Features

     Milling about the room, boys of every shape, build, and size seem simultaneously determined and uncomfortable. The clang of metal, the scratchy music blasting from an old stereo, the gentle breeze enabled by the considerate planning of the architect and the smell of stale sweat create a fitting atmosphere for male teens to come and work their insecurities away. The typical scene in Tam High School’s weight room is a glimpse into a growing topic of concern.

     “I first got ahold of steroids through a shady looking Thai website,” said an anonymous Tam graduate. “As I began using steroids more often, I looked for more accessible places and found that it wasn’t very hard to get them.”

     Librarian aide and beloved community member Barbara “Babs” Morgan will retire this June after a compelling experience at Tamalpais High School. Morgan has not only been a part of the Tamalpais High School community since the 1960’s, but has also seen everything from race riots to Tam student Tupac Shakur’s hatred of math.

     Between raising a family and teaching at Tamalpais High School, English teacher Julie Houtkooper has very little time to spare.  Nurturing two young children and fulfilling regular household duties such as grocery shopping, paying bills, cleaning and doing laundry are full-time jobs themselves.  There is only one explanation as to how Houtkooper can do all of this and still have time to grade papers: She’s a part-time teacher.  However, all of that is about to change.