Cleveland Heights High School 1901-1966 page 11
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The new decade began with a new principal - Mr. Paul S. Nash. Mr. Nash's eight-year reign would witness a drastic change in the appearance of Heights High and tremendous innovations in the curriculum.
Along with the new school year, 1956-1957, came new English requirements for Heights students. All pupils would study English for all four years of high school. At this time many colleges had as a requirement for entrance four years of High school English. The year flew by with no further changes.
Then in the winter of 1958, The School Board approved a new system which would change the complexion of Heights and which would be inaugurated the following school year. Superintendent Dr. O. E. Hill was the "founding father" of the plan which would create a "school within a school." Three unit offices would be formed, each responsible for 1/3 of the students, thus dividing the burden of the growing student body by classes. Each office would have a principal, assistant, secretary, and counselors.
February 1958 also saw the celebration of the Tigers' basketball team when it captured the LEL crown.
The Student Council introduced a Student Court to handle student offenses and punishments. Final exams (ugh) were introduced. The year 1958 also saw football player Larry Benz win the award for the outstanding Heights athlete of the year. The Cleveland Brown football team recognized Benz's athletic talent four years later.
Plans to enlarge Heights once again were announced in April, 1959, and the target date for completion was set for September, 1961. The new addition would include a new gym, seating 2,000 fans, in the southwest corner of the building, the new classroom section would house biology and business classrooms on the second floor, combined laboratory and lecture rooms for physics and chemistry on the third floor, and administrative offices on the main floor. The first phase would cost $2,112, 849.
A tradition was shattered by the June 1959 graduates - they were the first class to receive their diplomas outdoors when graduation exercises were held at Cain Park.
In October, 1960 the school system and the community were saddened by the sudden death of Dr. Hill. Mr. Albert S. Harvey was appointed superintendent in November.
An important social event of the 1960 fall season was the Military Ball. This affair for LEL members has been sponsored by the marching band since 1935.
In October, 1960, the team teaching method was introduced in the tenth-grade English classes. A new course in developmental reading was added at the same time. The latter consisted of nine weeks of instruction in techniques of reading in order to improve comprehension skills and rate. Two graduation classes made worthy contributions to Heights tradition. The January, 1960 class under the guidance of Dr. Bernard Silk originated the senior dinner, while the June 1961 class elected student speakers to highlight the graduation program. Both practices are still followed.
Phase one of the new wing was completed by the winter of 1961 and the new pool and gym were ready for use.
Two seconds to splashdown in the new pool.
New courses in electricity, graphic arts, metals, power mechanics, and machine shop were made available because of the new wing.
Superintendent Harvey retired in July 1961 and Dr. Theos I. Anderson, formerly superintendent of schools of Teaneck, New Jersey was his successor.
Providing relaxation and a chance to recover from the trials of the long school day, a new snack bar was introduced by the Student Council in September of 1961. Students were now able to purchase ice cream and soft drinks after school.