Magnificat High School - Magnifier Yearbook (Rocky River, OH)

Page 87 text:

In the language lab, Mrs. Gerrity helps sophomore Cathy Nieberding and freshman Julie Lesko. One of the many uses of the language lab was to get help from the language teachers. Photo by T. Pietromica. In the writing lab, located by the teachers carrels, Sr. Mary Patricia helps freshman Cathy Patton. The writing lab was a place to get help in reading or writing. Photo by M. Probst. LABS 83

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Wanted: Lab assistant (continued from page 81) as well as in the math lab and in the new computer corner in the R.C. The lab is open to any student for work in classes such as English, art, and, of course, the computer classes. The num¬ ber of uses for the computer is limited only by the student’s imagination. Writing is a major part of ev¬ ery class. A good writing ability is needed for essays, term pa¬ pers, re¬ ports, home¬ work, and even job applications. Though it looks small and inconspicuous, the writing lab is an important learning center. Open sixty out of the eighty mods in a week, the lab helps students in reading, writing, and vocabulary. Teachers provide specialized books and tapes in the area in which the student has trouble. The writing lab is useful for every subject, from science to government, as well as for all the English courses. Students who venture into the language lab in the R.C. discover it is a world in itself, with maga¬ zines and newspapers from French and Spanish-speaking countries. The language lab is the center for many activities involv¬ ing students in foreign language classes, such as skit practices and club meetings. The lab provides a place to study, take tests, or just read about foreign lands. Geometry teacher Mrs. Schumacher put it best when she said with all the help available, it is up to the student to ask. @ —Donna Zelesnik With a smile and a deep sigh of sat¬ isfaction, Karen Marquardt ’84 sits back and relaxes. All the hard work finally paid-off when she realized her program ran without a flaw. Photo by T. Pietromica. “I found that teachers really are there to help and don’t get upset if you ask questions.” — Tracy Radican ’87 While studying geometry, Denise Dorenkott ’86, enjoys the heated math lab. Though one wouldn’t find flowers or coconuts, the math lab was known for its tropical heat spells. Photo by M. Probst. In the land down under, junior Kim Brandt, faithfully accompanied by her calculator, takes a math test. The math lab was used for making up tests as well as meeting with teachers. Photo by M. Probst. 82 LABS

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For a mad scientist, a chemistry lab might turn into an explosive situa¬ tion but for sophomore Michelle Lamb it is routine. Labs gave stu¬ dents the opportunity to put their many hours of studying into use. Photo by T. Pietromica. An Honors Geometry class sets the scene as sophomore Patty Pahl tries to find the area of a square in¬ scribed in a circle. The Honors Ge¬ ometry class was a sequel to Honors Algebra freshman year. Photo by Dawn Tarka. Honors classes A mind-expanding experience! She has a permanent carrel in the R.C. furnished to her decorating tastes where she spends all her free time, including lunch mods, essentially a home-away- from-home. She sits pol¬ ishing her lat¬ est assign¬ ment to per¬ fection. This exaggerated illustration of an honors student triggers ques¬ tions in the minds of many. Why do students submit themselves to such rigorous classes? Are they truly worth the effort? Students have several reasons for being in the honors college preparatory program. “I took honors courses because 1 felt that it was an opportunity for challenge, a chance to go into more depth in certain subjects,” explains junior Catherine Kreiser. The honors program is very fulfilling for some students. “I think an honors class is worthwhile because it motivates me to work harder. It also gives me a sense of satisfaction because I have done my best,” she continues. Magnificat’s honors courses not only develop good study habits but also foster analytical thinking because of the depth at which the subject is taken. New addi¬ tions such as Advanced Place¬ ment French, AP Spanish and honors computer math offer a challenge to the student and the opportunity to test her potential. The honors program prepares students to take the advanced placement examinations in areas such as literature, foreign lan¬ guage, math and science. Accord¬ ing to Mr. David Stoffer, senior guidance counselor, “Eighty-five percent of the seniors who took the 1983 examinations received a three or better, the accepted grade for advanced placement.” A ranking of three enabled a student to receive college credit or exemption from a particular class. Courses in the honors program are not sim¬ ply academi¬ cally more difficult ver¬ sions of their regular coun¬ terparts. Hon¬ ors students may begin an honors program in the ninth grade with math by taking honors algebra, for example, which cul¬ minates with calculus in senior year. States Sr. Helen Jean Novy, director of curriculum, “Honors challenges are also presented as semester college courses, such as Chemistry II and Biology II. An¬ nually, every course at Magnificat is evaluated by the appropriate department in light of student needs and readiness, and depart¬ mental goals. An option for hon¬ ors is not just a choice for the present; it is an investment for the future.”® —Joy Gorecki “Honors classes are worthwhile as long as the student realizes the time and effort that must be put forth in order to make the most of her learning.” — Sara Schoek ’84 84 HONORS CLASSES