Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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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

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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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MISS MABEL BENNEY A SENIOR ' S VIEW OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. ES, said the tlioughtful Senior, a few days before gradu- ation, I consider that my four years ' work in the English Department has done me perhaps more good than any other. ' ' I think you are right, ' ' observed the out-of-town guest. English is one of the most practical, and at the same time, interesting subjects in the high school course. I was greatly enter- tained in your English VIII last week. You have an original class. Do you think so? laughed the Senior. The class of 1915 has always been a trial and tribulation to Miss Benney ever since we wrote with trembling fingers our first business letter for the stern inspection of the ' powers that l)e. ' The first two years we were drilled in the art of prose composi- tion and during that time we entertained everyone with our interesting l)roductions. We studied Irving, Scott, Shakespeare, and George Eliot with ecpial enthusiasm and, with the boldness of youtli, even dared to criticize. To the delight of certain lovers of history English V, VI, and VII found us deep in the History of English Literature and in our last term we turned to the study of American Literature. Miss Ben- ney gave us up as hopeless when she discovered that we failed to appre- ciate the humor in Burke ' s Conciliation. You had book reviews of course? inquired the guest. Oh, yes, ' ' answered the Senior. ' ' Two book reviews are required each term. An interesting feature in that connection was taken up 12