USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1923-1927 > Part 80
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE B. DAVIS.
Simultaneously with the re-adjustment in housing and other physical equipment, distinctly new and progressive administrative and teaching plans were put into operation. The most noteworthy of these are the directed and supervised study plan, and the assignment and accomplish- ment plan, both of which are described in detail in the report of the High School Principal which will be found printed elsewhere in this school report.
To carry out these plans, and to meet the changed housing conditions, the time of the school day has been changed in both the Senior and Junior High Schools. These changes in school sessions went into effect in Septem- ber. Before they were settled upon, however, four meetings were held in different sections of the town in order to get the sentiments and suggestion of parents with respect to the proposed changes.
The incorporation of a real school library in the new High School build- ing, with a teacher-librarian in charge and responsible for all the books of the school, is already proving of distinct advantage not only as an aid to better teaching, but also as a means of economy in the care of books.
A distinctly new departure in the commercial work of the High School was the introduction at the beginning of the present school year of a
255
simple course in the use of office appliances. This came about through the requests of local business concerns and through a careful study of the real office needs of those concerns.
A full and complete list of curricula changes and requirements will be found in this report.
This has been a year requiring much extra work and planning to per- fect the changed organization, and Mr. Grant, the Senior High School Principal, has willingly given of himself and his time far beyond what would normally or reasonably be expected. Much credit is due him for his part in planning and putting into execution the present organiza- tion.
The removal of the Senior High School from the building previously occupied by both the Senior and Junior High Schools has made it possible to make a number of forward looking changes in the Junior High organi- zation. Notable among these are the chance for the first time in several years to give all pupils a full school day. The Junior High School session is now approximately from 8.30 to 11.45 and from 1.15 to 3.15.
Because of the longer school day, Mr. Allen, the Junior High School Principal, has had, and has used, the opportunity of putting into the school a number of so-called extra-curricula activities that are doing much to strengthen the right sort of a school spirit. The school is still handicapped in this respect, however, because four of the seventh year classes are still housed in the old Everett School through lack of room in the newer build- ing.
The program of studies for the Junior High School has been considerably revised. The list of subjects now offered is shown on the following page.
A careful study of this program will show (1) that the change from ele- mentary to high school subjects is gradual; (2) that seventh and eighth grade classes move as groups and that their work is prescribed; (3) that four distinct "tryout" courses are offered eighth year pupils; and (4) that the work of the ninth year permits opportunity for electives which point toward some one of the Senior High School courses.
On the whole it seems to us a conservative and sane yet progressive program, imperfect doubtless, yet in the main satisfactory in the light of present knowledge and understandings.
Teaching Staff
The total number of teachers in the system is now 129. During the year 1926 there was a loss of only eight from the service. This is ap- proximately six per cent, which is, so far as I am able to ascertain, the lowest percentage of teacher turnover ever experienced by the schools of Norwood. The reasons are not hard to find. They are, primarily (1) a just and equitable salary schedule; (2) a feeling of confidence in the backing of the School Committee, and a certainty that their work is ap-
NORWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Program of Studies for 1926-27
.
Grade VII
Periods
Grade VIII
Periods
Grade IX
Periods
English . . .
6
English . . .
5
English . . .
4
Mathematics.
4
Mathematics
4
Mathematics
4
Social Studics
4
Social Studies
Latin .
4
Hygiene.
1
Hygiene. .
1
French. 4
Gymnasium .
2
Gymnasium
2
Community Civics, } year 4
Drawing . .
2
Drawing .
2
General Science, 2 year . .
4
Music . .
2
Ancient History . ..
4
Music. .
.
*Practical Arts.
2
+Tryouts. .
3
..
Assembly . .
1
Assembly . .
1
Activities
1
Practical Arts. . 4
Mech. Drawing
2
256
¡Tryouts for boys :
1. Gencral Language
2. Clerical Studies
9 wks. eachı
3. Mech. Drawing
Assembly .
1
4. Printing
+Tryouts for Girls:
*Practical Arts for Girls: Sewing, { year Cooking, } year
1. General Language
2. Clerical Studies
3. Sewing
9 wks. each
4. Cooking
Notes: Periods 60 minutes in length; 25 periods per week. Schedule permits average pupil to carry four academic sub- jects and one practical arts subject.
Each teacher carries 20 instruction periods and has one period daily for activities, assembly, conference, etc.
25
25
Shop ..
2
.
Art .. 2
Domestic Science.
2
Gymnasium .
2
Music. .
1
Activitics. 1
*Practical Arts for Boys: . Woodworking, } year General Shop (Home Mechanics) Į year
2
Commercial Studies. (Bkkg., Pen. and Spelling)
4
Activities . 1
257
preciated by that Committee; (3) the knowledge that they are recognized collectively and individually as being able and expected to contribute much to the carrying out of constructive, progressive policies in the schools; and (4), last, but by no means least, because of the fact that Norwood, as a place in which to live, ranks among the best.
Following are the staff changes which occurred during the year:
Left the System
1. Mary E. Laiviz, Junior High.
2. Louise Bachelder, Junior High, to teach elsewhere.
*3. Leonora M. Bradford, Junior High, deceased.
4. Grace M. Richard, Junior High, to study.
5. Ethel Sawin, Junior High, to study.
6. Anna R. Sheehan, Guild, home duties.
7. Veronica E. Miskell, Shattuck, to teach elsewhere.
8. Blanche Mayhew, East, to teach elsewhere.
* Though Miss Bradford had been sick for some time, her death early in the year came as a great shock to all of us. She had served as a teacher in the Junior High School since September, 1921, and was held in the highest esteem by all.
New Teachers
1. Mary F. Hubbard, Library instruction, Senior High.
2. Mary R. Mackedon, English and Spanish, Senior High.
3. Robert I .. Woodbury, Science, Senior High.
4. Mary C. Cullinane, Science, Junior High.
5. M. Gretchen Hamilton, Junior High.
6. Abby L. Smith, Junior High.
7. Georgia Gutterson, Household Arts.
8. Thomas R. Bowler, Home Mechanics, Mech. Drawing and Printing.
9. Philip W. Natale, Mech. Drawing and General Shop.
10. Myrtle R. LeCompte, Guild.
11. Catherine J. Cooney, Guild.
12. Gertrude Crowell, Guild.
13. Gladys H. Warfel, East.
14. Mary C. McLaughlin, Balch.
15. Margarct A. Donovan, Balch.
16. Marjorie E. Pennington, Balch.
17. Vera H. Brooks, Health Supervisor.
Transfers
1. Irenc L. Doyle from Junior High to Senior High, Commercial Dept.
2. Alice V. O'Connor from Guild to Junior High.
3. Hazcl S. Fraser from Balch to Junior High.
258
Professional Study
Participation in professional study by members of the staff has not been quite as extensive this year as last, though the amount has been consider- able.
No.
Per Cent
1. Total number of courses taken . 78
2. Total number of teachers in force 124
3. Number taking one or more courses during year
45
38
4. Number taking one course only 30
24
5. Number taking two courses .
10
8
6 Number taking five courses. 1
.8
7. Number taking seven courses
1
.8
8. Number taking eight courses
1
.8
9. Number who did not take any course during year 79
64
Curriculum Revision
The course of study of any progressive school system is never considered complete and satisfactory, but is constantly undergoing revision. In Nor- wood, the whole elementary staff are at work each year on revision of some part of the course. The work this year is on English, and is being carried on by the various Grade Association groups under the guidance of the elementary school principals acting as a steering committee, under the general direction of the Superintendent. The plan is in accord with what is now generally considered the best practice and the response of the entire staff has been most hearty and enthusiastic.
Health
Norwood affirms its belief in health education through the maintenance of an adequate staff for the purpose.
In September Miss Vera H.Brooks, formerly a school nurse in Norwood, and recently in charge of School Nursing for the entire Commonwealth, returned to Norwood as Director of Health and Dean of Girls in the Senior High School. Her report elsewhere in these pages gives indications of the positive and constructive health program being carried on.
We all very much regret the loss of Miss Helen W. Gould, who has recently resigned to accept a more attractive position in New York City. Miss Gould has served Norwood faithfully and well the past six years and will be geatly missed. Miss Mary A. Canning of Dedham has been selected to take the place left vacant by Miss Gould's resignation.
Physical Education
The lengthening of the periods for class instruction has materially en- larged and improved the opportunities for physical education, particularly
259
in the Junior High School. This is shown in the reports of Miss Kiley and Mr. Murray, the physical directors, who have been ably assisted in their work by Miss Follett and Mr. Ward. Comparison of the program here with the physical education carried on in surrounding communities should afford us a considerable satisfaction.
Admission to First Grade
The opening of the new parochial school last September considerably diminished the number of applicants for admission to the first grade. As a consequence, the rule for admission has been revised to read as follows:
"Children who have never attended school shall be admitted to the first grade during the first three weeks of the fall term, but no child shall be admitted who will not have reached the age of five and one-half years on or before August thirty-first im- mediately preceding the opening of schools in September, and who does not present an approved certificate of birth and who not complied with the law governing vaccination."
It is expected that this revised rule will now stand unchanged for some time to come.
Use of No-School Signal
One of the most hopeless tasks of a school superintendent is that of at- tempting to satisfy everyone in the use of the no-school signal. "To fore- cast New England weather accurately is much more difficult than to criti- cize the forecast afterwards."
Several months past the School Committee felt it might be well to abandon the use of a no-school signal and place the entire responsibility for sending, or not sending, the children to school on the parents. There have, however, been so many protests against this action that the signal has been restored in the following form:
No-School Signal 2-2
Repeated at 7.15 a. m. No forenoon session for any grades.
Repeated at 8.00 a. m. No forenoon sessioF for first six grades.
Repeated at 12.15 p. m. No afternoon session for any grades below the Senior High.
Repeated at 12.30 p. m. No afternoon session for first six grades.
Repeated at 6.15 p. m. No session for evening school.
Thrift
The teaching of thrift is now an established and recognized function of a school system. The report of the Norwood Trust Company on School Savings for 1926 shows the following deposits:
Balch . $ 4,861.32
Beacon
910.49
260
Everett
180.50
Guild
1,297.94
Junior High.
206.58
Shattuck
1,022.03
Winslow
1,954.12
Total.
$10,432.98
Vacation School
The enrollment in the Summer School conducted at the Guild School last summer was 106. Eighteen of this number thereby gained a year's promotion. The other eighty-eight were materially strengthened in their preparation for the work of the grades to which they had been assigned for September.
The total expense of maintaining the vacation school was $384.57, an average of $3.63 per pupil. The cost per pupil in the elementary grades . of Norwood for the school year 1925-1926 was $69.58, at which rate it would have cost the Town $1252.44 for a year's instruction of the eighteen pupils who gained a year's promotion through summer school attendance.
Adult Alien Education
There has been a slight falling off in the membership of the Americaniza- tion classes this year. Though the number of registrants diminished slightly, the standard of the work has been higher than ever before. The scope of the work is shown by the report of the Special Supervisor, printed elsewhere in this pamphlet.
Practical Arts
For some time past the work in Practical Arts for girls has been well organized under Miss Bridges as Supervisor.
With the opening of the new High School, under the new plan of ad- ministration, increased opportunities for Practical Arts became available in both Senior and Junior High Schools.
Until the present school year, the work in Practical Arts for boys had not been as extensive nor as well organized as we should like to have had it, but in September Mr. Clifford H. Wheeler, an instructor in the depart- ment, was made Supervisor, and since he assumed the duties of that position the work of the department has gone forward in a well organized fashion. A careful reading of the reports of each of the above-mentioned Practical Arts Supervisors tells the story of the growth and success of those two departments. How to adequately provide for boys' shop work for next year will be a serious problem.
Home and School Associations
During the past year live and flourishing Home and School Associations have done much to bring parents and teachers together with a common aim-the welfare of the children of Norwood.
261
Both parents and teachers are discovering that their tasks are easier and results much greater when there is full cooperation between home and school.
"Teachers should understand more of the ambitions parents have for their children, and it is equally essential that parents know what the schools are attempting to do."
Scientific Movement in Education
More and more education is coming to be scientific in its workings. No longer will tradition alone suffice to keep specific items of subject matter in the list of those things worthy to be taught. More and more is the searchlight of scientific investigation being turned on all our work, to reveal whether or not it is justifiable and adequate, and more and more must we measure up to accepted standards.
This is indeed an exceedingly healthy condition which promises much for the wise development of our youth.
Conclusion
"Education has come to be nearer to the hearts of fhe American people than has any other single interest."
There is evidence on every hand that a spirit of cooperative effort now pervades the whole educational system of Norwood to an unusual degree. This condition within the teaching force cannot but react to the good of the children of our schools. To all those who have contributed to the welfare of the school children of Norwood, your Superintendent extends thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT H. HOWES, Superintendent of Schools.
January 12, 1927
Mr. Herbert H. Howes,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Howes:
I submit herewith my sixth annual report as Principal of the Norwood High School.
School Opening
Greatly to the credit of all those connected with the project of the new high school, the date of opening was not delayed, and on September 8, nearly 500 pupils filed into the magnificent structure prepared for them
262
by the Town of Norwood. While many workmen were still employed about the building the organization for the school year went forward without interruption and without any serious inconvenience. Within three days after the opening the organization for class room work was completed and pupils were attending a complete schedule of recitations.
The only modification necessary in the original plans was that of operat- ing on the forty-minute period plan for the first five weeks, in order that work could be completed in the lunch room, and everything made ready for the starting of the longer school day. After a week or two, pupils and teachers were thoroughly familiar with the new plant and all were loud in their praise of the building in general and the special features such as the school library, the gymnasium and the manual and household arts departments.
The growth of the school, in enrollment, over that of last year was such that every seat of the regular class rooms was taken, and going into another school year it will be necessary to place pupils for home room assignments in the special departmental rooms.
After having spent two months in the new building, pupils through the English Department were requested to prepare a composition entitled "Two Months in the New High School." Several of these were published in the Norwood Messenger.
Enrollment
The enrollment on the opening day was 466, a gain of 60 over the en- rollment for the opening day of the previous year. This gain was mainly due to the number received by way of promotion from the ninth grade, 212 in all being advanced. The graduating class of 1926 totaled 95, so that the school gained in numbers a difference between 95 added to 52, the number of pupils who left school from the tenth and eleventh grades, and 212 pupils from the ninth grade. The enrollment in the twelfth grade for this year is 110,which means that again the records for graduation will be broken and much difficulty will be experienced in conducting graduation exercises with the limited facilities of Everett hall.
There were no changes in the faculty enrollment. All teachers of the year 1925-26 returned for the school year of 1926-27. Additional teach- ers, however, had to be procured to take care of the increase in curricula offerings and the increase in the number of pupils enrolled. The following teachers were transferred from the Junior High School to the Senior High School: Miss Irene Doyle, Commercial Department; Mr. Gustave Larson, Practical Arts Department; and Miss Lucy Steele, Household Arts De- partment. Other teachers engaged for the new school year were: Mr. Robert Woodbury, Science Department; Miss Mary Hubbard, School Librarian; and Miss Mary Mackedon, Modern Languages. Miss Vera Brooks returned to the Norwood school system as Dean of Girls at the high school and Supervisor of the health program in the public schools.
263
Miss Grace C. McGonagle, former Dean of Girls, was appointed Principal's Assistant.
Plan of Administration
During the past two years plans have been under way for new methods of administration for the high school-methods which are only possible under a longer school day than that available in the past Senior-Junior High School plan. The hours of the school day have been changed so that pupils now attend school from eight o'clock until two fifteen-an actual increase of one hour and a half over the school day previously in use. This increase has made possible the lengthening of periods, and now all periods are sixty minutes in length exclusive of time between periods and recess allowances. A rest period of four minutes is allowed between peri- ods, and a lunch period of one-half hour is allowed daily. Pupils who live within five minutes' walk of the school are permitted to go homef or lunch; others are required to remain at the school, patronizing the lunch counter or bringing their lunches from home.
With the arrangement for the hour period has come the very important adoption of supervised study for all classes. Supervised study as applied to Norwood High School means that a certain percentage of the hour period, not less than one-third in fact, is to be devoted by teachers to supervision of the study of lesson assignments in their division, and the proper guidance of pupils in methods of study. It is desirable for teachers to allow as much time as possible for this supervision, and teachers are trying to conduct their class room work, give out their assignments, dis- cuss problems which have arisen from the preceding day's work, and yet allow one-half hour for assisting pupils to properly organize and carry forward their advanced work. A false impression has been obtained in some homes and possibly in the minds of some pupils to the effect that they are able to accomplish all of their assignment work in this period of super- vision. The true purpose of this period of supervision is to show the pupils proper organization and get them started correctly on their next day's work. It is hardly possible for any pupil to complete all of his assignment in this period. All pupils should have not less than an hour's work to do at home daily and college preparatory pupils should have at least two hours' preparation outside of school to accomplish.
In a questionnaire submitted to all pupils in which the question was asked "Do you favor the plan of supervised study?" there were only ten negative answers out of the entire enrollment. Much comment was made that more time in some classes could readily be allowed and other remarks appeared in connection with the questions relating to supervised study, nearly all of which were helpful to teachers. It is the opinion of the high school faculty that supervised study has definitely improved scholarship and has been of great assistance in procuring uniformity of methods and organization of work.
A second feature in connection with class room administration has been
264
the adoption of the Accomplishment Plan. A certain amount of work is outlined by a teacher which is known as the minimum amount to be done in a particular class. Pupils know this as the minimum accomplishment, and know when they have completed this amount, they have qualified for one of the minimum grades, either low C, C, or high C., according to the quality of their work. To obtain the higher grades of B, high B, A and High A, additional assignments of work have to be completed and these are known as B assignments and A assignments.
While the adoption of this plan has been experimental, it is probable that it will be permanently adopted after having been worked upon and im- proved over a period of a year. It cannot be denied that it means a great deal more work for both teachers and pupils, and through the experimental stage a few hardships may be incurred or possible misunderstandings through the overgauging of pupil ability. The problem in the plan for teachers is that of studying their respective classes' average group ability and making assignments accordingly.
The plan seems to present a definite means of encouragement to most pupils and, combined with the supervised study, has been a strong influence in improving the general scholarship of the school. While the honor roll percentage has not been quite as high as previous years for the first two terms, the percentage of failure has been decidedly lower. All pupils have a definite goal and they know with accomplishment of the minimum as- signment they at least will receive a passing grade. Pupils who are plan- ning for college know that they must get A and B and do the additional work that goes with such grades in order to receive certifying records. Beside most of the failures for the first two terms could be written, "Not adapted to the subject," meaning that the pupils have made unwise selec- tions in their electives and are taking work which they are unable to carry successfully. It is hoped that much of this will be eliminated in the ex- perimental eighth grade year.
Information procured on the questionnaires relating to the topic of the Accomplishment Plan contained considerable opposition expressed on the part of pupils. Nearly thirty per cent stated their dislike for the plan giving as reasons the fact that they had to do more work to procure the higher grades, or that they had to do more work than in previous years to maintain good standing. This would seem rather an asset, as it puts a definite premium on ability and in the problem of treating individual dif- ferences it has, for a long time, been acknowledged that we are paying too much attention to the lower quartile of a group of pupils, but an equal, if not a greater, amount of time should be given to the upper quartile. I feel that with the perfection of the present plan of class administration the only acceptable reason for failure in class room work will be that of lack of adaptability. Failures due to laziness, lack of preparation, etc., will always occur in some measure, but the plan should take care of most of these.
265
Changes in Curricula of Study
The school week is divided into twenty-five one-hour periods rather than the thirty-five short periods in use during previous years. Each school day contains five one-hour periods, with one hour allowed in all for recess periods and opening exercises. All major studies are offered four periods per week with the exception of English and the Sciences, which are offered five periods weekly. Five periods are required for Sciences in order that a special laboratory period may be arranged.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.