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

Page 14 text:

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

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 15 text:

TORCH Mrs. Mary B. Cady, A.B. Margaret Collins Vera M. Range Frederick I. Leverich, AB. Rena Rockwell. A.M. Anna C. Maclnerney Kathleen B. Miller, Ph.R. Esther A. McGowan, A.B. Helen Schermerhorn Mary C. Mitchell, Secretary HISTORY AND COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENTS This staff of teachers is responsible for the excellent rating' given to Academy history students. Their subjects include ancient, modern, and American history. A thorough study of these subjects is most essential to every high school student. The department has tried several interesting experiments to make the subjects more appealing. ln ancient history classes, the pupils make soap models , 7 of the prominent figures and noted architecture of famous times. This proves interesting as well as educational. On Armistice Day, the history group was in charge of a pa- triotic assembly, memorable for its speeches and recitations. The Commercial Department offers two years work, at the com- letion of which students desiring to continue transfer to the South- ? . . . .ff . . side. The subjects given include economic geography, commercial arithmetic, textiles, advertising, salesmanship, and business writing. Few schools offer textiles and advertising. On account of the great demand for business writing, Mr. Thaddeus Emblen, director of I I - W n n u s writing ln the Elmlra school system, 1s personally conductlng a class in enmanshi . In Januar . a new course. Hlntroduction to Rusi- , i P P , . Y . nessf, was added. This subject gives a general background for the whole commercial course. REM' HOCKWEU' History Dept. I932 15