I was asked to answer a few questions by a writer for the High Times, detailing differences in school life in the 1970s and now. The writer had come across this blog for the RHS class of 1977. Here are the questions and my responses. I told him I was highly opinionated but all and all very supportive of Ridgewood High School. We'll see how well he understood this when the article appears before Christmas. I'll post a link in any event.
Alex Pajusi School Life Features Article Q: How has school life changed from when you went to RHS? A: In the 1970s life was surely different. 1. Moms stayed at home and were around when we came home for lunch from elementary school. 2. Kids were skinnier because our mothers made us go outside to play. 3. Kids had part-time jobs like delivering newspapers, raking leaves, cutting grass, and shoveling snow. These jobs gave us a sense of what it takes to succeed in life and exposed us to all sorts of types of people in their neighborhood. These sort of jobs are also the best way to help children learn positive work ethics. 4. Kids were not over-scheduled and we had to figure out our own “play dates.” 5. Kids in elementary school were part of the Safety Patrol. I was a Captain and it taught me lessons in citizenship that I cherish to this day. I still have the Honor Squad pin they gave me in the 6th grade. We patrolled in all kinds of weather and believed it to be a normal part of life to make small sacrifices for others. The Safety Patrol has since been replaced by retirees who receive pay. Q: Are these changes for the better? A: No. Moms are overworked, children are obese, and there is less interaction among neighbors. The Safety Patrols have been disbanded. Q: What did you like most about school when you went? A: Competing in sports and hanging out with my friends were always my favorite activities. Whether it was ad-hoc games in the school yard or organized teams, these were the things I enjoyed the most. Q: What did you like the least? A: Sitting in class when there was a substitute teacher. Q: What were some of the fads and trends when you went to school? In the 60’s there was a time when all the boys parted their hair down the middle and grew it long on the sides. There was also the yo-yo. In the 70’s we dressed in terrible looking bell-bottom pants. Q: How have the buildings changed? A: All the schools have cafeterias and the kids in elementary school have to stay in school at lunchtime. I do like all the computer equipment and the high-speed networks, though I am biased as that it what I do for a living http://www.forsythe.com. Q: Are the class offerings different? A: More computers. Q: Was there ever any school spirit? (Since school spirit presently is very low) A: There was always a sense of spirit but it’s more something you recognize after you graduate than while you are attending school. Whenever we have a class reunion we always marvel at our school spirit. Don’t be concerned you will notice this too. Peace.
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