East High School - Quill Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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Basic Organization In Writing Skills A presentation of literary criticism is given by Mrs. Rieck in English class. To be able to read and comprehend that reading is of importance in a world in which news happens every day. Of importance outside school is the ability to express oneself in a clear and organized manner, and this comes from assigned work in the classroom. Basic organization in themes, and unity between para- graphs within the themes is practiced; students are then able to take command of a topic and present it clearly to others. The Past Pauses For The Present In compliance with the proverb that history repeats itself, East prepares us to understand world events by requiring three years of social science for each student. These three years give us World History as sopho- mores, American History as juniors, and American Problems and Economics as seniors. Also offered at East this year for the first time is the Latin American History course for seniors. Combined, these courses provide a sound basis for better participation in our democracy. Mr. Tannatt American Hit ies a point brought up in a discussion in —13—

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Student Participation In Discovery The study of biology, concerned with the phenom- ena of the life and growth of plants and animals, involves as its highlight the dissection of worms and crayfish. Chemistry covers the composition of sub- stances and the transformations which they undergo. Students are able to make these observations when they go in the lab and conduct experiments on their own. Physics is directed in the same manner. Through labwork, students are able to carry on experiments and observe the outcome. Under Mr. Sloan ' s direction, Mary Berjrstr::m gets a closer look at some bacteria. Preparing For A Space-Age Future Space travel, engineering developments, and tech- nical advancements make math an indispensable course. To keep pace with these discoveries, courses are offered which give the student a basic understand- ing of probability and prepare him for further study through courses such as trigonometry and college math. Also offered in the Math Department are first- and second-year algebra and geometry. If the future lies in these fields of discovery, then East is out front in readiness. Barbara Breuklander and Mr. Storer explain a math problem to the class with the aid of the over-head projector. — 12—

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The World Of Languages Foreign languages play an important part in the East High curriculum. Elective courses offered for two years or more, the languages include French, Ger- man, Latin, and Spanish. In these courses students learn about the customs of the country where the lan- guage originated, the history of the language, and how to speak the language. One of the devices used in learning to speak the language is the language lab. where students listen to tapes. Mr. Dolon shows students how to pro- nounce a vowel sound through the use of o tope recorder. Reading Skills Improved The Study Skills Center is designed to be helpful to students on all levels. The instructors work with various reading and study problems. They try to determine the students ' problems and help in correct- ing them. Included are phonics, vocabulary skills, and spelling. The student with the need to develop faster reading habits and better comprehension is aided. Individual and group instruction is provided. Mrs. Kuyper ond Mrs. Williams wotch os Dove Reinier uses the Automatic Spelling Unit. Energy Through Activity The major purpose of the Physical Education pro- gram is to develop skills and keep students physically fit. A variety of activities is stressed to find one en- joyed by everybody. Time in class is devoted to learn- ing basic skills and developing sportsmanship and leadership. Activities included in the gym classes are basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and rope jumping for girls; and basketball, trampoline, gymnastics, and wrestling for boys. In swimming, which all Sopho- mores are required to take, students not only are taught to swim but also are taught water safety. Mr. Bagdonos, gym instructor, is shown seated at his desk in the gym office.