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

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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.

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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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Angclus Iwanczyk Rose Kozak Carol Tyro, Marlene Tepsich, Sandy Shurnivay, and Shirley Krupski practice the correct operation of various business machines in office prnetiee class. Basic Courses in Commercial Subjects Mary McKeown Andrew Radi Future secretaries, bookkeepers, and office workers begin building a foundation for their careers by taking the commercial course while in high school. After graduation, students wishing to continue their education may apply for entrance to any of the area’s many fine business schools. Ambridge Area High School’s commercial department offers students adequate opportunity to prepare for positions in the business world. In addition to the basic skills of bookkeeping and secretarial work, the business training program advocates the development of wholesome attitudes toward work. Supplementing the conventional courses of typing, shorthand and bookkeeping are instruction in modern filing methods, switchboard operation, and the use of various business machines. A course in personal typing and notehand is available to conscientious academic students who wish to prepare for college work. Careful selection of courses and sufficient preparation in high school enables commercial graduates to obtain satisfying business occupations. Students in typing class develop their speed and improve accuracy nssith drills and practice exercises.