60 Years GISW - First Decade 1961 -1971

60 Years German International School Washington DC

Looking back to the 1960s

Did you know . . .

In the 1960s, when the German School was still on MacArthur Blvd. in Washington, DC, reports from Germany arrived by telegraph and classrooms were thoroughly aired every day. The school's logbook (1962-1965)--a record of deliberations and resolutions--contains some concerns that we still hear today but also some surprising and even amusing entries:

  1. Greetings: All teachers and visitors to the school should be greeted loudly. When a teacher enters a classroom, the students rise from their seats and greet by bowing their heads; a student greets loudly (20 Sept 1962).

 

  1. Gender equity: the principal suggested that the children should not be entered in the class book alphabetically according to boys and girls, but in general alphabetically (March 24, 1965).

 

  1. Foreign correspondence: The principal announced that he had received a telegraph informing him about the arrival of the new teachers (March 2, 1963).

 

  1. Teaching aids: It was suggested that the school purchase a TV for to access "educational program." After discussion, the faculty decided against the purchase of a TV, preferring to buy a record player instead (Aug. 12, 1964).

 

  1. Parking: Parents are to be politely reminded again to park their cars on MacArthur Blvd. & not to use Ashby Street. (Sept 20, 1962).

 

  1. Fire drills: A fire drill is to be held each week . . . . One kindergarten teacher leads the children outside while a second teacher looks in the toilet and in the neighboring room to make sure that no child is there, and she is the last to leave the playroom. (Sept. 21, 1962).

 

  1. Assignments: Homework may be assigned every day except Monday. It should not take longer to complete than is appropriate for child’s age level (Sept. 8, 1963).

 

  1. Afternoon event: All faculty are invited to a cocktail party on Saturday, Sept. 5, 1964, in the afternoon at 3 o'clock (Sept. 5, 1964).

 

  1. Recess: Cocoa or milk must be drunk in the classroom. Afterwards, the students should stay in the garden so that the classroom can be well aired (20. Sept 1962).

 

  1. School rules: The lawn may not be walked upon (Sept. 8, 1963).

 

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