms in the C wing were painted. Construction began for new guidance offices and a library expansion in early May. Plans were made for the remodeling and enlargement of the main office suite. In addition to all the building and renovating, the wooded area surrounding the high school was surveyed to provide boundaries for an outdoor laboratory. Any class from the elementary, middle, or high school will be able to use this nature center in future years. Right now it's in the planning stages, explained Ted Hess, environmental studies teacher, but we hope to begin development of the area early next year. Mr. Hess toured other environmental labs, one of which was located at Parkland. 16