Mabel Dean Bacon Vocational High School - Torch Yearbook (New York, NY)

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jlze .fgccwlemic elaarfmenf Although as a trade school we specialize in vocational training, the academic subiects have done much to make our graduates well-informed citizens and well-rounded personalities. The academic department has developed gradually. ln 1922, two hours of academic subiects were programmed for each girl in addition to her five hours of trade training daily. ln 1938, when Mrs. Cassidy became principal, the Dalton plan was dropped and Regents examinations introduced. Like other New York City vocational high schools, we now have a course of study that includes four years of English, three years of Social Studies and Health Education. ln History, we learn to understand the present in terms of the past. ln English, literature and good usage in speech and writing are stressed. We have remedial reading classes for those who need special help and honors classes for an enriched program. The present heads of the academic department are Miss Mary M. Bradley and Mrs. Ruth G. Minsky. At graduation, several awards are made to girls for distinguished academic work. The Carolyn H. Stern medal is given for the greatest progress in English, and the English Department medal is presented for the highest English average. The Social Studies cer- tificate is given tothe girl who has the highest average in Social Studies, while the Ameri- can History medal is given for the highest average in this subiect alone. The P.S.A.L. contributes a certificate through the Health Education department. There are also awards for character, athletic achievement, and good sportsmanship. We are as proud of our academic department as we are of the trade departments and grateful for the enrichment it has offered us! IO

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jk? WQBLJA j'6L6!Q6 mepdftment . Q 'vw v -fm' gf gm-. t imwl 1 we . .,., . . , ,- C - f 4... .. The development of modern industry gave rise to the need for vocational training for boys and girls. Our school, developed by Miss Grace Dodge and Mrs. Mary Schenck Woolman, was the first of its kind. Its earliest curriculum offered training in hand sewing, designing, lampshade making, millinery, and sample garments. In 1902, the Manhattan Trade School was founded as a private institution. ln 1910, this became part of the city Board of Education. The girls were tried out for a month, under factory conditions. lf successful, they were given further training and placed. Diplomas were not awarded until after three months satisfactory work in industry. When our school became part of the New York City Board of Education, the head of the Boston Trade School for Girls, Miss Florence Marshall, was its 'first principal. ln 1919 our present building was opened, known as Manhattan Trade School for Girls. Training in other trades and academic subiects was soon introduced. Credit for our school's position in the field of vocational education belongs :o Miss Dodge, Mrs. Woolman, Miss Marshall, Miss Violet Coen, who was for a time head of the trade department, to Miss Beatrice Ohayon, our present First Assistant in Needle Trades, and to Mrs. Mary Q. Cassidy, who has been our principal since 1938. From 1937 to 1948 our school was known as the Manhattan High School of Women's Garment Trades, and in January 1949 we received our present name in honor of Mrs. Rogers H. Bacon, an active worker in the field of education and welfare. At present, the Needle Trades department has twenty-seven teachers, and offers courses here and at our annex in custom dressmaking, ready to wear, special machine operating, trade millinery, novelty and artificial flower making. 12