Wyomissing Area High School - Colophon Yearbook (Wyomissing, PA)

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PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS A new addition to our curriculum is the photogra- phy class. which is directed by lVIr. D. C. Shirk. As part of the Industrial Arts program, this instruction in photography supplements Mr. Shirk's department by creating another field in which students may express their talents. The size of the class is necessarily small because of limited dark room facilities. Only a Dark Room few of the students who showed a definite interest in photography could be accommodated. The main objective of the course is to turn out suitable photographers for the Colophon staff. Al- ready this department has supplied many pictures for our yearbook. The first study which the class un- dertook was that of the simple box camera. This is followed by the close examination of the reflex-type camera. In order to prove that good pictures can be taken with the smallest of cameras, Mr. Shirk then demonstrated the use of the miniature. Students of the photography class not only take pictures but also develop the negatives and print and enlarge them. The facilities in the dark room enable the students to learn all these phases of photography. In a few years we shall feel the effect of the photo- graphy class as these trained students move up into the ranks of the Colophon staff. STUDY HALLS Library efficiency has been greatly stepped up by a new system of study halls whereby most studies are held in classrooms, the pur- pose of which is to relieve congestion in the library and to give Mrs. Rebecca Hefilner, our librarian, a chance to organize and maintain effec- tively this section of the school. Study halls in classrooms serve the same purpose as those in the library and are accompanied by fewer distractions. They provide not only the opportunity to study, but also one to confer with the faculty member in charge on private matters of academic im- port. Of course, special reference work during Hstudiesn is permitted in the library. Mrs, Rebecca Heffner If a student makes wise use of his study halls, he will find that his homework is greatly reduced. Especially in the junior high school, teachers expect most assignments to be com- pleted during these free periods. However, in order to enjoy all the benefits of the library. one must obey its rules and respect its functions. A student who budgets his time wisely knows how re- warding it is to carry only three books home each afternoon in- stead of five, -

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INDUSTRIAL ART ' Industrial Arts is Composed of many facets some enth to ninth grades, and it becomes elective in sen- of which are drafting, woodworking, photography and iOl' high, Where 21 boy may CICCY 25 many 2-S twelve metal crafts. We shall be concerned primarily with pCri0dS 21 Week. The work of this is supervised by the first three. Industrial Arts is compulsory from sev- MF. D. C- Shirk. Drafting The purpose of Industrial Arts is to acquaint the student with the materials and processes of industry. Its aim is not to create car- penters, metal workers, or draftsmen but simply to give the student an introduction to the work performed by industry today. However, before one can engage in a project with the knowledge he gains here, he must plan his project to the most minute detail on paper. Planning ahead, insures success and lessens waste of time and materials. Draft- ing, like some forms of mathematics, develops organized minds and instills in students the habit of planning ahead. This course, along with its running mate, shop, helps to point out fields of vocation rather than to train students specifically for these vocations. Ninth Grade Drafting Wood Shop As another phase of Industrial Arts, Ushopv goes hand-in-hand with drafting, for when the plan of a project has been made on paper, it is then used in wood shop, or metal shop, as the case might be. In seventh grade the students start out by learning how to use basic hand tools. They are given a board which they plane and make into an attractive serving tray with the use of a jigsaw. Eighth graders, this year, turned out canape holders in the shape of a pig. Finished and painted, the little pigs made fitting decorations for any table. After the eighth graders have finished this required project, they have their choice of another. Metal shop is for the ninth graders who make cookie cutters Eighth Grade Wood Shop Mr. D. C. Shirk from sheet metal. The more advanced members of the class are taught to use the lathe. In the elective course offered to senior high students, the individuals are permitted their choice of a wide variety of imagin- ative projects. 26

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BUSINESS EDUCATIO DEP RT E T In this school, business training. taught by Miss Esther Nagle, not only benefits those who expect to follow business careers, but also those who plan to attend college. To the former, the course oH'ers training in stenography, typing, and office practice. The operation of duplicating and other business machines is included. X The prospective college student finds training in secretarial work a great help. Training in stenography enables him to take notes quickly and make neat transcriptions of them. Typewriting is compulsory for everyone in the tenth grade and after the course has begun the pupils are able to type their Miss Nagle school assignments. Thus, the effect of this typing course is felt even in eleventh and twelfth grades. Practical experience can be obtained by working in the office at the switchboard and by assisting the admin- istration in various forms of school correspondence. Incor- porated into Miss Nagle's classroom discussions are interesting illustrations of business techniques. This depart- ment strives to produce secretaries who are neat in ap- pearance as well as efHcient. Because the business world is complaining about the dearth of good secretaries, Wyomissing's business ed- ucation department is striving to fill this need. MEDICAL STAFF The student body of Wyomissing is privileged - to be served by an excellent medical staff. Many of the health needs of the high school are cared for by the nurse, Mrs. A. C. Knappenberger. Special health attention is administered by the physician, Dr. Leonard R. Woodring and the dentist, Dr. A. L. Jones. This staff gives stu- dents at regular intervals physical and dental examinations designed to discover any areas in which further medical care is needed. The staff also performs the service of examining participants in athletics. Students are given such tests as the Mantoux test and an audiometric test for hearing. In many cases, parents must certify that they want their children to be ex- amined or tested before either takes place. Good health is anyone's most valuable possession and the medical staff is doing its best to see that each student is equipped with this asset. J. Wells, Miss Nagle, C. Fisher Mrs. Knappenberger, Dr. Jones 28