High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

Page 22 text:

Tnuty and attract!ro arc th -»c ChrUtma» itoodic produced by glrla In the Food cln»». Home Economics: From Parisian Gowns to French Pastry Girls modeling copies of Paris gowns they’ve created for themselves; the fragrance of newly baked chocolate cake mingling with the cozy smell of fresh biscuits; a sweet young voice saying before a class. Thank you so much for calling; I'd enjoy going to your dance.” All these give some inkling of what goes on in Commerce's Home Economics department, with its emphasis on the good and the gracious life. In Foods, the students learn menu planning, budgeting, selecting good foods, proper serving, and delicious cookery. The Dressmaking girls select their own styles, sew their gowns, model them and give constructive criticism to one another. The Personality and Etiquette course is full of instruction in good manners and courteous behavior, from the proper way to make an introduction to how to conduct ones self at a party. Grooming, poise, and skill in the practical things of life—these are the gifts of the Home Economics department to the girls of the High School of Commerce. 18

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Secretarial Department Produces Right-hand Women Thw future km ret ■rim drmonit rate one of their many Commerce-learned «kills as they practice sett ini; up a mimeograph machine for duplication. Everyone familiar with business recognizes that the secretary is often “the power behind the throne.” Many a business tycoon would rather see his stocks and bonds tumble a few points than hear from his secretary the dread news. “Mr. Leader. I'm getting married next month!” Year after year, the Commerce Secretarial Depart- ment turns out scores of just such dependable, capable and intelligent young women, able to take dictation, to type accurately, to use transcribing machines with skill. Functioning as a smooth unit, the school's curriculum everywhere helps give the polish that makes the perfect right-band woman. The girls are never bewildered in later years when the boss tosses them letters and says. I'm in a hurry; please answer this.” They've bad the necessary training in Senior English classes. Personality and Etiquette classes give them the poise and good man- ners that every good receptionist should have. Speech classes give instruction in proper use of the telephone and in developing pleasant voices. That is why a young woman who graduates from the big school opposite the Armory is greeted warmly any- where in the area when she announces. “I should like to apply for the job as private secretary.” 17

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English Department Imparts Many Skills S|«»ch Clou m mhrn practice with the tape recorder. Knowledge and enjoyment are the gifts of the Commerce English Department to the stu- dent. for the department seeks to give skill in communication, ability to write and speak cor- rectly. cultural training, and an appreciation of the pleasures of reading. This year, the English department initiated a course for six weeks which trained incoming Freshmen how to study more efficiently and cor- rectly. Also used for the first time this year was the Tachisloscope. an instrument for improving reading speed and comprehension. In addition to the usual required courses. Commerce students have their choice of such courses as Journalism. Enjoyment Heading, and Speech. Special classes are also offered for those who are preparing for college. Social Studies Bring World Understanding W hat's going on in the world of politics and government, the forces that have shaped history, the in- fluence of the environment upon men — all these are understandable to students who take courses in the Commerce Social Studies Depart- ment. This year, for the first time, a course in Modern Problems was offered. The course deals with prac- tical. everyday situations met in family life and suggests methods of leading happier and more useful lives in the family group. Also in the curriculum are courses in World Geography. Modem His- tory. Economics. American History. Students in the department apply their knowledge in a practical way by attending meetings of the City Council and School Board, to see how the principles of government SJU U 7 civ i nut ruction on the importance of water transportation in the development ' . e of Citiee, in a World Geography class. operate in action. 19