CROWDS OF GIRLS AND BOYS PILE off the ubiquitous yellow school buses and head for the cafeteria, where some face an hour-long wait until classes begin. Most do homework, gossip, or play games at the dining tables, but a group of anywhere from five to twenty-five goes juggling in a nearby classroom.

 

The joy of juggling is a part of the daily scene at Drexel Hill Middle School in Drexel Hill, a Philadelphia suburb. Four different programs are available to youngsters here.

 

The first, open to the entire student body, is the juggling club. Besides providing the opportunity to juggle and receive instruction, the club offers a unique challenge called "levels testing."

 

Twice monthly, chairs are arranged in a large circle to accommodate an always­enthusiastic crowd. Promptly at 8 a.m. on testing days, hopefuls step into the ring to exhibit their mastery of specified sets of tricks. Successful completion of the test means moving up to the next level and receiving a certificate of accomplishment.

 

Successes and failures alike are applauded, because it takes courage for the public attempt. All participants have their names announced over the public address system.

 

During the club's 2 1/2 years, more than 200 certificates have been earned, and seven extraordinary manipulators have received the coveted status of "advanced juggler. "

 

THE SECOND PROGRAM IS A structured curriculum taught to all students in the school's academic enrichment program. Juggling helps these students learn the skills of coordination, cooperation, and especially concentration.

 

The emphasis on concentration skills includes identifying distractions and learning how to deal with them. Goals are constantly set, attempted, judged, and revised to build up self-discipline. A particularly attractive sight is an entire class juggling various objects, all totally quiet, and concentrating so hard that they are oblivious to their surroundings. The goal of juggling for 15 minutes straight without serious loss of concentration has been reached by every class that has aimed for that particular achievement.

 

The third part of the program, held twice weekly, is an intramural club offering advanced juggling instruction. Enrollment is always at capacity. Lessons begin with peacock feathers and scarves, progressing to filled tennis balls, rings, and clubs. Beanbags, all kinds of balls, devil sticks, and cigar boxes are also part of the club's paraphernalia.

 

To pay for all that gear, members sell used tennis balls filled with buckshot. The school administration also provides financial support.

 

THE LAST PART OF THE PROGRAM, where hard work and talent are perhaps most rewarded, is the juggling team. Each year tryouts are held and students are selected to represent the school in public performances. Assemblies, kindergartens, special education classes, talent shows, and a retirement home have all provided stages where as many as 900 people have been entertained by the special skills and showmanship of these young performers.

 

Imagine it... If you were a Drexel Hill student and were so inclined, you could juggle at school several hours a week from sixth to ninth grades. You might even go on to high school juggling five balls, passing six clubs with a partner, and performing before thousands of people. It's been done before!