Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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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.

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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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Commerce MISS GRACEN MISS COCKING MR. BIDNER The commercial department of our high school offers subjects with both vocational and college preparatory objectives. In this department we offer bookkeeping, commercial arithmetic, commercial law, a beginning and advanced class in shorthand, and straight type. The two years of shorthand and typing include transcription practice. The main aims of this department are to prepare students for positions in nearby offices, and to give those who are planning further business training drill in the fundamentals of business. Business students, by learning the fundamentals in high school, shorten very materially their time at business college. Many college preparatory students select one or more of these courses, such as bookkeeping, straight type, or stenography, as they feel that such courses may prove useful in the future. Miss Gracen teaches bookkeeping and shorthand. She states that the commercial department has more calls for good office workers than it can supply. Miss Cocking, our teacher of typing, commercial law, and commercial arithmetic, requires that collegiate standards of speed and accuracy be met. A student cannot be recommended for an office position unless he has average or better grades and other desirable traits, such as cooperation, neat personal appearance, and a desirable personality. We know of no better course for a student to take if he aspires to a position in the commercial world or if he intends to take college commercial training.