Central High School - Helios Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

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The mathematics department is the part of the school program that does the most figuring. This department deals solely with numbers and concepts and ways of working with them. Everything from the simple proc- esses or arithmetic to the complexities of solid geometry and trigonometry is meticulously explored. To suc- ceed in this area, a student must be able to deal rea- sonably with abstract concepts. He must also have the patience required to work for a long time on tedious and complex problems, which often seem pointless. All of mathematics, though, has a logical basis. The ele- mentary processes are taught in the seventh and eighth grades. In the ninth grade, advanced processes are taught in algebra. Plane geometry in the tenth grade covers the theories of figures in a plane. Taught in the eleventh grade are solid geometry and an advanced course in algebra. Still more modern and complex courses are a ailable for the senior year. During the course of these studies, many of the exotic parts of mathematics are also touched upon. Mathematics re- quires a great deal of work, insight, and patience. Math Presents Unknown Fields of Study Mrs. Joyce, Mr. Berends, Mrs. Preln, Mr. Toylo up the major part of the math department.

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Students Learn To Appreciate Good Music Mr. Schellenberge score of music to be used by the ctioir Placing ttie emptiosis on ttie downbeat, Mr. Becicer, con ducts the Senior Band. Our music department offers something for everybody who is interested in music. Music, either vocal or in- strumental, is a required course in both the seventh and eighth grades. An extra-curricular activity spon- sored by the music department for junior high stu- dents is the Junior High Chorus. Later, students may join the Choir or either of the Glee Clubs which are run as organized classes. The instrumental section of the department provides opportunity for instruction in Beginning, Intermediate, and Senior Bands and Or- chestras. All of these groups ser e Central by per- forming during school activities and at special con- certs throughout the school year, thus bringing the enjoyment of good music to those who have no talent in this field. Mrs. Roman department. of the numerous instruments in the 18

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Mr. Kinq rapidly defends hii questions. f against the onslaught of student Social Studies Mold Future Citizens The social studies department teaches students to play a useful role in the life of the community, nation and world. This department is first designed to create an active, intelligent, and self-reliant citizen who has developed a sense of patriotism for his country. In the process, the students gain a respect for our country ' s traditions, an appreciation for its accomplish- ments, and an understanding of the processes and techniques of our democratic form of government. A study of other forms of government and the opinions of others are also presented in order to instill in the students an understanding and tolerance for these things. On a more personal level, the students study the economic and social problems of their environment. In connection with this, social studies teach the pupils how to work together co-operativelv on common goals or problems, to enjov their social heritage, and to de- velop a moral standard by which to live. The students in this area also gain the abilities to use information and to logically solve problems. The social studies does all these things through its courses in geography, civics. American and world history, government, economics, faniilv living, and modern iiroblems.