Wyomissing Area High School - Colophon Yearbook (Wyomissing, PA)

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Psychology and Saciolagy Psychology and sociology, offered to seniors, are definite assets to our curriculum. Taught by Mrs. Madeline Knipe, this course is con- ducted in a circle formation instead of the usual formal setting. Psychology is the science of the mind. This subject embraces the why's and wherefore's of idiosyncrasies, emotions, habits, desires, and in- tellect. Psychology probes for the reasons be- hind the basic qualities of personality, and in doing so, helps one to understand himself. The emphasis in this course is on you as an in- dividual. Sociology explains more about the social and physical environment and how they change our lives. The emphasis here is on the interplay between the student and his sur- roundings. He examines his heredity and en- vironment and learns how to live in society. Pupils examine their culture heritage - the importance of culture heritage, the power of custom, and how and why culture changes. Delinquents Helping hand. J-fame Scanamics The Home Economics course presents nu- merous opportunities to excel in quite a few fascinating fields. Advised and directed by Mrs. Ruth Wagner, the seventh grade stu- dents explore the various facets of nutrition, sewing, good grooming, and cooking. The eighth grade concentrates on knitting, child care, advanced sewing, and costume design. For one semester, the ninth grade schedule is completely reversed. The mysteries of cooking are introduced to the boys while the doors of the shop department are thrown open to the girls. On the senior high level, the Home Eco- nomics course becomes a specialty, depending on the student's abilities and particular in- terests. Home Economics prepares the student for the future in many ways. ln the fields of sew- ing, nutrition, and interior decoration, many girls discover vocations for study at college. Mrs, Wagner's workshop is always the scene of much activity for girls in every class. I-4

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Will it work? Sciences In its science department, Wyo- missing High provides excellent op- portunities and facilities for studying the sciences. The seventh, eighth, and ninth grades are taught general science courses, under the instruction of Mr. Randolph DeWitt and Mr. Clarence Weik. Here the pupils learn about the human body, matter, energy, and the importance of industry. Mr. jesse Sheetz teaches the tenth grade its first laboratory science, biolo- gy. The students are confronted with the dissection of worms, clams, fish, and starfish. In physics, Mr. DeWitt stresses five major topics: light, sound, heat, me- chanics, and electricity. The eleventh grade students can often be seen strug- gling over difficult physics experi- ments. For the seniors who want a science without emphasis on mathematics, a senior science course is offered, under the direction of Mr. Weik. In the field of chemistry, Mr. Sheetz conducts the senior classes. Twice a week these seniors have a lab per- iod where they apply various chemi- cal principles. Mr. Weik's Wizards lsn't that right?

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Mr. Shirk and apprentice. Kusincss Sdumfiou ASDFg LKJ and so goes the first year typ- ing class drill. Under the direction of Mr. Charles Goodling, students learn typing, short- hand, and briefhand. Wyomissing High School is one of the four schools in the state offering briefhand, a useful course which is new this year. Typing is compulsory in the eighth grade and again in the tenth. Any student who desires an additional third or fourth year may take it in his junior or senior year. Shorthand is completed in a two year course. In addition to the previously mentioned courses, students may learn how to operate the mimeograph and ditto machines. The publish- ing of the school's newspaper, under the guid- ance of Mr. Goodling, requires the knowledge of many of these skills. Not only do the students and faculty use the services of this department, but also clubs and organizations find it essential to their ac- tivities. Nearly all school functions necessitate assistance from the Business Education Depart- ment. IS Industrial ,Arts The Industrial Arts Department, directed by Mr. D. C. Shirk, is composed of two main branches, woodworking and drafting. The junior high boys take three periods of woodworking per week in seventh grade, two in eighth, and one in ninth. The senior high elective students take from one to five periods per week. This class acquaints the students with tools, materials, and their practical use It gives the boys an idea of how industries operate and trains them in various skills so that 1 they may, perform useful jobs around the house The other segment of Industrial Arts is drafting, equally as important as woodwork ing. Here the students learn how to make and interpret working drawings, the language of industry . The eighth grade boys take one per iod of drafting per week and the ninth grade r boys take two periods. There are also elective students from senior high. This course is, in deed, a vital part in any boy's education Now is the time