Thornridge High School - Piper Yearbook (Dolton, IL)

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...pn-v Above: Chris Kocher obyects to a clause on the platform at the mock Convention last spring. Left: Mr. Don Valiska hands Carolyn Mason the economics literacy test, given at both the beginning and end ot the semester. Social Studies Department 55

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Outside sources stimulate studies One score and tive years ago, the Social Studies Depart- ment was created, to be so concerned and so dedicated to the enhancement ot stu- dents' knowledge ot history, geography, sociology and psy- chology. ln keeping with this idea, teachers invited speakers into their classes. Marty Russo, Dis- trict Representative, came in to talk to Mr. Richard Keller's U.S. history class during the study of the Constitution. Mr. Russo discussed how he became involved in politics and the politics of local gov- ernrnent. I wasn't stimulated at all about politics until Marty Russo came in and talked to us. He seemed to answer our questions truthfully and im- pressed us by his involvement with people, stated Tina Bo- in, .. Above: Jeffrey lones tries to remem- ber the 13 logical falicies. Right: Using his new map wall is Mr. Mike Bortel, geography teacher. Top: Nick Misch questions a theory in his sociology class. 54 Social Studies Department sak. Mr. Stuart Vogal had three field experts come in and talk to his classes. They included a Harvey policeman who dis- cussed gang violence, a Dol- ton policeman who discussed urban crime, and a fireman who discussed arson. Students prepared tor tall elections by participating in a mock national convention the previous spring at Thornwood which involved all District 205 schools. Students from each school attended the conven- tion which was planned to in- volve students interested in na- tional politics. Students became a part ot their society's politics, history, and environment instead ot just reading about it in the classroom.

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English IV honors has early start A test the first day? The first English IV honors class was given the option of reading four novels over the summer and having a test on them for extra credit when school re- sumed in September. Nl thought reading the novels over the summer was very time consuming, but the extra credit l received for it helped my first guarter grade, stated Andrea Bosak. English IV honors had been offered in the department for years, but not enough people had ever signed up for it. This year 19 people took the class, and Mr. Dave Konkol, who was selected to teach it, stated, It was a tough course: college level English was expected of Above: Freshman lodie Shipplett had a lot of work to do in English l honors class. Right: Working as a group were Chearell Webster, Kim Winfield, Rod- ney Young, and Deanna Van in Mr. Chet Chylinskrs English 3 class. Below: Mrs. Saralyn Richard goes over an assignment with her English l class. 56 English Department them. They had to show their independent thought and also their ability to do research. After 20 years of teaching in the English Department, Mrs. Eileen Sumpter retired at the end of the year. 'tl was known as The Wicked Witch of the West in room B209 because l was always so demanding. l'm happy to be leaving this school though, because l feel the standards have changed im- mensely, said Mrs. Sumpter. Counseled by the English teachers, students picked courses that were an appropri- ate level and of interest to them. Selecting their classes made the four-year English re- quirement palatable. an ,,,-Q' 'Zif sms 1-'!.I'A ii