Des Moines Technical High School - Engineer Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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I Des -Moines -Tribune DES MOINES, IOWA. MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1944. imitly. Coupon West High Gets Recognition From North Central Unit West High school in Des Moines has been elected to full membership in the North Cen¬ tral association of schools and colleges, Thomas B Couch- man, president of the Des Moines board of education, announced Monday. West, known locally as West Technical High school, is the only technical high school In the state to receive such recogni¬ tion, .Couchman said, and one of few in the middle west. Membership in the sssociation means that the work of the school is recognized and credits earned I there are-transferable to any high ' school or college in the association and in similar associations of schools and colleges throughout the United States. Senior High. Reopened as a senior high school at the beginning of the school year 1042-1943, West is neither s product of the war emergency nor is It Just a fifth high school In Des Moines. Although It offers most of the general education subjects found In other high school cur¬ ricula, it also offers a wide range of vocational and tech¬ nical subjects designed to pre¬ pare young persons for employ¬ ment. No tuition Is charged for residents of the Independent school district who are of school At present. West offers orienta¬ tion and training in the following vocational lines: Aircraft fabrica¬ tion. aviation mechanics, cabinet making, commercial art, Diesel en¬ gine, drafting, hotel and restau¬ rant employment, machine shop, mill work painting and decorat¬ ing. printing, radio and communi¬ cations. structural aheeet metal, tailoring, welding, accounting, cler¬ ical office, atenographio office and retail aelling. The first semester of work is given to vocational orientation, in which pupils are placed in contact w th a wide variety of vocational activities, making It possible for them to test their aptitudes and interests. The pupil then selects a vo¬ cational area in which l o de¬ sires specific training. To this training, of two sr.d one-half years duration, the pupil gives more than half of each school day. The remainder of the nay la given to general educa on subjects required for graduation. College. Pupils completing the work at West are eligible for college en¬ trance and receive exactly the same diploma as that granted other students of other high schools in the city. Couchman pointed out. West also conducts a full semester ef high school work during the summer. This ses¬ sion was established. Couchman said, to enable hoys approach¬ ing military ago to graduate from high school before induc¬ tion. Students from all parts of Iowa are invited to the session this sum¬ mer, he said Tuition will be charged nonresident pupils. A i wii m Fc dia pro me ho the A P the P f C ft The did B prir ing the btr cei ms the each Ad ing r thor t t Koenig mary e to offic ing. 11 oeA4fQ- te. fce+i jjiti Itsvouxfh 7 ecUnical

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bex!Ucatio-+i The senior class of ' 44 wishes to dedi¬ cate this annual to a genial man who possesses many rare qualities, not the least of which are his administra¬ tive efficiency, his understanding of student problems, and his great initi¬ ative in launching a vital training program. To our principal, Mr. Frasier, we are deeply indebted for the rejuvenation of West High. Through his efforts our school has gained eminence and widespread recognition.

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ScesteA 04 t the flak Opportunity for specialized training in many areas is available at West Tech. Part of the thrill of being a West Tech student comes from the challenge to learn through practice and experience. Perhaps that is why students find West Tech different from other schools. Actual classroom scenes on these pages show equipment and student-activity in a few of the many departments. ☆ ☆ ☆ Aviation Mechanics