Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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eh LTT) LT) Mrs. Betty Moody Dr. Philip Miller — language “Classical High School, because it is an inner city school, has a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the students who come to it from every section of the city and from every walk of life can learn together to excel in the course of study which prepare a student for the intellectual life of a university.’ Miss Virginia Mills — English Mrs. Diane Mollaghan — English Dr. Philip Miller N Mr. James Nodurf Mrs. Mary Mushok Mrs. Betty Moody — counselor “Each of us has his own meaningful goal, and that’s ok.” Mrs. Mary Mushok — math Mr. Joseph Nai-— art “T find teaching at Classical, the inner city school, a live vibrant experience. Mr. James Nodurf — math Mr. James O’Donnell — science Dr. Vincent O’Keeffe — music Mr. James O’Donnell

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Mr. Baron McDuffee Emphasis: New Language Offerings The entire language program has a new look this year. Three new courses have been added to the French curriculum. The purchase of a new recording lab has enhanced the entire department and language labs complement teaching methods. Mr. David Douglas, language department chairman, views the lab facility as a valuable learning tool which enables the student not only to listen to himself, but also to his classmates. An important feature of utilizing the recording apparatus is that it changes the pace of instruction to maintain student interest in the courses. The new lab facilities are important, of course, but even more interesting to students is the broader range of course offerings initiated this year. The class work in French Conversation involves small-group projects and many in-class discussions. Probably the most important aspect of this course is that the student is exposed to a total French-speaking environment. French Writing, the semester course created to complement the Conversation course, concentrates on the structure of French writing. Towards the end of the course, the students are involved in independent creative writing. Both instructors of the courses, Mr. David Douglas and Mrs. Nancy Duffy, feel that the new courses’ purpose, to increase the student’s skills in French expression, is being fulfilled. Mr. Daniel Meder Although most of the language department’s programs received enthusiastic support, Mr. Douglas was surprised at the limited student interest in the proposed Spanish Conversation and Writing courses, neither of which made it beyond the planning stage. The lack of interest in Spanish seems odd since Springfield is an urban area with a significant Spanish-speaking minority; proficiency in Spanish is a practical skill for any Springfield native involved in education or the social services. The new courses and lab facilities have given the language program a welcome boost. The enthusiasm of these developments is shared by the students and the teachers alike. The new offerings serve as an example that the work of teachers for innovations in curriculum, along with the support of students, can lead to a progressively better program. Miss Irene Meunier — language “On arien sans peine!”’ “Tf it is worthwhile, it is worth the effort.” Miss Irene Meunier FACULTY 19 Mr. Baron McDuffee — counselor Mr. Daniel Meder — social studies Translation

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Emphasis: Semantics and Logic Semantics and Logic is an English course that An enthusiasm, which is also shared by her introduces the student to aspects of the human classmates, is clearly indicated by Betsy Posnick’s communication process. It is designed to help the remarks on the course: “It’s great! The course is student to begin to learn how to communicate effectively really stimulating. The devoted teacher and the with others. interested students in the class are responsible for Mr. Henry Brady explains, ‘‘the course is a study of that. I’m glad I took Semantics and Logic.” the human factor in assigning meaning to words. This senior elective, like others, has proved to be Meaning lies within the person, not the word. A successful. For the last four years it has shown to be specific word or gesture is used to convey the message a popular course. And, as indicated by students’ from one brain to another; and there are many pitfalls comments, it will probably remain an interesting and in between. If the student grasps the nature of this a popularly satisfying course. communication process, he or she will use it more effectively. A higher degree of meaningful communication results.” The logic aspect of the course is ptimarily treated as a means of checking arguments and other reasoning processes. The student’s goal is to learn how to check and verify a line of reasoning. The theory of mathematical logic is introduced into the course to serve as acomplement to the as pects of logical reasoning. In general, students like the course because it is different and relevant. A. Marc Soukiasian feels that the course is ‘difficult yet interesting. At times the concepts seem confusing, but the problem eventually clears up. Semantics and Logic is actually a course in psychology that deals with the logical mind in the process of communicating with others.” Mrs. Olmeda — clerk Mr. Richard Pare — math Mrs. Olmeda Mr. Richard Pare FACULTY 21