Recently, I saw Jane Stonko at Johnson Elementary School's “Tea at the White House."  She was emceeing the procession of third graders who were cleverly attired as U.S. presidents, first ladies and other presidential family members. Mrs. Stonko actually initiated the unit 30 years ago. It was all really cool to hear about because she happened to be my 6^th grade teacher several years before that. Our classroom was located at Bridgeport High School. During the 1971-1972 school year, Simpson Elementary School’s 6^th grade – yes, 6^th grade was then the last year of elementary school - was split into two classrooms which observed an open style of teaching. The other teacher, as many of you will remember, was Mrs. Gall.

 

We thought it was pretty cool – attending high school and all. And for the early 1970s, it was all very innovative and new. Fast forward through our three years of Bridgeport Junior High and our class found ourselves back at BHS, this time our educational headquarters until we graduated. It might have been a long time ago, but I can still see the faces of those educators who provided that education.

 

As typing and shorthand were among my favorite classes, I really liked Mrs. Carolyn Burnett and Mrs. Kriss Stanton. In the days before computers, we typed on an actual typewriter – they were electric, very modern. From the time I learned my “home row keys,” I was hooked. In fact, a small electric typewriter was one of my high school graduation presents. Shorthand was a very interesting concept to me. We were taught pen strokes for each sound – when put together - made words, sentences and entire pieces of correspondence. Once completing these classes, we were well equipped for the business world. We could take dictation, then transcribe our shorthand notes into neatly typed letters. I think anyone who took the class distinctly remembers how to write “Dear Sir.”

 

The note taking skills also came in handy in biology class, located just across the hall and an overall favorite of my friends. Mrs. Mary Reppert was the teacher and she was cool. The only bad part – at least to me – was that we had to actually dissect stuff, like frogs. I always struck up a bargain with my biology partner. If he or she would do the dirty work, I would take notes. As far as I was concerned, that was one sweet deal. I can still remember the smell of the formaldehyde, though.

 

Another teacher who left a lasting impression was Mrs. Doris Gloss, our English teacher. Mrs. Gloss is one of the first people who encouraged me to write. She would grade our papers and return them with corrections and comments. Of course, we would also diagram sentences and all that good stuff. I can still remember her southern drawl. I also remember that she reprimanded my gal friends and me for wearing our majorette uniforms to class following assemblies, which we called “thuses” back in the day.  

 

It was great running into Mrs. Stonko and it sure got my wheels turning about my days at BHS and the teachers who planted important seeds in the lives and minds of their students.

 

Editor’s Notes: Pictured from top are Stonko, Burnett, Stanton, Reppert and Gloss, just a few of very special teachers who enlightened Bridgeport students back in the 1970s. Serving as principal was Bill Moore and guidance counselor was Hugh Gainer, who is still active in the Bridgeport community. One of  the youngest teachers at our high school was Mrs. Alice Rowe.

 

It hasn’t been long since I touched base with Mrs. Burnett – on Facebook! She lives in Florida and said she and Mrs. Stanton, who  lives in Clarksburg, are still good friends. Mrs. Reppert and Mrs. Gloss are both deceased, but never forgotten.

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. 

 

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