Woodbridge High School - Valhalla Yearbook (Woodbridge, VA)

Page 28 text:

Everyday Experience and Knowledge “Social Studies is an important class because we are taught the mistakes that countries, presidents, and rulers have made, and how we have gotten to where we are today,’’ commented junior Mary Slater. “It is important to understand the mistakes and advances of the past, in order to help in the present and future.’’ Both students and teachers are active in Social Studies. The teachers lecture, demonstrate, and show films to aid in teaching. Students also participate by giving oral presentations, and by testing fellow students on those presentations. “It is important in the development of the students to be involved in the actual teaching,” remarked department Chairperson Mrs. Mary Miles. “The students can learn more by under¬ standing what it is like to teach.’’ There is a variety of Social Studies classes from which to choose. Most freshmen take World Studies I. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for World Studies II. Juniors are required to take American Studies I and Seniors are required to take Government. Sociology is open to seniors only. “Sociology is really helpful in relating to people,’’ remarked Kristen Ringberg. “It is also very much fun! Social Studies is an important part of the curriculum. It can also be an exciting and fun class. Any questions? ... Denise Weeks, a senior, tries to explain how the government works to her fellow students. Most students find that visual aides such as posters help in the overall effect of their presen¬ tation, and in the further understanding of the material. I have to finish this! ... Senior Barry Hobbs tries hurriedly to complete his assignment before the bell rings. Students often try to finish a homework assignment during class to ensure that they will have no books to take home. This is not so bad ... Brett Snyder is pleasantly surprised by the seemed easiness of his history test. Students often prepare for the worst when studying for tests, only to find out that the test was not as bad as they though it would be. And because of this ... Government teacher Mr. Compel explains in detail to his class how the government works and why it works the way it does. Seniors in government classes find that it is in¬ teresting to relate what they learn in class to what is happening in the news. 24 Academics

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Computer Club. Front Row: Mike King (Secretary), Bill Muller (Vice President), John Wilson (President), Jill Guzzo (Treasurer), Eric Keathley. Second Row: Robert Nicholson, Pete Vigna, Scott Thoden, Sean Marshall, Greg Nohn, Aaron Thompson. Third Row: Gus Zader, Richard Smith, Carlyle Smith, Blake Mosher, Shawn Hester, David Bell, Scott Tury, Mrs. Patricia Kemp (Sponsor). Back Row: Ted Petty, Mike Montagna, David Cress, Curtis Brown. No, it’s this line that is the problem ... John Hansman is helped decipher a basic program. It sometimes takes more than one brain to make a program finally work. How does this go again ... Greg Wessenberg talks to Bill Swarm in trying to understand how an answer is produced. It helps to have a friend in the class that understands the work in case you don’t catch it the first time. Now this is how it goes ... Mrs. Juanita Hunke shows a student how a problem is done correctly. When students don’t understand, it is wise to go to the teacher for help. This shows that the student is interested. Math Computer Clubs 23

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You’ll see this stuff again.” Mrs. Shipplett warns her students that the notes she is giving them are very important and will probably be on the exam. Students often do not know what information will be on a test and what won’t, so they find it helpful to take notes on everything. More?) Are you kidding?!? ... Senior Eddie Lewis is exasperated by the seemingly endless amount of notes he has to take in his government class. Most seniors will be able to vote by the time school is out and it is important to understand how the government works. Pay attention! ... Dr. Gormley demands that his students pay attention to what he is saying. Most teachers find it distracting for students to whisper and giggle in class, so they insist on complete cooperation from all students. Let me explain ... Senior David Henderson tries to answer a question a fellow student has about the in¬ formation he presented in class. In history classes, many teachers require that students give oral presentations. These oral presentations give students the chance to actually “teach.” Social Studies 25