Pekin High School - Pekinian Yearbook (Pekin, IL)

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Mr. Cordon Petry gives Senior Kim Kells some constructive criticism on her short story in Creative Writing class. Sophomores Susan Eye, Monica Wood and Chris Gourlcy discuss which book they'll chose to purchase at the West Campus Book Fair. Organizing sources, taking notes and finalizing ideas are just a few of the elements which Judy Ertmoed put into practical use in writing her English 8 theme. English 2

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Writing Stressed In English Class Oh-h-h no! How am I ever gonna get this theme done? This statement can be heard from several students whose themes' due dates are just around the corner. It's almost impossible for students to escape those painstaking days of theme writing, especially since English classes are being based more on writing. Each student in the class of '82 is required to pass six semesters of English which includes English 1, 2, 5, and 6. Class of '83 and classes following had a change last year in the number of credits required for English. Instead of the usual six credits, they are now in units, (one unit is equivalent to two credits). Each student is required to have three units of English to graduate. Classes that must be passed to receive the three units are English 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Students cannot substitute these classes with a different class. According to Nelson Eddings, department chairman in English, the 4-week speech course started last year in English 3 and 4 was very successful. The students cooperated, and it turned out to be quite successful, noted Mr. Eddings. We plan to continue on with the program. Among the courses offered at PCHS to complete require- 2£ English ments are English 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, which are an extension of basic English. English 5 and 8 are based mostly on writing themes, such as the term paper in English 8. English 7, American Literature, and American Fiction are courses mainly based on reading literature. Other courses offered in the English curriculum are developmental reading for those wishing to improve their reading skills; etymology, a course in the study of words; mythology, study of Greek and Roman beliefs; and journalism and publications which teach journalism techniques. Besides helping students with their reading and writing, English provides a way for students to develop their own opinions and to comprehend the meanings of various forms of literature. From experience, ranting and raving about writing themes gets you nowhere. However, English provides you with a very important lifelong skill — communication! M»s6 Miry Beth Roffman outlines the structure of her American Fiction class to a parent at the East Campus Open House visitation. Shaving requires concentration. Rob Svendsen holds very still as Samantha Danshy demonstrates how to shave during a speech unit in Mrs. Pat Pharo's Sophomore English class.

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Math Skills Used In Most Jobs (x2 + y )z + b2. Is it a for-language? No, it's mathematics! Math is a very beneficial and necessary course for a student to take. As the school policy stands now, one year of math is required. A large number of students tend steer away from math courses, thinking they're too hard. According to Marion Newman, chairman of the Math Department, the enrollment in the math classes for the last four years has stayed the same. Math is in practically every job — all science skilled trades. Caterpillar, industry, business, insurance, real estate, etc., stated Newman. Advanced math is a must for anyone majoring in engineering, medicine, agriculture, business, computers, astronomy, chemistry, and a countless number of others. Math is also needed to get into law school, and even an art major makes use of geometry. Math courses, however, challenges the students. They not only prepare them for college, but enable them to utilize their mathematical background in their future careers. In addition, these courses allow them to practice the use of reason to solve problems, and to practice effective study habits. Due to the rapid advancement of electronics, the school purchased a new system for East Campus computer classes. The computer class is based mainly on learning how to write programs and use the computers. According to Newman, the computers are quite beneficial. The computers are working out pretty well. I'd like to see some more computers on East and West Campus. Not only are the computers open to students, but to teachers, also. Mr. Dick Barker, the computer math teacher at East Campus, had a workshop in March for teachers on how to use the computers. Mr. Hollis Daniels, chairman of the Science Department, has used it frequently in his science classes. In our world of computers and continuous electronic advancement, math is becoming more and more essential. Tom Doyle seems satisfied that he's found the right answer for his Trigonometry problem. Exactly how you figure out a story problem in algebra is the topic of this before — school conference with Mrs. Alice Coon and a student. 30 Math