Abington High School - Oracle Yearbook (Abington, PA)

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. . . Technology Peaks During Abington’s Centennial (continued from page 24) Dr. Burt also stresses that the installation of computers breaks the economic barrier” at Abington. Whether students use the Apple lie at school or in addition are fortunate to have one at home, the results are the same—a computer education for the increasing computer generation. The Music Department is also following in synch with the updated computer program, contends Mr. John Musika. The Apple computer allows music students to not only hear the melodies they are playing but also helps them to visualize the music.” The course is called Computer Based Music (Levels I, II. III). Students begin with relatively simple assignments like composing a c” scale on the computer. Eventually the ultimate goal is to design a musical composition using a variety of tones and then it can immediately be played back to the student so he she can somewhat comprehend what the composition would sound like with a real band or orchestra. Mr. Musika calls this technological process teaching traditional subjects through technical means. Mr. Brian Reiff, a mathematics and computer sci- The Music Department is also following in synch with the updated computer program . . . ence teacher, instructs all levels of the Apple Computer (Basic, Fortran, and Pascal). Advanced students are offered the opportunity to take A.P. Computer Science. Enrolled students range from computer programming wizards to those who are interested in a related computer career. Computers are also used to aid students in the Tells (Remedial) Math program. The machines help students practice on their own if extra help is needed outside of the classroom. Mr. Reiff contends that computers aren't for everyone, but most students seem to enjoy the challenge of solving problems and designing programs. Mr. Reiff also sponsors two Computer Bowls each year which gives interested students the opportunity to test their acquired knowledge against other local high school students. Tovah Kasdin Academic Life 25

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“User Some seniors can now breathe a sigh of relief. Chances are they have successfully avoided using what teachers consider the most valuable asset to the Abington curriculum -computers. Until recently computer courses were solely electives. Only students who enjoyed the challenge of designing their own programs were the staunch supporters of computer science. However, as parents and educators continued to stress the pertinent role of computers in today's job market, Abington responded by expanding its computer science program in various departments throughout the school. The improvements were costly as well as time consuming. Computers were slowly in- Friendly tegrated into the English Department, chaired by Dr. Robert Burt. The most crucial benefit of computers, he explains, is the ability to make multiple revisions without multiple rewrites us- ... as parents and educators continued to stress the pertinent role of computers in today’s job market, Abington responded .. . ing a public domain writing program. Likewise, Journalism and Creative Writing classes are taking advantage of the Apple lie system. Students are advised to carefully organize their ideas on pa- per before they start typing their stories into the machine. The writings can then be stored in the computer memory bank, which makes “rearranging ideas, revising the text, or altering the writing style very easy in the future. Not only do students learn how to operate the system, but every teacher comprising the English Department took part in mandatory teacher computer inservice sessions last school year (1986-1987). After they learned the fundamentals of this creative machine for arts as well as sciences” teachers could then use the computer as a teaching tool for students of all ability levels. Right: Hmmm ... did this come out right? 24 Academic Life Above: Hey Mike, your computer or mine? ?

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Senior Stress Is .. . COLLEGE HELL Around November, a strange thing happens to seniors: they disappear. They can be found, fretting and trembling, beneath stacks of viewbooks, applications, score reports, and reply cards. This is called the college application process. A more apt description would be college hell. After all, this is a big decision: weren't you once told this could make or break your entire life? Isn’t this what those horrid permanent record files were prepared for? Isn’t that what all the nasty cat-fighting competition over grades was destined for? If students are still sane by January, they're lucky. There's a lot to consider when looking for a college. Not only do you look for high quality literature professors, but high quality parties. There's the question of the podunk village versus the sprawling megalopolis. The experimental bohemian open school” versus the rigid traditional academic. How bad is the food? How small are the dorms? And a million and one other questions and fears that prospect applicants face. In truth people really should relax about it all. A wrong choice will not hex you the remainder of your days, and an obnoxious roommate can be dealt with. SATs are more important but they will not make or break a college's decision. Special talents on original essay, a good interview are all important factors too. A visit to a college can tell you ten times more than a PR pamphlet received in the mail. Did you ever notice that all the viewbooks say the exact same thing regardless of the institution they purport to represent? An overnight with a student can give you a real picture of campus social life, and classroom visits can show you what the catalogues can't. It's an anxiety-filled time. After all, many kids have been threatened with If you don’t do well, you’ll never get into college, since they were weaned. And there is validity to this threat, but all too often it leads to fierce competition and incredible stress. High school is time to have fun, too, not only to work yourself to the bone for an A. More parents should say, “Relax. If you don't get in to Harvard, the world won’t end.” So take pity on the seniors. It’s easy to drown in the piles of papers, questions, and confusion. And be prepared for both elation and tears when April fifteenth rolls around. But most importantly, juniors and sophomores, be prepared: college hell awaits you, too. Until then, work hard, but enjoy, too. Karen Hirsch Glenn Jones Science Kathleen Malloy Special Education 26 Academic Life Nancy Kelly English Ralph Maltese English Bridge Club Peter Kelly English Play and Musical Bowling ARTW Steven Mandes Acting Chairman Industrial Arts Richard Koch Chm. Physical Education Health Athletic Trainer William Manogg Science Math Jean Kortright Nurse Jeffrey Marmon Guidance Senior Class Karen Lake Science Louis Martin Social Studies Girls Basketball Girls Track Mahlene Lee Guidance Black Student Union Girls Track Winter Track Marion Leldy Nurse Health Careers Club Jo Ann Mault English CSP Joseph Mauro Music School Musical Marching Band Concert Band