Student Life

The Black and Gold 1975

In Class, Out of Class and 'Just Hanging Around...

 At 8:00 in the morning, a bright yellow city bus stopped in front of McKinley and unloaded an assortment of students.

 Walking across the wet, dewy front lawn, these students had a few minutes to spare before the 8:15 morning class bell. Joining fellow classmates at a favorite hangout, they talked about many things and managed to compare homework notes or do some quick reviewing for an upcoming test. When the bell rang, they lingered for awhile making plans for later in the day, then departed for class in separate directions.

 Teachers patiently waited for their students, then read the morning bulletin which announced notices and the numerous events. During this time, students found out about meetings, class sponsored events, PSAT and SAT tests for the college bound, career sessions which covered various fields of professions, college and political speakers and assemblies that were to take place at specified times during the day. Excepting Wednesdays, class lasted for 106 minutes with a ten minute break in between, teacher permitting. (All six periods met on Wednesday with 45 minute periods.)

 Then, when a bell rang for the next class, students gathered their books and rushed way across campus, greeting friends along the way within the three short minutes of passing time. A few seconds after the passing bell, they slid into their empty seats, ready for more learning and homework. Students found it hard to concentrate as it neared lunchtime. The Daily Pinion gave them something to occupy their minds, making them aware of school and community happenings.

 The growing noises from within were soon satisfied after the 12:02 lunchbell. McKinleyites spent 42 minutes doing whatever they wanted. Usually, it was a 25 cent bargain lunch from the cafeteria or, if a friend had a car, it was off to a nearby sweetshop, drive-in or the well-frequented McDonald's for a change of pace. Afterwards, relaxing and fooling around with friends, studying, finishing a project in class, or a rousing pep rally complemented the lunch break.

 When that last class bell rang, a lazy, "not in the mood to study" student body returned to classrooms for more lessons. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for--the 2:30 bell--end of school.

 There was always something to do after school--whether it was sports practice or a game, a driver education class, work, a club or council meeting, band, MTG, or choir rehearsal, an ROTC drill, ora hot crowded ride on the bus home.

 Thus, activities of all sorts combined with academic classes made up student life at McKinley.

McKinley High School Class of 1977

40th Reunion Summer 2017