Ballard High School - Shingle Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

Page 25 text:

GLI I-I Science is practical, ever aiming toward one goal and discarding all that is un- usable. Thus, the English department brought school and school Work closer to outside activities than ever before by applying outside problems of the aver- age student to Work of the classroom. This trend, Hrst begun last year, rose to greater prominence in every class as emphasis was placed on the practicality of each daily assignment. Student and faculty interest both increased as the subject was brought homef' for pupils began to appreciate the necessity of certain courses, and teachers gloried in the renewed interest. Vocational material and the choice of voca- tions, ever-important matters, were emphasized by Miss Nicholson, Mr. Huseby con- ducted a practical English class, which stressed training in parliamentary law and outside opportunities for speakingg Miss Blanchard conducted a class in motion picture appreciation, Miss Mann introduced a short course in straight thinking, and Miss G. Wilson used home problems as a basis for her composition assignments, as well as study- ing vocations and Washington industriesg while Mr. Forsyth's new classes undertook reference Work on great printers and publishers for a Talisman feature story series. In the manner of true scientists, Ballardites are now learning to apply themselves and their work to their daily life, for the scientist is practical on all occasions.

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Positive Paris LIKE s1cNPosTs pointing the way, the words of the counselors hasten the stumbling steps of Ballardites along the vocational highway. No signpost Was ever set up Without a reasonable amount of checking. Therefore, in order to discover the needs of Ballard students, mem- bers of the guidance staff combine their infor- mation, questionnaires are sent out to all the teachers, and suggestions are sought from phy- sician, nurse, and attendance department. Such research results in advisory periods for the en- tire student body, case conferences for the indi- vidual, and general vocational guidance for every student. The true value of the advice of the counsel- ors probably is not realized by the average stu- dent until he leaves Ballard. The newly enrolled college student finds his adjustment to univer- sity life made far easier due to the forethought of these teachers, the job-seeker realizes the necessity of being Well grounded in the sub- jects that he was advised to take long ago, and every student finds greater happiness in a voca- tion for which he is not only suited, but also really enjoys. No matter how useless all this fuss about vocations may have seemed to the average student while he was in school, he soon discovers its value when he graduates. Besides those teachers pictured on this page the counseling staff includes, ex oflicio, Mr. De- Vilbiss, Mr. Dickerman, Miss Chamberlin, and Mr. McComb, who meet Weekly with the others to consider various matters. Helping students plan both their high school and college careers keeps these teacher-counselors busy. They ure, from top to bottom, Mr. Don Taylor, freshman counselor: Mr. Ed Almquist, sophomore boysg Miss Florence Miles, sophomore girlsg Miss Van XVinkle, junior classg and Miss Arm Woods, senior class.

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Science is an art but Art is also a Science. Living up to its scientific back- ground, this year's art curriculum covered a wide field of artistic possibilities, leaving no ability undiscovered in order to increase the pupi1's knowledge. Scenery and posters for many school productions were created under Mr. Noble's direction, while real life sketches and craft work interested Miss F. Wilson's classes. Sample results from the skilled fingers of many budding artists were placed on display in the third floor showcase for all Ballard to view. MU S IC Music also has its scientific angle, as those who have trouble with harmony well know. Enterprising students in Mr. Smithis classes formed a clarinet trio, a trumpet trio, and a string trio, all of which were favorably received at several Ballard gatherings, as were the many vocal groups directed by Miss Charlton. Especially fortunate was the Boys' Double Quartet who trav- eled to Los Angeles with Miss Charlton to sing at a national music conference. To all accounts they must have done very well. LA The Fine Arts department found that the Science of letter writing was interrupted by Europe's difficulties, for the usual correspond- ence with foreign countries was rather unsuccessful. Business went on as usual, however, as Ballardites learned French, German, Norwegian, and Latin. New textbooks added interest to some classes, while the Norwegian group pre- sented several plays for local organizations. One way to find out how little English one knows is to study a foreign language.