HOUSTON - Two thirds of high school students recently surveyed say their lives are at least somewhat tough--yet three-fourths say "the future looks promising because I am pretty confident that things will work out for me."

These are among the major findings of the fourth edition of The Shell Poll, an opinion survey conducted for Shell Oil Company by Peter D. Hart Research Associates. Ninth-through 12th-graders perceptions of the safety of America's schools, influence of parents, school officials and peers, outlook to the future, and most prevalent pressures provide prominent components of this particular poll. Questions were formulated in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education.

"We are delighted to work with the U.S. Department of Education on an issue of such importance to our country," said Susan Borches, vice president of Corporate Affairs for Shell Oil Company. "And we are very grateful to the more than 1,000 teenagers who told us, so candidly, about their lives. Hopefully, this information can foster dialogue among all concerned citizens--and our children can benefit from such enhanced dialogue."

"As educators, parents and concerned citizens, it is important for us to listen to what students are telling us about their lives and their aspirations," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley. 'This survey clearly shows that today's teens are not a generation to be discounted but rather good young people with positive futures whom we all must encourage and support to do well."

High school juniors, African Americans, girls and students from one-parent households are the likeliest to report experiencing difficult times. And teens who express what they think is most challenging or difficult about their lives mention pressure much more than any other challenge.

Perhaps surprising to many, the top two pressures concern academics, not sexual activity and drug use. When asked to choose from a list of suggested sources of pressure, 44 percent of teens polled cite "the pressure to get good grades" and 32 percent cite "the pressure to get into college." Following those two issues are "the pressure to fit in socially" (29 percent), "the pressure to use drugs or alcohol" (19 percent) and "the pressure to be sexually active" (13 percent).

"Pressure" doesn't necessarily equal "problem," though. When given a list of problems teens face, at least 65 percent of high school students report the issues listed to be a small problem or no problem at all within their group of friends (the one exception being "drugs or alcohol"). However, a significant minority think their group of friends have fairly or very serious problems with drugs and alcohol (43 percent), academics (35 percent), family life (35 percent), and school violence (32 percent). For African-American students, in particular, violence in school is the single biggest problem they identify (51 percent); high school students in the South also indicate that school violence is a serious problem (40 percent).

State of the Schools
Despite months of concern among parents, educators and politicians over school violence, high school students generally feel safe as they begin a new school year.

Asked to grade their own schools on the issue of safety, 77 percent of all teens give their high schools an A or B for "being a safe place, without violence." However, African-American and Hispanic teens are far more concerned about the problems than their white peers. While 81 percent of white teens give a grade of A or B on the issue, just 69 percent of Hispanic teens and 58 percent of African-American teens agree.

Sixty-six percent of those surveyed give their school an overall "grade" of A or B, with almost one in five (17 percent) assigning a solid A.
When asked to apply that same grading scale to 16 aspects of high school, a majority of those surveyed rate 15 of the 16 as an A or B. Only when asked whether kids generally treat each other with respect do less than half (49 percent) of all teens surveyed assign good marks.

The highest grades--an A--go to the following categories: "teaching basic academic subjects, such as English, math and science" (90 percent give an A or B), "the availability of computers" (79 percent), "the availability of classes in the subjects like art, theater and music" (79 percent) and "giving students help and advice about applying to college" (78 percent).

Other signs of dissatisfaction are reflected. For example, almost four in 10 students (37 percent) give their schools an unsatisfactory grade when it comes to having enough space for the number of students. Almost half (46 percent) give low marks regarding the extent to which their schools have small classes with personal attention. Generally speaking, the larger the school, the lower the grades students give in these areas. Thirty-eight percent of students in schools of more than 1,800 students say their schools are doing a good or excellent job of having small classes with personal attention. This compares with 61 percent of those in schools of 900 or fewer students who say the same.

High School Culture
A majority (68 percent) of teens polled say the best thing about going to school is seeing their friends, compared to 21 percent who say the best thing about going to school is going to classes. High school culture is a complicated issue, though, as teens generally report that the personal qualities most important to them are not necessarily the ones most important to popularity.

When asked to identify qualities most important to them personally, young people tend to stress the intangible above the tangible. Almost two out of three (65 percent) high school students rate being honest as very important, followed by working hard (58 percent), being a good student (49 percent), having religious faith (39 percent), giving time to help others (38 percent) and having lots of friends (32 percent). These qualities are much more important to young people than are being a great athlete (19 percent), having a lot of money (18 percent) or having a boyfriend or girlfriend (12 percent).

The rankings change when high school students are asked which qualities are most important to being popular and admired. In fact, three qualities that rank at the bottom of students' own personal value structure are considered more important when it comes to gaining popularity--having lots of friends, being a great athlete and having a lot of money.

The two qualities teens generally value most personally--working hard and being a good student--are considered much less important in being popular.

"Kids generally treating each other with respect" comes in last in a rank of 16 aspects of school, but racial harmony offers more encouraging news. Seventy-two percent give their schools an A or B in this category, a perception that holds strong across all demographic categories.

Parenting Matters...A Lot
While their friends are a very important part of their lives, high school students report their parents' support and guidance is more important than that of their friends, teachers, siblings, girlfriends or boyfriends. Eight in 10 young people surveyed report they rely on their parents for guidance on decisions or problems, including 63 percent who rely on them a lot.

Most high school students polled say they fee comfortable talking to their parents about their lives. Nine in 10 feel at least somewhat comfortable talking to them about academics, and three-quarters (77 percent) polled say they feel comfortable talking to them about their friends and social lives.

The relationship between parental involvement and teen motivation seems very strong. For example, 64 percent of teens who say their parents follow their studies closely report they receive As and Bs, and only 48 percent of teens who say their parents do not follow their studies closely report making As and Bs.

Interestingly, fully three-quarters (75 percent) of teens whose parents follow their studies closely say their approach to schoolwork is to "make the best effort."

The relationship between parents who read to their teens as young children and those teens' confidence in their choices is compelling, as well. For example, 73 percent of teens who say their parents read to them "very frequently" feel confident they have made the right decisions in their choice of friends, compared to only 52 percent of teens who say their parents read to them "infrequently."

Other poll findings include:

*Girls report feeling worried (58 percent) more often than do boys (40 percent), and students with lower grades are more likely to feel depressed (39 percent) than those with higher grades (21 percent).

*When given a list of regrets older people often say about their high school years, high school students polled rate "should have taken school more seriously" (32 percent) at the top of the list of things they are most likely to say when they are older, with "should have enjoyed myself more" (30 percent) following close behind.

*A majority of high school students (53 percent) say they have "no interest at all" in becoming a teacher.

*Only 14 percent of those polled say the best reason to put time and effort into schoolwork is that "it makes you a better person."

Telephone interviews were conducted June 8 through 29, 1999 with a representative national sample of 1,015 randomly selected high school students, including 261 freshmen, 260 sophomores, 262 juniors and 232 seniors.

Preserving Our Future Through S.F. Public Libraries

by Mayor Willie Brown

If there is a more exciting place to be than a library, I'd like to know what it is.

Our public libraries are critical to our neighborhoods and democratic process. They are places where people gather to get information, partake in community events, and fulfill their educational needs. San Francisco has always been an innovative and creative city, and our public library system nurtures the greatness we see in our communities each day. Spend a day in the library, and you'll come always charged up and better informed--I guarantee it.

The library system consists of 26 branch libraries, two bookmobiles, and the Main Library. The oldest branch library is the Mission Branch, established in 1888. The 1988 Library Improvement Bond, which built the new Main Library, also provided necessary funds for the renovation of branch libraries including Park Presidio, Sunset, and Chinatown. Mission Branch, site of the final renovation, held its grand reopening celebration in May.

Last year more than 5.9 million people visited the Main and branch libraries; 70 percent of those visited branch libraries throughout the city. Whether perusing the African-American Interest Collection in Potrero Hill, searching the Internet for job opportunities at the Sunset Branch, or enjoying North Beach's Beat Writers Reference Collection, patrons are able to enjoy numerous resources, events and programs close to their homes. Our libraries not only provide materials critical to the educational needs of our youth and adults, they also reflect the vibrant interests and experiences San Franciscans have to offer.

San Franciscans have historically been energetic about preserving local branch libraries. I applaud their efforts. The critical role our libraries serve in our communities is reflected in the increase in spending on the Library's books and materials, both at the Main and branches. The Library will receive funds to repair roofs at the Bernal, West Portal, and Potrero branch libraries. I am particularly excited about the construction of a new Tool Lending Library that will offer the public free access to more than 3,000 tools and 600 "how-to" books and videos. No more excuses.

We've also broken ground on the new Ocean View Branch Library, the first new branch library in 30 years. I committed $2.5 million in public funds towards the construction of the new building, and community leaders, with support from the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, are heading efforts to raise funds for furnishings, fixtures and equipment. Scheduled to open in spring of 2000, the new Randolph Street facility will be 2,175 square-feet and will include an elevator for disabled access, a computer lab, and a cultural center. The new library will also provide additional space to expand Ocean View's book collection and increase the focus on children, teens, careers and African-American interest.

It is in the dedication of our city and communities that ensures that our breadth of knowledge and community involvement will continue for generations to come. Preserving and improving our public library system is key to guaranteeing that San Francisco remains the greatest city in the world. 

Five Years Ago in the Grapevine

SEPTEMBER 1994

*Visitacion Valley Task Force announced it wanted Geneva Towers left intact until suitable replacement housing could be constructed.

*Parents and community members were honored for their contributions to Visitacion Valley Elementary School (VVES)

*VVES was honored during a luncheon ceremony Sept. 29 at the St. Francis Hotel.

*A public hearing was held Sept. 1 at Visitacion Valley Library to discuss public preference for open hours and services.

*New traffic signals were installed at a freeway offramp at Bayshore Boulevard and Hester Avenue.

*Portola Branch Library was looking for a new home after loosing its lease and closing in July.

*Staff of Visitacion Valley Middle School (VVMS) took a tour of Visitacion Valley by motorized cable car.

*Girls Against Gangs  members spoke about domestic violence in relation to personal experiences during an August TV airing of their Straight Talk program.

*Visitacion Valley Community Center's Childcare Program held a ceremony to graduate its summer class.

*A petition asking City Hall to reconsider Executive Park for a possible UCSF laboratory site was circulating in Visitacion Valley.

*SFPD released a 13-month incident report for McLaren Park.

Historic Proportions

Match clues to answers.

1958

 1. Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
 2. First time this cartoon kid only liked one kind of breakfast cereal.
 3. Venuzuelans threw rocks at him on May 13.
 4. A comic strip debuted about cavemen.
 5. On Apr. 15, first major league baseball game on West Coast was played here.
 6. First destructive television run for these misfits.
 7. Champions of the NFL.
 8. Both Record and Song of the Year for 1958 at the Grammy Awards.
 9. Rings of plastic sell millions.
10. World Series champs yet again.
11. He's Teamster president on Jan. 23.
12. On Oct. 10, a finger-snapping tune identified this location.
13. Drafted into the U.S. Army on Mar. 24.
14. On July 7, these became law.
15. Chrysler added a form of this auto feature.
16. On Aug. 23, this was established.
17. On Jan. 31, this became the first successful U.S. space launch.
18. He was singin' Great Balls of Fire.

A. Elvis Presley
B. Jimmy Hoffa
C. Cruise control
D. New York Yankees
E. Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)
F. Car price stickers
G. Marky Maypo
H. Richard Nixon
I. Seals Stadium
J. Jerry Lee Lewis
K. Federal Aviation Agency
L. Three Stooges
M. Explorer I
N. B.C.
O. The Bridge on the River Kwai
P. 77 Sunset Strip
Q. Hula hoop
R. Baltimore Colts

Answers: 1-O, 2-G, 3-H, 4-N, 5-I, 6-L, 7-R, 8-E, 9-Q, 10-D, 11-B, 12-P, 13-A, 14-F, 15-C, 16-K, 17-M, 18-J.

Sez Who?

Match quotes to speakers.

1. "He who hesitates is sometimes saved."
2. "One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives."
3. "Bad taste is simply saying the truth before it should be said."
4. "When the age is in, the wit is out."
5. "You know everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects."
6. "Most people would succeed in small things, if they were not troubled with great ambitions."
7. "If you want a place in the sun, you have to expect a few blisters."
8. "The four stages of man are infancy, childhood, adolescence and obsolescence."
9. "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

A. William Shakespeare
B. Art Linkletter
C. Loretta Young
D. Jack Benny
E. Henry Longfellow
F. Will Rogers
G. James Thurber
H. Mel Brooks
I. Mark Twain

Answers: 1-G; 2-I; 3-H; 4-A; 4-; 5-F; 6-E; 7-C; 8-B; 9-D.