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

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Mr. Allen W. Rank. Mr. B. Henry Shafer. if K Administration lf one were to ask who should be given credit for the smooth operation of Wyomissing High School's scholastic program, he would find his answer by observing the work of Mr. Allen Rank, supervising principal, and Mr. B. Henry Shafer, high school principal. Mr. Rank attended Princeton University, did graduate work at Harvard Graduate School, and received his master's degree at Columbia University. No newcomer to Wyomissing, Mr. Rank has been on the faculty since 1926. In 1930 he became principal, and from 1948 to 1954, he served in the capacity of both super- vising and high school principal. Now he Mrs. 1-,outman and Mrs. Miner. devotes his time exclusively to the super- vision of the school district. Mr. Shafer joined the school in 1955 when he took over the position of high school principal. He graduated from Freeburg High School and furthered his education at Sus- quehanna and Columbia Universities. At present he is working for his doctorate at Maryland. In addition to his responsibilities as principal, Mr. Shafer also teaches Problems of Democracy to the senior class and serves as a counselor for the students. Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Troutman have proved themselves indispensible in their book work and financial transactions. Mrs. Miller serves as receptionist and switchboard oper- ator. In addition to her duties as secretary, she handles all office correspondence and prepares all forms and transcripts. Mrs. Troutman handles all money, issues checks, orders and receives supplies, and checks at- tendance. These four people, working as a team, keep the school operating effectively and ef- ficiently. 22

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SEATED-Mrs. C. Billmeyer, Mrs. R. Pendergast, Mr. W. Coblentz, Mrs. C. Meinig, Mrs. R. Ginn. STANDING-Mr. H. Westkort, Mrs. R. Boekenkroger, Mrs. E. Clugston, Mr. C. Good- ling, Mr. W. Rosenberger, Mrs. R. Huyett, Mr. J. Weber, Mr. A. Rank. Parent Crashers' Association The theme for the Parent Teachers' Association for the 1959-1960 season was Our Continuing Concern - All Children in This Changing World. Three of the outstanding programs which were planned for student participation were: the Halloween Party, an Open House at the High School, and a play entitled The Ins and Outs , which was presented for the psychological viewpoint. The P.T.A. held its meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. It is traditional for the P.T.A. to present a gift to the community for a service to the school. This year they have given the Wyof missing Public Library S250 to purchase special books observing the P.T.A. hobby display. for the students' use. They have also donated a new enlarger for the darkroom in the high school. The present officers are: Mr. Wendell I. Coblentz, presidentg Mrs. William Glosser, first vice-presidentg William L. Rosenberger, treasurerg Mrs. Ralph E. Pendergast, secretaryg and Mrs. R. Cameron Billmeyer, grade school representative. All of these officers suc- cessfully carry out the main purpose of the P.T.A., which is to promote the welfare of youth in home, school, and e community. 21

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Suglislz The seventh and eighth grades receive their English instruction from Mrs. Helen Getz, the ninth grade, from Mrs. Helen Houck. While in junior high, the student is schooled in the mastery of certain basic skills such as writing, spelling, use of the dictionary and organization, punctuation, and analysis of simple sentences. Once learned, these skills are combined and put to use in the writing of short themes, letters, and book reports. Each student learns to compare, analyze, and correct his work, aiming toward the elimination of his errors. New this year is a reading program for junior high students con- ducted by Mrs. Houck, who is using the Science Research Associates Reading Laboratory. This in- cludes Power Build- ers, Rate Builders, and Listening Skills. The Scott-Foresman Read- ing Service, which starts the second quarter, consists of basic reading skills. Mrs. Houck strives to make better, faster readers of her stu- dents. Increasing reading skills. Posting the best reports. The English course is designed to be a functional part of the academic program. Mr. Russell Milford is the instructor of the juniors and sen- iors, While Miss Naomi Pease instructs the sophomores. Sophomores a n d juniors make use of the Readers' Digest for further study in vocabulary, w h i l e seniors write themes every Friday, often- times employing a thesaurus to a i d them in their vocab- ulary. The seniors also use a grammar and vocabulary work book. students study Julius Caesar, eleventh graders devote time to American literature, and seniors read English literature. Overseeing the Friday themes. An Investigative Theme on a literary topic is re- quired of every senior before he can graduate. Ac- complishing this gives the students preparation for the working world as well as for college. It also gives each individual a chance for self expression, helping him to develop a logical style of writing, and to em- ploy skill in composition, grammar, and vocabulary. To develop proficiency in oral composition, each pupil is required to give a speech in his own class several times during the school year. Senior high English classes provide the students with a solid background for future college training. 23