Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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MK. J. RICHARD FINKLE MR. J. M. LENTZ MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT. HE course in inatliematics requires for graduation three terms of Algel)ra and three of Geometry. The scope of the work in Algebra inchides the more advanced topics of progressions, binomial theorem, variation, etc. The work in Geometry includes both plane and solid Geometry. Such a course iii mathenuitics ade(iuately meets the most exacting College entrance requirements, although this is by no means the fundamental and only purpose of the dei)artment. Since the chief aim of the public schools is a better citizenship, the niathematics of the high school is not planned merelv to meet certain College entrance requirements and to fulfill certain laws, but to fur- nish knowledge and mental discipline. The students are instructed in mathematics and given the discipline afforded bv these subjects instead of the mere knowledge of the subjects as such. Freciuently it is claimed that high school mathematics is not prac- tical. No one will doubt that all knowledge in itself is practical but when it contributes to a well trained mind it is doublv so. The stu- dents are taught throughout their entire high school course, to gener- alize, to think broadly, to be exact, to make judgments quicklv, to see the application to problems of daily life. Thev are taught to see that they are constantly facing the same big problems met bv the business man, tlie housewife, and other practical persons, in that they must gain certain results with certain existing conditions. The students are 10

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MR. HOMER M. JESSEE MRS. LU S. BROOKE THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL. INCE 1872 Valparaiso has had a high school with a four years course. The faculty has generally inclined to classical or so called academic subjects, but there has always been a choice given the students l)etween languages and science. At pres- ent the freshmen may choose either the Latin or the Scien- titic courses. In the Scientific he substitutes for Latin, English His- tory, Intellectual Arithmetic, Zoology, C ' hemistry, and Manual Training or Domestic Art and Domestic Science. All })ui)ils have a further opportunity through the electives to become versed in Bookkeeping and Phonography. Eight credits of English, six of Mathematics, six of Latin, four of History, one of Civics, and at least three credits in Science are required of all students who are expecting to receive a diploma. A more com})lete description of these departments will be found in the following pages. SANFORD CAMPBELL.

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taught that they must do a day ' s work in a day ' s time. They soon learn tliat good ])rodu ' tions are vahiable and only such are marketable. The course in Mathematics is an important factor in helping them to obtain and meet all of these recjuirements. The instructors in this department are Mr. Jessee, Mr. Finkle, Mr. Lentz, and Mrs. B. F. Williams. Mr. Skinkle taught mathematics up to the time of his death and was considered one of the best mathemati- cians in secondary school work. The efificiency of the instruction in mathematics is shown by the ease with which the students continue their work in other institutions. IRENE MARTENS. 11