Bellevue West High School - Thunderbird Yearbook (Bellevue, NE)

Page 98 text:

American Gov ' t Causes Headache Most seniors seem to consider American Govern- ment as a punishment and as something which is meant to ruin their senior year. This class has to be passed in order to graduate, and this fact seems to bother most seniors. American History has to be passed, too. in order to graduate, but as most stu- dents take this class as juniors, it isn ' t looked upon in the same way as government. Many seniors try to take government first semester because if they flunk, they can take it second semes- ter and be able to graduate on time. Even though seniors really worry about government, according to counselor Steven Spears, a very small percentage ac- tually fail and have to retake the class. To help students pass. Government teacher James Kallemeyn offers his students the option to come back to retake a test if they fail. Not all students come back to retake the same test, however. Top Pjve Bartletl shows a little macho before his American History class Left to Right Pave Bartlett. Grace Brannon. Bob Hamil- ton. Pete Isaacson. Jim kal lemeyn. Kim Simmons- Bot- tom Hal Daub, the Republi- can Congressman from the 2nd District, talks about Po land to 1st hour social stud ies class. 94

Page 97 text:

Knowing Languages Results in Versatility irginis Olson letty Russo Steve Regan Arnetle Skyles any Sokalsky Bellevue West offers both average English, special need, reading and advanced classes. There are also classes for students in need of special help. Advanced placement classes prepare students for pos- sible college credits. 90% of the seniors at Bellevue West take senior English even though they don ' t have too. This is a 10% increase since last year. Six English credits are required to graduate from high school. We live in a world where it is necessary to understand, appreciate and tolerate the way people live in other parts of the world, accord- ing to Joe Guido. language department head. By learning a foreign language one can better understand the values and beliefs of other people. Understanding each other is necessary to live in peace with each other. Industry is always in need of professionally trained people able to communicate and promote products abroad so the U.S. can be competitive in the world market. Guido said. Language enrollment at West this year was 32 J and is increasing. ■Jt,- ' .M It 93

Page 99 text:

i Biology Develops Life Understanding The previous chairman of the science department. William Emrich. retired last year, and Roger Kelly assumed those duties this year. Fred Crow continued investigating how to make use of computers in science. Kevin Sindelar was the new teacher in science this year and taught biology. The purpose of biology was to develop an understanding of the structure and function of living things on all levels. Equally important was the development of sensitivity to the interactions among all forms of life. Two objectives of physics were to develop problem solving techniques and communication skills. Juniors and seniors also took chemistry, which required a high level of reading skill, according to the program of studies booklet. Driver ' s Ed Driver ' s Education was a semester course designed to give the student practical operational knowledge of the car. This included basic driving fundamentals and techniques, proper attitudes, de- velopment of safe driving habits, and an understanding of related areas such as insurance and maintenance. The course included classroom sessions, actual driving once per week and driving simulator sessions. Students needed to be at least IS and have a valid Nebraska learner ' s permit in order to enroll in the class. Left to right: Fred Crow. Roger Kelly. Dennis McDermott. Lanny Richards. Kevin Sindelar and Duane Zimmer. Top: Biology still remains a mystery (or some of Kevin Sindelar ' s students. Bottom: Fred Crow is showing his students the principles of physics. 95