Spingarn High School - L Esprit Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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The English Program Offers Enrichment Assignments in Spingarn's English classes may range from discussing Vergil's philosophy as expressed in the Aenezkf to finding the integral part of a well-constructed sentence. English is certainly one of Spingarn's busiest departments. Mrs. Myra A. Williams attributes the department's popularity to the graduation requirements in English and the importance of being able to communicate effectively. The general sophomore, junior and senior English courses make a study of American and English literature. In the enriched programs for accelerated seniors, Great Books, the Novel, World Liter- ature, the philosophies of great writers are analyzed and interpreted for our modern times. Because of the importance of the study of English, whether a student is college bound or plans to work after high school, Spingarn'S department attempts to establish an understand- ing of basic skill. MISS PORTIA C. BULLOCK English and Social Studies A.B., Education and English, ax, - A- i,gi-i 1 ...,, t H 'sn -N .., ..z, .ftt V--W f.. to - Miss Lee prepares English literature. MRS. ADELYN F. COX class assignments for her classes in speech and MRS. VIRGINIA CRIDLER A.B., French and German, Knox- English ville, Tenn. B.A., English, Western Mich. Howard University, Washing- Library Art, Morristown jr. AClV2lI1CCd Work, French, Hamil ton, D.C. College, Morristown, Tenn. ton COll6g6, Clinton, N.Y. M.A., Education, English, Social Advanced work towards Masters, Advanced W01'k, Univ- Of Mich. Studies, New York University, N.Y. Further study, Catholic and New York Universities. Univ. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Grand Rapids, Mich. 39

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The Roads That Lead to the House of Study Steven Parson, invoking a cunning smile, hopes to win a much-in-demand book from Deborah Riley, while Monica Scott apparently ignores the hoaxing play. Frances Brown is enthusiastically investigating a novel for a book report in the card catalogue for Mr. Tobin's English class, It must be A CHRIST- MAS CAROL by Charles Dickens. I '1 38 All in the line of daily-routine study for the studious Spingarn students.

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English Course Offerings English is a vast field of learning which can be divided and subdivided almost endlessly. Spingarn endeavors to give students the best instruction in the vital subjects listed below: Drama at Spingarn sets out with a bold objective, that is, to have pupils participate both in the artful skill of writing and dramatizing their own plays. The Christmas play, The Fgght Before Christmas, presented in the auditorium on December 22, was an example of the craftsmanship of the group, coming under the sponsorship and direc- tion of Mrs. Lovell and Miss Faggins. jozzrmzlzkm at Spingarn is not a leisurely profession. The tasks of a good journalist are mostly tense and are made up of long hours of hard physical and mental labor. Our approach to journalism, then, is one of having our students communicate in writing, effectively, fully, and adequately. Readzhg in high school is a necessary tool. Here, students are required to supplement text- book material with many specialized books from the school library. Unless the student knows how to select these books properly and read them quickly with good understanding, he will be seriously handicapped in his school work. Mrs. Miller, a teacher of vast experience, directs our reading clinic at Spingarn on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Speech: Miss Lee had this to sayin reference to speech: I conduct this course, not as a course in 'igolden tongue oratory, which is no longer in vogue, but rather as a course in speech im- provement. Public declamation is no longer needed. I try to gain support, through my students, to shape the course to suit the need of the pupil. Most of us have to be as clear and as distinct as possible when talking. Ifl had my way, all students would be required to take instructions in how to pronounce and how to enunciate. Already, many schools across the nation make such instructions mandatory. What we offer is what is needed for all persons - whether on their jobs, in their clubs, or in colleges - the help of communicating most effectively, making ourselves clearly heard and under- stood.