Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Courses Created To Fulfill HB2 46 Requirements Students scheduling their classes for the 1985-86 school year found a number of new courses had been added to the curriculum. To meet the requirements of House Bill 246. four new courses were created: Introduction to Biology. Introduction to Computer Programming, World Geography, and Business Data Processing. According to North House Counselor Molly Brown. “Introduction to Biology is a lab oriented course teaching the basics of biology.” If a student opts to take World Geography, he will study different cultures in all the major cultures of the world as well as examine the role physical environments play in the interaction of people. The demand for new computer courses and the growing use of computers in society prompted legislators to require school districts to offer more computer oriented courses. Elsik already offers a computer math class through the Math Department. However, only those students with a math background higher than Algebra I are eligible to take it. “The new computer courses differ from the present computer math class in that the math levels are different. Students would want to take Introduction to Computer Programming and Business Data Processing to gain a more general knowledge of computers.” explained Mrs. Brown, head counselor. ”1 would say that all the new courses available to students, especially the computer courses, will help students because they will appeal to those who aren't math oriented.” Counselors were concerned mainly with the class of '88 - the freshmen. Since all the new graduation requirements took affect with their entrance to high school. parent counselor and student conferences have become necessary to plan out Students work in fourth period Computer Math. New wings planned for com- pletion in 1987 will house brand new computer facilities. Photo by L. Catos a student's schedule for the next four years of school. “We've been working closely with the freshmen, showing them they have to plan earlier and be more selective in the classes they take.” said Mrs. Brown. The class of '88 will be able to choose among three graduation plans: the Regular Program, Advanced Program, and Advanced with Honors Program. Freshman Chris Fox said. I chose the Advanced Program because I think it will give me a better chance of getting into college.” Mrs. Brown stressed that even though a student may choose to follow a Regular Graduation plan, it would still be a college preparatory plan. “All three can be college preparatory,” she stated. Some students had already taken the time at home to work out their four year plan. Freshman Due Tran said. I've already planned out everything I will need to take to graduate with the Advanced Plan. To me passing a course has always been secondary to making an ‘A’ in it.” said Due. Some students, unlike Due, are not college bound and instead may choose to take Vocational Education to help them gain work experience. At first there was some question as to how the new graduation requirements would affect the vocational programs. Vocational Counselor John Hall cleared up the confusion. “It is still possible to take vocational classes anc graduate with an Advanced Plan. said Mr. Hall. Since it now takes 22 credits to graduate there won’t be much room for failing.” concluded Mrs. Browr I really feel the students will benefit , from this.” By Audra i Sanchez. Reporter; Edited by C. Vang ; Course name changes include: English lll-L to Correlated English Arts III, English IV-L to Correlated Language Arts IV, Trigonometry and Elementary Analysis to Pre-Calculus, Introduction to Business to Personal Business, Mechanical Drafting to Engineering Graphics Honors Courses will include: English III Honors English IV Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Calculus Honors AP Biology ll Honors AP Chemistry ll Honors AP Physics ll Honors AP United States History Honors AP World Area Studies Honors AP Advanced Languages l Honors AP 32 New Curriculum H.B. 246

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 Math Club Sponsor Wendell Hearne gives last minute instructions to the club at the High School for Health Professions tournament. The Math Club enjoyed the largest membership in its history this year. Photo by V. Pai NHS inductees Senior Carl Beury and Juniors Mitt Morgan and Kirk Evans munch down refreshmentsat the reception following the induction ceremony. NHS was forced to have six weeks grade checks of its members (rathor than only at the end of the semester) because of HB 72. Photo by M. Spiller nlors Charlie Vasquez and ive Burt take advantage of senior privilege of off-campus lunch. Contrary to most rumors, off-campus lunch privileges will remain intact and unaffected by HB 72 next year. Photo by V. Pai Education Reforms 31

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Dr. Morton Katz discusses the symptoms of a suicidal individual. Dr. Katz Is a frequent speaker at AISD schools. Photo by M. Spillor mmy Todd, born jvember 16, 1966, tended Elsik for four years, a sophomore, she was a ember of the Spanish Club and the tennis team. During her junior and senior years, she was a member of OEA. She died on April 18, 1985. Photo by K. Sides Teen Problems Surface Tragically The increasing suicide rate among teenagers has become alarming as indicated by media reports and the Clear Lake suicides. On April 23 and 24, meetings on this much publicized topic were held in the North LGI. Though both Drs. Karen Helffenstein and Morton Katz were scheduled to speak. Dr. Helffenstein was unable to speak due to a patient problem. Dr. Katz, also a consultant to AISD. Spring Branch ISD, and several Catholic and Jewish schools, presented an interesting and earnest discussion on the factors that lead to suicide and coping with suicide. Several members of the audience contributed to the discussion with personal situations and questions. The recent airings of movies such as Surviving (ABC. February) provoked controversey. Though Dr. Katz was unable to view Surviving, he had comments on such programs. If these programs glamourize or popularize suicide, then they are detrimental. Suicide is a problem. What should be the focus of these shows are coping skills.” One positive aspect of these shows is that they make people nervous and make parents realize that they need to talk to their kids. Katz was very open and the audience responded well to him. At the conclusion of the April 24 meeting, he along with Vocational Counselor John Hall and Counseling Coordinator Becky Anderson, discussed the idea of a district checklist of students who could be potentially suicidal. By Christi Yang. Reporter unsollng Coordinator cky Anderson and World itory teacher Jane Gattis end the April 23 discussion suicide. Due to a sparse audionce, the talk turned into a rap session for students and teachors. Photo by M. Splller Teens Coping 33