Jefferson High School - Spectrum Yearbook (Portland, OR)

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English The English courses taught at Jefferson are many and varied. The four years required of the students leave them with the ability to use. understand, and appreciate the English language. Included in the work is a general study of spelling, vocabulary, and grammatical usage. Then comes a comprehensive study of poems, plays, and short stories. The sixth termer may choose to take debating, under Mrs. Levan, instead of the regular work, and may forecast advanced debating for his seventh term. For graduating seniors needing extra drill in fundamentals there is a special class which includes more spelling and grammar than the usual course. Freshmen are required to take one term of oral English under Miss Nina Great- house. who gives them primary training in public speaking and platform work. Miss Greathouse also teaches dramatics, giving more advanced work in voice training, expression, and gesture. From these classes the cast of the senior class play is usually chosen. Those teaching English courses are Miss Pauline Beck, Miss Helen Boyle, Mrs. Edith Charlston, Mr. R. L. Edwards, Miss Sadie Ettelson. Miss Mary Elder, Miss Nina Greathouse, Mrs. Louise Grondahl, Mr. F. R. Hay. Miss Elma Kimbrell. Miss Dolores Leavens, Mrs. Lenora Levan, Mr. C. E. Oliver, Miss Esther Olsen, Miss Elizabeth Parker, Miss Almeda Poyneer, Mr. Laurence Pratt, Miss Ruth Pringle, Miss Martha Shull, Mr. Homer Sibley, and Mrs. Margaret Smith. 10

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History The main objective of the history department is to inform the students of life of the world. Ancient and medieval history is a background for the present day history. The discussion of current events brings to the students the conditions and problems of our rapidly moving world: panels create the desire to debate assigned subjects. Civics and sociology prove to the student his duties to his country and the world. Pacific Rim is the study of those countries in the Pacific region, a region which will be remembered as a major battlefield. Each term the students of this class attend an Oriental dinner. The Portland business men and women have volunteered to act as Dutch Uncles to all students of Portland high schools. A Dutch Uncle is a man or woman who grants the students an interview in the field of work in which he is particularly interested. Mr. Jones, a former Jefferson teacher, visits our school twice a month and talks to the history eight classes about applying for different positions. Pamphlets, outlining the opportunities and necessary qualifications for seeking employment in Portland's industries, are given to the students. The history teachers for the year have been Mr. Dean Anderson. Miss Doris Euler, Miss Jessie Fariss, Miss Mary Gray, Mrs. Louise Grondahl, Mr. F. R. Hay. Miss Ella Karnopp, Mrs. Mildred Mitchel, Mr. C. E. Oliver, Mr. John Purcell, Miss Helen Sedgwick, Mrs. Edith Staheli, and Miss Edith Watt. 9

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Radio Although the radio industry is still in its infancy, it is a well-proven fact that radio will play a great part in our communications system in the future. The radio class here at Jefferson was organized in 1941, and is now under the supervision of Mrs. Edith Charlston. In this course students learn the arts of broadcasting, script writing, and adapting short stories for radio, and the necessary qualifications for different types of radio work. During the term, many programs have been presented over station KBPS as well as stations KOIN and KGW. One of the outstanding productions of the year was the presentation of Nathan Hale. A recording of this program was made in order that other schools might hear the accomplishments of Jefferson's radio class. Library Through the supervision of Miss Ruth Hall and the assistance of Miss Helen Crowley the library is one of the school's greatest assets. The students may use the library for reference work in all subjects and for recreational reading. Miss Hall is always willing to assist the students and teachers in finding their needed reference work. Under the direction of the library force, the Library Guild was organized for the purpose of furthering interest in books. The members have literary discussions, hold quiz programs, and select a book each week for the guidance of students interested in reading the newest and most stimulating books.