Archbold High School - Blue Streak Yearbook (Archbold, OH)

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Two new teachers joined the English department this year: Mrs. Short and Mrs. Schnitkey. Mrs. Short taught College English XI, General English XI, and English journalism. Mrs. Schnitkey taught seventh and eighth grade English. Other members of the department included Mr. Murbach who taught College English XII, General English XII, and English X; and Mr. Rex who taught English IX and X. English is a very controversial subject, and there are prob- ably as many ideas on how to teach it as there are English teachers. Mr. Murbach believes English is a subject to be enjoyed. Whether it was through discussing poetry or writing an impromptu, the students discovered a new level of English. Mr. Rex emphasized grammar and literature in his fresh- men English classes. He required one book report from each student every six weeks period. The students spent a large part of the year writing compositions. His sophomore general English class spent most of the year learning certain reading skills and comprehension. Much of the students' grammar study was from the 'Practical English' magazine. Mrs. Short has an unusual philosophy of teaching and learning. Her junior English students soon realized what was expected of them in her class. The students spent a large part of their time writing compositions and participating in class discussions. Mrs. Short placed strong emphasis on the development of the student’s imagination. The journalism class effectively illustrated their imaginative technique through the school newspaper the Blue 'N Gold. Seventh and eighth grade English was not all nouns, verbs, pronouns, and dangling participles. Mrs. Schnitkey included a variety of activities to make English more meaningful. There were spelling contests within each grade with such teams as Rat Patrol, Duds, Bluestreaks, Toronados, Jets, and Surfers. Mrs. Schnitkey also gave the students poetry pro- jects in which the students could let their imagination have free rein in illustrating the idea of a poem. DAVE REX; B.A. Adrian College, M.S. Indiana University ELAINE SCHNITKEY; B.A. Adrian College 29

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English W. TERRY MURBACH; A. B. Kenyon College, M.A.. University of Michigan CHERIE SHORT; B.A. Michigan State University, Defiance College, Toledo University

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History Five teachers staffed the history depart- ment. Mr. Walker taught American his- tory, driver education, and health. Mr. Miller taught American history and world history. American problems, American government, and junior high English were taught by Mr. Stahl. Psychology was taught by Mr. Spengler, and Mrs. Couch taught Ohio history and American history. History may be considered a subject of facts, figures, and dates. However, Mr. JACK MILLER; B.A. Adrian College, Indiana University Walker made history more than this. Any student who heard his account of John Brown at Harper's Ferry will agree. Mr. Walker often used appropriate films and brought in stories of his own that livened the class period. Mr. Miller also did more than just give a student histori- cal names and places to memorize. Through the use of filmstrips and current events the students realized the im- portance of learning from their ancestors' mistakes. Stu- dents also learned of the importance of basketball in the country's development. If the high school students are to become the responsible voters of tomorrow, it is necessary for them to understand their democratic system of government. Mr. Stahl realizes this. Through informal class discussion, studying current events, and being able to express their views freely, the government students learned to take a more mature attitude towards the problems which face the country. Mr. Spengler is qualified to teach a subject that deals with the study of the mind. His years of experience with many different kinds of students and teachers has made him conscious of different behavior patterns. He often gave true stories to illustrate a certain behavior pattern he was trying to communicate to the students. Although the class was primarily lecture, students sometimes verbally disagreed on a point and a good discussion was under way. Having said farewell to Mr. Arthur, the students and teachers welcomed Mis. Couch to the faculty October 31, 1966. She taught Mr. Arthur's Ohio History classes and Mr. Walker's American History classes. Mrs. Couch believes in covering the material thoroughly. Questions and dis- cussion were encouraged to help the students understand the subject matter. 30