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

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Social Studies and mathematics are two very valuable courses, helping one not only through school but, more signifi- cantly, throughout life. Both Mrs. Julia Bale, chairman of the math depart- ment, and Dr. Jeannette Harris, chair- man of the social studies department, seem to agree that their courses prepare the student for future educational ad- vancement as well as citizenship. By gaining background in social studies and mathematics, it is hoped that the student will find future success in these areas, thereby finding life more rewarding, as well. Social Studies The Social Studies program at Classical High School is designed to give stu- dents a broad background in those areas of study which deal with one’s relationship to self and one’s relation- ship and interaction with diverse peo- ple within the United States and throughout the world. The hope is that a student not only will understand bet- ter the relationship to self and others but also will develop an awareness of social institutions formed as a result of these human interactions; and, thusly, will find alternative ways of coping with problematical situations that might arise in one’s life. To attempt to reach these goals our Social Studies de- partment encourages the study of the past as a foundation for understanding events of today and as a source of in- formation for planning the future; gives the opportunity to examine peo- ples’ diverse life styles not only to show socio-cultural differences but also to emphasize similarities within humanity; offers an introduction to contemporary events and career plan- ning through the specialized study of Psychology, Economics, Law, Govern- ment, Black History, and Urban Soci- ology; and demands the study of this nation’s history as a necessary ingredi- ent for citizenship education and as a precursor to adequate community and national involvement. Mathematics Since when they hear such terms as “polar coordinates” math students are apt to think that their teacher formerly taught in an igloo inside the Arctic Cir- cle, it’s no wonder many of them have been frightened away from pursuing C.P. math beyond the required three years. However, innovations in the curriculum and in teaching techniques, including math labs and games, have recently helped students to succeed in the study of mathematics. According to Mrs. Julia Bale, chairman of the math department, Classical stu- dents can pursue math through calcu- lus, but few students take advantage of this opportunity, in part because of the abstract reasoning involved. To en- courage greater numbers of students to study math, Mrs. Bale has sought to bring math study to a more practical level in several ways, one of which has been the institution of a Consumer Math course designed to help students cope with real-life situations involving mathematics. Mrs. Bale notes, as well, that the study of math is an excellent preparation for the study of science, and aid to reasoning, and even a guide to understanding the culture of the world. Preparation For Future Advancement And Citizenship Mrs. Mary Mushok — math so Mr. Richard Pare — math Y Mr. James Phaneuf — math Mr. John Sullivan — math Mr. William Young — social studies FACULTY 17

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16 Future Drivers What does it take to be an efficient driver? Sure, you can learn to drive from your short-tempered and impatient father or your nervous mother who screams and clutches the seat as you simply “touch” the gas pedal, but most students choose a better way: they enroll in Mr. Tipton’s driver education course. In his popular course, Mr. Tipton teaches teenagers how to become safe, efficient drivers. The course replaces the thirty hours classroom instruction from an independent driving school, and a certificate is awarded if the requirements, an eighty percent average and near perfect attendance, are met. Unless a student hates to miss one term of gym, there are few disadvantages to taking driver education at Classical as opposed to a driving school; on the contrary, there are several benefits. Mr. Tipton feels that he teaches a better course because there is no boring repetition for new admissions, as in the driving schools. Since all classes are during school time, no extra time is required out of school, and the student still benefits from an auto insurance reduction. Perhaps most important of all, however, is that this free course offers a more thorough training than do courses given by a driving school which charges. With the additional use of audio-visual aids such as films, charts, diagrams, and models, Mr. Tipton presents a very thorough course which is needed greatly today to help reduce the very high rate of teenagers killed per year in automobile accidents. The course helps prevent the precious lives of students from being wasted. Mr. Tipton sums it up best, “In we Mrs. Julia Beverly — math Mrs. Florence Hallbourg — math taking this course, you can either save money or your life. If either of these things are important, then the course is Mr. Michael Ligarski — math worthwhile.” Mr. Daniel Meder - social studies Miss Mary Morris —social studies

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Miss Carolina Accorsi — language “In teaching, I keep in mind those pu- pils who will learn all that I teach, those who absorb an average amount, and those who will learn the minimum or less. In recent years, of the first type there have been few, and the average students have grown in numbers. Our age is one of many choices and direc- tions for both pupils and teachers. There is hope!’’ Mr. Harold Beaupre — social studies “T just want to congratulate the gradu- ating class. They are a fine group of students, and I’m sure they will help to make the second two hundred years even better than the first .” Mr. William Conway — social studies “With all of the criticism heaped upon young people of today, some of it is justified but most is not, one thing stands out glaringly to my way of thinking. Today students are far, far ahead of what we were. The ‘good old days’ — they can have them.” Mrs. Iris Danforth — social studies “My career in teaching allows the op- portunity for human relationships on several levels. This helps me to realize how beautiful my world is.” Mr. Philip Hart — assistant principal “How is it possible for the uninhibited young people of today to have so many hang-ups when the problems of the past were a result of the inhibitions forced o n us by the structured society which has been replaced by the permis- siveness of the seventies?” Mrs. Ruby Kelly — gym ‘“A minute is eternity if nobody loves we you. Mr. Howard Lynch - science “From 1940 to 1975, Classical graduates have won distinction in college and in careers. Today, colleges are crowded and expensive. Our pupils continue to meet stringent requirements for en- trance and for scholarships. Classical pupils who are not preparing directly for careers share the most important benefits of education: training in the three r’s and in critical thinking.” Mr. David Macomber — language “There are numerous universes to ex- plore through literature. Reading is es- pecially interesting if it is not a home- work assignment. Grab a book instead of turning on the set and find out.” Dr. Philip Miller — language “During the twenty years that I have been teaching in Classical High School, it has been my privilege to teach and hopefully to influence in some way thousands of young men and young women of whom our school can be proud. I congratulate the graduates and wish them success in their future ca- reers knowing that we will be equally proud of them.” Mrs. Erline Provost — science ‘My wish for our present group of stu- dents is that they rediscover the excite- ment and challenge of academic pur- suits. This intellectual curiosity was so very characteristic of Classical High students of the past!” Miss Maria Santos — language “La ociosidad es madre de todos los vicios.” Mrs. June Schoppe — art “It is encouraging to see the renewed interest in crafts taking place today, for Faculty Members Would Like You To Know Miss Carolina Accorsi — language 18 Mr. William Conway — social studies Mr. Philip Hart - assist. principal it seems to indicate an increasing trend toward appreciation of everyday arts” by a broader section of people. “Functional or non-functional, art for | everyman recalls the ideals of the mod- | ern day craftsman’s Yankee counter- | part with whom he shares a timeless | tradition as artist, creator and inven- | tor.” Mr. Jerome Shea — science “In the world of life, success is mea- sured by survival. The failures can, only be fossils. The survival is never of individuals — only of life itself.” Mr. John Sweeney — assistant princi-| pal “It is a pleasure to be associated with the many fine students at Classical High School. Each school year has many pleasant memories.” Mrs. Audrey Szlachetka — science “Remember that these are your ‘happy days.’ ” Mrs. Ruby Kelly — gym Mr. Howard Lynch — science