Ilion High School - Class of 1968

Herkimer Evening Telegram - January 10, 1968

Special Class Pupils Topic Of Ilion Plan

Article 10

ILION - Leo J. Sammon Jr., Ilion Central High School principal. at a meeting of the school board last night, outlined a program. which would combine the pupils of special and regular grades for joint participation in several areas of educational activities.

Included in the program, if adopted, would be commencement day, when pupils of the special class would be awarded certificates of achievement, at the same time that regular pupils receive diplomas.

In cases where the special pupil is considered qualified, this program would also allow him to attend classes in physical education, shop, homemaking, and possibly personal typing.

The principal pointed out there are two groups of special classes - elementary and junior-senior high school. These pupils are screened by the local school psychologist, guidance counselor, and class instructor. as to their learning capabilities. He also stated about half of the members of Martin Keller's class, that of pupils with lower-than-average intelligence quotient, had participated in an experiment, the results of which had proven most successful.

Sammon said that if the program were accepted into the regular school policy, counseling and guidance would be provided when necessary to pupils up to the age of 21.

Robert Kerr, board president, reported members would take action on the matter at the next meeting, following a study of the program.

In other business, the board approved two teacher appointments. Handsel Swanson, West Winfield, was named to the Industrial Arts Dept. He replaces Vincent Medorma, who resigned as of Jan. 2. The second appointment was that of Peter Daly, of Essex, England, to teach English 10. Daly, who recently arrived in this country, attended the University of Dublin and is a graduate of the National University of Ireland, where he majored in English. He has had seven years teaching experience in England. He replaces Mrs. Linda Peterson, who submitted her resignation, which will become effective at the end of this semester.