Washington Park High School - Kipikawi Yearbook (Racine, WI)

Page 17 text:

Standing: Blanche Racine, Rose V. Bruins, Anna L. Neit:el. Dorothy A. Root. Sitting: Frances Enright, Mary A. Potter, [da E Howe. MATHEMATICS Trying to run our civilized world without the use of mathematics would he like trying to run an automobile without lubricating oil. The study of mathematics began through necessity. When the first savage brought home his kill and divided it among his kin, he was applying mathematics. Had he talked about the principles of this division, he would have been offering an elementary course in arith- metic. From this point onward to the algebra which students today have had the privilege of studying the growth of mathematics has taken on increasing significance. For our compli- cated economic system, our gigantic engineering projects, our prodigious architectural en- terprises make mathematics indispensible for those who expect to contribute to civilization. In this school three semesters in the mathematics department are required for an academic course, and these include one semester of algebra and one year of plane geometry. The semester of algebra is a continuation of work begun in junior high schools. One of the projects in the mathematics courses is the making of figures tor solid geometry. Wire, wood, soap, tin, almost ny available materi al finds some form of usefulness under the ingenuity of students. 1 earning the use of the slide rule is another and not the least significant ele- ment ot the mathematics course. And foi some who become quite skillful, the u the surveyor ' s transit alii ids such interesl ing activities as measuring the height of the flag pole or of a building. rx

Page 16 text:

Standing: Ruth M. Ruggles, Ethel Holt, Elizabeth F. Fclten, Paul H Yornholt, Lillian Case. Helen Rodefer. Sitting: Gertrude R. Simmons. Nellie K. Mohr, Louise M. Collier, Audrey Bealer, Sadie rrHood. ENGLISH To build a vocabulary large enough to meet the needs of life; to master the forms of writing needed in daily life; to develop effectiveness in spoken English: these are a few of the purposes of English as taught in Washington Park High. This is the practical side of English, the side for which we feel an mmediate need. But a preparation to use leisure time must also be met. Hence a study of all types of literature is made : short stories, novels, dramas, poetry, essays. From the earliest English literature to the contents of the latest published maga-ines all becomes a part of the English course. That intangible thing, American Spirit, is the basis of the work in American literature. Through the study of American writers, an attempt is made to understand the spirit of en- durance, of patriotism, of humor, of devotion, and of service: all as characteristics of our own country. As a fitting close to the three years in English, English literature to their eyes her ample page Rich with the spoils of time unrolls her treasures hoping that from these treasures each may carry away with him cherished gems; that having been brought face to face with great ideals, his own responsibility tor the stewardship of life may be more deeply realized; that the enjoyment of great books may become one of his principal sources of entertainment and inspiration; that the spirit of service may become an active part of the life pur- pose of each student graduating from Washington Park High.

Page 18 text:

Standing: Blanche Racine, Margaret Knudson, Anna L. Neitzel, Helen Rodefer. Sitting: Rose W. Bruins, Kate T. Sogard, Alma Weichers. LANGUAGE Latin, which has existed since long before the death of Christ, is still a fundamental fac- tor in our language and work of today. Down through the ages all educated and cultured people have studied and spoken it, and many languages, including French, Spanish, and English, have been derived from it. Today it is a great asset to every doctor or lawyer to have a knowledge of Latin and the romance languages. Our language department here at school, which is situated at the east end of the second floor, consists of Latin, German, and French. Mrs. Sogard heads this department, and un- der her are Miss Wiechers, Miss Rodefer, Miss Knudson. In addition Miss Racine teaches two French classes, Mrs. Bruins and Miss Neitzel each two German classes. To create a proper atmosphere all the French and German classes are conducted in the language which they are studying, and to brighten their daily toil, the Students play games and sing songs which prove helpful to them. In the German classes, programs are planned by the students every week, and the lives of well known German characters of today and of the past are discussed. The seven Latin classes, although not conducted in the Latin language, are kept very busy reading Latin and translating. The Caesar classes acquire a knowledge of the Roman method of warfare and the modern parallels. They gain an insight into the personality of Caesar, who has been pronounced the most complete man of all history. Students Studying Cicero and Vergil learn much concerning the history and customs of old Rome and also the history of the world at that time. The classes in beginning Latin make a special Study of the Roman house, drawing a floor plan and planning its furniture. French with Miss Knudson Miss Wiechers In Mrs. Bruins German Jlass