Theft causes immediate disciplinary action Recent thefts in school have focused attention on the problem of security for valuables. Mr. Adamo, dean, said, "It would help if the students check to see that their lockers are locked and not preset to open by turning it and hitting the last number of the combination." Other preventive measures suggested by the deans were: don't bring large amount of money to school, don't share your combination with anyone, if you have fund raiser money, deliver it to your sponsor as soon as possible, and be sure to lock all lockers. The event that has made students more aware of a problem is that two students were apprehended in the girl's locker room the first week in December with stolen items in their possession.
The thefts took place over a three day period. Once the P.E. department and the deans were notified, action was taken to apprehend the students. They were caught while stealing items on the third day. Out of the estimated 15 students who were ripped off, many had their lockers unlocked. Among the stolen items were purses, candy sale money, various articles of clothing and makeup. The estimation of the stolen goods is valued at $1,000. Extensive measures are being taken to deal with the apprehended individuals. In addition to the disciplining by the school, court action is being taken. Mr. Bitta, dean, commented on that subject, "any kind of stealing of this kind of magnitude or vandalism to any degree will not be
tolerated by school. Not only will we refer theft or any incidents of this nature to police. We will also go to court with students who violated the rights of other students." Dean Bitta also stressed that in order to prevent similar incidents from occuring, the student body must act defensively against students who "violate the rights of other students." This can be accomplished by working as a system to uncover the guilty parties. Anonymous notes with information leading to the apprehension of student offenders are welcome in the Dean's office.
Safe Driving club
by Laura Coyne Maine South has given birth to yet another club, the Safety Club. The new club is open to all students who have a valid driver's license or permit. The first general meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 27 in room AI16. The club will be involved in safety projects throughout the community and school. Some of the projects include: Youth Traffic Safety Conferences, parent involvement programs for beginning students in Driver Education, a defensive driving course in which and adults will learn advanced driving January 20,1981 students skills and practice evasive manuvers, bicycle safety programs for grade schools in the area, safety spots on WMTH and local newspapers, and student response to the proposed probationary license for new drivers. Mr. Derril Kipp, the sponsor, "urges all interested students to join." The Safety Club with the approach of the new season, has issued recommendations on driving in severe winter weather: •Get the feel of the road by accelerating carefully to see whether wheels spin and brake gently to see whether they skid. •Increase following distance because it takes three to nine times as far to stop on snow or ice as on dry pavement. •Pump your brakes to slow to a stop. •Have good tires with good treads or use snow tires. •Always carry reinforced tire chains in the trunk of your car for use in severe snowstorms. •Keep your windshield and windows clear at all times.
southwords Vol. 17, No. 7
Maine South H.S., Park Ridge, iil.
0 0 members win positions by Jim Kaeding Mame South Office Occupation students Mary Ann Mazza and Leslie SoUars were elected as 1980-81 Officers of the Illinois Office Education Association (lOEA). Mary Ann will serve as Vice-President, and Leshe will serve as Treasurer. They are two of thirteen state officers who wiU lead approximately 4 600 lOEA students in Illinois. The Office Education Association is a national youth organization designed for high school juniors and seniors enrolled in work programs deaUng with office related careers. To be an lOEA officer, a candidate must first be a local or area officer and answer questions from and give speeches to the old officers Each candidate has a campaign. The responsibilities of the Vice-President include promoting OEA, giving speeches to groups, and writing regional letters about his region Mary Ann Mazza commented, "Being an officer develops responsiblities needed for leadership." The last time a Maine South student won an office was about five years ago.
Mn Bitta iionored by Paul Samborski Mr. Andrew S. Bitta, dean, was chosen Dean of the Year by the Illinois State Dean's Association in November. Mr. Bitta received the award at the twentieth annual convention held in Springfield. Mr Bitta was president both of the Chicago Suburban Dean's Association and the Illinois Jeff will now compete with other Illinois State Dean's Association. Mr. Bitta is presenthigh school representatives to attend the an- ly a member of the school problems Subnual, all-expense-paid, week-long Interna- Committee. Mr. Bitta is also a past member of the Iltional Leadership Seminar on America's Incentive System, sponsored by the Foundation linois task force for children out of school. Mr. at the University of Texas in Dallas, July 4-11. Bitta has been in the education for 27 years. He has taught such courses as social studies, Those chosen to participate in the Seminar will meet other tenth graders from every state, psychology, physical education, and drivers twelve other countries, and with prominent education. He also has been a coach, an Continued on page 2 athletic director, counselor, and dean.
Lesiie Soilars, iOEA State treasurer and IVIary Ann IVIazza, vice president.
Sophomore receives honor Jeff Wood has been selected as South's candidate for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation International Leadership Seminar Competition. I The Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation pro•" I L L '^'"•^t'P 'l"^l"'es in high school sophomores. The criteria for selection consists of leadership ability, cooperation, sensitivity to the needs of others, and the desire to learn and share knowledge and experience.