“Tardy Only Once”

In September 1941, I was a senior at Highline High School in Burien, Washington.  I had only four classes that year- English, History, Shorthand, and Home Economics.  The other two periods in my schedule were study hall.  We had our study hall in a large room that was originally the auditorium until the new auditorium was built.  Directly behind the study hall was the library.  If we wanted to use the library during our study hall period we could but we had to go in there before the class started and remain there for the entire period.

Mr. Green was charge of the study hall during the time that I was in there and I well remember how very strict he was.  He had a clipboard that he carried with him most of the time and if anyone was caught whispering or walking around without permission, he simply handed them the clipboard which they then were instructed to sign and that meant they were required to make up time in the detention room, either before or after school.

One of Mr. Green’s rules – that if broken meant detention – was coming in late for class.  He made no exceptions and stood by the door like a guard for the bell to ring.  We were expected to be inside the room before the bell started to ring.

One morning, I was late getting to school and I hurried as fast as I could but alas the bell started ringing just as I entered the room and there, standing just inside the door, was old faithful with his trusty old clipboard.  He handed it to me to sign.  He wore a very satisfied look on his face as if to say, “Aha, I caught ya’.”  I knew there was no use to argue because I had seen others try and lose.

I was so embarrassed but I nervously signed my name and then proceeded to my seat.  My day was ruined.  The next morning I went to the detention room and made up half my hour before school.  It was the only time I ever had to be in the detention room and I was humiliated.