Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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Home Economics Miss Piper is in charge of the home economics department. The freshmen take clothing as a prerequisite to cooking their sophomore year, but both clothing and foods are selective courses and may be taken by juniors and seniors, too. Double periods are devoted to both. In clothing, girls learn how to plan and select clothes that suit their type, as well as make the garments. The principles of constructions and tailoring are taught. This year the girls helped to sponsor a commercial style show by Simplicity Pattern Company with Betty Shaw as educational stylist. In foods class the girls are divided into families. Each group plans, prepares and serves an entire menu during the laboratory periods. An extensive study of how food affects health forms a basis for meal planning. Special activities such as a Christmas Tea for Home Economics mothers, a buffet luncheon, a Valentine Tea, French Dinner, informal dinner, an Athletic Banquet, and the F. F. A. banquet are features of the year.

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Languages FRENCH Two years of French are offered, namely, for the juniors and seniors. With a Latin background, the study of French is simplified; however, Latin is not a prerequisite for French. Instruction is given in the fundamentals of the language so that the student can read, write, and speak it with some degree of skill. These two years can also form a valuable foundation for college or university language work. Constantly, new words are added to our English vocabulary, and the vast majority of them originate in the Latin and French languages. Thus, through the study of these languages, our working vocabulary is greatly enriched. Language study exercises the memory; consequently, it is recognized as excellent mental discipline. Language study offers the opportunity to acquire such abilities as accuracy, skill, and careful attention to details. Most of the class work is carried on in French because speaking and understanding a modern language constitutes our primary aim. In addition to the text and readers, French newspapers increase comprehensive ability. During the second semester this year, an electric phonograph in the classroom made it possible to conduct a careful study of the pronunciation and intonation of French phoneticians. We also had a taste of French folk music. It is hoped that later we may add a recorder to our equipment so that the students can make records of their voices in order to discover and correct their speech errors. In April, a dinner in true French style was served by the Home Economics class for the students in the French classes. At this time a sound movie film of Paris was shown. Songs and games added to our imaginary French environment. LATIN The two years of Latin offered at Paxton High are usually taken during the freshman and sophomore years. Latin I is a course teaching the fundamentals of Latin grammar and pronunciation. The first semester of Latin II is also spent in a study of grammar and preparatory translation. During the last semester, the course consists of translating “Caesar’s Commentaries.” “Will it be to my advantage to study Latin?” This question must be answered annually by thousands of high school freshmen. Some arrive at a decision which is actually no more than a blind stab in the dark; others approach the problem in a very common-sense manner. Answering one question with another, those who are prepared to advise usually ask, “What do you plan to do?” If you want to follow certain professions, then by all means take Latin. These certain professions will always include medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, and teaching. Although true, this is not inclusive enough. One of the most practical values of a study of Latin is too often overlooked—its aid in the everyday use of our own American speech. For everyone will have need of this, whatever his profession. Probably no other study gives the wide vocabulary and polished grammar which comes with a knowledge of Latin.

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Science One of the two majors necessary to graduate may be obtained by taking three years of science, or one other science in addition to the two sciences which are required. It is suggested that those going to college take all four years offered. General science, taught by both Mr. Judd and Miss Piper, is a required subject for all freshmen. In this class they become acquainted with different sciences. Perhaps most important of all, they learn how to think and their power of reasoning is developed. They enlarge their vocabulary and learn how to express themselves more clearly. Some time is also devoted to safety first. Biology is a science taken by many sophomores, although it is not required. The animal and plant kingdoms are studied and power of observation developed. Dissections of animals help the understanding of animal development. Field trips are made in the fall and spring to study and recognize trees, shrubs and wild flowers of the local vicinity. Chemistry is a science offered to either juniors or seniors. All those who are planning to advance into the field of medicine or engineering should take this subject. Mr. Judd presents the course with a twofold purpose; college preparatory and practical knowledge. In physics an effort is made to give each student an understanding of the fundamental principles of heat, light, sound, and electricity. The subject thus becomes a basis for the explanation of everyday happenings such as friction and refrigeration. It is a senior subject.