Auburn High School - Follies Yearbook (Auburn, IN)

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EXPLANATION----Continued this we should like to have a careful consideration, for we believe that the schools at the County Seat have some special advantages. Any information along this line can be readily obtained by calling on, or writing the Superintendent of the Auburn City Schools at any time. Very respectfully, O. H. BLOSSOM, Superintendent of Schools. COURSE IN ENGLISH AND COMPOSITION, The purposes of English study may be stated under five heads: (G3) To enable the student to speak his native language correctly. (2)—-To com- muniecate his thoughts in an unmistakable way, whether oral or written. (2)—To write rapidly and effectively. (4)—To cultivate a taste for and an appreciation of literature. (5)—-To give information regarding the history of language and literature, and the relation of literature to zreat historical movements. To accomplish these purposes the work is planned to make a study of the principles of composition, with oral and written compositions and the criticism of themes; the technical study of language, including rhetoric and grammar; the reading of numerous English classics with critical help, in order to strengthen the student with the best thoughts of others and to improve his own expression and appreciation, and the study of the history and development of English and American literature with much critical reading of the masterpieces of literature. For the first two years, the major stress is laid on theme writing and the principles of composition and rhetoric, with some study of the best Nnglish classics. During the last two years, the study of history of Amer- ican and English literature takes the first place with plenty of reading of the best classics and some theme writing. COURSE IN HISTORY AND CIVICS The work in history in the High School is closely related to that in Innglish and Latin. It is impossible to get a thorough understanding of the writings of some of the authors without a knowledge of the times in which they wrote; and on every page there is a wealth of allusion to in- cidents of bygone times which is lost unless the student knows something of ancient and medeval and modern history. Besides the fact that the study of history furnishes a background for the study of literature, the history recitation affords a most excellent drill in English composition, and of course all study of history should prepare the student for intelligent citizenship. A view of the institutions of other countries gives one ‘ deeper appreciation for those of his own country. A thoughtful consid- eration of the struggles of great men of all ages must result for the stu- dent, in greater nobility of character, With these things in view, ancient history is offered in the Sophomore year; medzval and modern history dur- ing the Junior year; and American history and civics in the Senior year. COURSE IN MATHEMATICS The work in mathematics is intended to make pupils both keen reas- oners and accurate computers. They are taught to generalize; to see the relation of things known to things unknown; to choose facts and relations essential to proof; to search for truth for truth’s sake, thus getting the spirit of mathematics. Throughout the course accuracy and neatness are insisted upon and as much facility and readiness as possible is cultivated. The pupils need such training in original exercises that they will have mastered elementary geometrical methods. This mastery can be better at- tained by having the formal study of Geometry, as a science, accompanied by practical exercises and original problems. The course consists of ihree and on-half year’s work and is treated as a whole, so that each subject mastered leads logically to the next. Algebra is taken the first year, plane geometry the second year, and solid geometry and algebra the third year. Students who elect the Vocational Course may take commercial arith- metic for some of the geometry. COURSE IN LATIN, Though Latin is a dead language, it is of great importance to us. Some authorities say that as many as two-thirds of our words are derived from the Latin. Through the study of Latin we are able to analyze words and the English meanings become richer and fuller as we are able tot recognize a Latin root. Classical study also clarifies literary allusions. The pupils have a clearer knowledge of English grammer as they have to account for each word in order to get a sensible translation. Here, too, comes in training in reasoning, judgment and memory. Of less importance, but still of some consideration, are the historical and esthetic values and the help in learning the romance languages, as these are derived directly from the Latin. Students can take four years’ work in Latin in the Auburn High School. COURSE IN GERMAN The purpose of the work in German is to acquaint the pupil with the best productions in German literature and to obtain insight to the German customs and life. To attain the latter, stories dealing with home and school life are read. Later when there is no need of placing much stress on constructions, when the pupils can take in entire selections more readily some of the best works are read. Some poems are memorized for beauty of rythm or beauty of sound combinations. Student may get two years’ work in German, beginning in the Junior year. German may be taken in place of the Latin for the last two years of the Classical Course.

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EXPLANATION OF COURSE OF STUDY AND STANDING Sixteen credits in the Academic subjects and four credits in Deportment are required for graduation from the Auburn High School. A subject studied for one school year, with five recitations each week, entitles the student who obtains satisfactory grades, to one credit in that subject. Half vear subiects under the same conditions, entitles the student to half a credit. The first figure after each subject indicates the number of reci- tations each week, the second figure in parenthesis indicates the credit made and time studied. One erdit is given in deportment each year. Subjects marked by the ( ) are electives; tut other substitutions may be made at the discretion of the Superintendent and Principal. One period each week is given to each of the subjects, Music and Drawing to all classes. The High School is commissioned by the State Board of Education, and ali graduates are entitled to enter any of the Colleges or Univresities of the State without examination. Most of the Colleges and Universities of the middle West will admit our graduates without examination, upon the standing given the High School by the State Board of Education. Seven well qualificd teachers will give all their time to the work of the High School, besides the teaching that is done by the Superintendent, and Supervisor of Music and Drawing. A Supervisor of Domestic Science, and a teacher of Manual Training and of the Commercial Subjects will, probably, be added another year. The enrollment for this year has been one hundred eighty-six, but we want two hundred twenty-five and we be- lieve that the enrollment will reach that number before very long. Phe High School Department of the Auburn City Schools has attained a high degree of efticiency; but we wan t it to become still more efficient, and the changes that are being made are in keeping with the progress and pregent day educational thought. The High School has been termed the “pe@ple’s university,’’ and as such it is intended to meet certain specific de- mands upon the part of the State and the community. To meet these de- mands special teachers have been employed who have specialized in the branches they are to teach and the course of study has been planned and outlined in three directions. Namely, the Classical Course, the Scientific Course, and the Vocational Course. The Classical Course not only meets the demands of the universities and all of the colleges of the State, but gives the pupil training necessary for a broader view and a fuller enjoyment of life. The Scientific Course has practically the same educational value, but prepares the student for technical schools where emphasis is not placed upon Latin and German requirements. The Vocational Course is especially adapted to meet the requirements of the new Vocational Law of the State. In this course will be found the vocational subjects, such as, Manual Training; Domestic Science; Commercial Subjects and Book-keeping. The Auburn High School had its beginning in 1876, when the Harrison building was erected. The number of students in the High School at this time was small, but it continued to grow each year until in 1893, when it could not be accommodated in that building and the present High School building was erected. The High School has had a continued growth ever since, and it has now outgrown the capacity of the present building; and the greatest need of the Auburn High School is a new modern high school building with a capacity for two hundred fifty or three hundred students. There are two reasons why the high schools are growing in every com- munity. There never was a time when the demand was so strong for a better education on the part of the young people of the present, and parents everyWhere are recognizing the fact that their children cannot meet the twentieth century demand for leadership with the education they them- selves were forced to be satisfied with. They realize that in order to be successful in life, their children must have a better foundation; they must be equipped with a High School education. There was a time when a com- mon school education was all that was necessary, but that time has passed and now many of the trades and professions are demanding that tieir students be graduates of some standard high school. In the second place, the Board of Education is endeavoring to give to the citizens of Auburn, and of the surrounding country, the very best that can be obtained in the way of teachers and general equipment. Most of the teachers of the high school have attained or are graduates of some of the standard Colleges and Universities of the middle West. The laboratories are fairly well equipped for the teaching of Botany, Physics, Chemistry and Agriculture, and these are constantly being added to and replenished and such apparatus as can be used to an advantage will be purchased. We have a very good reference library for the school and new books will be added every year. The Eckhart Public Library is so near the High School building and it is so well equipped with good reference books, magazines and books on literature, art, science, and history, that the students have a rare opportunity for good reading matter. The students are surely availing themselves of this opportunity, for the library is being used more and more, and at the close of every session of the school thé reading rooms are filled with busy students looking up some line of ref- erence;for the work in the class room, or for the reading of good magazines and books. Athletics is a part of the work of the school, and is a help to the gen- eral good of the school. Being such, the Superintendent wishes to en- courage the work, but reserves the right to formulate the general conditions, in accordance with the rules of the Indiana High School Athletic Association. We are proud of the success the boys and girls have made along this line. We are for clean athletics, for boys and girls whose lives are clear, first, last and all the time. We want to win in every contest—but win by fair means only. We want to accept defeat in a sportsman-like manner, and conduct ourselves as ladies and gentlemen in time of defeat. We have transfer students from all parts of the County and some from adjoining Counties, and these are especially welcome and will receive the same attention and advantags as the resident students. Parents who are thinking of sending their children to High School and if they must be transferred, we are very anxious that they investigate the standing and merits of the Auburn High School, for we believe that every pareni is anxious to give their children every possible advantage, and in the light of

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EXPLANATION----Concluded COURSE IN SCIENCE Because of their relation to every day life, the so-called science studies are more popular with the people and have a stronger advocacy among’ educators than any time in the past. Today science means related facts sustained by laboratory experiments, and above all, a practical application of these facts; chemistry to botany, and the principles of chemistry, bot- any and physical and commercial geography to agriculture and its related subjects, and these with physics to the manufactures and inventions. Sci- ence in the High School begins in the first year with the study of botany, physical and commercial geography, and industrial arts. During the sec- ond year a course in agriculture and home economies is given for those who elect either the scientific or vocational course. Chemistry and horticulture is given in the third year, and physics in the fourth year. Most of these are experimental subjects and are taught by experiments and illustrations. All students in the science work are required to keep laboratory note books in which the experiments are written up and illustrated. COURSE IN COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS. There is perhaps no course so practical; no kranch of education within the reach of the masses, more productive of beneficial results, or so well ealculated to impress upon the youthful mind the importance of system, accuracy, and accountability in the affairs of life, as the study of Book- keeping. Aside from its value as a means of recodring daily business transactions, it will rank in the scale of studies designed to prepare the young for the active duties of life. Physical and commercial geography is given in the first year; commercial English and commercial arithmetic in the third year; and a year’s work in book-keeping in the fourth year. COURSE IN MANUAL AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE, Manual training has long been considered the most important factor in primary education, and there is no question now as to its value in all education. Manual training leads to activity and expression of ideas for the sake of others and tends to altruism rather than selfishness. It is possible for the mind to indulge in false logic, but when the hand works falsely it produces a misfit and its construction gives the lie to its maker in unmistakable terms. This branch of study demands and deserves a place in every well-balanced course of study. Provision has been made to offer this work in the Auburn High School, as outlined by the Indiana Law on thernew vocational work. It will consist of shop work and mechanical drawing. Domestic science education, as defined hy the Indiana law, means that form of vocational education which ‘“‘fits for occupations connected with the household.’’ The aim of all this work will be to give practical help in solving the problems connected with the household, to train for scientific home making. We are coming to believe that the school work which stops in the school room is inadequate; that children should be sent home from school to be home helpers; that they should be taught that, home making is a profession requiring training just as truly as does that of the doctor or lawyer. They should learn that there is a right way of preparing food so that it may serve its purpose of nourishment economically; that there is such a thing as economy and suitability in the purchase and making of a dress; that there is a right way and a wrong way of decorating and fur- nishing a home. A kitchen will be provided for the instruction in do- mesti-cscience and course in home enonomics will be given. COURSE IN MUSIC AND DRAWING. For several years the sentiment for the teaching of music and drawing as a regular subject of study has been steadily growing. In most of the leading ‘cities the work has been introduced, and has proved of great value as one’ of the principal culture studies, and has improved the general tone of the school very much. Among high school students, there can be a great deal of chorus work. The correlation of music and drawing with other branches of educational work is the only basis upon which satisfactory re- sults can be obtained. The work in music and drawing is in charge of a competent Supervisor and the special need of the students will be looked after.