Joplin High School - Joplimo Yearbook (Joplin, MO)

Page 19 text:

THE MAESTRO , 0 0,6 For more than a score of years our principal, Mr. H. E. Blaine. has directed the affairs of Joplin High School. A big friendly man he is with a twinkle in his eye-the students like him as a friend genuinely interested in each of them, and respect him as a wise and competent educator. Nor does he live just in a world of books. He likes football, basket- ball, and track. And, when the time comes to roll his desk top down for the summer, he finds pleasure, as does many another philosopher, with rod and reel along likely looking streams. During the years that Mr. Blaine has been at Joplin High School, it has grown in enrollment from about seven hundred in four grades to more than twelve hundred in three. New courses and equipment have been added in keeping with the most progressive practice.. The school's success in extra curricular activities, as well as its high scholastic standing, has been due, in no small measure, to this principal of whom we are justly proud. 17 if teen

Page 18 text:

DIRECTGR of THE SYMPHCNY Mr. E. A. Elliott, our genial superintendent, came to us from Nevada, Missouri in the fall of 1930 to assume his present duties at the beginning of a trying period for Missouri's schools, During those lean years he saw to it that Joplin's schools were operated efficiently and that educational standards were kept high. There are two things that seem especially typical of our superintendent- one, his ready wit and keen sense of humor, and the other, his progressive spirit. He is not unmindful of the good in old practices-those that are worthwhile he retains. Neither is he a worshipper of all that is new. But he is constantly on the alert for new ideas which will mean progress in education or in com- munity life. Once convinced that an idea is worthwhile, he loses no time in putting it into practice if it is within his power to do so. Joplin's students feel that in Mr. Elliott they have a friend who not only understands their problems but who knows how best to solve them.

Page 20 text:

Social Science English and Speech Commerce Science Events in today's rapidly moving political and social drama are indicative of the great need for citizens who have an adequate factual background and a proper perspective to enable them to think intelligently about the complex problems which confront society. The social science department realizes that the extent to which dif- ferent individuals will have an opportunity to participate effectively in attempting to solve today's social problems will vary greatly, as do their capacities, but it seems obvious that we must strive unceasingly toward the attainment of a higher level of social efficiency. To help achieve such an ideal is the chief objective of modern social studies. More and more do we feel that a knowledge of our language is necessary to social and business success: therefore, intensive drill is given the summer, he finds pleasure, as does many another philosopher, with ability are encouraged to enter contests. A number won honors this year. We also recognize that success in life calls for thought, inspiration, and idealism. The great masterpieces of literature furnish this material. Furthermore, we do not forget that our modern work day is becoming shorter and that our citizens of small means have more leisure, so we read for fun and for information. The Commercial Department offers a full three-year course designed to equip students to hold positions as skilled workers in the business world. All Commercial Students take the same course the first two years, but in the third year specialize in either accounting or stenography. Many serious minded students have received the training in this department which has secured for them positions in the commercial world, leading to successful careers. The department also accommodates a limited number of students who wish to take some one subject, such as typing, but who are not primarily commercial students. HAn educated person is one who has a well rounded knowledge of things as they are, some understanding of things as they were, and vision of things as they might be. Just how any modern man, can be well educated who has not the slightest acquaintance with the facts and concepts of science has never been explained. A speaking acquaintance with physics, chemistry and some phase of biology should be the minimum of science requirements within the curriculum. Joplin High School provides in its science courses not only such a broad general background but a more specialized training for students expecting to major in science fields. Sixteen