Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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Agriculture Agriculture is a vocational subject giving boys who are interested in farming or related fields opportunities of an unlimited nature. In addition to class work, each boy applies the material he learns to one or more home supervised projects. First year agriculture students are enrolled in the Animal Husbandry course. Here they learn about the care of farm animals. Second year agriculture students study soils and crops—their structure and usage. In the junior and senior years we alternate Farm Management and Farm Mechanics. Boys must have had at least one agricultural course before they are allowed to take Farm Mechanics. They study farm shop enterprises, learn to construct simple buildings, and do other farm jobs. We stress the importance of construction for boys’ projects in this course. Farm Management takes up the study of records and better management of farming. Farm bookkeeping is studied as a part of the course. Each boy must carry one or more home supervised projects, which are diversified as much as possible. One third of the credit for the year’s work depends on this particular experience, and no credit is given until the project is completed. For outstanding work in projects one fourth credit, in addition to the regular Agriculture credit, is given. A boy can gain extra credit toward graduation in this manner. Boys can get the same type of competitive training as in other branches of school activities by entering their products in vocational and state fairs. Judging teams compete at the state contests each year, and letters are given to boys who are in the upper one fourth in these contests. Mr. Bidner, our instructor, believes that the boy who takes a full course in Agriculture should have a good background for any related farm undertaking.

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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.

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Mathematics Algebra is a required course for all freshmen, and plane geometry for all sophomores. It is generally conceded that any student who plans to go to college should take advanced mathematics. This is an elective course for either juniors or seniors. A major may be acquired by taking three years of mathematics. The first year of algebra, taught by Mr. McCarty, consists of the fundamental principles which have significant application in everyday life. Plane geometry, taught by Miss Gracen and Mr. Wagner, includes constructing and solving diagrams of a plane surface nature, and provides for practical application in numerous vocations. Advanced mathematics, taught by Mr. Swinney, includes one semester’s study of advanced algebra and the remaining semester of solid geometry. Emphasis is placed on arriving at definite conclusions through logical thinking and analyzing of problems. History There are four courses of history offered from which a student may obtain his two units that are required. All classes are taught by Miss Bear. A general history is recommended for the junior year, and American history the senior year. If a student wishes to major in history by taking three years, he would take Ancient History the sophomore year and Modern European History the junior year. American history, which includes six weeks study of Civics, is required for graduation. One day a week in each course, current events are studied from the newspapers and magazines in the school library. Discussions in these classes help to lay a foundation for good citizenship. Many modern problems are easily understood through the events of the past. As historical names, places and events are constantly referred to, history has a cultural as well as a social value.