The September 1973 Report

THIS POST presents another document from Emil's files—or someone's—that has survived fifty years, and has made the rounds of displays and perusals, but not seen much close attention (although possibly cited by then-principal Alexa Pearson in her opening note from the 2018 50th Anniversary publication).

It is a report written by principal Amasa Gilman in September 1973, at the start of MLC's sixth school year. In 2-1/2 pages it describes MLC's philosophy, structure, relationship to district authority, and student opportunities, expectations, and rules. The main thing missing from the document is any statement of why it was written and to whom it was addressed.

Its language and tone seem noticeably different from previous reports—self conscious, a little defensive, less joyful and confident. Its words seem to describe a school grown noticeably different from the Summerhill ideal and therefore from the MLC of 1968.

It can be surmised that Amasa wrote it for all audiences—district, School Board, staff, students, parents—having begun to experience pressure to conform, expecting more of the same, and wanting to show MLC in a politically necessary light.

According to the MLC Timeline, and to memory, 1972-73 was the year "base stations" were instituted, providing a morning check-in for all students, with some accountability for attendance and participation. In the month and year when the report was written, "basic skills" classes, in math and reading, were added. The report mentions both.

It is known that teacher Dorothy Zarelli was hired in 1970, and stayed for two years. She taught math and reading, had MLC's first computers in her room, and arranged the first computer classes. She was very beloved and attracted a group of motivated students. It is also known that she was upset by the lack of basic skills facility and instruction at MLC; undoubtedly she was part of conversations responding to any similar perceptions by the district. (Efforts to find Dorothy at the time of the 50th Anniversary celebration came up empty.)

[Thumbnail photo: excerpt from cover photo of MLC literary magazine titled "The Principal of the Thing"]

Principal Amasa Gilman's September 1973 report describing systems and rules in place at the start of MLC's sixth year. Whether the report was directed at parents, students, teachers, or PPS administrators is not known.