Norwood annual report 1927-1929, Part 12

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1927
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1016


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 12


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The Present Situation: The program of studies now in operation at the Senior High School calls for the daily use of an auditorium,


204


for a music department and such facilities as the original plans provided. If this portion of the building were completed, it would, at the same time, increase the capacity of the building while offer- ing a balanced educational program.


The Senior High School now enrolls 499 pupils. The expected increase for next year is practically 100 additional pupils. The capacity of the building will then be taxed to the limit of an effi- cient organization. To receive these pupils will mean that some teachers wil have no classrooms of their own. They will be obliged to go about each period to hear a class in some room that may be vacant for that hour. With a present eighth grade of 316 pupils, the prospect for 1930 is a very critical one for the Senior High School. It will undoubtedly force the administration to make adjustments which will injure the efficiency of the entire school and work hardship to all concerned.


The study of the map (see map on page 205) which shows the location of the homes of pupils attending the Senior High School is remarkable. One cannot imagine a more evenly distributed enrollment from all parts of Norwood. This certainly speaks well for the general intelligence and ambition of the citizens for the education of their children. No favoritism or sectionalism is in evidence. It might be thought that some difference would be noticed between the districts at the south and east portions of the town in comparison with the district west of the railroad and near to the Senior High School building, but this is not to be found. In the South district, including those living between the branches of the railroad, are 156 pupils. In the East section are 94 pupils, making a total of 250. Counting those living in the region West of the railroad and near the building are 249. No one can say that the Senior High School exists for the well-to-do or for the poorer pupils. It is an opportunity accepted equally by all the children of all the people. 1


The Problem of Increased Enrollment. £ The building is now serving practically all that it was intended to accommodate when it was built. A careful study has been made of the assignment of pupils to teachers and of teachers to rooms. Very little im- provement is possible by way of a more efficient administration. This possibility will be taxed to the limit before the needed addi- tions can be built. The growth of the Senior High School has been in no way different from the growth of high schools in other com- munities and throughout the country.


(See graph on page 206.)


WEST WOOD


1


GRADES - 10 ~ 12


DISTRIBUTION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS


Geo. A. Smith


Town Engineer.


PLAN OF THE


TOWN OF NORWOOD MASS.


SGALĘ


UPLAND


...


January


1920.


.


..


....



CLEVELAND


CATALPA CO


AV


.


FULTON


ROCK


PLAMKI


HA SHINGION


.


CHOLANG


.. ..


APLAKEL


....


0


?


... .


ELH


CUT NO. 1


.. ...


r


XOPADYOF


c


.... .


Poruc


....


. ..


PAYETIH


.


..


.


.


.


WALPOLE


·


a


...


ELLA


WAL POLE


by the dotted line for the next fifteen years. This would indicate conservative estimate of a continued average growth is projected


2400


2300


2200


2100


2000


1900


1


1800


-1700


Estimated Enrollment In 1943 to be 1200


/ 600


1500


1400


1300


1200


1200


1100


1000


206


893


100


600


300


---


-+


400


300


200


100


2 161


/ 9/3


$ 16/


1915


9161


1917


1918


6/6/


1920


1921


1922


$923


1924


1925


1926


1927


8361


8281


1930


133.1


1932


1933


1934


1835


1936


/937


1938


/939


1940


106/


1943


1944


1


FUTURE ENROLLMENT IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL


NO: - 2


past fifteen years up to the assured enrollment for 1928. A very


This graph shows what the actual increase has been during the


2370


continued Percentage of increase


A reasonable Expectancy


900


800


Averona Increase.


207


an enrollment of at least 900 pupils. The percentage of increase during the past fifteen years has been phenomenal. If this per- centage should continue for the next fifteen years, the enrollment would amount to 1871 pupils. This can hardly be expected. The phenomenal growth of the high school during the past fifteen years. has been due to many factors that will not function in this same way during the coming years. We may well assume that the future growth will be nearer a normal rate. If we draw a line some where between these two possibilities we may figure a fair estimate of the number we must expect to provide for during the next fifteen years. This will be at least 1200 pupils.


Any building program should look forward for at least ten to fifteen years. The present building has been designed wisely with this prospect in view. Therefore, when any addition is made to the present structure, provision should be made to meet the ex- pected enrollment of at least ten years in advance of the time of construction.


The Vocational School for Girls


Should the trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund and the Town of Norwood cooperate in the establishing of a Vocational School for Girls, as proposed in the report of Mr. Arthur L. Wil- liston, some relief will undoubtedly be felt in the Senior High School .* However, before this could possibly become operative, the situation is bound to become serious. As I compare the con- ditions in all parts of the schools of Norwood, I find that the most pressing need is at the Senior High School. Therefore, it is recom- mended that the auditorium, music room, and additional classrooms be provided at once. The number of classrooms needed will depend somewhat upon the possible cooperation of the Trustees of the Peabody Fund. Whatever decision may be reached the suggested auditorium, music department, and a minimum number of class- rooms are imperative within the next year.


The Junior High School


This building was erected as a junior-senior high school and has now been turned over to the Junior High School with an estimated seating capacity of about 750 pupils. The present enrollment of the Junior High School grades is 832 with an expected annual in- crease of about 80 pupils. At present four rooms of seventh-grade pupils are housed in the old Everett building. Those pupils are losing much of the benefit of the Junior High School organization, life, and spirit to which they are entitled.


The use of the Civic Association buildings and grounds is, at best, an administrative make-shift. Much valuable time is lost in the passing of classes to and from these buildings. At best these


* A separate report has been made to the School Committee on this proposition.


208


facilities are not satisfactory nor adequate, and their use should be discontinued as soon as the Junior High School can be pro- vided with its own facilities.


The Present Situation. The Junior High School also presents a difficult problem. This school needs an auditorium and a gym- nasium of its own, a good library, more adequate space for prac- tical arts for both boys and girls, and some adjustments in its administration to care properly for the pupils now enrolled. With the assurance of a large increase in numbers next year and the year following, it is evident that the policy for the solution of the future Junior High School problem must be determined now.


Growth. Two lines of probable future enrollment are projected in the graph shown on page 209. If only the average increase in enrollment is maintained for the next fifteen years, we may expect not less than 1400 pupils in the junior high school grades. This is a very conservative estimate and does not take all factors into consideration. It represents the lowest possible estimate. The experience of the past shows us that we do not grow in enrollment in accordance with an average increase. The increase each year exceeds the rate of previous years. If the schools should increase according to the same percentage in the next fifteen years, we would have over 2600 pupils in the junior high school grades. Therefore, we must plan with a very conservative estimate that we will have to provide for approximately 1800 pupils.


The Solution of the Problem. In attempting to solve this prob- lem several factors must be taken into consideration:


1. The ultimate size of the Junior High School unit for the best interests of the pupils.


2. The most efficient administration.


3. The adequacy of the plant for all educational purposes.


4. The location of the school building with respect to the homes of the pupils.


5. The special service which such a building can render to the neighborhood or community.


A junior high school ought not to enroll over 1000 pupils if the best teaching conditions are to be considered. A school much larger soon loses its unity of purpose and ideals. The pupils are in the early adolescent period and need more individual attention than can be given in too large a school.


A school of 1000 pupils is large enough to be administered economically. The overhead for administration, maintenance, and instruction works out most satisfactorily in a building of this size when well organized. Such a plant can afford the essentials of an auditorium, gymnasium, practical arts, and full curriculum offerings at a minimum cost.


209


200


300


400


500


800


700


800


900


1000


1100


1200


1 300


1400


1500


1600


1700


1800


1800


2000


2100


2200


2300


2400


2500


2600


2700


1912


1913


1914


1915


1916


1917


1818


1819


1920


1821


1922


1923


1924


1925


1926


/ 927


1928


1929


1930


1931


1932


1833


1984


1835


1936


1937


1938


1939


-


1840


1941


1942


1943


1405


2072


2645


1


Noin 3


FUTURE ENROLLMENT IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL


Estimated Enrollment in 1943 to be 2072


Average Increase


Medica Expectene9


Continued Percentage of menease


210


A junior high school building should be located within a radius of approximately one mile and a half of the homes of the pupils. At the same time the advantages of such a building should serve as an intellectual and recreational center for the community which it serves.


The map shown on page 211 has been prepared showing the location of the homes of all Junior High School pupils now enrolled.


A study of this map shows a fairly even distribution of pupils through all sections of the town with the most evident congestion between the branches of the railroad. There are some pupils who come from the extreme limits of the town in all directions. While this distance is not excessive, it indicates the trends of population and presents a factor to be considered in the location of any pro- posed schools.


Taking the present Junior High School building as a center there are now 355 pupils living toward the North and 467 pupils living South of this central line. If a line is drawn east and west approx- imately at Walnut Avenue, the Junior High School population is divided into two practically even groups of 416 pupils each. If we take the main line of the railroad as a dividing line, we again find a remarkably even division of these pupils. East of the railroad are 184 pupils, and between the two branches are 235 pupils, making a total of 419 living in this section of the town. To the west of the railroad are 413 pupils. These facts, together with the possibilities of future growth and the cost of future buildings, must be kept in mind as we attempt to solve the problem. Three pos- sible solutions are presented for consideration.


Suggested Plans


1. A large central Junior High School located on the present site, or on the Civic Association grounds, to be expanded from time to time to house all the pupils of grades 7, 8, and 9. This would mean that in time this school would be forced to house over 2000 pupils. This would make an unwieldy and unsatisfactory admin- istrative school unit.


2. Two six-year high schools. This could be accomplished by adding to the present Senior High School to accommodate one half of the expected junior high school enrollment. Then build a second plant on the East side of the town beyond the railroad, first as a Junior High School, and then to be expanded into a junior-senior high school as the enrollment increased. The present Junior High School building would then become a central element- ary school.


This proposition has several features in its favor. The six-year high school makes a unified secondary school combining all six grades under one administration. The junior section would keep


Sunset Are


TALDOR AVE


.


1920


Geo A. Smith Town Engineer


DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 1927-1928


...


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WAL POLE


.....


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CUT NO. 4


PLAN OF THE TOWN OF NORWOOD MASS.


WESTWOOD.


.


212


its own social organization, but it also would become an integral part of a single and united administrative unit. It prevents the break that is so threatening between the separate junior and senior high schools. This plan, however, would prove more costly than the other suggestions and for a town of the size of Norwood may not be the best solution of the problem.


3. Two separate Junior High Schools. The present enrollment in the Junior High School has been shown to be fairly well dis- tributed throughout the town. As the population is now distributed one center of congestion is found in the south end near the Balch School. The center toward the north end of the town would be in the neighborhood of Washington and Howard streets. A radius of three-quarters of a mile would cover the greater portion of the available land in this direction for future home building. The probability of securing a suitable tract of land in this north section is problematical. Therefore, considering the cost of new sites and the fact that the present Junior High School is well within the radius of this north section, it is suggested that this present building be improved to serve as the Junior High School for the North and West sections of the town. It would then be necessary to determine how and where the second Junior High School would be developed. A study of the location of the homes of the pupils, the probable growth of population, and the interests of the com- munity, suggests a location in the vicinity of the Balch School, provided a site of sufficient size can be secured. This means a lot of at least ten acres.


Present Junior High School Building Needs


A study has been made of the administration and organization of this school as will be reported fully in another division of the survey. However, in consideration of the possible reorganization of the school along more efficient lines, assisted by some further use of the Civic Association property, it is evident that the Junior High School can, as a temporary arrangement, provide for the increased enrollment for at least two more years.


The Use of the Civic Association Property. The suggestion that the Civic Association property be purchased as a site for a school is not recommended for the following reasons:


1. It would mean the building of a large Junior High School to serve the entire town and eventually housing about 2,000 pupils.


2. It might mean the building of a large elementary school for the central portion of the town. This is not needed.


3. It would also suggest the turning over of the present Junior High School building as an elementary school, which is not advisable for the same reason.


213


On the other hand it is a very desirable piece of land and the athletic field is a temptation to any school. If possible this field should be retained as a central playground for the use of all of the schools. The Civic Association field may well serve as the center of a system of playgrounds for the town. As a part of such a plan each school building should have about it a large playground to serve not only the children of the school but the immediate neighborhood as a recreation center for all.


Temporary Uses of the Civic Building. Whatever building plans may be adopted the Junior High School must continue to make temporary use of the Civic Association buildings. Therefore, as stated above, it is suggested that even more use be made of this space than at present, so that pupils sent across to this building remain there for two or more periods without recrossing the street. One suggestion would be to place the music work here. This would also relieve the present music room and accommodate two extra teachers. Such devices will be necessary to carry on the work of the school until the needed buildings can be provided.


Recommendations for the Junior High School


The following recommendations are made regarding the present Junior High School situation:


1. That an addition be constructed to include an auditorium, a gymnasium, a library, and that some readjustments be made for the teaching of practical arts for boys and girls. The total accommodations should not provide for more than 1,000 pupils.


2. That during the period necessary to secure this addition more use be made of the Civic Association buildings and that a new organization of the school be employed to care for more pupils.


3. That a site be secured for the location of a second Junior High School to accommodate the pupils living in the East and South portions of the town.


The Elementary School Buildings


The elementary school buildings of Norwood also present a problem calling for careful planning to meet present and future needs. In order that we might approach this situation with an understanding of the present conditions, several studies have been made. Location maps have been prepared to show the homes of pupils in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, and also in grades one, two, and three. A study has been made of the location of the new homes built during the past three years, and also of the homes of children born during the past five years. Each of the elementary buildings has been inspected and its condition noted.


-


214


The Everett School. This is evidently the oldest school building in town. No record has been found to indicate its real age. A town report of 1883 refers to this building as "the old Everett School" being in need of repairs. This building should be aban- doned as soon as possible. The lighting is very bad. Ceilings are low and proper ventilation is impossible in cold weather. The stairways are veritable death traps.


The Guild Building. This building is of wood construction, poorly planned for school purposes. The lighting is very bad for the eyes of the chilren. The toilets are of an ancient type, ill-smelling, and are none too sanitary. This building should soon be discarded with the other frame structures.


The Beacon Building. This building is the third frame structure in the central portion of the town which should be abandoned as soon as possible. Lighting, ventilation, and fire risks are features which cannot be ignored by a town concerned with the welfare of the children. In inspecting these old buildings one is impressed with their cleanliness and the evidence of unusually good janitorial service. The organization of the force in care of the school build- ings is to be commended.


East and West Schools. There are two more frame buildings used for the primary grades which are not safe or satisfactory. With the development of a new elementary school building pro- gram these buildings known as the East and West Schools can be abandoned.


The Winslow School. This building represents a little later type of construction. It is an eight-room school with a small extra room accommodating twenty pupils. It was built in the days of poor lighting and ventilating. The stairways are of wood, creating an extra fire risk. However, the building appears to be in very good condition, and its capacity can easily be increased by an addition to the rear. Some immediate relief may be given as suggested later in this report, but it will be a temporary measure. Extra land adjoining this lot has been secured.


The Shattuck School. This is a more modern type of building and will prove satisfactory for some years to come. It should have been planned so that it could be added to more easily. The lighting is good and there is a fair sized playground. In time this should be made into an eighteen-room building.


The Balch School. This large school of twenty regular rooms and one small special room houses the first six grades. This is a good building and has many possibilities for serving its par- ticular neighborhood. An auditorium and a gymnasium connected


215


with this school would serve a real need in the community. This building ought to be equipped for some practical arts work for both boys and girls.


The special room for the "opportunity" group is not properly equipped. In each building where there is such a group there should be two small rooms, one for class work and the other for individual hand or craft work. These unfortunate children must not only be removed from the regular classes, but must be trained in such hand work as they are capable of doing. This is their only pos- sible means of acquiring a status of self-support.


Enrollment in the Elementary Schools


The distribution of the pupils in the elementary grades, one to six, is shown in the following table:


PRESENT DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMETARY SCHOOL PUPILS


School


Grades 1,2,3


Grades 4, 5,6


East of R.R.


Total Jan. '28


Rooms


Cap- acity


Seats Avail- able


Beacon


75


79


16


154


6


210


+56


Winslow


127


195


322


8


280


-42


Shattuck


85


158


?


243


8


280


+37


Guild


14:


269


267


410


12


420


+10


East


54


54


54


2


70


+16


West


56


56


2


70


+16


Balch


386


355


57


754


20


700


-54


Totals


92


1056


392


1995


58


2030


+35


A study of this table will show that the elementary schools are not badly crowded. Only in the Winslow and Balch Schools is there any congestion according to the present distribution. The other schools show a possible total relief of only thirty-five pupils or the equivalent of one room. The present assignment of pupils is on the basis of thirty-five pupils to the teacher. This is con- sidered by many as an ideal teaching group for the grades. If,


216


as a temporary measure awaiting the erection of new elementary schools, this average assignment were raised to forty pupils to the teacher, the elementary schools could care for about three hundred twenty-five more pupils.


Attention is called to that column in the chart showing the distribution of the elementary pupils living east of the railroad. A total of three hundred ninety-two pupils in these grades live in this district. Most of these pupils are very young and have to go a long distance to reach school. Two hundred sixty-seven of these pupils are attending the Guild School. Attention is called to the fact that these pupils must cross the railroad through a dangerous underpass and in the way of heavy traffic.


The Growth of the Elementary Grades. The increase of enroll- ment in the elementary grades is noticeably smaller than in either the Junior High School or the Senior High School. The percen- tage of increase during the past fifteen years has been in the elementary grades 50.3 per cent, in the Junior High School 218 per cent, and in the Senior High School 375 per cent. This will be more clearly seen by referring to the charts contained in this report. The chart for the elementary schools is on page 217.


This chart would show that we may very reasonably expect at least 2691 pupils in the elementary grades, if only the average number of new pupils enter each year for the next fifteen years. It also shows that if the same percentage of increase should con- tinue we may have to provide for over 3,000 pupils.


The Future Elementary School Policy


Before determining the future policy for the distribution of the children in the elementary grades and the location of proposed buildings, every available factor entering into the problem should be studied.


Attention is first called to the location of the homes of the children now in the primary or first three grades. (See map on page 218.) Considering the fact that these little ones are only six, seven, and eight years old, it will be seen at once that many of them are going very long distances to reach the school. .. While transportation is provided for the ones living the farthest from the school, it is not a satisfactory condition for children of primary age. Attention is also called to the evident trend of school pop- ulation to the outside districts, rather than toward the central portion of the town.


The location of the homes of pupils in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades is very similar to the one for the primary grades as shown on map, page 219. Also the numbers to be found in these groups is very evenly distributed through the districts showing no peculiar


217


/ 300


1400


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1 700


1800


1900


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2700


2800


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1912


1913


1914


1915


1916


1917


1918


1919


1920


1921


1922


1923


1924


1925


1926


1927


1928


1929


1930


1931


/932


1933


1934


1935


1936


1937


/938


1939


1940


1941


1942


-


1943


3024


NO .- 6


FUTURE INCREASE IN ELEMENTARY GRADES


Estimated Enrollment


Grades in 1943 to be 3024


In Elementary


continued perfex


WESTWOOD.




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