Saint Alphonsus High School - Arrow Yearbook (Dearborn, MI)

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Teaching History Today: People, Politics and Ideas Q. Would you say History is part of modern living? A. Of course, the past — its people, politics and ideas — con- tinues to influence our every move. We cannot separate our heri- tage from today's happenings. A closer investigation of the past may therefore promote the search for self-understanding. Q. Do you feel students in the classroom arc becoming more in- volved in their government? Is this important? A. Since Watergate, the nation as a whole seems more concerned with governmental affairs. This being an election year, students at all levels are being encouraged to become involved in the process. They realize that they,too, will be casting votes in a few short years. Q. As the History Department director, can you cite any changes in the teaching of History and Government this year? A. Every teacher in the department brings his or her own per- sonality and expertise to the classroom. There is a constant effort made to improve techniques and course offerings to meet students’ needs. Our newest addition to the department, Mrs. Margaret Skora, comes to us after several years of experience in the Detroit Public Schools. She is sure to provide unique insight into the Senior Government classes. (Mrs. J. McCarroll) Left: Matt Downey ami Judi Watton check their History notes. Above: Mrs. Skora explains the branches of the government to a class of willing students. Above Right: Mrs. McCarroll opens new doors to History. Far Right: Mr. Sekerak teaches a new concept to Todd Jeffrey and Jack Steele. Right: Mr. O'Donnell begins the American Frontiers class. 20

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Hemingway' Dickens' Vonnegut? Frost? No! Cclmcr. Simowski. Barret. Goliber. Leahy. Lang. These are our masterminds at St. Al’s. The English department proves to be a challenge for all students (and teachers, alike). Included in the usual schedule of American Literature, Composition, and Creative Writing are the newer courses, such as Art of Communication and Media. The courses in English provide a wide variety of classes to choose from. The choices are there and it is up to each one of us to explore the area in which we are interested. Q. What do some of the students say about the English department? A. English is a skill to be mastered and at St. Al’s there are many sources of knowledge and help.” Independent Reading is my favorite,” says one English student. “Basically, it allows me to choose books of my interest so that I will not get bored.” “Where would America be without English? How would we express ourselves and communicate? What would T.V. be like? What about all the posters, pamph- lets, books, newspapers, and magazines we read? Our world is so dependent upon English that it is one of the most important departments in every school.” If you must, absolutely must — then write on stones and walls, and lives — but carve gently.

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