The
CARDIGAN CHRONICLE Fall 1991
IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD.
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Cardigan's History Department puts Current Events in the Spotlight In a Cardigan History class, the students do much more than simply study the past . This year's weekly Current Events program and the "Soviet Pen Pal" program are just two of many vehicles that demonstrate the department's goal of developing a global awareness among Cardigan students. I recently spoke with the members of the History Department and gained a good deal of insight as to the approach they take in this regard.. . Stephanie McCusker , ed.
students in this age group are important because they have more inquiring minds, and it's good to get them in the habit of looking at history in the making." Cardigan's history and current events programs help students understand what is happening around them.
Geography - Part of the Picture The study of topography, climate, natural resources and manufacturing, enhances understanding of historical movements and current events. Although
Comparisons-Past and Present Steven Ris, Head of the History Department, feels that history can be an exciting discipline for middle school students if it is taught in a way which relates hi storical trends and perspectives to current world events . "We can use history to teach us lessons and help us make sense of world events today." The fast paced changing world movements in the news can befarbettergraspedand understood when past events are studied, for often the present has its roots or parallels in the past. For example, Ris compared the economic situation in the Soviet Union today and the inherent political implicaLiun s Lu i.he Weimar Republic in r.he
"We can use History to teach us lessons and help make sense of world events today."
The Strength of Cardigan's Academics Ina recent presentation,BobSmall, Director of Studies, spoke ofCardigan's academic curriculum which continues to be a strong one . He also highlighted changes that have taken place. In his opening remarks, Mr. Small promoted Cardigan as being a school that continues "to seek ways that will not only help our students become even more successful, but also establish programs that will attract a diversity of students according to their abilities and their intP.n': sts ."
Steven Ris, History Department Chairman Germay of the 1920's, where the economy was in shambles following World WarL Many Middle school students are caught up in the barrage of new media coverage on such events as the continuing disintegration of the Soviet Union and conflicts in the Middle East. According to Dave Shelton, former History Department Head, current e'..'ents " .. .to
Cardigan's geography curriculum is scaled to the middle school age group, students are receiving a foundation in basic knowledge which will be helpful to theminthefuture.NeilBrier, whoteaches geography, asserts that the study of location and topography of Yugoslavia by last year's sixth graders, has helped these same students identify areas where sectarian fighting is now taking place. (continued on p.2)
Our Students Arrive!!
Foreign Language Offerings Reap Immediate Benefits
FACULTY PROFILE: "Every institution that has survived the test of time has done so because of the efforts of integrating ieaders with integrating ideas and integrating practices."-Dr. Charles Garrigues Perhaps the most recognizable figure on campus is veteran faculty member Jim Marrion. Clipboard in hand, solidly built with a crew cut and a cheerful "How're you doing, Tiger!", he energetically strides across the green. The twenty-fifth class to be taught by him will graduate this spring, and they will take with them a memory of his character and caring which will last far longer than many of the academic lessons they learn. It is difficult to get this man to talk about himself or his life beyond school. 0
Dates-to Remember Chri5tmas Pageant Parents Winter Weekend and Auction!
Dec. 18
Feb. 8+9
Alumni Wint.er Weekend Feb.15+16
Mr. James N. Marrion
Director of Athletics, Coach, and Teacher As he said, "Let's start with when I came to Cardigan." It is commonly known that Mr. Marrion's physique belies his age which is somewhere in the late 50's. He probably met his wife Connie at Keene State; at least, they both matriculated there. He does admit that they arrived at Cardigan in the fall of 1967. While at Cardigan, the Marrions raised a family of three daughters and one son, Jim Jr. '87, who was School Leader while at CMS. Mrs. Marrion taught in the Language Learning Lab Department for twenty-two years and served as a dorm parent with Jim for twenty years . In the spring of 1969 Mr. Marrion was appointed Director of Athletics. Asked what he felt was important to note about the twenty-five years they have spent at Cardigan, Mr. Marrion replied, "My concern was to help all the students that we could come in contact with, in any way possible, and to face each day as a beautiful challenge and with a very positive attitude. The thing I always try to practice is to treat other people as I would like to be treated myself-on the field, in the class, and in
the dorm ." The man has "an unfathomable amount of energy," says Tom Sutro who has coached Varsity Football with Jim for the last two years. Considering the number of responsibilities Mr. Marrion meets every day, he would have to be inexhaustable. His responsibilities include: teaching math; arranging for the schedule of all the teams for every season; making sure each game is covered with officials, transportation, drivers, and coaches; overseeing one of the largest budgets on campus, overseeing all the athletic equipment and fields; providing all the arrangements and coverage for special trips such as Mountain Day and Sandwich Fair; seeing to the transportation for the Oubs Program; providing guidance and ideas for all the coaches as well as coaching Varsity Football and Varsity Baseball. "He has such confidence in every one else's ability. He believes everyone, from coaches to students can do everything," says James Funnell, Director of Placement. He continues that Mr. Marrion ( continued on page 5)
"We are gratified to report that the new foreign language offerings established last year are already starting to reap benefits: 85% of our students are involved in our foreign language program." He expounded upon this point by saying that a total of 15 students are taking Latin this year, 45 are taking French, 55 are taking Spanish. "The sixth graders are involved in an Introduction to Foreign Language course, and 10 of our foreign students are in English as a Second Language classes."
Science = Hands-on "Exciting changes are taking place in our Science Department. A greater emphasis is being placed on hands-on, laboratory types of experiences. New texts have been selected that include not only twentieth century concerns, but also a discussion of future problems dealing with ecology and the scientific world as well. All 9th graders are now taking Biology and the upper level sections (continued p. 2)
INSIDE: Alumni Reunion Weekend
pg. · 6
Parents Weekend
4
Fall Sports Report
5