Tiger Topics, Fall 1983

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TIGER TOPICS
Robinson Finds Challenge Here
Dr. Charles D. ?Lobinson, new principal of the school, feels it is a challenge to come here and have the privilege of being the Tigers' principal.
Before coming here he was the administra¬ tive assistant to the assistant superintendent.
He feels that disciplinary measures taken in the fall of 1983 were rather strict, but now they are comfortable for everyone. He points out that discipline should be a joint effort for both home and school.
To Dr. Robinson, education here is equiva¬ lent to that elsewhere, but not everyone takes advantage of it as they should. He has deter¬ mined that Attucks is one ofthe best schools in the dty^ffering many special programs, such as the Health Profession Center.
Principal Lists Agenda For School Improvement
Improving the school building is on the agenda for Dr. Charles D. Robinson, prin¬ cipal. He has plans to improve the physical plant and the personnel of the schooi begin¬ ning this year.
Dr. Robinson discussed the improvements for the building such as interior painting, which has already started. On the outside the parking lot will be repaved, and a new roof will be put on the gymnasium during the summer. When School 17 is torn down, new grass will be planted on the site. The year after next the whole building will undergo ci>mplete mod¬ ernization, according to Dr. Robinson.
Concerning the student body. Dr. Robinson feels the area that needs most improvement is attendance, with other areas being hall walk¬ ing and cutting.
Magnet Programs Will Attract Achievers in Two Academic Fields
by Angela McCoy
According to Dr. Charles D. Robinson, principal, there will be two new mai^et pro¬ grams here next year. These will be in the fields of foreign language and science/ math.
Robinson says there will be new science equipment available for the 100 students planned forthe science/math program. Fifty students are projected for the foreign language magnet, which will offer Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. Students in this pro¬ gram may be able to travel to the countries of the languages they study during their junior or semor years. Robinson hopes that local busi¬ ness and industry will help pay for the cost of the travel.
Students who are two grade levels above normal achievement may apply for these pro¬ grams. During their junior and senior years science/math students in the program may select advanced courses in which they will receive intensive training.
Experiences for these students will include field studies, business/industrial experience, practical research and observation, college credit courses, university laboratory experi¬ ences, six-week summer on-site exploration, completion of science/ math research projects, partnership with experienced science/math
Mrs. Kurtz Wins Leadership Award
Mrs. Marian Kurtz, Special Education teacher here, was given the Leadership-in- Communication award from the Indianapolis Education Association at the Eleventh Annual Human Rights banquet at the Con¬ vention Center Jan. 14.
Pat Browne presented the plaque to Mrs. Kurtz at the ceremonies.
Dr. Percy Clark, superintendent of schools for Lawrence Township delivered the main address in the 500 Ballroom.
Thomas Major, a student, gave a recitation in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, and Washington High Student Anthony Pastor, contributed an ink and charcoal drawing ot Dr. King used on the cover and table decorations.
experts, and instruction from coll ge and university professors.
Criteria for students in this program include achievement scores in science and math and reading of 10.7 or higher in the eighth grade and 11.7 or higher in the ninth grade. These students must also complete first year algebra or high school science before entering ninth grade.
Student already in junior or senior years may enter the program by demonstrating mastery of the first two years of the required courses.
Students who do not meet the requirements for admission may make an appeal for admis¬ sion in writing to the principal.
To qualify for the foreign language program, students must complete the Pimsleur language aptitude test with a percentile rank of 80 or higher. Two recommendations from teachers of social studies, language arts, or foreign language regarding study habits, seriousness of purpose and potential for success are required.
Any student who will be enrolled in the ninth, tenth or eleventh grades next fall and who live in the Indianapolis Public Schools district may obtain an application form from a school counselor, complete it, and mail it to Dr. Robinson.
New Business Head Named
Mrs. Twyllah Kendrick is the new head of the business education department here this semester, replacing Mrs. Ruth Webb.
Mrs. Kendrick formerly taught at Washing¬ ton and Shortridge, where she was COE coordinator.
At this point she has not yet made any plans to change anything in the business department. She says that the students here have responded well to her, and she finds them warm and friendly.
Mrs. Webb is now consultant for business departments at the Education Center.