Page 89 - CBA 1985 YEARBOOK

“ They’re so small!” “ I was bigger than that when I was in first grade!” Shock, dismay, even a few fatherly feelings characterize most Seniors’ reaction to September’s new crop of seventh graders. It’s not just their size which amazes most high schoolers, but their innocence and wide-eyed wonder as they come to grips with the presence of a 220 lb tight end for the first time in their school. This pro­ duces an interesting phenomenon one could call “ protectionism” at CBA. Somehow, the Middle Schoolers are
exempt from the normal pushing and shoving that takes place in an all-male high school. The teasing and “ smart” remarks are curiously absent also. And, one learns to hide a smile when some macho athlete takes the time to show a near-tears Middle Schooler how to open his locker so that he won’t be late when Brother Mark’s whistle goes off.
They’re protected too, because their program is — for the most part — physically separated from the High School. Since CBA is built into
the side of a hill, the bottom floor is somewhat detached from the rest of the building — creating a whole differ­ ent atmosphere “down there.” Yet, they come together with the high school for common use of the library, gym, and cafeteria. Assemblies, litur­ gies, and pep rallies further help to cement the ties between the little ones and the big ones, so that, by the time they hit the high school, the move is more than just up a flight of stairs — it’s coming home to familiar territory.
The accent is wholly on ...
rniddle School