This is the story of John Doe. He is a hard-working, ambitious boy, Along with maintaining his high scholastic average, he is an officer of three out of every five honor clubs at Grady. This is all right for John Doe, for he has proven his ability to handle these responsibilities. But there are two main drawbacks to this situation.
Because of his conflicting interests, no one club can receive the full benefit of John's output. If the Beta Club and Jr. Civitans should meet on the same night, one of these clubs would be out an officer.
Another problem that arises is that many other students are deprived of the chance to show their leadership qualities. Therefore the opportunities for leadership are narrowed down to a limited few.
What can be done about this at Grady? Many schools have overcome this problem with a point system. At Northside, student body officers and editors of the school publications can hold no other office. The presidents of the Key Club, Jr. Civitans, Hi-Y, Honor Council, and Fellowship can hold other presidencies. This has been put into effect at Northside. Perhaps our Student Council can devise a plan that would fit our needs to eliminate this monopoly.
Hall guards are needed to prevent the noise caused by students who come into the halls. These noises detract from the quiet atmosphere needed to conduct good classes.
Mr. Derthick has said that the hall guards have one duty: keeping all students without permits out of the halls during the second and third recesses.
The students apparently do not realize that the hall guards are simply carrying out orders. Each student seems to feel that for some reason he should be admitted to the hall. Actually, any student with legitimate business in the halls should get a permit from a teacher.
On the other hand, there are objections to the manner in which the hall guards operate. There is some feeling that they are too rough in forcing students from the hall. They sometimes check the same permit twice, and these delays are annoying to students who have permits.
Students should realize that they must cooperate with the hall guards.
The hall guards must realize that the students have a right to be treated
fairly. Until cooperation is achieved, the resentment will continue to exist.
Derthick Explains Hall Regulations
Many students have complained about not being allowed to enter the building
until 8:15. Here are some often-heard questions and their answers. obtained
from an interview with Principal Roger H. Derthick.
Q. What is the reason for this rule?
A. The Board of Education has always had the policy that students should not be admitted without supervision.
Q. If supervision is required, why can't students be admitted with teachers patroling the halls? A. The answer to this question lies with the students. Last year, even with teachers present, the halls were extremely noisy and overcrowded. Lockers were broken and several injuries occurred. It is to avoid a recurrance of the situation that students are not allowed in the building before 8:15.
Q. How does entering at 8:15 control this problem?
A. When the doors are opened, students should proceed directly to their homerooms. This will control the confusion in the halls.
Q. Where should we go if the weather is too bad to wait outside?
A. Supervision has been provided in the cafeteria not only for bad days but for students arriving early on any day.
Q. How long will this rule be enforced?
A. As yet there are no plans to terminate the 8:15 rule, since, according to Principal Derthick, "the rule is for the good of the school."
Q. Do any other schools have this rule?
A. Yes, every high school in Atlanta except Northside which does not because they do not have a suitable place for the students to go.
Q. When do we socialize? When is the time for meetings?
A. The time to socialize is during lunch and after school. The necessity for the 8:15 rule overrules the need for students to get together and gossip. Time is provided for school clubs to hold meetings before and after school. If a club needs to meet before 8:15 special permission can be obtained from Mr. Derthick allowing members to be admitted to the building.