Caddo Magnet High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

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Debugging a program by analyzing the computer printout, sophomore David Moore and Shane Nichol- son enlist the aid of Mr. Sellers. Computers enable students like senior John Green to explore Creative dimensions. It is a logical attraction to Computers can be a frustration unless caring teach ers add their special brand of encouragement. Com¬ puter teacher Peggy Cloud works with this student to produce an A-quality program. Computers Computers are the instrument of the fu¬ ture and computer courses have become increasingly more popular at Magnet. With technilogical aspect in mind, these stu¬ dents leave Magnet more prepared for their careers in the business world. The computer classes, taught by Mrs. Cloud and Mr. Sellers, make many intellec- tual demands on students. This requires not only an interest in computers but also a knowledge of the computer languages. Shane Nicholson, sophomore, says, “I guess I just like to think and when I get into it, I just ean t leave it.” A logical mind is needed in addition to the ability to know how to make a program work. ‘1 like being in control. There is something to say about creating a program and then seeing the results,” replies Janet Jansen, senior, who is a second year com¬ puter Science student. Magnet has been very fortunate to have at its disposal an extensive computer lab. In the future, that type of set-up will no longer be a privilege but rather a necessity. That is when these students will truly ap- preciate their computer experience. Computer Science International Studies • 67

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Many students have a flair for The International The International Studies Program is one of the unique projects offered at Magnet. French, economics, and world history are the three courses comprising the program. This disciplined study is taught by Ma- dame Males and Monsieur Charlier. The students receive normal high school credit for a course that is everything but normal. The most interesting feature of this pro¬ gram is its regimented nature. For three hours a day the students who participate are bombarded by a foreign language. The entire program is taught in French with no English allowed. French IV students Jenni- fer Tseng appreciates this as she says, “One day I realized that I actually under- stood what was being said. It helps, though, when French is being spoken to you for that long each day. Darrell Brown, Kim Harju, and Jennifer Tseng are the only students currently en- rolled in the International Studies Program. Not many students elect this striet regi¬ men but the small number in the class is part of what gives it pizzazz. Those who participate in the program feel it is very enjoyable. Kim Harju says, “Why not learn and have fun at the same time?! Bright futures for bright students, International Stud¬ ies Program students juniors Kim Harju and Jennifer Tseng and senior Darrell Brown believe diligence in foreign languages makes for an exciting future. The forces behind the International Studies Program are Daniel Charlier and Colette Males. Their knowl- edge and interest in the small group of students en- lighten the foreign languages perspective. The International Studies class is a small group over flowing with intellect, cultural discoveries, and histori- cal reflections. Members are Darrell Brown, Mme Males, Kim Harju, Jennifer Tseng, and M. Charlier. 66 • Academics

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The foreign connection . . . Magnefs language department In today’s world of increased foreign re- lations, more and more colleges are requir- ing incoming students to be acquainted with a language other than English. This wave may just now be reaching the nation, but the quest for a different mode of com- munication is already a tradition at Mag net. The Language Department is a vital component of the Magnet curriculum and it includes much more than grammar and vocabulary. Not only do students learn conversation but they learn culture, histo- ry, and geography as well. The language teachers aspire for their students to acquire a working knowledge of the foreign culture rather than just a scholarly survey of the language. This, however, may seem a formidable task for the student. Why then do so many stu¬ dents pursue foreign language classes? Not only are they popular, but they at- tract a remarkably large number of stu¬ dents who enthusiastically return for ad- vanced courses. Frequently, students even elect two or three different languages. Ju¬ nior Jennifer Tseng said, “Its not like the teachers are just stuffing you with informa- tion that you really don’t care to know. They really want you to learn.” This ac- counts for the immense popularity of the International Studies Program. This pro- gram offers World Economics and World History all taught in a comprehensive cul- tural package. Other students feel as though the suc- cess of the foreign language department is created by the teachers. Junior Kathleen DeSoto said, “They are always so orga- nized and everything is planned to a tee. On top of that, they are admirably consis¬ tant and understanding.” This sense of compassion is explained by Amy Schild, junior, who said, ‘They’re really special. They can laugh at you, and you can laugh at them. With this kind of caring instruction, the language becomes not a dead page of the textbook, but a live tool of communication. Junior Heather Burch put it best when she said, “Every one stays awake and listens to every word. We dont sleep. We can’t, because if we did, we would miss some- thing.” Indeed, the question asked by Mag¬ net students is not do you take a foreign language, but which language do you take? The Golden Rule for understanding a foreign language is concentration on what you hear. Freshman Pam Lord learns this lesson early. Conversation is the best way to learn because of its impromptu nature. Sophomore Becky Bodenheimer practices this art with junior Michelle Clark. 68 • Academics