Medina High School - Mirror Yearbook (Medina, NY)

Page 15 text:

MATHEMATICS To develop clear thinking and accur- acy junior High mathematics, element- ary algebra, plane geometry, intermediate algebra, advanced algebra, solid geo- metry, and trigonometry are offered by this department. Pupils in the advanced math courses did field work using the transit and the bubble sextant. The seventh and eighth grade math students made a floor plan of their classroom, visited the Medina Trust Co., and drew up a budget. SCIENCE Teachers of biology, chemistry, phys- ics, general science, and health have applied direct experience as an incentive to learning this year. A half day was spent in the Medina Memorial Hospital Lab as a follow-up of the study of bac- teriology. Field trips were made to a dairy, a bakery, a meat market, and the Buffalo Museum of Science. Individual projects were also carried out to develop keen observation in the students. FCREIGN LANGUAGES French classes subscribed to a French newspaper, La jeunessen and, in con- nection with their studies, wrote letters to French correspondents, held a French banquet, and participated in a national contest sponsored by the Association of French Teachers .... In order to clarify ancient customs a Roman banquet was prepared by the Latin students, whose study consists mainly of translating Latin classics and in studying mythology and Roman customs. Mrs. Martin explains a mathematical theorem to Robert Adams and other members of one of her geometry classes. The present interest of the biology class seems to be the study of various types of bacteria. French II pupils read their monthly newspaper, La jeunessef' while Miss DeLand explains constructions.

Page 14 text:

CLASSES In Business English class janet Stork applies for a position with Donald White acting as prospective employer. A junior High School student reads her composition to the other members of Mr. Needham's English class. American History students discuss the part the United States played in the recent global conflict. ENGLISH, JOURNALISM Reading of both classical and modern literature, dramatization of plays, the study of applied grammar, practice in parliamentary procedure, and the writ- ing of compositions featured the basic curriculum this year. Additionally, sup- plementary assignments were made from the Readerls Digest. The Business English group made a survey of business correspondence in local industries, the journalism class studied newspapers, and for practice prepared the M. H. S. News. SPEECH, AUDIO- VISUAL EDUCATION Although no regular class was taught, speech techniques were emphasized, and practice was offered by participation in assembly programs. In Vocational Eng- lish classes, pupils studied units particu- larly adapted for practical use. In addi- tion to the regular work eighth grade groups made a study of newspapers, and ninth graders wrote letters to the heads of various industries they had visited. Films were used to clarify the work of all classes. SOCIAL STUDIES The Social Studies Department at- tempts to create closer relations between history and other subjects. This year, the ninth grade visited several industrial plants in Medina. Upon completion of these tours, the trip was discussed in class to bring out the essential points of the industry visited. Maps, visual aids, and current events literature helped to teach ninth grade social studies, Ameri- can history, world history, and problems of democracy, the subjects offered in this department.

Page 16 text:

Secretarial practice students type copy every Thursday for L' the weekly newspaper, The M. H. S. News. Miss billmeister advises senior students on suitable reference hooks for social studies and English. B.ku--. Redecorating furniture is only one of the practical jobs undertaken hy the homemaking classes. THE LIBRARIES The libraries attempt to promote read- ing by buying new books and preparing bulletin board displays, book displays, and school newspaper publicity. Seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students have been given special instruction in library techniques. This year, a suggestion box was placed in the School Library to enable students to voice their opinions as to books they desire. As a result, some books were purchased that otherwise would not have been bought. BUSINESS This year's pupils in business have worked in local business establishments to gain vital experience. These students will become the secretaries, business managers, salesladies, and bookkeepers of their time. Classes in retailing, in addition to studying the principles of selling, made field trips to Hengerer's in Buffalo and Sibley's in Rochester, as well as to local retail firms. Groups have also prepared window displays in their own classroom and in a retail store downtown. HOMEMAKING The new homemaking curriculum strives to be of more help and use to the pupil by meeting the individual's needs. Stress has been on family relationship rather than on cooking and sewing. This year the students refinished furni- ture and made draperies, curtains, and simple garments. Their parents were entertained at lunch, occasions when the students utilized the information they had learned about food preparation, service, and table setting.