USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1923-1927 > Part 82
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
In April, forty-five boys presented themselves as candidates for the Senior High School baseball team. Sixteen made the first team and the others formed a class league which competed for the championship of the Senior High School. The school team played a schedule of eighteen games, winning thirteen and losing five.
In the Junior High School, a league was formed of seventh, eighth and ninth grade room teams and a series of interclass games, ninety-six in all, was played. From these class games an All-Junior High School team was selected, which played eight outside games, winning seven and losing one.
All class games in the Senior High School and most of the Junior High School were in charge of the players on the regular High School team- two being assigned to each game. Their duties consisted of umpiring, scoring and handling all details of the game.
The All-Student Track Meet, instituted by the State Supervisor of Physical Education, Mr. Carl Schrader, was undertaken for the fourth time in four years. In this meet, every boy-100%-of the two upper classes of the Senior High School competed in the Hundred-Yard Dash (for time), Broad Jump, and High Jump. The participant was awarded points according to the performance in these events. The records were
276
then sent to Mr. Schrader and the school was awarded a certificate of proficiency for performance in mass athletics.
At the opening of school in September, the Senior High School moved to its new building with its own gymnasium, shower baths and locker rooms. The Junior High School still continued to use the facilities at the Civic Association. The periods were extended to one hour which allowed every boy in the Senior High School to have a shower bath after his class work. In the new school, we find a gymnasium of the most modern type with all the physical equipment needed to carry out our program.
During the fall season, seventy-two Senior High School boys reported for football and a schedule of nine games was played with outside teams. The result of the season was an undefeated team. One game was played by the second team with an outside school and another game by the third team with an opponent from an outside school.
In the Junior High School a soccer league was formed in the seventh and eighth grades and an interclass series of nineteen games played. Dur- ing the Christmas vacation fifty-two candidates signified their intention of participating in Senior High basket ball. A schedule of twelve games has been arranged with other schools and the opening game of the season is to be played January 8, 1927.
All games this year will be played in the afternoon and Norwood has joined a league known as the "Neighborhood Town League." Over fifty candidates have reported for Junior High basket ball and a schedule of eight games has been arranged with other Junior High basket ball teams. An interclass and interroom series of games has been planned for the Junior High School. All Junior High School activities were carried on under the capable direction of Mr. John Ward. An organization known as the Nor- wood Junior High School Athletic Association has been started this past year by Mr. Ward, and the paying members to date number about 750.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the boys and myself to thank the citizens of Norwood for their very loyal support in all our athletics for the year 1926, and the banquet tendered by them to the foot- ball team of the past season.
Respectfully submitted,
H. BENNETT MURRAY.
Mr. H. H. Howes,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Mass.
The following is the report of the work in Physical Education for the elementary schools and for the girls of the Junior and Senior High Schools for the year ending December 31, 1926.
The work in physical education as in previous years has been carried on
277
according to the outlines suggested by Mr. Carl L. Schrader, State Super- visor of Physical Education. At meetings held with the teachers of the first six grades, posture was stressed and instruction was given regarding the adjustment of the chairs and desks which must be adjusted in the fall and spring according to the child's growth.
In the seventh grade of the Junior High School a more thorough physical examination was given to the girls than in former years. The consent of the parents was given for this examination and it was made by either the family physician or the school physician. Out of the 164 girls examined, only four per cent were put in second class, which means that they took the less strenuous forms of exercise. The periods for the seventh, eighth and ninth grades have been lengthened to one-hour periods so that each girl now has two one-hour periods of gymnasium work a week. The added fifteen minutes is a great aid to the physical department especially since it is necessary for the Junior High to come to the Civic for physical educa- tion.
In September when we entered the new Senior High School building, the periods were also lengthened to one hour and here, too, the benefits derived from the addition of an extra fifteen minutes per period are of vast importance in the physical education work. Now there is ample time for a complete lesson and a shower at the conclusion of the lesson. A very important, progressive step was made this year in the listing of girls'. gymnasium classes according to classes in school (Sophomore, Junior Senior). The girls are certainly enjoying their new gymnasium. The partition enables us to enjoy a gymnasium of our own and yet if necessary the entire floor space is available for games, etc., in a minimum of time, Because of the splendid equipment in our shower and locker rooms, the work of organizing our classes is much less difficult. Each girl row has an individual locker for her gymnasium apparel. The individual shower and dressing room minimizes the time needed for showering and dressing.
In May, a sixth grade baseball schedule was arranged under the super- vision of Miss Follett. High School and ninth grade boys acted as um- pires for these games and proved excellent officials.
The eighth and ninth grade girls carried on a program of organized games as an extra school activity. The seventh grades could not partici- pate on account of difference in programs, but this year all three grades will participate.
Last spring, Norwood again entered the state-wide, all-student track meet. The two upper classes of Senior High School competed and our girls' entry was 100%. The events for girls were 50-yard dash, basket ball throw, and high jump. The High School received a certificate for its excellency in mass athletics and Alice Kelliher, a Senior, received a certificate from the Commissioner of Education for having won eightlı place in a competition which was state-wide.
About 125 girls from the ninth grades and Senior High School reported
278
for basket ball practice. They are playing inter-class games and later a team will be picked to represent the High School ir its outside games. A schedule of six games will be arranged.
In closing, I wish to thank the superintendent, principals and teachers for their help and cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, ERNA H. KILEY, Director of Physical Education.
Mr. Herbert H. Howes,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Mass.
My dear Mr. Howes:
I herewith submit my first report as Health Supervisor for the Public Schools of Norwood. As I have been acting in this capacity only since September, this report will obviously consist largely of work accomplished by Miss Helen W. Gould and Miss Sadie E. Downs, the school nurses.
The Health Department of the schools suffered a decided loss when Miss Gould resigned in December. She has given six years of valuable and untiring service to the people of this town and will be keenly missed by all who came in contact with her and her work.
The following statistical report gives some idea of routine work covered and the prevalence of communicable diseases in our schools.
Number children inspected.
10,683.
Number children examined
2,299
Number children excluded.
347
Defective hearing
5
Defective teeth.
947
Discharging ear
13
Enlarged glands.
183
Enlarged tonsils
748
Malnutrition
329
Pediculosis.
167
Symptoms of nervous disease
4
Symptoms of cardiac disease
21
Symptoms of skin disease.
153
Orthopedic defects.
7
Sore throat.
99
Uncleanliness
93
Miscellaneous.
1,544
Number of letters or notices sent to parents.
1,616
279
Number children treated at school.
1,797
Number home visits made.
601
Number children treated at Dental Clinic. 200
Number children treated at Eye Clinic. 156
Glasses ordered or changed .
66
Number children treated at Skin Clinic.
7
Number children treated at Orthopedic Clinic.
3
Throat cases cured by operation
189
Cases of scarlet fever .
87
Cases of whooping cough
38
Cases of measles
20
Cases of German measles
32
Cases of diphtheria
11
Cases of chicken pox
53
Cases of mumps
326
Weighed and measured .
6,909
Schick tested.
609
Toxin Anti-Toxin
366
Poor posture.
166
Pupils in Grades I, IV, VII and all pupils participating in competitive sports received a "stripped to the waist" examination by the school physi- cians. In addition to this group, any child recommended by parent- teacher or nurse may be examined; thus a child receives a thorough physi- cal examination at least three times during his school life. This year the parents were invited to be present at the examinations of their children and a large number responded. When the parents attend this examina- tion, three important points are covered:
1. The parent sees for herself the nature of the examination and the conditions under which it is given.
2. The parent has an opportunity to discuss with the school physician the physical condition of her child.
3. The health program of the school os more closely linked up with the health program of the home.
I believe those who attended the examination of their children last October felt more than repaid for their time and effort by the consideration and helpful interest extended to them and their children by the school physicians. We hope even more will take advantage of this opportunity another year.
Dr. Schorer, State Psychiatrist, made her annual visit to Norwood in April and examined seventy-seven pupils who were retarded in their work. Of this number thirty-four were found to be three or more years retarded; fourteen were recommended to attend a special class for retarded children; ten were recommended to attend a special class for older retarded children; twenty-six were recommended for re-examination in one year. In 1925 Dr. Schorer advised ten pupils examined by her to attend a special
280
class for older children and in 1926 an additional ten for this same class. The majority of these twenty pupils are boys. If such a class for boys could be organized and located in the Junior High School where they could have the advantage of working in the shops, this group of boys could probably be interested in work which they would enjoy and it would prove the means of giving many of them the start in the trade whereby they later may earn their living as useful citizens. It would also relieve the two special classes now in operation of the older boys and so make room for the younger children who would profit by the individual attention they need and would receive in such a class.
. The State Department of Public Health held its second clinic for under- weight children in Norwood in April. Only those recommended for re- examination at the clinic the previous year were examined. The following is the report of the clinic:
Number of children recommended for re-examination 27
Number ef children re-examined . 23
Number of children refused. 1
Number of children moved away or left school .
3
Number of children recommended for sanatorium treatment.
2
Number of children reported to have developed pulmonary tuberculosis
1
Number of children found to be unimproved. 10
Number of children found to be improved. . 11
Number of children found to be apparently well. 2
A poorly balanced diet is by no means the only chance of underweight; physical defects, irregular habits, lack of sleep and rest are quite as im- portant contributing factors. The interest and cooperation of the home are necessary in each case to enable the child to make satisfactory gain.
In September a new dental program was adopted for use in the public schools. This program consists of caring for the permanent teeth as soon as possible after they erupt. The permanent molars appear approximately at the ages of six, nine and twelve years and those children are found in Grades I, III and VI. All children in these grades are examined by Dr, Wing, the school dentist, and notices of defects found are sent to the parents by him. All parents are urged to take their children to their own family dentist, but in cases where this is impossible children may be cared for at the clinic. To date the first grades have been examined and all who wished to have work done at the clinic have been cared for; 313 were examined and 212 needed dental attention, ninety-two of them being cared for at the Dental Clinic, and of this number fifty-seven had to have fillings in the first permanent tooth to appear, the sixth year molar. This would seem to prove the importance of caring for these teeth while the cavity is very small and so prevent further decay and more elaborate dentistry. In Grade III, 310 have been examined and 267 were found to be in need of attention. These children are being cared for at present. This program
281
is endorsed by the Forsythe Denatl Infirmary, Boston, and the Massachu- setts State Department of Public Health.
The members of this department wish to express their appreciation to the superintendent, supervisors, principals and teachers for their splendid support, cooperation and helpful advice.
We gratefully acknowledge the moral and material support given to the health work by many and are glad at this time to make special mention of the Quest Club at the Senior High School, the Norwood Woman's Club and the Norwood Mother's Club.
Respectfully submitted,
VERA H. BROOKS, Health Supervisor.
Mr. H. H. Howes,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Mass.
My dear Mr. Howes:
I herewith submit my report as Supervisor of Music for the year ending December 31, 1926 ..
The work in Music was carried on according to the "General Outline of Music" with no changes in the course apart from the introduction in the sixth and the eighth grades of a new music reader more in keeping with the work to be done.
In the Junior High School, the results obtained by using Room 200 exclusively for music have been very satisfactory and besides keeping music upon a basis of educational progress in seventh, eighth and ninth grades, proves the need of a similar arrangement in the Senior High School where at present one of the two sections of the gymnasium is used for music.
This arrangement is far from satisfactory, and while some progress has been made in chorus singing, conditions are such as to make any intensive work most difficult.
Owing to the poor acoustics of the gymnasium, it is impossible for one section of the chorus to hear the other sections.
The noise from the gymnasium classes interferes with the music. Writ- en work is impossible and owing to the formation of the chorus (seventeen pupils to a row, five or six rows deep) no attention can be given to the in- dividual.
A Junior Glee Club and a Senior Glee Club have been organized and are progressing nicely.
The Senior Orchestra has made several public appearances and has been very well received.
282
A Junior Orchestra of twenty-five pieces has been organized and so far has played on three different occasions with great success.
In clisong, I wish to thank the superintendent, principals and teachers for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
J. V. DETHIER, Supervisor of Music.
Mr. Herbert H. Howes, Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Mass.
My dear Mr. Howes:
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Drawing for the year ending December 31, 1926.
When a supervisor has been in a town several years, the course has been worked over and adapted to suit the needs and characteristics of a certain locality and the main motives and aims do not change much from year to year. Certain definite things are taught in the elementary grades and a certain amount of ability expected in the majority of children at the end of each grade. However, there have to be changes in the methods of pre- senting some subjects.
In accordance with the modern trend of education, we have tried to allow the pupils more choice, to help them to be more self-reliant and to express themselves more in their drawings, rather than to copy what the teacher thinks a certain subject looks like. More has been done in memory training, through drawing than before, and we hope to do still more along this line this year.
The present arrangement of supervision is a visit, usually with a teach- ing lesson, every three weeks to each, Grade I, II and III room and the same once in two weeks to each Grade IV, V and VI room, with the excep- tion of the Balch School, where the three week schedule has to be followed in all grades.
With the adoption of departmental work in all subjects in Grade VII, the teaching of the drawing has been done by Mrs. Everett at the Everett School and Mrs. Elvira Cook at the Junior High building, with occasional lessons on special or new subjects by the supervisor. Grade VIII drawing is carried on by Miss Hazel Frazer under direct supervision, while Mrs. Ethel Cook is responsible for Grade IX and Senior High drawing, both of which are elective.
As usual, considerable time has been spent on the making of posters. Very simple Health posters were made in the lower grades, where illustra- tions drawn or cut by the children were combined with printed slogans
283
furnished by the State Department of Public Health. The best Health posters from Grade VI classes in all schools were collected and exhibited in every drug store window in town during the first week of June. About ten of those were sent to the annual state contest of the Mass. Tuberculosis Society. A number of "Kindness to Animals" posters made by Grade VII were sent to the annual contest of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and several of these were exhibited at the Boston Public Library during "Be Kind to Animals Week" in April. During the same week a - large number were also shown in our own library, through the interest and courtesy of Miss Hewitt and the trustees. In Grade VIII patriotic post- ers with original slogans were designed at the end of the school year, while in High School "Toyland" and other posters suitable for commercial pur- poses and those advertising various school and Teachers' Club affairs were the result of this part of the drawing course.
The Junior High drawing is improving considerably under present con- ditions, the longer period being a considerable factor in this progress. The idea of an art club for one of the "activities" proved popular, more than two hundred signing up for this. However, only two classes could be accommodated. Mrs. Cook has charge of a Handwork Club in Grade VII, where the first principles of reed basketry are being taught. Miss Fraser has a large class calling themselves the Industrial Art Club. Being more advanced pupils, they have already made a number of reed articles, several of the pupils selling their products and receiving orders for more.
The well-equipped Art Room in the New High School is much appre- ciated by the teacher and pupils. The course which was worked out last year is being followed again, with a few changes. Many hand-decorated articles were made by the drawing classes before Christmas, such as painted scarfs, ties and handkerchiefs, painted and tooled articles of leather, and metal and glass objects decorated with enamel and lacquer paint. Many of these were sold and others used for Christmas gifts.
I wish at this time to thank the superintendent and principals for their unfailing interest and cooperation, also the grade teachers and teachers of drawing in Junior and Senior High Schools for the able and conscientious way in which they carried on the work during my recent leave of absence.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN L. ARNOLD, Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. Herbert H. Howes, Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Howes:
I herewith submit a report of the Household Arts Department for the year ending December 31, 1927.
284
Instruction in Houschold Arts is now being offered in all grades from the fifth through the High School. The general aim of this branch of education is to train for better and more efficient home-making. All courses are planned with a view to introducing the girl each year to home activities and ideals suited to her age. The Junior High School is well equipped to teach a number of these home activities such as sewing and cooking and related subjects, home care of the sick, child care, laundry and housekeep- ing. Since the laundry has been completed many interesting problems are worked out there. In High School more advanced work along these lines is offered and in addition we attempt to give the girl help in problems of hygiene, health, etiquette, entertainingand character building, empahsiz- ing the social and civic aspects of home life. A special project worked out in Grades IX and X was the completion of a set of bed jackets for the chil- dren's ward of the Norwood Hospital. The materials were contributed and the girls cheerfully volunteered their work. A letter from the hospital superintendent expressed much gratitude and appreciation.
Outstanding features of the past year are:
1. The changes in curricula which permitted a wider election of House- hold Arts in both Junior and Senior High School. We have this year an increase of from 400 to 500% in our enrollment in both schools. This increased enrollment is most gratifying as it is an indication of the desire for practical training leading to home-making.
2. The addition of another teacher. Five teachers are now employed in this department.
3. The introduction of instruction in cookery into the seventh grade.
4. The organization of a "try-out" course in Household Arts in the eighth grade.
5. The organization of short courses in Household Arts in the ninthgrade and high school for the benefit of pupils in other courses who cannot elect the major course in Household Arts but wish some of this type of instruc- tion.
6. The adoption at the opening of the school year of the one-hour period in Junior and Senior High School. This plan has meant shortened time for Household Arts instruction and hence a readjustment of all courses. The results so far under this plan are cemmensurate with the time allowed for instruction.
7. The organization of classes in the new High School with modern equipment. The unit kitchen plan of arrangement of cooking laboratory allows the girls to carry on their lessons under more home-like conditions than with the laboratory plan. The kitchens are both attractive and convenient and the girls are finding pleasure in work which may not have heretofore appealed to them.
8. The opening of the new High School cafeteria. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" and those who patronize the counter can judge of the quality of food served. Believing that the school cafeteria lias an
285
educational mission to perform, we are striving to teach right eating and standards of cleanliness and serving. We endeavor to teach proper food selection through our menus which we aim to keep well-balanced, nourish- ing, varied and appealing, and at the same time inexpensive. Only food of the best quality is served. Four women prepare the mcal under the direction of the Household Arts Department. Lunch preparation has been removed from the classes, a desirable feature because of the necessary repetition of processes. The continuing and increasing patronage of the cafeteria justifies the belief that it is meeting a necd.
The past year has shown much growth. More and more pupils are realizing and appreciating the fact that instruction in Household Arts is a fundamental part of every girl's education for life and not a subject to be reserved for a chosen few.
If Household Arts education is helping Norwood girls to be better fitted for their life work, more useful to themselves, more helpful in their homes- and truly a power for good in the community in which they live, we shall feel repaid for the service we are attempting to render.
I wish at this time to express my earnest appreciation of the untiring and helpful efforts of Mr. Howes, the assistance and cooperation of the teachers in this department and of the interest shown by those who have helped the growth of this department in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
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.