USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 16
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I recommend a special study be given this problem, and that we begin developing some system to meet the situation by grouping children in Grade VIII according to mental ability, as determined by well established tests given in the seventh year, conferred by the judgment of teachers and by actual accomplishment.
There is need, too, for a special room and a special teacher for the over-age and very backward pupils who fit nowhere-a room where the preponderance of the school activity would be along the lines of manual rather than of mental work, and where pupils of
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this type may be given all the preparation possible for leaving school.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE W. ALLEN, Principal of Junior High School.
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I submit herewith my annual report as Director of Physical Education for boys of the Senior and Junior High Schools for the year 1927.
In September, 1926, the new Senior High School opened and we were able to use our new gymnasium, shower baths and locker rooms. 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.
The Junior High School pupils carried on their program in the Civic Association Building, as has been the custom in years past. During the interval from January first to the close of the school year in June, regular class work with both Senior and Junior High school boys consisted of drill, calisthenics, apparatus exercises and games.
In this work we have striven to accomplish our aim-namely:
(a) Correct Posture
(b) Proper Physical Development
(c) Proper Coordination of Mind and Body
The Junior High School classes were under the direction of Mr. Ward until the end of school in June, at which time he re- signed to accept a position in the Physical Education Department of the Watertown schools.
In September, Mr. Lewis, a graduate of Springfield College was engaged to take over the position left vacant by Mr. Ward.
Special corrective work has always been given by all physical instructors of both schools to the boys who needed individual attention. We have always endeavored to carry out a physical education program which would meet the approval of the State Supervisor-Mr. Carl L. Schrader.
In regard to Sports: At this time basketball was taught to both Senior and Junior High School boys and a schedule of eight league games, with the adition of two games with Dedham and two games with Franklin, was played by the Senior High School
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with outside teams. This is the first year that a basketball league was formed with the following high schools-Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Needham and Norwood. In this league, Norwood fin- ished second to Natick. In the standing of second teams, Norwood was tied with Framingham for first place.
The Senior High School basketball squad consisted of fifty-two boys. Of this number, eight were considered members of the school team. Ten others made up the school second team. The remaining candidates formed class teams and played a series for the championship of the Senior High School.
In the Junior High School, a class schedule and room series was played throughout the winter. A series of 102 class games was played in all. An All Junior High School team was selected to play the winner of class competition in the Senior High School. This team also played eight games with outside teams. A second team was also chosen and competed against the same schools.
In the Senior High School, for the first time, a hockey team was formed under the direction of Mr. Robert Woodbury, who proffered his services, and twenty-five boys enjoyed an eight game schedule-of which they won five and lost three. The hockey can- didates had the privilege of practicing on the Civic Association rink -the use of which was kindly donated by the Norwood Women's Club and by the Board of Governors of the Civic Association.
In April fifty-two boys presented themselves as candidates for the Senior High School baseball team. Thirteen made the first team. Fourteen others played on the second team.
The remainder was divided into class teams which competed for the championship of the Senior High School. The school team played a schedule of eighteen games with other high school teams and lost one game. A series of three games was then arranged with the Cambridge High and Latin School to play for the cham- pionship of the State.
The first game, which was played in Cambridge, was a victory for Cambridge-the second game, played at Norwood was a victory for Norwood; the third game, played at Boston College athletic field at University Heights resulted in a victory for Norwood. The proceeds of the third and deciding game were equally divided be- tween the Boston Floating Hospital and the Boston Post Santa Claus Fund.
I want to take this occasion to thank the directors of Boston College for the use of their field.
The High School second team played a schedule of seven games with other high school second teams. This team was coached by Mr. J. Clifford Gear, of the High School science department.
In Junior High School a league was formed of the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Grade Room Teams and a series of interclass
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games was played. An All Junior High School team was formed which played eight outside games.
The All Student Track Meet had to be suspended for this year on account of the track at the High School not being ready for use at that time.
During the fall season, seventy-four 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.
The second team played three games with outside schools and a third and fourth team played two games.
In the Junior High School a soccer league was formed in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades and an interclass series of twenty seven games was played.
During the Christmas vacation, thirty-three candidates signified their intention of participating in Senior High School basketball. A schedule of twelve games has been arranged with other schools and the opening game of the season is to be played January 11, 1928.
A hockey schedule of twelve games has been arranged and a call has been issued for candidates. At the present time, forty boys have signified their intention of participating in this branch of athletics. A hockey rink has been provided in the rear of the school through the kindness of the town officials. The members of the Fire Department have generously volunteered their services in the maintenance of the rink.
Over fifty candidates have reported for Junior High School bas- ketball and a schedule of eight games has been arranged with other Junior High School teams.
In both the Senior and Junior High Schools a series of inter- class games will be carried on as has been the custom in other years.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the boys and myself, to thank the citizens of Norwood for their loyal support in all our athletics in the year 1927.
Respectfully submitted,
H. BENNETT MURRAY, Director of Physical Education.
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I submit herewith my report of the work in Physical Education for the Elementary Schools and for the girls of the Junior and
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Senior High Schools during the year ending December 31, 1927.
The general outline of work, as suggested by the State Super- visor, is the same as last year. The aim of all physical education is for correct posture, proper physical development and coordin- ation of mind and body. In the grades we use simple postural exercises and games. The chairs and desks are adjusted as far as possible to suit the individual child and the teachers co-operate in every way possible to correct the walking, sitting and standing postures. We co-operate with the school nurses in the care of the underweight children by giving special corrective exercises to those recommended by the clinic.
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.
6 1/2 %
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
1
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
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(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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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