Chelsea High School - Beacon Yearbook (Chelsea, MA)

Page 22 text:

Miss Gearan — What is the big question of the day? Social Studies prepare us to understand what is go¬ ing on about us and to plan our part in future events, especially in this atomic era which will shape the fate of the world A profound knowledge of the great po¬ litical. social or economic crises of the past or present is one of the best safeguards against these weaknesses in the future. The Social Studies course at Chelsea High School since 1847 has always kept in the path of modern education and will continue to do so. The reason tor this is making the graduate of High School loyal and intelligent citizens of the future and take their part intelligently in the affairs of the government. Economics deals with all the problems that arise from man’s efforts to get a living. Because we want many things, because the things we want are scarce, because the only way to get them is by working the land, building houses, manufacturing goods and ex¬ changing goods with each other, we face economic problems. Problems of Democracy describes concrete problems of vital importance to society. It gives us the real training to make us better citizens and to solve prob¬ lems of our day. For it takes training not only to be¬ come leaders but also good followers. Mr. Leader — That’s not in the Bill of Rights. Mr. Thompson — Historically speaking- that’s correct.

Page 21 text:

T O ’ ' T 1 ! C (•(•C P In Spain 1 hey Say Si, Si a German, although not as ancient as Latin, is an equally fascinating language. English itself is the great, great grandson of the Teu¬ tonic language. Many technical and scientific data are recorded in German. The study of German also offers a wide field of authors, philosophers and poets. Goethe, Germany’s father of classic literature, is placed on the same level as Shakespeare and Dante bv the whole world. 1 hese obvious facts, among other reasons, were used in the arguments favoring German during heated controversies about keeping it in the high school curriculum at the time of World War I. But the realization of the true value and need of German in high school was placed be¬ fore any other prejudices and feelings that were common to nearly all Americans at the time. I hus, since the very first session of the Chelsea High School, German has held its own important place in the curriculum and the in¬ dents of 194 have been fortunate to have a teacher such as Miss Severance who goes out ot her way to inspire interest and good work in her classes. No mas hablando; la campana ha 011 - nado! No more talking; the bell has rung! With this familiar phrase the classes of Miss McKenna, Miss Brodbine, and Miss Spring begin their day. During the week, the lives ot Spanish authors are discussed and the rest of the week is spent in discussing Spanish com¬ position and idioms. No matter what the language is that the student takes up during his stay in the Chelsea High School, he is sure to enjoy both the lan¬ guage and his teacher. I he closely related Romance languages have always been among those enjoyable subjects that have lost none of their popularity through the years. Miss Brodbine — But that isn’t Spanish. Miss McKenna — Can you locate Spain? Miss Spring —Si, si, that’s right.

Page 23 text:

for Democracy World history shows us the background of Amer¬ ica and all the reasons for the state of present con¬ ditions in the world. It also shows us how our relations with foreign countries have grown and developed. American history is the story of what man has done. The people of 1847 were able to witness events which shaped our nation and we in l c )47 also view the events which will destine the future of not only the United States but also of the whole world, in order to graduate from the Chelsea High School, history is required of every student. The objective is to create an understanding of our democracy to¬ day in terms of the struggles of great men and women of the past. A knowledge of history and our Constitution makes for more intelligent citizenship, greater tolerance and a rich cultural background. Great statesmen may point out the right paths, but if the majority is not enlightened, there is little hope of progress. Future Americans must train themselves to solve the problems in time of peace as well as in time of war so that there can be no doubt or hesi¬ tation as to the continual leadership of our country among all other nations. Miss Sylvester — Quite a large thing’ the world? Miss Israelite — That’s a world-wide economic difficulty. Miss Stearns — Now study your history!!