Hobart Senior High School - Memories Yearbook (Hobart, IN)

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he taught to interpret the expression of others. Certain applications of these principles are recognized in the amount of supplementary read- ing required and the dramatic work done in the daily reading lessons; also, in the amount of time devoted to the study of the phonetic value of letters. This phonetic work begins when the child enters school and is continued with increasing independence on the part of the pupil. However, to accomplish the greatest good, the teachers believe that the study of the child is of prime importance and the subject the child studies is secondary. Teachers endeavor to see the subject from the standpoint of the child and they place the work on the child’s mental horizon. Departmental Work. In the upper grades and in the high school the work is arranged on the departmental plan. The chief advantages derived from this plan are that the child comes in daily contact with teachers differing in temperament and personality and each subject is given its due atten- tion. The plan also insures uniform interest and efficiency in the pres- entation of such subjects as penmanship, drawing and music. Like- wise other subjects are developed in a more systematic manner and time and energy are saved that would be needlessly wasted if an entire change of teachers accompanied each promotion. Auditorium. One of the most interesting features of the new high school build- ing and one which is most highly prized by the community is the audi- torium. This room has excellent provision for light either night or day. The heating and ventilation are perfect. An audience of nearly five hundred can be safely seated. No school seats have been placed in this room, but instead are comfortable opera chairs. The stage and its artistic equipment of scenes and property awaken expressions of admiration and surprise on the part of every visitor. Aside from the school work, many social and municipal functions are held here, and our citizens are coming to recognize that a school building may become an educational and economic and cultural factor beyond the daily les- sons and exercises of the school children. The auditorium serves the school in many ways. Besides the study of music and public speak- ing, the pupils frequently assemble here for talks and debates. A lyceum course is maintained and every year two plays ai ' e given by the pupils of the high school; also, many entertainments by the grades. Here is the best possible accommodation for the annual high school oratorical contest, the class day exercises, and the commencement. Dramatic Work. For a number of years the school has been interested in dramatic work. Besides popular plays by the pupils in general, the class plays 31

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d a THE HOBART SCHOOLS. A Centralized System. UNIQUE feature of the Hobart Township school system is that there is not a country school remaining. Consolidation was begun here more than fifteen years ago and the results of that movement were so satisfactory that now wagons bring all the school children within a territory of seventeen square miles to the central township school in Hobart. In this centralized school there are sixteen teachers besides the superintendent having charge of some four hundred fifty children. Eleven teachers are required in the grade work and the others are in the high school department. At the beginning of this movement five teachers were employed in the grades and two in the high school, but the country schools then maintained required five other grade teachers and no special work could be done in any of the schools. Fourteen years ago the high school was commissioned. Since then the school lias not only kept pace with the changing standard but has gone far beyond the requirements of the State Board of Education. Some of the elective studies maintained are, a year and a half of phonography; a year of typewriting; four years of German; two years each of manual training, free-hand drawing and mechanical drawing; and four years of vocal music. In addition there are classes in hook- keeping, civics, physical geography, commercial arithmetic, American history, and physiology. The required subjects are, three years of mathematics, four years of English, three years of science, two years of history, and four years of Latin or German. The science department is especially strong. The equipment for botany, chemistry, and phys- ics is scarcely equalled in any other high school having twice the num- ber of pupils. Nothing is lacking in apparatus, convenience, or sup- plies. One feature is a powerful projectoscope which is used both in the auditorium and in the laboratory. The facilities for work in the laboratory are of prime consideration and a great majority of the boys, and girls, too, rather than avoid any of the science work, elect the course complete. This condition has been brought about within the last few years. Two principles which the teachers keep constantly in mind are, (1) that each child must be led to express himself, and (2) that he must 30 Advantages. Methods and Ideals. f= =0

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7 £ Q= given by the seniors have attracted wide attention. The high standard of these plays approaches collegiate work and thus they are believed to have an uplifting effect in the development of power and character. Among the plays given in recent years are “The Princess,” “As You Like It,” “Queen Esther,” “The Captain of Plymouth,” and “The Miser of Raveloe.” These have been given with appropriate stage settings and complete costumes. Dramatic work awakens anticipa- tions of delight in the undergraduates and nourishes pleasant memories in the alumni. The Aurora. Besides the oratorical, dramatic, and other literary work already mentioned, each senior class for the past six years has had charge of the preparation and publication of the “Aurora,” the high school annual. The literary and artistic qualities of this publication are praised by all friends of education in the community. In this hook is some tangible evidence of potential energy and an earnest of greater unseen development. The Gymnasium. Since the erection of the new building the hoys and girls of the high school especially, but of the grades also, have had the advantages of the gymnasium. This room is 38x63 feet and has a gallery with comfortable seats for nearly two hundred spectators. The gymnasium is used bv the high school pupils and often by other young people of the town during the winter evenings chiefly for basket ball, but during the day children of the grades have various drills and games that furnish recreation and training when no outside play is possible. Con- nected with the gymnasium are two dressing rooms, one for the girls and one for boys. In each of these rooms are both hot and cold water and perfect facilities for shower bathing. Physical development and good health are set above mere amusement. Medical Inspection. A year ago, in compliance with the provisions of the state law, the trustee employed a physician to examine the children and give advice to both teachers and parents when help is needed. In this examination there is an effort made to solve the problem of the relation of the child’s intellectual development and his physical condition. Besides the annual inspection the physician is also in attendance in special cases on the call of the superintendent. A complete record of each examina- tion is kept in the superintendent’s office. Grounds. The location of the school building from the standpoint of con- venience and sanitation is ideal. It is near the center of population, 32 ) G