Binghamton North High School - Wampum Yearbook (Binghamton, NY)

Page 16 text:

selves to the war effort. Physics class- es are being taught more completely the operation of such instruments as radio and the sounding device for locating submarines. In earth science the pupil learns the Wind and Weather conditions which affect airplane and bombing mis- si sns. Chemistry is striving to prepare the student to adjust himself in this age of science. Homemaking food classes are taught io make less expensive meals and to plan according to rationing. The house care and child care classes are learning to preserve equipment for the duration and to care for children whose mothers are in war work. The commercial department is pre- paring students for civil service exam- inations and jobs in War bureaus. Short- hand classes receive notes containing military terms that will aid them in lat- er war positions as well as in peace time secretarial work. North High, through its industrial, technical, and vocational courses, has been a great asset and will continue to be such in the defense program. The tremendous demand for skilled workers has placed North on a twenty-four hour a day basis. Long after regular classes are over, people are still working on projects that will prepare them for a place in the vital war industries. Room 12 has recently been converted into another machine shop for which the latest type machines have been pur- chased. North High boys as well as defense classes have received a great advantage in this new addition. At present, over one thousand people en- rolled in outside classes in this particu- lar course are receiving the best in- struction. Several classes have been highly commended by industries all over the country for their superior crafts- manship. The New York State Employment Agency prepares classes for replace- ments weeks in advance in order that the full speed ahead program will not slacken its pace. One hundred per cent of those enrolled are placed in War jobs upon completion ot' training. U11 Dl21TPS ill lilccllzxiliczll XVorking on a ll'1l11SllllSSl0ll in Modeling a bolnherin 111 IVVIIWIIIS auto shop making VVorking on ax control pane I cedln the press in print shop Girls riveting in metal shop L1'0l1Etl'i1iOl'Sl11 industrial mlectricity

Page 15 text:

nite current happenings and principles that are of present interest. The sub- ject demands familiarity with social conditions, reforms, and customs that have their parallels to today's condi- tions. The mechanical processes of Latin course demand a systematic ar- rangement and procedure in order to develop mental processes and reactions that are a distinct training in one's or- dinary habits. This applies to times of peace as well as war. It is particularly difficult to teach German at the present. This year the third-year classes, having mastered grammar and acquired some degree of fluency in speech and reading, are learn- ing everyday German. The students' use of this German in conversation and composition is gradually equipping them with an ability which will help them to meet the enemy. World War II has given students a further cause for studying French. lt helps them to understand the French people and will aid eventually in build- ing a new and better post-war World. Through French bulletins students keep posted on various war events. Our religious instruction classes are trying to bring the quotation of Presi- dent Roosevelt- Spiritual regeneration is the hope of the world -into our un- derstanding so that students of North may realize that religion is an impor- tant part of this war. In the classes discussions are held to stress spiritual values and the solution of moral prob- lems. Thus, is religious instruction fit- ting into the pattern of our curriculum and its War effort. The health program has been read- justed so that gym classes now meet three times instead of twice every week. The boys have set aside one day for commando runsg the girls have special body building exercises. The clinic is carrying on as usual, trying its best to keep us at our best. Science classes are adapting them- ifiontinued on Page 121 Clawl under hurdle Studying trade winds in an earth Microscope examinations ot science class crystals BPQIIIHIIIQJ flying 21115161 Child care in a Senior Homemak- Operating machines in Offlce ing class Practice A

Page 17 text:

easuiing a diaiueter with u Studying radio tube characteris- Taking a screening test in a Link ni rionieter in niacliine shop tics in technical electricity Trainer in pre-iiight cliss . Figuring an aeronautical problem Night class testing ax diremt Cui M Hung 1 Hwy lu l'h0'0g1'l1'hl in trigonometry rent generator Blueprint reading, recently open to girls, must be mastered before one grad- uates into machine Work. VVelding, sheet metal, electricity, and drafting classes have also increased in registra- tion. A women's class has been organ- ized to receive instruction on wiring ra- dios for Link Trainers. Last fall the pre-flight course was in- troduced to North boys. Twenty-four selected students, Junior A's and above, having passed physical examinations and having studied geometry, physics and algebra, received a practical educa- tion in all phases of basic training. North now has a genuine Link trainer from the Link Aviation Devices Corporation, which enables them to ap- ply their knovvledge. Each student has had at least three hours of individual instruction in the trainer. For further training in this course, North purchased a real airplane which has been assem- bled in the former bicycle room. North's mathematics department has recently added spherical trigonometry because of its extensive use in naviga- tion. More mathematics is continually being stressed as it is an important factor in this age of science and will be extremely necessary after the War. Many will specialize in a certain branch of the subject in defense and army schools. Thus has the curriculum been adapted to carry out the request made at the beginning of the school year by Super- intendent Lee J. McEwan, that no radi- cal changes be made, but that funda- mentals and clear, straight thinking be stressed. Mr. McEwan pointed out the necessity for education for the air ageg the airplane is not to be regarded as an agent of destruction only but also as an excellent means of peacetime trans- portation and communication. With cooperation of teacher, student, and the government, the generation of people in Whose hands the fate of the World lies following the War, is being prepared in those phases which will en- able them to become intelligent and capable builders of democracy.