Medina High School - Mirror Yearbook (Medina, NY)

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FOREIGN LANGUAGES g Miss Dahlquist discusses language problems with a student. BUSINESS ' 'iz 6 A y . i', 1 if ix .. . y VI., if 5 :,: A W Ruth E. DeLand, Mabel E. Dahlquist A.B., A.M. Latin Bus. Arithmetic A.B., A.M. French, English Skills in reading and understanding the foreign languages are developed in the French and the Latin classes. French students read plays, novels, and short stories in French. Pupils have correspondents in France and send boxes of food and clothing to needy French people. Special French days are held to raise money for this cause. The newspaper La Vie is read in French II. Latin classes study word derivation and read mythology, in addition to translating Latin classics such as Cicero's Orationsi' and i'Caesar's Gallic Wars. Pupils read the Latin newspaper, Res Gestaef' To make clear ancient customs, a Roman banquet was held for all Latin students, and a full length movie with a classical background was shown. Additionally, students listened to recordings of translations of Greek and Roman orators along with those of American speakers. Courses in introduction to business, bookkeeping, accounting, commercial law, typewriting, shorthand, and retailing are offered to students by the Business Department. Through these subjects the depart- ment strives to develop initiative, precision, re- sourcefulness, and efficient business management in the pupil. This is done by building skills by which the student may work independently at his own rate to the best of his ability. The retailing course is supplemented by actual work in community stores, which teaches the pupils cooperation both with customers and with fellow employees. The secretarial practice class types the copy for the weekly newspaper, The M.H.S. Newsf' and for the school yearbook, The Mirrorf, It performs business services for other departments as well. Retailing students examine display advertisements in the daily Laura E- EHgClS0I1 MiCl'laCl Walko Olga L- Hillckley paper. A.B., A.M. B.S., M.S. B.S. x Business Subjects Business Subjects Retailing 10 Guidance

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MATHEMATICS Laura C. King Melvin H. Miller A.B., A.M. Mathematics Mathematics Clear thinking, accuracy, and precision are the aims of the Mathematics Department. Courses in elementary algebra, plane and solid geometry, inter- mediate algebra, trigonometry and ,lunior High mathematics are offered. Carefully graded problems in these subjects are sufficiently difhcult to challenge the ability of the pupil but not hard enough to cause discouragement. In higher mathematics classes, the use of the slide rule and the sextant are taught. This department stresses the importance of in- formation, principles, relationships, and computa- tion, since these are used in thinking and arriving at conclusions. By emphasizing mathematics in relation to life experience also, the development of the individual is brought about. In the study of processes pupils are taught accuracy and sound thinking, the habit of concentration, and the ability to analyze situations. To develop openmindedness and keen observa- tion in the student is the aim of the Science Depart- ment. Courses in general science,biology,chemistry, and physics are offered to accomplish this purpose. Through experiments, demonstrations, explana- tions, and discussions the pupils become acquainted with the whys and wherefores of the various phases of science. Films are also used to emphasize and supplement textbook work. Adaptation to the post- war period is stressed by wide discussion of the future importance and possibilities of atomic energy. A new feature in the department is the opportunity to earn one half of the required unit of health in the ninth year general science course. This study in- cludes vital functions of the body, nutrition, safety, first aid, and hygiene. The principal aim is to impart information relative to health behavior. David Blasdell Ermie M. B.S. Boardman, HS. Science General Science Future mathematicians pause a few moments in their classroom routine. SCIENCE Miss Boardman conducts an experiment for the benefit of her general science class. 9

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MUSIC R. Belle Cooper Edwin R. Feller, June Simpson, B.S. Vocal lllusic B.M., M.A. in Ed. Junior High Instrumental School Iilusic Music By participation in the activities of the Music Depart- ment the student has the opportunity of expressing him- self through the medium of an instrument or his voice. Medina musical organizations include the Senior and the Junior Bands, the Orchestra, the Dance Band, the String Ensemble, and the A Capella Choir. Also offered are the rudiments of music, harmony, and ear training. 'Ihe main event of the year was the New York State Music Association All-State Sectional Festival., held at Medina in November. Two hundred and eighty-seven students from thirty-five schools in Western New York participated. Sixteen Medina High School music pupils were chosen to take part in the program. Representatives of this department participated also in assemblies, sports activities, plays, and the lndustrial Exhibition. I Pupils in Rudiments of Music write a new musical score. THE LIBRARIES The use of the library has been given special considera- tion in English and social studies classes. A get ac- quaintedi' lesson was presented to the new seventh graders, followed by instructions on how to find certain kinds of books. Eighth grade students have been taught arrangement of books in the library, the use of the card catalog and other reference tools. In the upper grades social studies classes have had spe- cial instruction in how to find materials needed for their particular work. Pupils seeking interesting books for their supplementary reading for English classes have been of- fered helpful sug estions. Members of theiibrary Club have assisted the librarians in preparing books for circulation and in performing lib- rary housekeeping duties. Helen Cillmeister Flora Webb, A.B. A.B., B.S. Lee-Whedon School Library Library 1 Quiet reigns many hours. 11 in the School Library, where some students spend