Kensington High School - Compass Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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ngldfz The study of English is of great importance in every high school curriculum and the work of this department has two aims. It helps to prepare pupils for successful business and professional careers by teaching them to express themselves clearly and correctly. Secondly, by encouraging the reading of literary masterpieces, it gives pupils a cultural background. Every student realizes that the inability to speak correctly is a detrif ment in the business world and a definite social disadvantage. Great emphasis is, therefore, placed upon grammar during the four years English course. Classes are taught sentence construction, pronunciation, and good word usage. Through oral topics, students have an opportunity to practice speaking before a group. They are also taught how to write correct busif ness and social letters. The study of literature is another valuable part of the English course. Each year students read and discuss such classics as Dickens' beloved The Tale of Two Cities , Scott's The Talisman and Shakespeare's great tragedies, Hamlet and L'Macbeth . By arousing an interest in reading, the English department helps pupils to develop a habit that will bring pleasure during leisure hours. All students are now required to take the course in the History of English Literature. From this they learn the development of various liter' ary forms such as the novelg become familiar with the names of famous authors, and learn many interesting facts about their lives and works. This course opens up a whole field of Hne books to be explored as the student's taste in reading develops. A boy's or girl's success in other subjects depends upon his ability to understand what he reads and to express clearly the ideas he has gained from his study. Thus we see the importance of English in our high school course. ewan, Louise F. Belden, B.A. june A. Blair, M.A. Ruth C. Culliton, M.A. Marie C. Curran, M.A. John A. Demerly, B.A. Helen H. Evans, B.S. Marjorie D. Frink, M.A. Margaret K. Heaps, B.A. Selma Jakubowska, M.A Irene S. johnson, B.S. Frank Kelly, B,S. Mildred Kennedy, B.A. Doris H. Kreitner, B.A. Mildred L. Lee. B.A. Margaret N. Mack, B.A. Ann I, Maloney, M.A. Ruth P. Newman, B.A. M. Agnes Scanlon, B.S. Louise Strickland, B.A. I4

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SEPTEMBER Who but a freshman takes home all his books and gym paraphernalia every clay, when he has a perfectly good locker in school? GCTGBER When it comes to Cross Country, the Knights still hold to the traditions of chivalry and strive to bring honor to Kensington. NOVEMBER If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. It took three years for Kensington to show Bennett how she rates on a football Held. DECEMBER Beauty and talent highlight annually the magnif ticent pageant which portrays the true significance of Christmas. JANUARY Troubled expressions and a belated burst of energy are the fashion as the January exams roll around. ' FE BRUARY Initiative would adequately describe the manner in which History Classes littingly celebrated the historical dates of this month. MARCH How could anyone resist the superb technique evidenced hy the Compass Quiz designed to boost the sale of this venerable yearbook? Originality . . . and it worked! APRIL The Knights didn't give up last year when they lost the Syracuse Cup by such a small margin. This year you will find that cup in the display windows. MAY Perfection at its peak . . . an ample description of The Belle of Barcelona , second of Kensingf ton's annual ventures in operettas. JUNE Anxiety . . . gaiety . . . relief . . . graduation . . . diplomas-words that need no explanation when associated with Seniors in June.

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Ea aa Y The monitors .study library routines. September! Time for new schedules, new pupils, and new library monitors. The volunteers for this coveted title are many. The lucky nine whose available free time and personal aptitudes fit the duties of an assistant are chosen to form the student library staff for the year. There's fun and profit to be gained while learning the mysterious routine of the library. The familiar trip to the study rooms with library permits usually begins the duties of the hour. From then on, the library monitor may spend her time doing any number of the many tasks which are of real service to the library. Here are a few of the monitors' accomplishments: checking attendance, slipping returned books and placing them on the shelves, writing the overf due reminders for forgetful borrowers, and stamping and preparing new books for the shelves. Finally, during the rush hour after school, there is the necessity of being on hand to speed the departing students by stamping their books for home reading. The following girls, under the direction of Miss Hartman, librarian, and Miss Waters, assistantflibrarian, formed the library student staff this year: Rita Boyle, Irene Brzezicki, Dorothy Cabot, Norma Frey, Marjorie Gordon, Annette LaCopa, Patricia Q'Reilly, Betty Rung, and Jean Watt. These girls learned at first hand the value of Kensington's excellently equipped library. They know from experience how many students make daily use of the wealth of reference material available. The library is an essential factor in the work of every department. Mamqwulfau