Astoria High School - Zephyrus Yearbook (Astoria, OR)

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Math Definite Interest at A. H. S. Is there an interest in math in Astoria High? Given: There is a total of 623 sophomores, juniors, and seniors at A.H.S. 352 or 58.1% of these students are taking more than the required math. According to Harry L. Phillips, Spe¬ cialist in math, Instruction Resources Branch, U.S. Office of Education, 1 out of 4 or 25% of the students on the national level take more than the required math courses. By 1970, 80% of all useful jobs will need fluency in the language of math. Therefore: From these statistics, we must con¬ clude that there is a definite interest in math at Astoria High School and that math is becoming more important than ever. JESSI participant, Jim Hancey, explains to the Advanced Algebra class how to use determinants to solve a system of equations. Looking over samples of possible choices for next year’s math books (1. to r.l are Norman Street, William Reuter, Garrett Law, and Tony Cuts- forth. Mr. Street, who formerly taught at Knappa, and Mr. Law, who came here from Corbett High, are both new to Astoria this year. 16

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Arts Department Language Arts has had a year of in¬ novations. From introducing a language laboratory to foreign language students, to having theater night for the public (produced by the speech department), many interest¬ ing teaching methods have been used. The English department, in order to co¬ ordinate its classes and keep in step with today’s trends in the teaching of English, began monthly curriculum meetings in the fall to plan programs. Junior high teachers were represented in this group. With the addition of a second speech teacher this year, ideas were combined to produce a more effective speech program. Theater nights were organized to give students a chance to gain poise perform¬ ing before a large audience. Students were taught that all speaking has a purpose, and that one speaks to an audience, and so must learn how to be most effective. Road To Ruin is presented by Miss Leigh ' s sophomore English class as a project foi their melodrama unit. Rehearsing are Connie Pernu, Joan Tarabochia, Tim Blum, and Charles Clayton. Discussing the best approach to teaching modern English at their monthly curriculum meeting (1 to r) are Betty Ann Drew, Josephine Swanson, Elizabeth Nopson, John Price, Jerry Maddy, Russell Alborn, JoAnn Runyon, and Nedra Christensen. Not pictured is Margaret Upham. 15

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Science Classes Prove Challenge to A. H. S. Students Students are introduced to science in high school through biology, which is offered mainly to the sophomores, although some selected freshmen are allowed to take it. This year the course is slanted more towards the student. “The text is written in an easy manner so that the teacher doesn’t have to explain it as much and the students learn through experimenta¬ tion,” according to Mr. McKay, instructor. A new technique in chemistry was put into practice last fall, too. The students draw con¬ clusions from experimentation and then check them with the textbook. Physics, and the advanced classes in biology and chemistry, provide a challenge to bright young scientists and pave the way for success¬ ful careers. Albert McKay, a real biologist, talks shells to Dale Kvans and Robert Scott during the coffee break. Bill Taylor and Greg Wood study solutions of known concen¬ trations in chemistry. Conducting an experiment with a steelie in physics class are Dick Jarvinen and Tom Strangland. 17