Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

Page 31 text:

Industrial Arts Physical Education Upper Left MESSRS. SWINNEY, Mc-CAKTY. AND WAGNER; MISS GRACEN Upper Right MISS HEAR Rower Left INDUSTRIAL ARTS CLASS Lower Right GIRLS PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS Two courses of Industrial Arts taught by Mr. Wagner are offered to those students who are interested in woodworking and mechanical drawing. Industrial Arts I, an elective course generally for freshmen, consists of twelve weeks of mechanical drawing and twenty-four weeks of handworking and finishing. The second course, also elective, consists of two semesters of machine woodworking, upholstering and finishing. Industrial Arts will prove profitable as a means of learning basic operations in handling woodworking supplies, tools, and machines. Through the course students learn the appreciation of good workmanship and design, besides related information of a cultural nature. Every student has an opportunity to take part in some type of physical exercise. Those who are physically unfit for such activities are excused by a written excuse from their doctor. Boys who take part in athletics receive their exercise in that manner. The girls’ classes are supervised by Miss Cocking, and the boys’ by Mr. McCarty. There are two class periods every week devoted to the purpose of creating activity for the group as a whole. Different activities are scheduled according to the seasons of the school year. Some of these are basketball, volley ball, paddle badminton, and calisthenics. Besides physical exercises, health articles and habits are discussed. Cleanliness is stressed, and one requirement is that each student take a good shower before leaving the class.

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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.

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Music MISS RICKARD MR. FREDERICK Our Glee Clubs, while recreational in a sense, set as their goal the covering of a wide variety of song from Palestrina to Rudolph Friml. In the literature both sacred and secular compositions are studied. Together with the cultivation of the voice, the acquiring of an appreciation for songs of the past and present is the chief aim of this course. Tryouts are held in the fall of each year to determine the range of the voices of those interested in belonging to this organization. The Girls’ Glee Club meets twice a week—on Monday and Thursday. The Boys’ Glee Club also meets twice a week, but on Tuesday and Thursday. A mixed chorus, which was just instituted this year, meets but once a week— on Friday. Glee Club members have the opportunity of appearing before the public several times during the course of the year. Usually in March, we present a musicale; in the spring, we enter in contests various groups, as well as soloists. We also give a few selections for Commencement programs and Baccalaureate services. Inestimable value is to be found in vocal training. In each meeting we are trained in scales, exercises, and drills, as well as in sight-reading and practicing songs already studied. One half credit a year is given for this work. For four years two credits or one unit is given. Miss Louise Rickard was our instructor the first semester, but she resigned in December. Mrs. Helen Gutheil has capably taken her place.