Aptos Jr. High
Junior High was a new experience as multiple elementary schools converged into one school. I never crossed paths with Sandy and Don from Farragut during the 2.5 years spent, but I did have classes with others from Farragut and also classmates from Commodore Sloat.
Unlike grade school I never stood out. I was only known for someone to pick last in P.E. class. There was a group of girls I tried to beat scholastically, but never could. I had an eye on one of them, but I was too much of an introvert to let her know. It would take 23 years at a high school reunion for me to tell her.
Like grade school, Aptos produced memories...
Mom was able to sign up for the reduced cost meals at the cafeteria. Every once in a while I was able to purchase a lunch for $1.50. It was akin to Costco's $1.50 hot dog, but it was a polish sausage on a sourdough roll....no drink.
Booster Cards, which cost a quarter, allowed a
cardholder to jump the line back to class after lunch and recess.
Was pulled out of P.E. class to be informed by the Dean that my IQ test result was 160.
Received my first ID card with my picture in the form
of a student body card.
Skipped a half a grade (H8) as a directive from the city. Could have dropped down a half a grade, the alternate option, but most of the students I knew either skipped with me or were already part of the class I was skipping to.
Worked with heavy machines in the wood and sheet metal shop classes. I still have all of my wood shop projects...sanding block, note pad, tie rack, mail rack and my final project...a water pump lamp.
Classes in architecture assisted me in earning the
Architecture merit badge in Scouting.
Took French lessons in an after school class for credit.
Graduation was no longer a show. Diplomas were handed out by the principal from the auditorium stage. Unfortunately our homeroom president was given the task of entering our names onto our certificates. I would have preferred the name to be typewritten vice hand written since it was not done in any form of calligraphy style.