Aragon High School - El Tesoro Yearbook (San Mateo, CA)

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A BLAST I TO THE PAST History Happens With Excitement Penetrating the barriers of time, students relived the times of Ro- mans, Greeks, and the beginning of our nation as the Social Studies Department presented creative activities to interest modern day students in the past. Unlike most history classes in the nation, Ara- gon's classes emphasized more than memorizing dates and places. Programs were designed to blend right and left brain thinking. With such study methods as creative writing, visuals, metaphor-making, the students were encouraged to explore and utilize all aspects of the brain. Furthermore, used throughout the social studies classes was the infamous left and right side notebook tthe gospel ac- Mr. Bloom checks to see if his students have completed their assignments. 130 Social Studies cording to Swensonl. Teachers, given creative li- cense, came up with imaginative projects as they planned, shared ideas, and coordinated together at most times. At times, projects be- came too imaginative for most stu- dents at any other school. Yet, the students at Aragon, as they were tolerant, open, and willing to try Mr. Hill passes out dittoes to aid students in their studies of both World History and U.S. History.

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gram which encouraged a person- al critique of a literary work rather than a simple regurgitation of in- formation. Grammar was also stressed and presented in a way that attempted to make it at least tolerable! Clearly, anything from Moby Dick to modifiers was covered by the English Department. Their thoroughness was evident in the high test scores achieved by Ara- gon students. Although the de- partment was unable to produce Saturday morning cartoons on grammar, their effective and cre- ative ways of teaching not only led to a solid understanding of materi- al but reminded students that Eng- lish didn't have to be dull. wikis Mrs. Matthews always has time to help her students. Mrs. Hall has received many awards for her teaching. Mrs. Brinton lectures to her Freshman English Class. Robert McLean . W if Jack Shackleton Ruth Witte Thomas Maes Susan Stoehr NOT SHOWN: Kelly Matthews Lou Murgo Britt Williams

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new things, kept up with the facul- ty, creating a high energy level in the classroom. Indeed, with so much vitality, as Mr. Don Hill ex- plained, Our goal is survival of the faculty members, students, and the world! Such a program, however, en- abled the Social Studies Depart- ment to be chosen by the National Study of Social Studies, as one of the top in the U.S. With such posi- tive input, the department was en- couraged to continue to delve into the world of creativity and more was expected. Yet students were not pressured, as Mr. Hill rea- soned, l hope the students feel there will be some relaxation and learn something once in a blue ,iii ir., ri' ,- , moon!', Definitely, with enthusi- asm, the students as well as the teachers furthered their scope of the world. Mr. Gwosden relaxes as he conducts an informal discussion. Kathleen Peter Lawrence Huntington Kelley Matthews Julie Williams NOT SHOWN: Don Hill Brian Bloom Kathy Brown Milo Gwosden Tom Kennedy Lee Swenson Richard Raiter This teacher gesticulates as she makes her point.