Westville High School - Janus Yearbook (Westville, IL)

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Mathematics Class FOR the school year of 1925-26 Westville Township High School offers courses in Beginning Algebra, Plane Geometry and Business Arithmetic. The latter being an elective subject. At present 102 pupils are enrolled in Algebra, 71 in Plane Geometry, and 22 in Business Arithmetic. The total representing 88 per cent of the total enrollment of the school. In answer to the oft repeated question, “Why is two years of Mathematics required,” the deparment desires to present the aims which they are endeavoring to accomplish. First, from the practical viewpoint, the aim is to encourage accuracy and facility in numerical computations, to increase the pupil’s understanding of the nature of the fundamental operations; to develop self reliance in the handling of numerical problems through the consistent use of checks on all numerical work. The ability to understand and interpret graphical representations of various kinds, such as abound in discussions of scientific, social, political and industrial problems is also one of the necessary aims in education. It is necessary that pupils be familiar with geometric forms common in nature, industry and life, with their properties and relations, including mensuration. The cultural aims are much less tangible but nevertheless very real and important to life. We desire to develop an appreciation of beauty in the geometrical forms of nature, art and industry, to develop precision of statement and thought and logical reasoning, which might be classed as ideals of perfection. A study of Mathematics tends to give one an insight appreciation of the progress of civilization in its various aspects. Page Tu-enty-three

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Manual Training Class 'Vl'ANUAL TRAINING is a very interesting and valuable subject for any student to pursue. It is particularly adapted to those students who intend to do a similar work when they get out of school, yet, this is not necessarily a vocational subject for it is good for any one to be able to use his hands and head together sufficiently well to make nice furniture for himself. There are three classes in manual training this year. Two are Freshmen classes while the other is made up mostly of Sophomores. Freshmen classes begin their work with simple wood work and joints. Later as they become more proficient they begin making small objects such as candle sticks, neck-tie racks, etc. The Sophomore class have already been taught the rudiments of this work so they are ready to begin turning out library tables, floor lamps, rocking chairs, beds, music cabinets, etc. Many of these articles are so well made that it seems almost impossible that they could have been made in our own little shop by hand. Manual training develops skill, and ability in the use of tools. It is of great value to the boy who intends to be a carpenter, a mechanic, an engineer or a draftsman.

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’JANUS» Classical Departments THE English Department is under the direction of Mr. Neumann. assisted by the Misses Jackson and Emrich. both of whom conduct Freshman classes. A four year English course which the University requires is strictly observed here. In general the first two years are devoted to composition and rhetoric. The use of correct grammar and punctuation is emphasized. In the Junior and Senior year the time is spent in studying literature and the life of authors. Journalism is taught through the High School paper. The fundamentals of public speaking are taught in the Junior and Senior years with the district and county contests acting as incentives in that field of work. The languages offered this year as in previous years are French and Latin. The French students learn pronunciation grammar and acquire a small French vocabulary during the first year. The second year is devoted to completing the work started in the first year. The remainder of the time is spent at reading and writing extensively in French. Many pieces of French literature are taken up and translated thus acquainting the student with French authors and their work records are used in helping the students to learn French pronunciation. The entire French classes combined have an enrollment of sixty-eight, the largest enrollment we have ever had. The first year of Latin is spent in a study of the elements of Latin together with a study of Latin songs, cross word puzzles and sight reading. The class has started a scrap book in Latin. The second year introduces the pupils into a further study of connected discourse. Toward the close of the second year papers are prepared and read by each member of the class. The subjects are taken from Johnston’s Private Life of the Romans. The history department, under the direction of Mr. Alison, offers a three year course in history. First the student is taken back to five thousand B. C. and he learns of oriental nations and their wars. Step by step he is brought up through the history of the ages until during his last year he studies our own U. S. history. The history department has a large enrollment this year and all the students enjoy the forty minutes each day spent in Mr. Alison’s class room. I’nge Twenty-four