Beloit Catholic High School - Arista Yearbook (Beloit, WI)

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Page 4 Algebra 1 Classes Using Modern Math Approach by Maureen Griffin “Hey, Sis! Will you help me with my algebra?” “Sure - hey wait a minute - this is different from what I learned!” This happens frequently when a freshman student of algebra 1 asks an older brother or sister for help. The reason? A “modem mathematics” pro- gram has been introduced at BCHS. Mr. Mauel, teacher of the algebra I classes in which the system has been introduced, thinks that it is definitely better for the students, and not merely a “bag of tricks”, a term now often applied to tra- ditional math. Next year the entire mathematics department will be using the new approach. Modern math, says Mr. Mauel, uses the same subject matter as traditional math but it employs a different approach. This approach includes studying the number system and the properties of our num- bers extensively; whereas, the old math studies only certain formulas and rules which are then applied to problems. Mr. Mauel says that this is the basic difference between modem and traditional math. By comparing the decimal system to other systems, such as the clock system, the pro- perties of numbers are better seen and better understood. The positive, negative, imagin- ary, and real numbers are studied separately and then in relation to the entire system. The use of a set, i.e., a col- lection of objects, is not a new idea, but is basic to the new method and is given a new emphasis. Also, he added, a new emphasis is placed on the why in math — why the formulas and rules used are true. It is found that in our number system there are certain properties of numbers, for example, dis- tributive and commutative qualities. These properties are applied to the formulas and rules, supplying the answer to why certain manipulations are correct. Students are able to understand better not only the solutions but how the solutions were reached. Be- cause of this, more reasoning is involved and resembles geometry with its statements and proofs. This method isn’t any easier, but it gives a more complete math background. Practical examples and proofs are employed. For in- stance, the drawing of water in and out of a water tank in a specified amount of time, helps illustrate the rules for signs in multiplication. As in geometry, beginning with a base of assumptions, students build up new information. From this they proceed to prove the truth of the new information. Some lesser changes in- clude small changes in tech- nological terms. Subtraction becomes “the opposite of ; and, an equation where there is an unknown becomes an “open sentence.” Much research has been done lately to update the pre- sent textbooks. New topics will be introduced to keep up with the advancing world of science. Thus, it is necessary for teachers of this program to take special courses. Alumnotes by Pat Spano and Kathy Murphy Phil Amend '59 is doing post-graduate work at Purdue. He will graduate in August and then plans to work out East. Mary Higgins '61 who is in nurses training at St. Mary's in Madison is the president of the Sodality. Lance Hanish '61 who is attending the University of Wisconsin, is the president of the Naval R. O. T. C. JACK ANASTASI, (right) SC President, bids farewell to Mr. McGraw who is retiring after 9 years of service to BCHS. Just before this Jack had presented “Mac” with a gilt from the students. Mac” Retires After 9 Years Service After nine years of service to Beloit Catholic high school, Mr. Earl McGraw has retired from his position as school maintenance man. Because of poor health, “Mac” considered retirement several months earlier, but finally decided that he would not terminate his duties until the end of November. A few days before he left he re- marked, “I hate to leave BCHS but knowing I leave it in good hands makes me happy.” At that time he also re- called the fire at BCHS when one of the boilers blew up. On a lighter side he wondered how many shoes he has worn out hiking the long corridors. “Mac” commented that he had enjoyed all his years at BCHS. He had found the stu- dents as a whole “pretty good.” His plan for the present is rest. When his health has improved, he will try to find another job. Students Observe County Government Student groups from Rock County high schools observed the complex mechanisms of a modem county government Tuesday, November 12, when they toured the Janesville court house. County Government Day, designed to give high school students a more complete understanding of American government, was sponsored by the American Legion, including Post No. 48, which sponsored the Beloit groups. Thomas Heyerdahl '62 has achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class in the Great Lakes Naval Training center. Joanne Kenny '60 who is attending the College of St. Francis in Joliet, 111., has recently been named to 'Who's Who Among Students in Ameri- can Universities and Col- leges'. After discussion in the offices of the county Trea- surer, headed by Mr. Lawrence Schmidley, and that of the Register of Deeds, Mr. Emmet Murphy, the groups sat in on a special budget meeting of the County Board where they witnessed county ‘ government in action. Returning to the Circuit Courtroom after lunch, the groups met with Mr. Russell Hegge, Rock County Sheriff; Mr. Sam Loizzo, Assistant District Attorney; and judges Sverre Roang and Arthur L. Luebke. BCHS students attending. County Government Day in Janesville, the county seat, were seniors Mary Jo Kutter and David Thibeau; juniors Diane Haffey and John Mc- Laughlin; sophomores Gina Agostinelli and James Wright. They were accompanied by Sister M. Gregory.

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December, 1963 Page 3 Father Pierick Finds 1°n■ IR vi,w, Satisfaction In Work Library Restocks Science Shelves BCHS principal, Father Bernard E. Pierick, has two pet annoyances: leaky roofs and locks that won't lock. His biggest problem, he says, is keeping the school buildings and grounds in good con- ditions. Father does not, however, look upon his position merely as that of a reluctant main- tenance man with an office. It is his work as priest, teacher and counselor that he finds most enjoyable and satisfying. Father Pierick was bom Sept. 8, 1923 in Highland, Wis. His mother, Mary McCarthy Pierick and his father, the late Dr. Herman B. Pierick, a dentist and farmer, were both natives of Highland. Father attended St. Anthony grade school from 1928 to 1936 and graduated from High- land high school in 1940. In 1944, he received a degree of Bachelor of Arts from Laras College. He completed his study for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Mary- land and was ordained May 31, 1947 at St. Raphael Ca- thedral, Madison. After his First Solemn Mass at St. Philip Church ir. Highland, he was assigned as assistant to Msgr. Joseph E. Hanz at St. Jude parish, Beloit. Father Pierick was as- sociated with Beloit Catholic high school from its beginning in 1953. He not only taught several religion classes, but was also responsible for es- tablishing the first choral groups. On June 1, 1955, Bishop William P. O'Connor appointed him superintendent of the school. In September, 1959, he was named principal and the office of superintendent was discontinued. Illness took him away from hie duties at the school in Dec., 1959. Father Thomas Mas si on of St. Thomas parish FATHER PIERICK became acting principal until Father Pierick's return in July, 1960. Father enjoys most the aspects of his work which bring him into direct associa- tion with the students and parents. Perhaps that is why he knows the name of each student and why he so will- ingly arranges time for con- ferences. If administrative duties did not take most of his time. Father says somewhat wistfully, he would like more opportunity to teach and counsel. He is able to do this to some extent by working closely with the faculty, of whom he is very proud, and by discussing the projects and activities of their departments. Father’s greatest interest is to encourage spiritual maturity in the students through Sodality and YCS. His philosophy shows this: The world of tomorrow needs the spiritual leadership that only our present growing generation can give. Every boy and girl in our school will some day be in very great need of the principles and strengths developed during his high school years. by Roberta Laughlin Following the Christmas vacation, the Science shelves of BCHS’ library will contain a completely new section of books. Concentration on the science department this year, stems from the fact that shel- ves in this section have been somewhat bare and that most of those few books are outdated. New additions are expected to be a source of both help and enjoyment to science students and fans. Some of the new books to look for about the first of the year are: Molecules Today and Tomorrow by Margaret O. Hyde. What's New in Science by Fred Reinfeld. A Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson. The Thirteen Steps to the Atom by Charles Noel Martin. Seadragon by Commander George P. Steele, U.S.N. Push and Pull, The Story of Energy by Paul E. Blackwood The Cell by Carl P. Swan- son. Living Birds of the World by E. Thomas Gijliard. Living Mammals of the World by Ivan T. Sanderson. Soph To Represent County in Oratory Sophomore Raymond Cipra has earned the right to repre- cent BCHS and Rock county at an area oratorical contest on water and soil conservation. Selected according to a 100-point system, Ray received first place in the county at the high school level. The com- petition took place at the county courthouse, Janesville, Wednesday evening, Nov. 20. Roy and Carol Gannon, who took second place in the county, had been chosen to represent BCHS through com- petition within the biology classes. Runners-up in this preliminary contest were Gina Agostinelli and Joanne Milatzo. Coaching Ray and Carol for their talks were Father Len- ahan, speech instructor and Sister M. Ronalda, biology instructor. Mr. William B. Styles of Post Publishers, Inc., engages in conversation with parents of Press club members at the club's annual Parent's Night, Wednesday, Dec. k. Mr. Styles told members and their parents of the many career opportunities in the journalism field.

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December, 1963 Page 5 Sophs Lead Honor List At the end of the first quarter 124 students placed on the honor roll. Of these, 19 students are on the high honor roll. The sophomores lead the school with 39% of their class listed on the honor roll. In the other classes - 37% of the seniors, 23% of the freshmen and 19% of the juniors are honor students. To qualify for the high honor roll, a student must have achieved an A- average. Honor students must have a B- aver- age with no grade lower than C+. Averages are based on grades attained in full credit courses. The following students are on the high honor roll: SENIORS: Katherine Bas- magy, Mary Lou Chamon; JUNIORS: Linda Holmberg, John McLaughlin, Peter Obli- gato, Nicholas Paley, Patricia Spano; SOPHOMORES: Virginia Belvedere, Raymond Cipra, Mary Egdorf, Nancy Fenrick, Carol Gannon, Sandra Schultz, Here And There As its November project the student council sponsored a program to provide Thanks- giving dinners for needy fam- ilies. Student donations of can- ned foods and contributions toward the purchasing of turkeys were received in each homeroom. The food was dis- tributed to the needy through the parishes in Beloit. The senior class is col- lecting Betty Crocker coupons to obtain two refreshment tables to be used at school dances. They will gladly accept any contributions. Father Lenahan and the Art club have turned a portion of the basement into a tem- porary studio - until better accomodations can be found. Barbara Warriner, Barbara Wessels; FRESHMEN: Maribeth Cou- sins, Linda Tyler, Daryl Van Landeghem, Karen Zimbrich. Students on the honor roll are: SENIORS: Jack Anastasi, Rich- ard Bach, Lynn Bernstein, James Bo ho, William Brown, Susan Choudoir, Patricia Colt, Brian Cousin, Patricia Dolan, Theresa Edges, Lauren Everson, Kristin Freeman, Carole Fuhrmann, Mau- reen Griffin, Beverly Hagar Patricia Hamill, Mary Jo Kutter, Kathleen Mullins, Roberta Laugh- lin, Virginia Loomis, Joanne Lukas, Patricia McKeam, John Meyers, Joann O Donahue, Mary O’Laughlin, Susan Rosenow, Nancy Sanregret, Kathleen Stauber, David Thibeau, Colleen Tyler, Steven Ullrich, Patricia Van K am pen, Pauline Van Kampen, Kathleen Van Landeghem. JUNIORS: John Carlson, Joseph Cousin, Judith Engler, Mary Louise Finley, Margaret Fit» gerald, Patricia Fleck, Donald Goldsworthy, Diane Haffey, John Hamill, Patricia Hankins, Shirley Kulawinski, Lois Merlet, Linda Osborn, Teresa Petit, Peter Piazza, Diane Schaul, Pamela Van Landeghem. SOPHOMORES: Gina Agostinelli, Jean Behrman, Catherine Brandt, Marilyn Bugni, Mary Carney, Barbara Demos, Edward Goessel, Barbara Falco, Douglas Ferwcrda, Sharon Gunderson, Susan Gunder- son, Jean Hamill, Ellen Hansen, Mary Holmberg, Gerald Kobus, James Magnanenzi,CarolMcKeown, Richard McKearn, Veronica Meyers, Joanne Milatzo, Patrick Monahan, Linda Newton, Teresa Piazza, Marianne Pody, Mary Preston, Linda Rapp, Willard Staron, Jan Toubl, John Winger, Robert Wit- zack, James Wright, Bernard Zickert. FRESHMEN: Jane Aeschlimann, Richard Asplund, Nancy Belvedere, Michele Chekouras, Margie Engler, Judith Erlandson, Patricia Fitz- Gerald, Ann George, Barbara Hudson, Gerald Kennedy, Mar- jorie Meyers, Marie Murphy, Stephen O'Connell, Cynthia Parker, Kathleen Rahoro, Cath- erine Schuler, Susan Ryan, Gloria Sierra, William Torphy, Jane Tafford, Cynthia Wieland. Pa- tricia Yanulis. THE SENIORS couldn't bear to lose, so they took first place honors with their Homecoming float We panda win. This picture was taken during the Homecoming parade, Saturday, Nov. 2. Mr. Mauel Encourages Active Spanish Course Spanish class is not all work, for mixed in with the daily routine are singing, speakers, and films. There is also an exchange of letters with students in Mexico to provide for a deeper knowledge of the language. A special table in the cafeteria has been reserved for Spanish students, so that they may have an opportunity to perfect their conversation technique. Mr. Mauel also hopes to organize a Spanish club in the near future. When Mr. Mauel says, Learning a language is not impossible for anyone; it takes time, practice and determination. he means it and provides his Spanish students with adequate op- portunity for learning the language. Many new and varied tech- niques of learning Spanish are being used this year. One is the oral Spanish tests based on drills, conversations, verbs and dialogues practiced in class. On one taperecorder Mr. Maul asks the questions. Another records the student's answers. The use of pictures is being promoted more in the Spanish classes. Pictures showing actions become helps to practicing dialogues. These are used so that Spanish stu- dents may get an image of the word meaning rather than merely learning the Spanish equivalent of the English written word. There is also a higher accent on pattern drills through which students learn grammar inductively. Through repetition students are soon able to come up with an autbmatic response.