East High School - Quill Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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The World Of Languages Foreign languages play an important part in the East High curriculum. Elective courses offered for two years or more, the languages include French, Ger- man, Latin, and Spanish. In these courses students learn about the customs of the country where the lan- guage originated, the history of the language, and how to speak the language. One of the devices used in learning to speak the language is the language lab. where students listen to tapes. Mr. Dolon shows students how to pro- nounce a vowel sound through the use of o tope recorder. Reading Skills Improved The Study Skills Center is designed to be helpful to students on all levels. The instructors work with various reading and study problems. They try to determine the students ' problems and help in correct- ing them. Included are phonics, vocabulary skills, and spelling. The student with the need to develop faster reading habits and better comprehension is aided. Individual and group instruction is provided. Mrs. Kuyper ond Mrs. Williams wotch os Dove Reinier uses the Automatic Spelling Unit. Energy Through Activity The major purpose of the Physical Education pro- gram is to develop skills and keep students physically fit. A variety of activities is stressed to find one en- joyed by everybody. Time in class is devoted to learn- ing basic skills and developing sportsmanship and leadership. Activities included in the gym classes are basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and rope jumping for girls; and basketball, trampoline, gymnastics, and wrestling for boys. In swimming, which all Sopho- mores are required to take, students not only are taught to swim but also are taught water safety. Mr. Bagdonos, gym instructor, is shown seated at his desk in the gym office.

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Basic Organization In Writing Skills A presentation of literary criticism is given by Mrs. Rieck in English class. To be able to read and comprehend that reading is of importance in a world in which news happens every day. Of importance outside school is the ability to express oneself in a clear and organized manner, and this comes from assigned work in the classroom. Basic organization in themes, and unity between para- graphs within the themes is practiced; students are then able to take command of a topic and present it clearly to others. The Past Pauses For The Present In compliance with the proverb that history repeats itself, East prepares us to understand world events by requiring three years of social science for each student. These three years give us World History as sopho- mores, American History as juniors, and American Problems and Economics as seniors. Also offered at East this year for the first time is the Latin American History course for seniors. Combined, these courses provide a sound basis for better participation in our democracy. Mr. Tannatt American Hit ies a point brought up in a discussion in —13—

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Learning About Business To lead students into the business world is the pur- pose of the Commercial Arts Department. Many stu- dents train for future careers in either sales or steno- graphic work. Business subjects include commercial law, commercial arithmetic, commercial geography, salesmanship, merchandising, and distributive educa- tion. Stenographic subjects include shorthand, typing, notehand, bookkeeping, and clerical practice. Seniors taking these courses can arrange to attend school half the day and work at part-time jobs the other half. Mr. Wanek shows a student, Ruby Bur- ris, one of the fundamentals of typing, a course taught in commercial arts. Skill And Safety Taught In Driver ' s Education a student is taught rules of safety and the basic laws of the state, as well as how to drive. The program provides for 30 hours of class- room instruction and six hours behind the wheel. This year, for the first time at East, simulators were used. With the successful completion of the course the student may secure his license by passing a driving test given by the Highway Patrol. Mr. Sargent |x int-s out the position of a car on the magnetic driving board. Training For The Future Industrial Arts is a general preparatory course given in drafting, woodworking, metal, and auto mechanics. While working in the shop and classroom, students form an appreciation of workmanship, design, respon- sible thinking, and physical dexterity. To gain and further add to this appreciation, each student is given a separate project that gives him the personal incen- tive to do a good job and possibly follow a vocation in trade and industry. Mr. Rasmussen, Industrial Arts instruc- tor, demonstrates a few of the tools used in woodworking. —15—