Jim Calkins: “the most progressive, most important and most controversial (Staples principal) in the school’s history.”File photoJim Calkins, principal of Staples High School during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, lies gravely ill in Virginia, a friend said today.
He has enjoyed reading Dan Woog’s new book, “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education,” and is filled with nostalgia and pleasant memories of his years in Westport, the friend said in an e-mail message to WestportNow.
Calkins, now in his early 80s and who served as Staples principal from 1966 to 1974, would like to hear from former students and staff members, the friend said. His address is 1500 Kenmar Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112; his e-mail address is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
In his book, Woog said of Calkins’ time at Staples: “His eight-year tenure has been called the most progressive, most important and most controversial in the school’s history.”
