Richford High School - Searchlight Yearbook (Richford, VT)

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R. H. S. SEARCHLIGHT 35 Shorthand 1 fClass 53 This part of the shorthand course is in- tended to take the pupil through the prin- ciples of the system used, and far enough in dictation to enable him to write accur- ately in shorthand for ten minutes at the rate of 60 words per minute and to tran- scribe the notes in 60 minutes, either in long hand wth pen or on the typewriter. The chief emphasis is placed on the absolute mastery of the principles of the system. Shorthand 2 1Class 61 The elementary principles are reviewd and advanced reporting principles taught. Daily dictation is given to develop speed until the pupil can write accurately ordin- ary business and literary matter at the rate of 100 words per minute. At least the equi- valent of a full period each day is spent outside the class in the preparation of as- signed work and the transcription of short- hand notes on the typewriter. Typewriting 1 The aim of this course is to give the pupil a thorough knowledge of the machine, Hn-gering method, various kinds of work to be done on the typewriter and fit him gen- erally to transcribe his shorthand notes during the second year. Typewriting 2 The pupils transcribe their shorthand notes and devote some time to speed prac- tice. General office work is required of each pupil. Carbon work. legal forms, tabulating, invoicing, stencil work and card work receive special attention, Commercial English, Law and Geography fClass 61 This group of subjects forms the work of five periods a week for one school year, each subject being taught one-third of the year. fab Commercial English presupposes a thorough knowledge of grammer and is given in the last year of the commercial course when the pupil has had training in English Composition and Literature. The aim of the course is to enable the pupil to cultivate an easy, direct, effective style which can be used in the composition work peculiar to business. fbi The course in Commercial Law gives the pupil a sufficient knowledge of the elementary principles of business law to enable him frequently to avoid the necessity of calling upon a lawyer for advice and to know when the services of a competent lawyer are required. fel The object of commercial geography is to ac- quaint the student with the present indus- trial and trade conditions of the United States. MUSIC Morning exercises twice a week are de- voted to musical appreciation, listening to Victrola selections and to brief historical sketches of famous musicians and com- posers. The aim is to cultivate in the pupils an understanding of music, a love for it and an appreciation of good music rather than the trashy variety. Chorus singing once a week is open to all students who pass the vocal test. The school is divided into two choruses -junior and senior. Those who have the necessary talent may gain membership in the Glee Club or in the orchestra. Each of these or- ganizations has regular rehearsals, the aim of which is readiness to be called upon at any time to furnish music for school enter- tainments. School credit is given for all the activities mentioned ini this paragraph.

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3.2 R. H. S. SEARCHLIGHT The work of the first year covers the principles of general science and their ap- lication to agriculture practice. Agriculture 2 deals with various phases of agriculture in a general way. These two years are pre- paratory for the advanced work in agri- culture. Agriculture 3 is devoted to animal husbandry studies. This course includes a study of the types and breeds of domestic animals and the judging of different classes of live stock. The subject of feeds and feed- ing is emphasized. Much work is done in testing dairy products and cow-test work is carried out in some cases. Agriculture 4 is based on a study of farm crops and methods of production. Dur- ing the spring term, time is given to a con- sideration of soil management, the proper handling and use of fertilizers and systems of crop rotation. In Agriculture 5 and 6, and opportunity is given for further study on any particular topic which the student may select. Farm accounting, cow-test work, or farm manage- ment are the topics usually considered. These classes are elective in a double sense, for as the work is largely individual, only those students who in the opinion of the in.- structor are likely to profit from the class are encouraged to follow the course. In all classes field trips for first-hand study and practice in various phases of agri- cultural work figure largely. Such trips may take the class to an orchard for practice in spraying or grafting, or into the fields for astudy of soil types and observation of cultural methods. Frequent trips to inspect the various home projects give the student an opportunity to compare methods and help to stimulate interest in this part of the work. ' Home project work is encouraged through the entire course. This work is under supervision of the teacher of agricul- ture and gives the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained. For ex- ample, boys interested in poultry raising have had an opportunity to learn the man- agement of incubators at the school, where three different machines have been run through two hatches this spring. The chicks hatched give the boys a start in poultry raising. Accurate time and cost accounts on each project is insisted upon and results checked up at different intervals. Many of the boys have enrolled in the different branches of State Boys' and Girls' Club Work and are eligible to compete for prizes offered by the Vermont Bankers Association and other organizations. A school fair is held in the fall at the school building at which student is expected to exhibit some- thing produced in his project. Shop work is offered through the six years. The making of articles for use in the project work or for use on the home farm, and the repair of small tools and im- plements is the type of work encouraged. The shop work classes do much of the car- penter and repair work called for about the school building. Some of the work has been to finish off the gymnasium on the third floor, to build a thirty-foot partition through one of the main rooms and to paint the window sills throughout the building. A number of excellent articles of furniture have been made. Shop and agriculture classes have seeded and smoothed the lawn and planted shrubbery about the walks. The school is well equipped to carry on the work of this department. The science laboratory is available for much experi- mental work in connection with the agri- culture coursfs. A large hot bed construct- ed by the students is available for practice in the seedling plants. An opportunity for stock judging is afforded at many stock farms in the vicinity. A good set of carpen- ter's tools is available for the shop Work. The agricultural department, both in- structor and students is at the service of the farmers of the community. Students are en- couraged to bring to school samples of milk and cream for testing, seeds for seed-testing, soils for acidity tests or problems in balanc- ing rations, either from their home farm or for a neighbor. That the farmers appreciate his service is evidenced by the amount of such work being done.

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36' R. H S. SEARCHLIGI-IT 'V ORCHESTRA PHYSICAL TRAINING Gymnasium work: Elective. One hour a week. -Requirement: Satisfactory physical ex- amination and permission of the parents. Boys High School Gymnasium course. Uniforms consist- ing of sleeveless white jersey, knee trousers and soft-soled shoes. Course outlined: Care of the body- fundamental principles and physiology of exercising. Emphasis placed on posture, discipline and health. Gymnastic Work, consisting of graded setting up drills, ap- paratus work and gymnastic games. In- truction in marching as laid down in the U. S. Manual of Infantry drill regulations. Special emphasis is placed on the dev- elopment of the individual rather than the team. The boy is trained in alertness and matching his strength against boys of his own age and development. Outdoor Work in track such as competitive races, jumps and physical tests. Class room requirements. Each grade including high school. Two pericds 2-4 minutes daily given to setting up drills by the regular teacher. Graded exercises given to refresh the pupils after having been in cramped positions. Particular emphasis is given to good posture and stimulating the heart, lungs and circulation through the ex- ercise of the larger group muscle. Work in the smaller grades also includes class room games, marching and rhythmic steps. Athletics Suitable athletics are encouraged. An athletic association including both boys and girls furnishes financial stability. The