Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Wednesday, August 25, 1976, page 22 (of 38)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
West Miami Junior High elects to return to basics
By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer West Miami Junior High School is the first junior high in the county to elect to go the traditional basic skills route. When the 2,100 West Miami students return to school this fall, they will be expected to comply with a dress code, complete more homework assignments and make up work when absent from school. There will, how-ever, be no major changes in the school's academic program. "I have been a school administrator for a long time and I firmly believe that young people are much happier in a disciplined situation. The only thing they expect is fairness in enforcing that discipline," said West Miami Principal Harold Knott. "There will be no major changes in the academic program since we have always placed great emphasis in the basic skills at West Miami," said Knott. "We will be placing more emphasis on homework, makeup work, and tightening up on enforcement of the dress code, but I don't anticipate any problems with students. "We took a survey last year and 75 per cent of the student body said they were very proud of their school," said Knott. "We have always been firm in our discipline, which seems to indicate that most students do want to learn and appreciate a quiet classroom." The principal said school teachers, the PTA/PTSA and school advisory committees at West Miami all endorsed the concept and are looking forward to implementing it. "We will be doing a few things differently," said Knott. "For instance, every child will have a textbook for every course. Teachers will use other teaching materials as well, but they'll be giving homework assignments from textbooks." The school administration hopes the change to a traditional program will motivate students to work harder and recognize the importance of basic skills — reading, writing and arithmetic. "The main thing that we hope to accomplish is to get parental support of the program. We hope to be able to work closer with parents so they can in turn work with the students at home and reinforce skills learned in school," said Knott. The school dress code will be the same as last year — which allows shorts but no cut-offs, sandals with back straps, no white t-shirts, no tank tops or flip-flop shoes. "We intend to be more firm with the dress code since we believe their attire affects their attitude and behavior in school," Knott said.
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Jim BECK
Jim BECK is running against SACKETT, PASS IT ON! Jim BECK wants to SAVE TAX DOLLARS and will fight to reduce the size of the Fla. House of Representatives. Also, he wants to LIMIT THE LENGTH OF OFFICE to a maximum of two terms. Jim BECK wants a complete "Overhaul" of the parole and probation program to REDUCE CRIME. Jim BECK will vote himself out of office to carry out his pledge for a smaller House. Jim Beck FLA. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 110 Jim BECK, DEMOCRAT On Voting Day Remember Lever 8A Paid for by Jim Beck Campaign Committee, J. Newmeyer, Treas.