Hallways: School year off to good start
By Mike Grynbaum

    Well, the Hall political maelstrom seems to have cooled since last spring. After insulted parents and griping faculty ran ex-principal John Hudson out of town on a rail and the Concert Jazz Band finished badmouthing former Hall Highlights columnist Ben Fink, it appears that things are returning to normal. That is, except for the staircases.

    Few current students recall that four years ago, the stairwell entrances were not where they stand today. Remember those useless “areas of refuge”? Once upon a time they acted as the staircase doors, safely leading students into a generally clear space. The boneheaded idea to change the entrances so that they lead into a 3-way intersection is what caused the massive traffic jams we now know and love. Using security guard “bouncers” to patrol the C-wing stairwell is not going to solve this problem. The new strategy may lead to a renewed interest in the classic musical Up the Down Staircase, but it will do squat towards achieving its real goal: decreasing congestion. Try again, guys.

    That being said, I’m impressed with the job Dr. Donald Slater has been doing so far this year. Slater has positively embraced his role, injecting some much-needed enthusiasm into the Hall community. The principal must be a capable leader, but also has to take into account the needs of students, parents and teachers. Luckily, Slater has succeeded on all counts. Sporting a “WHHHS Pride” pin on his lapel, Slater — who, it should be noted, is West Hartford’s very first African-American principal (it’s about time) — has been a constant presence in the hallways, cafeteria, and classrooms. Out and about during much of the day, he has been working hard to ensure a smooth transition.

    “My main goal is continual improvement,” Slater said. So far, so good. I walked into the cafeteria last week to find a speaker system blasting out the warm sounds of Bob Marley. Three cheers for this novel idea; as long as the music is of this caliber, I predict a great year for student-administration relations.

    The Student Association has also had a makeover. The newly ratified SA Constitution creates a smaller senate and a stronger executive branch, a format that has the potential to produce a better and more organized student government. Ideally, bigger and better things will get done than in years past, and I wish President Carter Delloro the best of luck.

    However, we’ve been let down by SA administrations in the past. Thanks to my summer reading, I’ve learned that Machiavelli believed leading a government on ideals would bring disaster. Tread softly, Mr. President, but carry a big stick. [Editor’s note: Delloro is also a member of the Hall High-lights staff.]

    And Highlights? Well, that’s for you to decide. Here’s to a fun and fruitful year.