Elmira Free Academy - Torch / Sagoyawatha Yearbook (Elmira, NY)

Page 13 text:

TORCH Emory Donelson. A.B. Anthony A. Schwcnkler. A.M. Dillon A. Cady, BS., Ph.ll. Katherine E. Youmans, AB. Irene Nl. Dunne, A.M. Sylvia V. Kotrha, BS. Silas F. Parry, A.B. Ada B. West Geraldine Sullivan, B. S. SCIENCE AND ART DEPARTMENTS Science classes are filled to overflowing this year. indicating that there is a marked increase in the number of students who wish tm learn something of the forces that surround us and of which we are made. Chemistry classes are especially popular. making it difficult to work in the laboratory. Those of us who are mechanically inclined are rounding into shape under the guidance of Miss Youmans, while the future artists and designers of the school are being trained successfully by Miss Sekol. Both branches ofthe Art Department are overcrowded, but the teachers are accomplishing Wonders under adverse conditions. The Art Department has been of special value to the Torch staff. The Home Economics Department offers a course which may n W he elected by any girl enrolled in the Academy. T The aims of this course are: first. to arouse in the individual girl an understanding of the importance of developing a greater appreciation of the mental. social, and spiritual sides of home and community lifeg second, to help the girl develop skill in manipu- lative processes, in reasoning, in judging. and in creating. which will aid her in adjusting herself to everyday living. This course is composed of seven units ol' study: l. Nutrition, meal preparation and sewing. 2. Selection, construction. and care of clothing. 3. Family relationships. 4. Selection and decoration of the home. 5. Household administration. ' 6. Child care and training. Dittoiv A. CAM 7. Home hygiene and home care of the sick. Science Dept. l932' s 13

Page 12 text:

TORCH I .lane M. Birchard, A.B. Mary K. Keane, A.B. Alice P. Scott. A.B. Mrs. Gladys C. Smith, A.B. Eda B. Stauterman, A.B. Kathryn L. Daly, A.B. Rachel M. Bowen, AB. Mrs. Jeanette P. Deuel, A.B. Grace E. Miller, A.B. Louise K. Gamble, Ph.M. M. Louise Godfrey, A.B. .lnhn E. Colgan, AB. ENGLISH DEPARTMENT The only change in the English Department this year has been the installation of new books. They are HPr0se and Poetryf, four volumes that contain all the literature used in class work. Whether or not they will be used another year is undecided. for the English Department expects a radical change in the State syllabus that will call for a broader study of classic literature. Special emphasis has been placed on the technical work this - year. For years the faculty has had many special clinics and it is with regret that they have not been able to give them this year. Such a change was occasioned by the transfer of several teachers to the Diven School. Although the English Department has not been in charge of a special assembly, the students wH0 demonstrated the work of the other departments were chosen for their proficiency in English. Since weekly oral work has been required, the development in the average student's ability to ei-Lpress himself and assimilate the essen- tials has been frequently noted in other classes. Special project work has been enjoyed by the students. One - A of the accom lishments, which has been on dis ala f in Room l4, is p . . . l l M. LOUISE GODFREY a model of the lists at Ashby in connection with the study of Head of Dept. ulvanhoef' Several prize essay contests have claimed the attention of the more advanced students. l932 12

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TORCH Mrs. Mary H. Steward, BS. Mrs. Celia N. Stott, AB. Harriet l. Wixon, A.B. Mrs. Margaret Guinane, AB. Helen E. Bowen. AB. Ruby S. Hopkins, AB. Mary D. Condon, B.S. Helen M. Hibbard, BS. MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT The Mathematics Department has held to a rather conservative course this past year. There have been few changes in its curriculum. However, simple trigonometry, dealing with the measurement of right triangles, has been taught in solid geometry and algebra classes. The object of this is to spread trigonometry, so that students not studying it may know something of its functions. There is no contemplation of abolishing the regular class in trigo- nometry. The major alteration in mathematics has been in the first year course. Starting in January, 1932, Freshmen students have been able to take a year of ulntroduetion to Business in place of ele- mentary algebra. This teaches the rudiments of business, and is designed to prepare students for later business courses. During the past few years the mathematics department has undergone a gradual modification in the form of its examination questions. These have tended to become less complicated and me- chanical, demanding deeper thought and reasoning. ln this manner the mathematics department has kept up with the times in methods of teaching. HELEN M. HIBBARD Head of Dept. l932 111