The Cupertino Courier

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Celebrating half a century

By ANNE WARD ERNST

Gracie Hynes teaches seventh-grade language arts and social studies at Cupertino Middle School. In 1975, she was an eighth-grader there, and new library, science and English wings had just been constructed. Even then, portables were needed to accommodate a growing student population. She also remembers the fire in 1977 that destroyed the multi-purpose room, cafeteria and teachers lounge.

The campus, which opened in 1956, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Fifty years ago, there were 21 classrooms, boys had ducktails and poodle skirts were the rage.

Nineteen years later, designer jeans were in style. Hynes wore her wavy hair in a modified shag. Lots of girls wore their hair long, straight and parted in the middle.

As yearbook photos on display at the school's May 5 Fiesta and Family Night made clear, ponytails seem to always be in style.

Cindy Burns was a student at the school in 1986. In one yearbook photo, she has a ponytail and bangs.

Today at the middle school, some things have changed, some remain the same.

The portables that were temporary then are now permanent, and there are more students, staff and faculty than when Hynes and Burns were students.

The two notice one constant that isn't always evident in photos.

At that age, they say, kids jockeying for acceptance can be unkind.

It's just the way things are in the adolescent world, they figure.

But Hynes, who says she was ridiculed for being "chubby," does her best to instill better values in her students.

"I really try to help kids understand the impact they have on others for the rest of their lives, no matter how they act, good or bad."

Hynes said the hurt feelings she experienced influence the advice she gives students today. She remembers how sensitive teachers were a comfort to her on her bad days.

"Even though people could be hurtful in middle school and it wasn't my favorite experience ... I actually enjoyed the teachers I had here. I have fond memories of them making me laugh, and I really enjoyed the learning experience I had," she said.

One of her favorite teachers was Jim Grayson, who taught English and drama. In her own teaching, she said, she tries to emulate his methods and style.

"I actually try to model using humor and real-life stories to engage my students and make learning fun. I think I learned that from the terrific teachers I had in the Cupertino and Fremont High School districts," Hynes said.

It was when her own daughter attended Cupertino Middle School that Hynes decided to take a teaching job there. She believes her daughter has positive memories of her time at her mother's alma mater.

Burns, too, is now a teacher at the school she once attended as a student. She teaches eighth-grade science. She particularly remembers that she loved her woodshop class.

The women agree the campus is more diverse these days. They sense today's students are more charitable than some the two of them went to school with. Today, both are proud of the improvements the last 50 years have seen. Hynes, the one-time picked on girl, now says, "I love being a product of this school district."