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Kent State University School records

Special Collections and Archives

Kent State University School records

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Special Collections and Archives

Kent State University School records

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  • Repository: Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.
  • Title: Kent State University School records
  • Inclusive Date(s): 1914-1986
  • Author: Finding aid prepared by Penny White
  • Creation: Finding aid encoded by Penny White using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2012
  • Origination: Kent State University School
  • Extent: 5.5 cubic feet (4 record storage boxes, 2 half size record storage boxes, 2 slim document boxes, 1 oversize folder)
  • Physical Location: 11th floor
  • Finding Aid Identifier: OhKeUSC0145
  • Abstract: This group of records, dating from 1914 to 1986, document the history of the Kent State University observation-based student teaching program known as the Kent State University School. Materials included consist of administrative records, photographs, student and staff publications, yearbooks, commencement programs, and organizational records.
  • Revision(s):
  • March 2022 - Revised by Anita Clary
  • June 2022 - Updated by Cara Gilgenbach
  • Language(s): The records are in English

History of Kent State University School

At times referred to as a "laboratory school," the Kent State University School was maintained on Kent State University's main campus from 1914 until 1982. Not a typical primary school, the University School provided individualized education to kindergarten through 12th grade students, while offering student teachers the opportunity for practical classroom experience. Additionally, the University School provided the University's College of Education with an opportunity for research, observation and experimentation in curriculum and practice.

The University School began as Kent Normal High School in 1914. The idea for a high school originated when eighth grade students from the existing Teacher Training School expressed their interest that a high school be formed to continue their studies. As a result, Kent State Normal School launched a high school program consisting of a single freshman class. The program proved successful and additional grades were added over the next three years. In 1918, the first class of seniors graduated Kent Normal High School with a total of 14 students.

Kent Normal High School became the William A. Cluff Training-School on March 23, 1929 with the dedication of a new building, the Teacher Training Building (now Franklin Hall). Previously housed in portions of Merrill Hall and Science Hall (now Kent Hall), the new building offered the school, comprised of kindergarten, elementary, junior high school and senior high school students, much needed space. Named for the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the new building included a gymnasium, rooms for music and the industrial arts, home economics, locker rooms and showers.

A final move in 1956 relocated the school to the University School building (now the Michael Schwartz Center) and the observation-based teacher-training program became known as the University School. This new facility provided even more space for the growing school population as well as the addition of classrooms for hard of hearing and special education classes.

By 1972, the University School had closed the senior high school division, grades 10 though 12, due to financial and educational concerns. Nearly 300 students were affected by the change, leaving many to find new school districts for the following year. The closing of the upper three grades roused protests from parents and students alike, having enjoyed the individualized education provided by the school. One of only two on-campus student teaching programs left in the state, the University School found that it was no longer a significant part of the educational trend. On January 25, 1982, the Faculty Senate formally recommended that the program be ended after 68 years. For the first time in Kent State University's history, a major academic program was terminated.

Scope and Content

The Kent State University School records span from 1914-1986 and are organized alphabetically by series and chronologically within each series and subseries. This group of records documents the history of the Kent State University School through administrative records, photographs, student and staff publications, and organizational records. Records also document student life through commencement programs, event materials and yearbooks.

Statement of Arrangement

This group of records has been arranged into the following series and subseries. Please note, Subseries 3: Y-Teens was acquired as a scrapbook and has been disassembled for the purpose of preservation. As a result, these records housed in Box 3 maintain the original order of the scrapbook; page numbers have been noted in the scope and content section of each folder.
  • Series 1: Administrative Materials, 1922-1982
  • Subseries 1: Course Materials, 1956-1978
  • Subseries 2: Guides and Handbooks, 1922-1967
  • Subseries 3: Proposals and Reports, 1960-1982
  • Series 2: Commencement Programs, 1918-1972
  • Series 3: Event Materials, 1933-1980
  • Series 4: Organizations, 1961-1973
  • Subseries 1: KSUS Foundation, 1971-1973
  • Subseries 2: Pro Musica Society, 1961-1972
  • Subseries 3: Y-Teens, 1964-1965
  • Series 5: Photographs, 1936-1979
  • Series 6: Publications, 1914-1979
  • Series 7: Subject Files, 1931-1986
  • Series 8: Yearbooks, 1914-1974
  • Series 9: Artifacts, 1946


Restrictions on Access

The Student Publications found in folders 15 and 17 of Box 4 require the use of reading room copies due to the fragile nature of the originals. Reading room copies can be found in folders 16 and 17 of Box 4.

Preferred Citation

Kent State University School records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Materials donated by Thomas Smith, Elinor Miller, R. Thomas Myers, and the Pro Musica (Society) have been added to this collection based on their relationship to the Kent State University School. Henry A. Raup (class of 1951) donated photographs, the handkerchief map, and other items collected by his wife Ann Harbourt Raup (1933-1999), who was a member of the class of 1950.

Controlled Access Headings
The following are found in this collection:

  • Subjects:
  • Kent State University School -- Archives.
  • Kent Normal High School -- Archives.
  • Kent State High School -- Archives.
  • Kent State University. Child Development Center -- Archives.
  • Teachers, Training of -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Teaching -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Nursery schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Elementary schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Middle schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • High schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Laboratory schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
  • Organizations/Corporations:
  • Kent State University. College of Education.
  • Functions:
  • School management and organization
  • Places:
  • Kent (Ohio)
  • Occupations:
  • School administrators
  • Teachers
  • Students
  • Material Types:
  • Annual reports
  • Brochures
  • Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
  • Correspondence
  • Handbooks, manuals, etc.
  • Minutes
  • Photographs
  • Programs
  • Proposals
  • Publications
  • Reports
  • Scrapbooks
  • Yearbooks
  • Manuscript maps
  • Maps



Detailed Description of Records

Series 1: Administrative Materials, 1922-1982

Subseries 1: Course Materials, 1956-1978
  • Box 1 / Folder 1
  • "How to Make a Sentence", 1956
  • Box 1 / Folder 2
  • Class Schedule, 1963-1964
  • Box 1 / Folder 3
  • A High School Humanities Course, 1968
  • Box 1 / Folder 4
  • Summer Youth Program, 1977-1978
  • Box 1 / Folder 5
  • Course of Study K-12, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 6
  • Developmental Mathematics Supplement Exercises, undated

Subseries 2: Guides and Handbooks, 1922-1967
  • Box 1 / Folder 7
  • Guide: Elementary School Library Accession Book, 1922-1955
  • Scope and Content
  • In five volumes.
  • Box 1 / Folder 8
  • Guide: Training School Library Accession Book, 192[3]-1940
  • Box 1 / Folder 9
  • Guide: Paying for Education, 1953-1954
  • Box 1 / Folder 10
  • Guide: Admissions Policy, 1965
  • Box 1 / Folder 11
  • Guide: For the Evaluation of Institutions of Higher Learning, 1966
  • Box 1 / Folder 12
  • Handbook: Ohio Elementary Guidance, 1966-1967
  • Box 1 / Folder 13
  • Handbook: Elementary School, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 14
  • Handbook: Research and Development Center, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 15
  • Handbook: University School, undated

Subseries 3: Proposals and Reports, 1960-1982
  • Box 1 / Folder 16
  • Proposal: Changing Functions of the University School, 1960
  • Box 1 / Folder 17
  • Proposal: The Revision of Kent State University School, 1982
  • Box 1 / Folder 18
  • Report: Kent State University School Annual Report, 1964
  • Box 1 / Folder 19
  • Report: North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 1969
  • Scope and Content
  • Folder 1 of 2
  • Box 1 / Folder 20
  • Report: North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 1969
  • Scope and Content
  • Folder 2 of 2
  • Box 1 / Folder 21
  • Report: Kent State University School Utilization Summary, 1971

Series 2: Commencement Programs, 1918-1972
  • Box 1 / Folder 22
  • Commencement Program, 1918
  • Box 1 / Folder 23
  • Commencement Program, 1920
  • Box 1 / Folder 24
  • Commencement Program, 1930
  • Box 1 / Folder 25
  • Commencement Program, 1945
  • Box 1 / Folder 26
  • Commencement Program, 1946
  • Box 1 / Folder 27
  • Commencement Program, 1948
  • Box 1 / Folder 28
  • Commencement Program, 1954
  • Box 1 / Folder 29
  • Commencement Program, 1956
  • Box 1 / Folder 30
  • Commencement Program, 1958
  • Box 1 / Folder 31
  • Commencement Program, 1960
  • Box 1 / Folder 32
  • Commencement Program, 1961
  • Box 1 / Folder 33
  • Commencement Program, 1963
  • Box 1 / Folder 34
  • Commencement Program, 1965
  • Box 1 / Folder 35
  • Commencement Program, 1968
  • Box 1 / Folder 36
  • Commencement Program, 1970
  • Box 1 / Folder 37
  • Commencement Program, 1972

Series 3: Event Materials, 1933-1980
  • Box 1 / Folder 38
  • Elementary Department, Operetta and play program, 1924
  • Box 1 / Folder 39
  • Pupils of Leona Whisler, Dance Creations of 1927 program, 1927
  • Box 1 / Folder 40
  • Physical Education Festivals program for the Kent State Training School and Kent State College, The Mantle of Happiness and An English May Festival, 1930
  • Box 1 / Folder 41
  • Kent State High School and Junior High School class theatrical playbills, 1930, 1932, 1941-1942 and undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 42
  • Student Activities Ticket, 1933-1934
  • Box 1 / Folder 43
  • Kent State High School Class Night program, 1935
  • Box 1 / Folder 44
  • "Remember When?" Junior-Senior Dinner-Dance, 1951
  • Box 1 / Folder 45
  • "Rhapsody in Blue" Junior-Senior Dinner-Dance, 1958
  • Box 1 / Folder 46
  • Honors Day Program, 1962
  • Box 1 / Folder 47
  • Fine Arts Festival and Art Exhibit, 1964-1978
  • Box 1 / Folder 48
  • UN Day, 1977
  • Box 1 / Folder 49
  • Kent State University School Open House, 1980
  • Box 1 / Folder 50
  • Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet Company, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 51
  • "Sparrow" presented by the Student Activities Board (SAB), undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 52
  • Spring Luncheon Invitation, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 53
  • Used Sports Equipment and Toy Sale, undated

Series 4: Organizations, 1961-1973

Subseries 1: KSUS Foundation, 1971-1973
  • Box 2 / Folder 1
  • Correspondence, 1971-1973
  • Box 2 / Folder 2
  • Financial Records, 1971-1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 3
  • Minutes, 1971-1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 4
  • Fact Sheet, 1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 5
  • By-Laws, undated
  • Box 2 / Folder 6
  • Contact Sheet, undated
  • Box 2 / Folder 7
  • News Clippings, undated
  • Box 2 / Folder 8
  • Notes, undated
  • Box 2 / Folder 9
  • Paper: The University School: A Janus View, undated

Subseries 2: Pro Musica (Society), 1961-1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 10
  • Minutes, 1961
  • Box 2 / Folder 11
  • Minutes, 1962
  • Box 2 / Folder 12
  • Minutes, 1963-1964
  • Box 2 / Folder 13
  • Minutes, 1965
  • Box 2 / Folder 14
  • Minutes, 1966-1967
  • Box 2 / Folder 15
  • Minutes, 1968-1969
  • Box 2 / Folder 16
  • Minutes, 1970-1971
  • Box 2 / Folder 17
  • Minutes, 1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 18
  • Membership List, 1961-1963
  • Box 2 / Folder 19
  • Correspondence, 1962-1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 20
  • Financial Records, 1962-1972
  • Box 2 / Folder 21
  • Uniform Bid Forms, 1962
  • Box 2 / Folder 22
  • Schedule of Events, 1964-1965
  • Box 2 / Folder 23
  • Constitution and Amendment, undated
  • Box 2 / Folder 24
  • News Clippings, undated

Subseries 3: Y-Teens, 1964-1965
  • Box 3 / Folder 1
  • Purpose, Constitution and Officers, 1964-1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album pages 1-3
  • Box 3 / Folder 2
  • Pledges, September, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 4
  • Box 3 / Folder 3
  • Program and Service Project, October, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 5
  • Box 3 / Folder 4
  • Formal Initiation Ceremony Program, October-November, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 6
  • Box 3 / Folder 5
  • Program and Service Project, includes Kent High School Directory, December, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 7
  • Box 3 / Folder 6
  • Christmas Program, December, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 8
  • Box 3 / Folder 7
  • YWCA sponsored trip to Karamu, December, 1964-February, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 9
  • Box 3 / Folder 8
  • Y-Teens and YWCA programs, February, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 10
  • Box 3 / Folder 9
  • Y-Teens and HI-Y private "Mystic Twilight", February 20, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 11
  • Box 3 / Folder 10
  • "The Curious Savage" program, April, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 12
  • Box 3 / Folder 11
  • Service Project, April, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 13
  • Box 3 / Folder 12
  • All County Dance, April 3, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 14
  • Box 3 / Folder 13
  • Y-Teens and HI-Y Retreat, May 7-8, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album pages 15-16
  • Box 3 / Folder 14
  • "Mr. Quaker", May, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 17
  • Box 3 / Folder 15
  • Honor Society Initiation, May, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 18
  • Box 3 / Folder 16
  • "The Sneety Times", February-March, 1965
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 19
  • Box 3 / Folder 17
  • "YS Guys" Special Report, 1964
  • Scope and Content
  • Album page 20

Series 5: Photographs, 1936-1979
  • Box 4 / Folder 1
  • Seniors, 1936
  • Box 4 / Folder 2
  • Class of 1950-1951, 1945-1946 and undated
  • Box 4 / Folder 3
  • Photographs by Thomas Smith, 1952-1955
  • Scope and Content
  • Includes application materials for Photo-Journalism scholarship
  • Box 4 / Folder 4
  • Class Photograph, 1974-1975
  • Box 4 / Folder 5
  • Class Photograph, 1975-1976
  • Box 4 / Folder 6
  • Class Photograph, 1976-1977
  • Box 4 / Folder 7
  • Class Photograph, 1977-1978
  • Box 4 / Folder 8
  • Class Photograph, 1978-1979
  • Box 4 / Folder 9
  • Landmark Booklet, undated
  • Box 4 / Folder 10
  • Unidentified Students, undated

Series 6: Publications, 1914-1979
  • Box 4 / Folder 11
  • Staff Publication: University Training School Bulletin, 1948
  • Box 4 / Folder 12
  • Staff Publication: Teacher Education Bulletin, 1963
  • Box 4 / Folder 13
  • Staff Publication: "...A Laboratory School In Action", 1967
  • Box 4 / Folder 14
  • Staff Publication: The University School Newsletter, 1968
  • Box 4 / Folder 15
  • Staff Publication: College of Education Research and Development Center, 1972
  • Box 4 / Folder 16
  • Student Publication: Normal High-School News, 1914-1915
  • Box 4 / Folder 17
  • Student Publication: Normal High-School News, Reading Room Copy, 1914-1915
  • Box 4 / Folder 18
  • Student Publication: ???????, Kent State High School newspaper, 1930
  • Box 4 / Folder 19
  • Student Publication: The Statesman, 1931
  • Box 4 / Folder 20
  • Student Publication: The Little Kent Stater, 1937
  • Box 4 / Folder 21
  • Student Publication: The Senior Album, 1937
  • Box 4 / Folder 22
  • Student Publication: The Inkspot, 1950
  • Box 4 / Folder 23
  • Student Publication: The Elementary Buckeye Quarterly, 1960
  • Box 4 / Folder 24
  • Student Publication: The Stater, 1960
  • Box 4 / Folder 25
  • Student Publication: Echoes, Echoes, Echoes, 1966
  • Box 4 / Folder 26
  • Student Publication: Rapping Paper, 1971
  • Box 4 / Folder 27
  • Student Publication: The Fine Arts Magazine, 1971-1972
  • Box 4 / Folder 28
  • Student Publication: The Occasional, 1976-1977
  • Box 4 / Folder 29
  • Student Publication: The Thoughts of Tomorrow in the Stories of Today, 1979

Series 7: Subject Files, 1936-1986
  • Box 4 / Folder 30
  • Correspondence, 1936-1985
  • Box 4 / Folder 31
  • News Clippings, 1956-1986
  • Box 4 / Folder 32
  • Brochures, 1968
  • Box 4 / Folder 33
  • KSUS Television Services, 1970
  • Box 4 / Folder 34
  • Paper: The Wearers of Blue, 1970
  • Box 4 / Folder 33
  • University School Building Plans, 1971

Series 8: Yearbooks, 1914-1974
  • Box 5 / Folder 1
  • The Hilife, 1918
  • Box 5 / Folder 2
  • The Hilife, 1919
  • Box 5 / Folder 3
  • The Hilife, 1920
  • Box 5 / Folder 4
  • Hilife, 1921
  • Box 5 / Folder 5
  • Kent High School Alumni Directory, 1921
  • Box 5 / Folder 6
  • Commencement Number of The Live Wire, 1922
  • Box 5 / Folder 7
  • Hi-Life, 1924
  • Box 5 / Folder 8
  • Hilife, 1925
  • Box 5 / Folder 9
  • The Statesman, 1936
  • Box 5 / Folder 10
  • Devil's Diary, 1948
  • Box 5 / Folder 11
  • Devil's Diary, 1949
  • Box 5 / Folder 12
  • Devil's Diary, 1950
  • Box 5 / Folder 13
  • Devil's Diary, 1951
  • Box 5 / Folder 14
  • Devil's Diary, 1952
  • Box 5 / Folder 15
  • Devil's Diary, 1953
  • Box 5 / Folder 16
  • Devil's Diary, 1954
  • Box 5 / Folder 17
  • Devil's Diary, 1955
  • Box 6 / Folder 1
  • Devil's Diary, 1956
  • Box 6 / Folder 2
  • Statesman, 1957
  • Box 6 / Folder 3
  • Statesman, 1958
  • Box 6 / Folder 4
  • Statesman, 1959
  • Box 6 / Folder 5
  • Statesman, 1960
  • Box 6 / Folder 6
  • Statesman, 1961
  • Box 6 / Folder 7
  • Statesman, 1962
  • Box 6 / Folder 8
  • Statesman, 1963
  • Box 6 / Folder 9
  • Statesman, 1964
  • Box 6 / Folder 10
  • Statesman, 1965
  • Box 7 / Folder 1
  • Statesman, 1966
  • Box 7 / Folder 2
  • Statesman, 1967
  • Box 7 / Folder 3
  • Statesman, 1968
  • Box 7 / Folder 4
  • Statesman, 1969
  • Box 7 / Folder 5
  • Statesman, 1970
  • Box 7 / Folder 6
  • Statesman, 1971
  • Box 7 / Folder 7
  • Statesman, 1972
  • Box 7 / Folder 8
  • Kent State University Middle School, 1974

Series 9: Artifacts, 1946
  • Box 8 / Folder 1
  • Heat Tunnels of Kent State University, 1946
  • Physical Location: Filed in oversize map case
  • Scope and Content
  • Map drawn by Kenny Hahn (class of 1950) and Richard Pearson on a handkerchief. Folder includes a letter dated September 9, 1999, from Kathryn Burgess, transferring the map from her brother Ken to Ann (Harbourt) Raup. There is also a note of explanation about the map provided by Henry A. Raup dated April 24, 2015.
  • Box 8 / Folder 2
  • Amy Elizabeth Weaver Memorial Plaque, 1968
  • Physical Description: Brass text plate mounted on wood plaque.
  • Scope and Content
  • Accompanied by two clippings about Amy Weaver, one of which shows the plaque and a memorial tree planted in her memory. Also included is a background note on Amy Weaver and these materials by donor Paula A. Treckel.
  • Biography or History
  • Amy Weaver was a member of the University High School Class of 1970. In 1968, she was killed by a lightning strike while participating in a field hockey practice. Her life was memorialized by the planting of a tree near the University School grounds (no longer extant) and a plaque, which hung on a wall in the principal's office. The plaque and clippings were donated to Special Collections & Archives by Weaver's classmate and friend Paula A. Treckel in June 2022, on behalf of Jim Rinier, of the Geography Department (who had been entrusted with the plaque after its removal from the school) and the University School Class of 1970.