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About APS Links
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About APS – History of Akron Public Schools
1942-55
World War II wove its way indelibly into the fabric of Akron
Public Schools. In 1942, 5,000 high school students worked
part-time in war production. During 1943, students sold $127,000
in war stamps and bonds. Children brought scrap metal to school
during a war scrap drive in 1942, then paper, rags, tin and
other items during a salvage drive in 1944. The curriculum
expanded to include classes in "camouflage," "pre-flight" and
"signaling and communication." Schools were supplied with bomb
safeguards (shovels, sand and spray guns).
The schools' involvement didn't end when the war was over,
either. In 1947 more than 5,000 WWII veterans received
counseling through the veterans' guidance center of the Akron
Board of Education. Akron students filled thousands of Junior
Red Cross gift boxes with health, educational and play materials
for children abroad. They were also asked to conserve food for
Europe, by eating less bread and pastries but more potatoes,
oatmeal and fresh vegetables.
Otis Hatton led the schools during this period of war and peace
(1942-55). During his tenure as superintendent, the school
population increased from 37,737 in 1942 to 47,783 in 1954. In
1950 the new Ellet High School Building – the first new building
in the district since 1932 – was dedicated.
The '40s and '50s brought a shift away from a focus on college
prep courses. A 1944 study showed that 80% of our graduates
didn't go to college, so more emphasis was given to "preparation
for life" and vocational education through Hower Vocational High
School.
The following also happened during Hatton's superintendency:
- Kindergarten was reestablished (1943);
- High school
seniors began receiving vocational guidance (1947);
- All schools received motion picture equipment (1947);
- Driver's education began (1948);
- The last January graduation was held (1952); and
- Teachers without a bachelor's degree were no longer hired
(1955).
Hatton retired at the end of the 1954-55 school year, making
way for his successor, Martin Essex.
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"View from the top"
(While Otis Hatton was superintendent, he shared many of his
views regarding issues of the day in a weekly newsletter.
Here are some excerpts:)
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On Americanism:
"The opportunity to go to school is a privilege that is
yours. This is not true the world over. This privilege is
yours because of our country's ideals – sometimes called
Americanism. It will take a prepared people if our way of
life is to continue for our people and be spread to other
peoples throughout the world. That's why we have schools for
all." |
On character education:
"Children of all the people learn to work and play together
in the public schools. They learn to understand one another;
to recognize the importance of being cooperative and
responsible. Their acceptance of classmates is not
conditioned by race, color or creed, unless the prejudices
of parents have been passed on to their children." |
On the role of home:
"In this atomic age our homes, as well as our schools, must
become better or there may be no world in the future. Our
children are entitled to homes where there is love and
understanding; where parents and children work together,
play together and plan together; where security is found in
the honesty and openness that exists between members; where
democratic ideas are really practiced. A generation of
children brought up in such an atmosphere may make the world
safe from war." |
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