Ambridge Area High School - Bridger Yearbook (Ambridge, PA)

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In his position as Director of Curriculum, Dr. Benkert advises Mr. Rnnrzka. a nr u science teacher, in arranging the year's lesson plans. Curriculum Staff Coordinates Study Courses Dr. Benkert and his secretary, Janet Gaona check the grading scales to make sure they are correct. At all grade levels of the six Ambridge Area public schools, the curriculum was carefully planned to meet the educational needs of all the students. The twenty-two member department, headed by Dr. Joseph Benkert, coordinated the courses in the various grade levels to enable the students to progress from one level to another without needless repetition or confusion. Planning with foresight, the Curriculum Department worked diligently to provide each student with the best educational opportunities possible. Although arranging and coordinating curriculum was the major job of the department, the staff also took the responsibility of selecting the text books to be used in the various courses. With the help of the A.A.J.C.C., semester test grading scales were again determined under Dr. Benkert’s supervision. Orienting new teachers was another important task performed by the Curriculum Department. Special attention given to new teachers enabled them to use to full advantage the many facilities offered by the school. The Curriculum Department proved itself an important factor in the efficient operation of the Ambridge Area School system. 26

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Being skillful in carpentry the busy men of the maintenance crew handled necessary repairs to the classrooms and halls. Servicing the Public Address system and all school electrical equipment zvas one of the duties of this important department. Custodians Perform Many Indispensable Tasks Students welcomed a warm school building on frigid winter mornings, but few of them stopped to think of the people who kept our school comfortable, neat and attractive throughout the year. During school hours and long afterwards, members of the maintenance crew cleaned the corridors, the classrooms, the restrooms, and the auditorium. Other personnel maintained the grounds and the stadium, giving the school a neat appearance both inside and out. The heating and ventilating systems were kept in good repair by another division of the maintenance crew. At night a watchman kept vigilance over the deserted hallways. Nutritious and delicious food was prepared for the faculty and student body in spotless kitchens by the women in charge of the cafeteria. These busy custodians have the responsibility of keeping Am-bridge High School neat and sanitary. Laughlin Memorial free UOrarJf Hth Street and Maplewood Ave AmUndge, Pennsylvania 15003

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Guidance Department Aids Student Planning Guidance counselors, Mr. Michael Beley and Miss Josephine Brogno, and school psychologist Mrs. Elsie Kac .mer helped all students who requested their services. The major task of the counseling staff was to advise students in planning their courses and their futures beyond graduation. Career books, pamphlets, films and college catalogues were available to interested students. Although most of the staff’s time was spent in counseling students, many hours were spent supervising and administering testing programs such as the I.Q. tests and the college boards. Prior to the fall term, they compiled class schedules for every student in the school. During the year, the Guidance Department made arrangements for representatives from many Western Pennsylvania colleges, universities, trade schools, and branches of the military service to speak to interested students. Mr. Michael Beley, listens attentively to a student’s question on available career opportunities. Checking her extensive library of pamphlets, Miss Josephine Brogno, guidance counselor selects information on Achievement Tests. Mrs. Elsie Keczmer, school psychologist, checks her files on the results of recent aptitude tests she administered. Guidance office secretary, Mrs. Pavlik, types a student’s transcript that •will be sent to the college of his choice.