Plainfield High School - Milestone Yearbook (Plainfield, NJ)

Page 17 text:

PeRR TAPE LED Rt ENGLISH DEPARTMENT First Row: Ann C. Gebhard, Alice L. Egan, Dorothy S. Sturte- vant, Elizabeth H. Hageman, Florence Firth, Virginia Mixer, Elizabeth Sphar, Mary C. Van Cleef. Second Row: Robert W. Arthur, Spencer S. Steenrod, William J. Gimbel, Barbara H. Trought, Rita L. Kramer, George R. Strub, department head; Virginia Rasmussen, Norma J. Davis, John W. Simpson, Edgar J. Carney, James O, Berman. “By Their Words Ye Shall Know Them Reading, writing, speaking, and listening occupy most of the student's time in or out of school; therefore, it is essential to do these skills well. There is no better place to master the specific skills necessary to enable students to use acceptable grammatical forms, spell accurately, write legibly, and read with increased comprehension than in the English classes of Plainfield High School. Mr. Strub, as new head of the English Depart- ment, has upheld the standard of the department as the backbone of the science of education. He and the other English teachers have endeavored to teach pupils to organize their thinking, to follow instructions, to interpret directions accurately, to read current publications intelligently, to listen effectively and critically, and to speak pleasantly and clearly. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION—Miss Elizabeth Hage- man discusses a portion of a book with Ann Tierno, Edna Santangelo, and Carol Nittoli. WORDS OF WISDOM—Mr. George Strub's period one senior class listen attentively as he discusses their assignment.

Page 16 text:

: GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Left to right: John J. Sierge, placement counselor: Eugene Hubka, Jean Francis, vice-principal: Eleanor C. Henderson, Nellie P. Hastings, William V. Sette. A Road Map to the Future PLANNING FOR’ THE FUTURE — Mrs. Eleanor Henderson discusses the future with Barbara Welles, one of the many girls who come to her Office every day. 12 Even before we enter Plainfield High School, our counselors meet with us to help plan our four-year high school education. Not only do they plan a schedule which fits our abilities, but they also take our future plans and interests into consideration. After we have entered Plainfield High School, our counselors help us with any personal problems that might arise, in addition to any of our scholastic problems. College-bound students find that the Guidance Department is a most necessary element, helping the students to select colleges best suited to their special interests and abilities. The non-college students find it equally helpful in their special problems. The job of the Placement Counselor is to find part-time jobs for students and to help them find full-time jobs after gradu- ation. As a result of the combined efforts of the entire Guidance Office, the P.H.S. graduates find them- selves adequately prepared for the business world and colleges of their choice. WHICH COLLEGE FOR ME? — Counselor Eugene Hubka tries to help Bobby Marcus answer a most important future question.

Page 18 text:

HUMOR IN HISTORY CLASS—Mrs. Westpfahl's U. S.- P.A.D. students take a break from their hard routine with a laugh. HISTORY HUDDLE—Allan Maltby leads the discussion in Mr. Richard Pajewski's first period U. S. history class. SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Left to right: Judith S$. Henehan, Donald E. Day, Paul B. Chambers, Joseph E. Passarella, Michael J. Nittoli, Shirley P. Gilbert Young, Marcia T. Westpfahl, department head; George Hunter (front), Mary C. McAloon, Luther Gearhart, Florence J. Huettl (standing), Florence Firth, Henry H. Banta, and Margaret V, Smith. G. Ackerman, John A. McCurdy, Richard Pajewski. Standing: The Present Mirrors the Past Making a trip around the world is not something that many people have the opportunity of under- taking, but there is something almost as satisfying right here at Plainfield High School. Through the study of varying types of history and geography, a student finds it easy to imagine that he is living in ancient Egypt or trudging the battlefields of the two recent world wars. When it comes to studying the United Nations, the student does not find it necessary to imagine, for a yearly trip is conducted to the U. N. Film strips, movies, and outside speakers are supple- ments to classroom work. 14 Through the study of the Problems of American Democracy, we find pupils learning to appreciate the true significance of equality, democracy, liberty, and freedom. These concepts are more than just the words upon which ideal living is based. In addition to the regular courses in history, World Geography, and Social Studies, the department offers a course exploring the fundamental principles of social psychology and one in economics. Whatever the course selected, the student has the opportunity to learn democratic principles and prac- tice them to his utmost advantage.