December 10, 1942 - The Superintendent Speaks - Schools During Wartime: As we survey the first twelve months of the war, we note persons in all walks of life have made tremendous adjustments. It is quite likely many more changes will be necessary before the conflict can be successfully terminated. The public schools have assisted with the war progress in many ways, a few of which are: Supervising of rationing programs, scrap and salvage drives, stamp and bond sales promotion, and the adjustment of the school program to more adequately train the pupils for wartime needs. We are also faced with a limitation of available supplies, equipment, and a serious shortage of adequately trained teachers. While the wartime demands are a decided inconvenience to the schools, they need not greatly alter the basic program of education. Our offering of actual curricular work has been slightly increased. It has been possible to do this only because teachers have accepted additional teaching loads and others have willingly donated their time in lending assistance. With the winning of the war as our immediate goal, we must also remember that the paramount purpose of the public schools is to train the pupils for successful living "after victory." Superintendent - W. E. Young.
December 17, 1942 - Basketball - Bill Atwood led the boys to a 23-20 victory over Colo. The girls were defeated in an exciting game at Colo. Dolph scored 7 points and Fertig 6. (Final score not given] The boys won a fast game over West High of Des Moines 25-10 on the home court. West Des Moines was held scoreless until the 4th quarter. Taylor was scoring leader with 9 points. The girls lost to the taller Four C's team 33-22. Helen Deal was high scorer with 17 points.
December 24, 1942 - Basketball - Collins girls defeated Baxter 26- 19, leading at halftime 18-6. Deal was high point with 14. The boys beat Baxter in an exciting game on the home floor 30-27 with halftime score of 20-15. Lillard was top scorer with 10 points. The girls lost to Maxwell 55-21 with halftime score 37-9. The boys defeated Maxwell at Maxwell 27-21. Lillard led Collins with all-year high of 14 points. Lineup: Forwards - Lillard and Fertig; Center - Atwood; Guards - Taylor, Huntrods.
Immunization Program - Smallpox vaccinations were administered to 43 school children and many are still to be given. After Christmas vacation, the Schick test will be given, and those who have positive results will be, with the consent of their parents, vaccinated. Later in February, the tuberculin test and necessary X-rays will be given.
The amount taken in from the Christmas Seal Campaign was $70.37. Fifty percent of this amount will be kept for local use to finance tuberculin tests, X-rays, health education and first aid courses.
The sophomore home economics class prepared and served a 3-course luncheon to honor their mothers. The gym was decorated in keeping with the Christmas season and musical numbers served as entertainment.
January 14, 1943 Optic Paper Staff: Sponsor - Miss Schilder; Editor-in-Chief - Ruth Mullihan; Assistant Editor - Colleen Lillard; Sports - Pauline Dolph, Gene Fertig; Music - Norma Smith; Society - Gladys Dodd, Howard Kimberley; Reporters - Johanna Tiffany, Yvonne Torry; Grade Editor - Patty Fertig; Jokes Editor - LaVerne Lillard; Typists - Helen Deal, Marguerite Oswalt.