USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1923-1927 > Part 100
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The Junior High School classes are held in the Civic Association under the direction of Miss Hope Jewett. The regular class work consists of marching, posture exercises, apparatus exercises, folk dancing and games. Special classes for girls needing corrective work were formed in the seventh, eighth and ninth grades. All girls of the seventh, eighth and ninth grades who wish, join an activity period where they have organized games. This is exclusive of the regular gymnasium classes which are held twice a week. Miss Jewett reports that the girls enjoy their intramural competition and it certainly is invaluable for teaching responsibility, good sportsmanship and fair play.
The Senior High School girls have two one hour periods a week for gymnasium work, and with our excellent equipment a complete lesson may be given, followed by a shower which is most beneficial.
In May a sixth grade baseball schedule was arranged and carried on, the ninth grade and High School boys acting very efficiently as umpires.
Our girls in High School were not able to compete last spring in the state-wide all-student track meet because the athletic field was not completed, but we hope to have our usual 100% competition this spring.
About 100 girls from the ninth grades and Senior High School reported for basketball practise. They will play interclass games and later a team will be picked to represent the High School in a few outside games.
In closing I wish to thank the Superintendent, principals and teachers for their help and co-operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNA H. KILEY,
Director of Physical Education.
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Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Health Supervisor for the Public Schools of Norwood.
The following statistical report gives some idea of routine work covered and the prevalence of communicable diseases in our schools. Individual inspection 16,922
Recommended for exclusion for:
Pediculosis
214
Skin Disease 151
Symptoms of communicable disease
166
Other reasons
39
Number of cultures taken
21
Number first aid treatments given
1,782
Number weighed
10,648
Per cent of children 10% or more underweight
61/2 %
Per cent of children 20% or more overweight
21/2 %
Number of home calls
875
Number cases of scarlet fever
21
Number cases of diphtheria
2
Number cases of measles
4
Number of cases of chickenpox
51
Number of cases of mumps
96
Number of cases of whooping cough
5
Number of cases of infantile paralysis
4
Number having defective vision
142
Number cared for at eye clinic
66
Number cared for outside clinic
18
Number pupils examined by doctor
1,013
Number pupils having defects
515
Number notices sent home
570
Number of pupils having defective ears
5
Number ears treated
5
Posture (marked)
19
Number treated
10
Skin
13
Number treated
13
Tonsils and adenoids
333
Number having operations
150
Glands
27
Number treated
6
Heart
7
Number treated
7
272
Orthopedic
4
Number treated
4
Number having defective vision
142
Number cared for at eye clinic
66
Number cared for outside of eye clinic
18
Number examined by school dentist
839
Number needing dental care
688
Number cared for at dental clinic Grades I and III only
322
Number having work completed
244
Number still under treatment
78
Number cared for outside of dental clinic
53
Number receiving first Shick test
198
Number positive
145
Number receiving second Schick test
157
Number positive
28
Number immunized
173
Number examined at tuberculosis clinic
37
Number positive
6
The above report shows we have been unusually free this year from the so-called children's diseases.
The dental program as introduced a year ago last September is being continued in our schools. This program consists of caring for the permanent teeth as soon as possible after they erupt. It is known today that a very large per cent of permanent teeth are defecitve when they erupt. Our aim is to detect this defect and correct it as soon as possible, thus preventing further decay and more extensive and expensive dentistry.
We hope and believe that in a few years we will see very definite satisfactory results in the diminishing of dental defect in the upper grades as a result of this program of early caring for slight defects.
Parents are urged to take their children to their own family den- tist even though those children are in grades which are included in our present program, namely grades I, II, and III.
Dr. Schorer, State Psychiatrist, made her annual visit to Norwood in April and examined seventy pupils who were retarded in their work.
The two paragraphs following are taken from Dr. Schorer's report.
"Of the 70 examinations completed, 19 children were so markedly retarded that they could not be expected to profit by regular grade instruction but need special training. Seven of these are about 15 years old or even more, and therefore, too old for Special Class training. We recommend Manual and Industrial Training for these. Of the others, seven could best be cared for in a Special Class for older children, while five were recommended for the Special Class
273
(three of these children are now in the Special Class). Sixteen pupils were recommended for re-examination; some of these are too young for Special Class at present, and in others the findings were somewhat doubtful, making a later examination desirable.
"We again found a fairly large group whose mental retardation is not marked enough to make them suitable for Special Class. They will, however, experience difficulty in keeping up with their classes, and undoubtedly will have to repeat grades, some of them repeat- edly. These children, while possibly not even able to graduate, will have to be guided later along practical lines, and when properly understood and guided, should make good later in life."
We note that each year Dr. Schorer recommends a number of children for Manual and Industrial Training and a number for a Special Class for older children.
We already have more than enough children so recommended to form two classes, one for boys and one for girls. Those children are at present found in grades VI, VII, VIII and IX.
Many of them are disciplinary problems, and a source of annoy- ance and disturbance to the class in which they are enrolled. They make little headway in their academic work; for their own good and the good of the classes in which they are enrolled, serious con- sideration should be given to means of giving this group instruc- tion suited to their needs and capabilities.
The State Department of Public Health held its third clinic for underweight children in Norwood in June. The following report has been made by the State Department:
Number of children recommended for re-examination 24
Number of children absent, moved away or left school 6
Number of children whose parents refused examination 2
Number of children re-examined 16
Number of children found to be improved. 9
Number of children found to be unimproved 7
Number of children having sanatorium treatment 1
Number of children recommended sanatorium treatment 1
We regret that so large a number have been found to be un- improved. Perhaps part of the explanation, at least, lies in the fact that in the majority of these cases the parents have been unwilling to accept recommendations made by the clinic doctor or have not taken seriously enough the advice regarding the child's daily pro- gram of diet, sleep, work and rest.
Due to the courtesy and generosity of the Speech Readers Guild of Boston, we were able to test the hearing of a large number of our children by means of an audiometer.
We have long known that our old method of testing hearing is so inaccurate as to be largely a waste of time. According to our
274
tests we had very few children with defective hearing. We hoped such was the case but could not quite believe it, and the audio- meter tests have shown we had grounds for our belief.
As we could not have all children tested we chose those in grades III, V, VII, and VIII and all repeaters in grades II, IV, and VI, totaling 1500 tested. The first test showed that 165 children had 9% or more loss of hearing. One hundred fifty-six of this group (nine being absent) were given a second test with the result that 88 of them still showed 9% or more loss of hearing. Of those 88 children, 35 have repeated a grade some time during his or her school life.
Testing by means of an audiometer is a new thing and has only been used in Massachusetts schools since September. This demon- stration given by the Speech Readers' Guild was intended to prove to us as it has, that we are missing the hard-of-hearing child, and that he often repeats a grade not because he is dull but because he does not hear well. Let us give the child the benefit of an ac- curate test and in order to do this, we need an audiometer of our own. This is expensive, yes, but it is also expensive to have a child repeat a grade and be considered dull when he really has defective hearing.
This year an attempt is being made to work out a Tentative Outline of a Course of Study in Health Education for each grade in the Elementary Schools and the Junior High School.
A committee from each grade meets regularly with the Health Supervisor to work on the course. Teachers are giving their time and effort most generously and willingly and all the work is being done outside of school hours.
We hope eventually to be able to place in the hands of each teacher a practical course of study in Health Education for her particular grade. We realize there is a great need for such an outline as teachers have been greatly handicapped in the teaching of Health because of lack of material and reliable information.
We are greatly indebted to the Norwood High School Quest Club and the Norwood Women's Club for their very generous support of the health work. Many children have profited because of this assistance. The members of this department wish to express their appreciation to the Superintendent, supervisors, principals, teachers and Board of Health for their splendid support, cooperation and helpful advice.
Respectfully submitted, VERA H. BROOKS, Health Supervisor.
275
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Music Department for the year 1927.
Although having the supervision and the planning of the music for the whole school system, nine periods a week are given to actual teaching. These periods are divided between a Glee Club, four choruses, and two orchestras. The remaining periods are given to supervision, and teaching lessons in various grades.
Several teachers' meetings were called to explain the outline of music.
There is a great improvement in the quantity and the quality of the work done in the Senior High School, in spite of the fact that the gymnasium is wholly inadequate as far as teaching music is concerned. The need of a music room, where chorus and orchestra could meet regularly without conflicting with other activities, is being felt more and more.
The Senior Glee Club of ninety voices, and the Senior orchestra of twenty-seven members are working on a program which will be given shortly. During the past year the Senior Orchestra played at several public functions, and received high commendation.
In the Junior High School music has progressed rapidly, and a course in Ear Training, introduced in November, has already proven its worth.
A feature of the year was the Graduation Exercises when the Senior chorus and orchestra rendered, for the first time in Nor- wood, "The Song of Victory," by Manney. Another feature was a concert given by the Junior Orchestra and Chorus. A result of these features was to give a greater stimulus to music, not only in the High School but also in the grade schools, where a keen interest is being shown in regard to this kind of work.
In summing up, I find that the musical interest in the High Schools has increased in the following proportions:
From one Glee Club, to three; from one combined orchestra of twenty-three members, to two orchestras of twenty-seven and twenty-three members, respectively.
In all grades is found greater reading ability and better knowl- edge of the fundamentals of music.
In closing, I wish to express to you, and to the Principals my appreciation for the help given me. I also wish to thank Mrs.
276
Marie Brown for her able assistance in the Junior High School, and the grade teachers for their cooperation during the year. Respectfully submitted,
J. V. DETHIER, Supervisor of Music.
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Drawing Depart- ment in the Norwood Public Schools.
There have been few changes in our department this past year. Practically the same schedules of visits to elementary rooms have been used, except that Grade IV rooms have been visited once in three weeks instead of two. With the increase of grades and larger number of pupils electing Drawing in Grades IX to XII, it is possible that Grades V and VI will have to be visited once in three, also, next year. However, this should be no serious draw- back, as there are many teachers in our schools who secure excel- lent results and understand our aims and methods thoroughly, having worked with the present supervisor several years. When- ever a new subject or project is commenced, the supervisor always plans to give a demonstration lesson at that time.
In the lower grades we have aimed for larger drawings than formerly, with more chance for self-expression and more free drawing from memory or imagination. The introduction of 12- inch by 18-inch unprinted newspaper, which is very inexpensive and consequently can be used frequently for large, free drawings, has proved interesting and satisfactory in Grade I. In a few classes free painting with large brushes and "Muresco" paints was tried out. The results were interesting, but a paint which is more easily mixed and with better keeping qualities will have to be located before introducing it in all lower grades.
Some of the new projects in certain grades were as follows:
Grade III-Booklets (9-inch by 12-inch) on Holland, with many varieties of cut and drawn illustrations and one or more pages of written work, correlating with the study of this country.
Grade V-Health posters made for the first time, these having before been made only in Grade VI. Being entirely of brightly colored cut papers, these were very effective and were shown in all the drug store windows in town on "Child Health Day" and the following week.
Grade VI-Booklets on "Lumbering," the illustrations showing the different steps from the trees in the forest to the lumber being
277
shipped to manufacturing centers by boat or otherwise. Descrip- tions of the pictures were written in language classes.
Grade VII-"Kindness to Animals" posters were the big things of the year, as for several years. But the results were more satisfactory than usual, better workmanship and more original slogans and illustrations being a feature.
Grade IX-The outstanding project in this grade has been the planning and execution of stained glass effects for a permanent decoration in one window of the Drawing room. Every pupil electing Drawing did something or several things on the windows. Being in bright colors, with wide black ink outlines representing the lead, then the whole thing oiled, a very realistic effect was secured and the pupils are proud of the results.
Tests at the end of each term, with a chance to make drawings showing several subjects, worked on during the term, as well as original pictures, have been tried out this year in grade IX and have proved very satisfactory. Similar tests have also been given in Grade VIII.
Since Drawing is elective in Grade IX and the Senior High School it has been gratifying to have the numbers increase as they have done this year. Over fifty pupils are in the Grade IX art classes and over seventy-five in Senior High. A number of others in each case would like to take up this line, but conflicts with reg- ular subjects prevent.
All pupils in the Senior High art classes made portfolios of cardboard, covered with painted paper and vellum. In these are kept many notes on various art subjects, as well as finished draw- ings. Before Christmas wooden boxes were decorated with "Gesso," painted and shellaced, making substantial gifts. Plans and designs are being made for tooled leather articles and linoleum block printing. The one big handicap in these classes is the fact that pupils from all grades have to take Drawing at the same period, making it impossible to carry out a definite graded course, as should be done. Senior girls planning to go to Normal School or Art School need special kinds of drawing work, which they cannot do with a large number of underclass pupils in the same class. It is hoped that this situation may be remedied next year.
I would like at this time to thank the Superintendent, Principals, and Teachers, for their interest and cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN L. ARNOLD,
Supervisor of Drawing.
278
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit a report of the Household Arts Department for the year ending December 31, 1927.
Household Arts Education or "Education for Home-Making" is far reaching in its aims and ideal and we are continuously striv- ing to improve our courses and equipment in order that we may attain and maintain the highest possible standards of instruction for our pupils. It is interesting to note that a special committee appointed by the National Education Association to study Home Economics Curricula reported that the present tendency is wholly in favor of a general course embracing many new units of instruc- tion. We are pleased to report that our course of study has shown for some time a decided departure from the "sewing" and "cook- ing" type of instruction. Technical instruction in these subjects is only a small part of the work accomplished. The vast amount of valuable material which is offered through our many branches of Home-Making instruction has probably been less recognized as a definite part of the work of this department. It is with the broadest aims of education for home-making in mind that many subjects relating to activities and ideals which make up daily home life have occupied a conspicuous place in our curriculum for a num- ber of years.
A specific project which we hope to complete this year is a problem in furnishing and equipping a room at Junior High School as a bedroom in order that we may have a better setting for our Child-Care, Home-Care of Sick and Housewifery lessons. These lessons, although well established, would prove more interesting if taught under more home-like conditions. We hope that the girls may have an opportunity to freshen some old furniture and through correlation with the sewing classes make necessary linens, etc. Information brought out in a tangible way such as this can be applied practically in their homes. Another problem for the future is the improvement of our dining room at Junior High School. Here we offer courses in Home Table Service, Etiquette, Entertaining, etc. Many problems of Hygiene of Dress, Personal Appearance, Appropriate Dress, etc., are interwoven into our Clothing classes. Opportunities for health instruction are recog- nized and met. Our close relationship with the girls over a period of years from grade V through High School offers many oppor- tunities to assist them with friendly advice. Problems of Physical and Mental Health often find a setting in our classes. An example of our attempt to create worthy ideals is illustrated in the develop-
279
ment of the spirit of thoughtfulness for others through cooperative giving. Two splendid baskets were packed wholly through pupils' contributions and given away to two most appreciative families at Thanksgiving time.
Numerous opportunities for the growth of this department would be made possible by equipping as a living-room and clubroom the room designed for social and club activities at the High School. We trust that in the near future we may look forward to this additional space and equipment in order that we may continue our table service and entertaining lessons and develop other social aspects of our work.
While the primary aim of the High School Cafeteria appears to be to furnish a nourishing and inexpensive noon meal to pupils, I feel that a larger responsibility rests with the management in making it an educational feature of the school and a credit to this department. We therefore aim for an atmosphere of refinement, a display of good manners at the tables and in line. Through our menus we are teaching the student body to select well balanced and nutritious meals.
Since the type of instruction covered in this department is fun- damental for all girls and the measure of its value or success lies in numbers reached and helped through our classes, we are pleased to note the continuous growth of the department and the steadily increasing interest on the part of pupils.
I wish at this time to thank the Superintendent of Schools and all who have appreciated and helped the growth of this depart- ment in any way.
Respectfully submitted, AGNES M. BRIDGES, Head of Household Arts Department.
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Supervisor of Adult Alien Education in Norwood for the year ending December 31, 1927.
Our evening school classes for adult aliens are held in the Balch School and in the Junior High School as in the three preceding years. At the beginning of this year the classes in both schools were put under the leadership of Mr. J. Clifford Geer as principal. This has tended to unify the work in the two buildings and has proved a very good arrangement.
The total enrollment in our evening school classes this year is
280
173. Of this number 58 are women. When we add to this the 42 women who are attending the mothers' classes in different parts of the town the total number of adult foreign women in school this year is 100.
To me this is the most significant part of this report. The mother determines the kind of home and the health and happiness of the family. America can be no better than its homes. Many of Norwood's foreign born women are beginning to be interested in becoming citizens and exercising their right to vote. I believe that the work with the mothers in home classes is the most im- portant and valuable of all of our Americanization teaching.
It is physically impossible for all foreign women in a district to attend classes. Small babies and large families, which are never lacking in the home of the immigrant, sickness and other insurmountable difficulties conspire against the education of these mothers. What unlimited opportunities has the teacher of the mother's class! Of course the teaching of English is her first duty, but there are so many ways in which she can "help" in the many homes in which she comes in contact. She has so many ways of proving herself a true friend.
This year we have nine mothers' classess. Seven of these meet in homes in different parts of the town and two meet at the Winslow School. The director teaches seven of these classes. She has had the able assistance of Mrs. Agnes Curtin McDevitt in the teaching of two home classes. All of these classes meet twice a week for a period of one hour each day.
In September, when we sent out our posters which told of the opening of evening school, we advertised an advanced class for men and women who had graduated from our three year course, but who felt a need for further study. In response to this over thirty men and women expressed a desire for the work.
The pupils of any advanced class are a select group. They are ambitious, social-minded and possess a sense of values. This class generates a spirit of cooperative effort that gives purpose and vitality to the whole school. A man in a lower class asked the question: "Was it true that Mr. S., who already spoke English so well, found it worthwhile to come to school for further study?" In attendance and quality of work done this class ranks high.
It is a wonderfully inspiring sight to see a group of aliens work- ing to become American citizens. What a challenge it ought to be to us who have always been American citizens to make this country of ours what their teachers have taught them it is! A fact noted in a recent copy of the Norwood Messenger is significant-"Of the seventy-eight people who have registered as voters in Norwood during the last period of registration one-third were on natural-
281
ization papers." All of our work with adult aliens should lead easily and naturally into naturalization.
Every experienced worker with the foreign born realizes that we cannot Americanize immigrants until the native born practice in their daily lives, those principles which are commonly under- stood to be the distinguishing marks of good citizenship in the United States. Granting this, then the correction of every un- American condition may be considered "Americanization work."
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