Ames High School - Spirit Yearbook (Ames, IA)

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2v. UU ins U'eucls S chool Si st em As the main executive department in our public school system, the superintendent’s office has numerous responsibilities. Seeing that the policies of the Board of Education are carried through is tlie principal job of Dr. Steven N. Watkins, superintendent, and his two assistants, Min. Gravce Elliott, who serves as his secretary, and Miss Laura Sayre, who works for Dr. Wat- kins and does secretarial work for the Board of Education. The purchase of all school supplies, from typing paper to those familiar text books, as well as instructional services and operation and maintenance of the school building, is handled by this office. Supervision of the nine Ames schools is carried out through their respective principals. “In discussing the problem of whether or not to hold any public forums this year, a group representing the several service and other local agencies decided to have one forum and bring to Ames some outstanding personality,” l)r. Watkins stated. ‘ Robert St. John was selected and his topic was “Dictatorship or Democracy.’ The forum was held Sunday afternoon, Feb. 15, and approximately 800 people attended. The program was thought to be quite successful and a similar policy will be followed next year,” concluded Superintendent Watkins. ★ Mi Sayre and Mrs, Klliott Six Superintendent Watkins Also sponsored by this office was night school, which was offered for three sessions. Included on this program were metal working, plastics, woodworking, commercial training, home eco- nomies, and photography. Headed by Everett Hit land, director of adult education, the various activities were conducted by several people. Miss Madalene Canvin taught shorthand with Mrs. Mvrna Green teaching typing. In charge of woodworking were Laurence Simmering and Ronald Easter. Miss Edna Mundt supervised the home economic classes, assisted by Mrs. Mary Welch. Miss Dorothy Dillan, Miss Ella Mae McDermott. Miss Dorothy Merrick, and Miss Gladys Olson. Richard Trump was in charge of photography. Highlight of the year for Superintendent Watkins was his tour through various sections of tin United States. One of ten Iowans chosen for this trip, he toured Chicago, Detroit, and New York. The group visited industry and big business to find out the things a high school student should know when he graduates. Because of the executive abilities of Dr. Watkins and his office personnel, Ames schools continued to function smoothly and efficiently throughout the school year.

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I. M ciniS oorJincites JJicjli Principal Adams Everyone knows that it is Mr. Herbert Adams who supervises the public address system every morning. However, not everyone realizes that the rest of his numerous duties keeps him busy before and after school hours. Supervising and arranging schedules of approximately 480 stu- dents. 32 teachers and many different classes plus making out a yearly calendar require many hours before school starts in the fall. Once school begins he takes over as administrator and advisor to become a combination backer of the school. His genuine interest in Ames High’s curricular and extra-curricular activities was shown by his loyal support of all school func- tions during the school year of 1947-1948. Because the principal's office is the heart of Ames High, it is always a busy place. Through this office passes all of the work that needs to be done to keep the school running smoothly. Regis- tration is carried out through this office each November and March when students decide what subjects they will take the following semester. All schedules are kept here to help teachers, students, and the office locate students during the day. The weekly calendar is compiled by this office from lists turned in by the teachers. Any conflicts are brought to the attention of the teachers so that the schedule may be re- arranged. Attendance is kept for each period throughout the day here, and any contacts with the public are made. A good share of these tasks fall upon Mr. Adams’ two able secretaries and receptionists, Mrs. George W. Berglund, better known as Margie, and Mrs. Merrill L. Finnerty, also better known as Selma. Completing the principal’s office staff are several junior and senior girls. It is their duty to gather attendance slips from the classrooms each period and record absentees. They act as general messenger girls throughout the day by delivering passes and messages to students as well as to teachers. They also make out and deliver those famed blue slips to students, and aid the two secretaries by typing letters and filing records. For the services the girls receive one-quarter credit per semester to aid in the necessary requirement for graduation. Assisting Mr. Adams with high school ad- ministration duties are Miss Charlotte Nelson, girls’ adviser, and Everett Ritland. boys’ ad- viser. Their duties consist in part of approving absence and tardy excuses and directing voca- tional guidance work. ★ Margie, Selma. ami two of the a i-tant Scw«