USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 35
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Attached heretofore, is an Age-Grade Chart of this school as of December 10, 1928. Twelve years and six months being the age for children being in the seventh grade, thirteen years and six months in grade eight, and fourteen years and six months in grade nine. Of course, if a child is thirteen years and six months and still in grade seven, it means that somewhere along the line he has been held back, and is a year behind where he should be. A glance at the chart will show that a great many children are thus retarded, some of them as much as three years, and are still beyond their depths floundering about getting nowhere.
Age-Grade Table-Junior High School, as of October 1, 1928
10-6
11-6
12-6
13-6
14-6
15-6
16-6
17-6
18-6
19-6
7
28
150
116
48
23
8
8
1
8
90
91
42
18
2
9
11
110
100
41
15.
Children of this class should not be mixed with other children for various reasons-the chief one being that it is not well for the children themselves. A special room should be provided which should not only remove these children from groups in which they do not fit, but provide opportunities for their health and development also, which because of numbers involved, they cannot obtain elsewhere. There is a room in the basement which could be fitted out with comparatively little expense, which might be used for this purpose, but a peculiarly fitted teacher for this class of people would be necded. This is the best practice of the modern school.
Extra Curricula Activities
The school has twenty-four active clubs; a chorus of nearly one hundred voices, singing four-part songs only, and an orchestra of thirty pieces. The chorus and orchestra have given very successful public concerts the past two years, and having received such encouragement, proposes to continue the practice.
Athletics
The school has had during autumn, a well organized soccer league, in which every boy in the school has participated in a series of games for a Championship trophy. There will be this winter, a similar organized
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basket ball tourney with a team representing each home room, which will continue until the baseball season begins, and in addition to the section teams, a team representing the school has a winter schedule of eight games with outside Junior High Schools.
The baseball season has an organization with a team in each section and plays an intra-mural schedule; and a school team regulated on a similar basis as the basket ball. It has a schedule of six or eight games with out- side teams.
For the first time, the school this year has organized the girls in soccer and volleyball, so that each section was represented by a team and each girl had an opportunity to play. A series of competitive games was carried on in these sports, so that all girls in the school who cared to play had an opportunity to participate.
We are looking forward to introduction of field hockey for the ninth grade girls and perhaps for the eighth grade girls also.
The School Paper
The school is again trying to organize a school paper and at this time there have been two interesting issues. It is proposed to issue a four or eight page paper monthly. All the work of typesetting and printing is done by boys of grade eight and nine and the editing is done by a board of editors, membership on which connotes a high scholarship standing, the whole being under the supervision of two faculty counsellors. The me- chanical department of the paper is handicapped by the lack of sufficient equipment and it is hoped that this deficiency may be supplied. Boys are showing considerable interest in work of this kind, and it should be en- couraged by every means possible.
The School
This school is in a very good condition. Scholarship as a whole is ap- parently not of the highest grade. This is particularly true of pupils in grade nine. Tests have been given in several subjects, and show that they are below national average.
Inquiry among the parents about pupils failing, brings out the fact that pupils in this grade are doing very little, if any, school work outside of school and it is impossible for pupils of this grade to do the work set for them unless they do some outside work. This was all explained to the parents of ninth grade pupils in a letter sent to them at the beginning of the year, calling their attention to the fact, that considerable home study would be necessary in this grade. This is not so essential in the other grades, as most of the class room time can be used for this purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. ALLEN,
Pincipal.
278
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Physical Education Depart- ment.
During the year we have endeavored to carry out a physical education program which would meet the approval of the State Supervisor-Mr. Carl L. Schrader.
In the Senior High School all pupils are required to take two, one hour periods of physical education a week, ending each class with a shower bath. The regular class work with both Senior and Junior High School pupils consists of drill, calisthenics, apparatus exercises and games. Correct posture, proper physical development, and proper coordination of mind and body, are the ends sought for in our class work.
In April a demonstration of regular class work was given. All pupils in the Senior High School participated in this event. During the Fall and Spring months when the good weather prevails all pupils are required to have class work outside in the open air.
Special corrective work has always been given by all physical instructors to pupils needing individual attention.
In the Junior High School certain groups of pupils gave a demonstration in April of their class work.
Pupil leadership was used in both Senior and Junior High schools with very good results.
In September, 1928, another instructor, Miss Helen Osborne was added to the staff of the Physical Education Department. Because of this, more time has been allotted to the grade schools, particularly to the extra school activities.
Physical examinations were given by the school physicians to all pupils of the Senior High School and only a very small per cent were excused from regular class work.
A boys' basket ball league was formed during the winter months in the Junior High School in which all grades participated. The winners of each grade played a series of games for the champion inter-class team of the Junior High School. In the seventh grade, fifty-six games were played; in the eighth grade seventy-two games; in the ninth grade, fifty-six games - making a total of one hundred eighty-four games. A school team was chosen from the class teams and a schedule of ten games played with outside teams.
During the Spring a baseball league was formed in the Junior High School performing on the same basis as the basket ball league.
During September, October, and November, the girls of the Junior High School participated in various activities:
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Seventh Grade: Dodgeball. Eighth Grade: Batball. Ninth Grade: Soccer.
The Junior High School boys had a soccer league in all grades which was carried on in the same way as their baseball and basket ball league. A school soccer team was organized for the first time in the history of the school from the players of the class teams and a schedule of three games was played with the High School sophomores.
The Senior High School basket ball squad consisted of thirty-three candidates. Of this number, eight were considered members of the school team. Nine 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.
Thirty-two boys reported for hockey under the direction of Mr. Robert Woodbury and a schedule of twelve games was played with outside teams. A hockey rink was provided in the rear of the school through the kindness of town officials. The members of the Fire Department generously volunteered their services in the maintenance of the rink.
In April fifty-eight boys presented themselves as candidates for the Senior High School baseball team. Fourteen players were considered members of the first team. Twelve others played on the second team. The school team played a schedule of fourteen games, while the second team under the direction of Mr. Clifford Geer played ten games.
For the first time in the history of the school a track team was organized under the coaching of Mr. Wallace Sawyer and the team had a very suc- cessful season.
During the Fall, sixty-eight Senior High School boys reported for football and a schedule of nine games was played with outside teams. As a result of the season, the team won seven games, tied one, and lost one. The second team played two games with outside teams. The third team played two games with other opponents.
The six tennis courts were in use practically every day during the Spring and Fall, and a great deal of pleasure was derived through this medium of exercise.
Field hockey for girls was started this Fall for the first time in the Senior High School. This game is considered the most highly organized of any for girls. It was decided to play no outside games until next year.
Basket ball practice was started in December and a large group of girls reported for practice. Inter-class games will be played first and then a team will be picked to represent the school in a few outside games.
During the Christmas vacation twenty-nine candidates signified their intention of participating in Senior High School basket ball for boys. A schedule of twelve games has been arranged with other schools and the opening game of the season is to be played January 8, 1929.
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About thirty-five boys have already reported to Mr. Louis McBay, coach of the hockey team, and have set up their rink in readiness for the cold weather.
In the Junior High School well over fifty candidates have reported to Coach Lewis for basket ball. In both Senior and Junior High Schools a series of interclass 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 athletic activities in the year 1928.
Respectfully submitted,
H. BENNETT MURRAY.
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Mass.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I submit herewith the annual report of the Health Department.
The following statistical report covers a large part of the regular work:
Individual inspections.
Recommended for exclusion for:
Pediculosis.
205
Skin disease
135
Symptoms of communicable disease
233
Other reasons .
15
Number of cultures taken.
20
Number of First Aid treatments.
1311
Number weighed.
16,879
Per cent of children 10% or more underweight.
6%
Per cent of children 20% or more overweight.
4%
Number of home calls.
831
Number of cases of scarlet fever
1
Number of cases of diphtheria
1
Number of cases of measles
374
Number of cases of chicken pox
179
Number of cases of mumps.
12
Number of cases of whooping cough.
32
Number of cases of infantile paralysis
1
Number of cases of influenza
1
Number of cases of typhoid fever
2
Number of cases of tuberculosis.
2
17,648
281
Number having defective vision
153
Number cared for at eye clinic.
81
Number cared for outside of clinic.
38
Number pupils examined by doctor
1294
Number pupils having defects.
600
Number notices sent home
560
Number pupils having defective ears.
83
Number treated.
24
Posture (marked) .
52
Number treated.
.7
Skin .
32
Number treated.
15
Tonsils and Adenoids .
248
Number having operations.
85
Glands .
61
Number treated.
3
Heart.
20
Number treated .
16
Orthopedic
7
Number treated.
4
Number examined by school dentist.
1363
Number needing dental care. 1257
Number cared for at dental clinic-grades I, II and II only .
455
Number cared for outside of clinic .
468
Number receiving first Schick Test.
289
Number positive.
218
Number receiving second Schick Test
260
Number positive.
86
Number immunized.
299
Number examined at tuberculosis clinic.
10
Number positive.
2
For two years our dental program has consisted of examining all children in Grades I to III inclusive, and caring for the children in these grades who could not employ the services of a private dentist.
This year we have added to that program the examination of all children in the three remaining grades of the elementary schools, namely: Grades IV, V, and VI. Notices of defects found are of course sent to parents, and treatment by family dentist advised.
One outstanding feature of the health program this year was the May Day celebration. May 1 has now been recognized as National Child Health Day. Norwood schools observed the day by giving a health pro- gram in each of its elementary schools, which consisted of plays, pageants, May Pole dances, songs, proms, etc. Tags were supplied by the State Department of Public Health. Weight tags were given to children who
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were within the range of 10% below and 20% above their normal weight for height and age, dental tags were given to children who brought from their dentists certificates stating that all dental work had been completed and posture tags to children who in the opinion of the classroom teacher and physical education director maintained good standing and sitting posture.
The school having the highest per cent of all three tags was awarded a large silk banner. This was won by the Shattuck School. Small banners were awarded to the classrooms in each grade showing the highest per cent in each of the three tags. Much interest was aroused through the com- petition and the results were very gratifying. It is worthy of note that from January 1 to May 1, 52% of our grade school population had dental defects corrected. Credit for this fine piece of work rightfully goes to the classroom teacher for only through her personal interest and splendid cooperation could the desired results be obtained.
Committees of teachers were formed on awards and publicity. These two committees gave liberally of their time and did much to make the program a success.
We hope to carry out a program along similar lines again this coming year.
According to the audiometer test eighty-eight of the fifteen hundred children tested had 9% or more loss of hearing in one or both ears. Through the courtesy and generosity of Dr. Leighton Johnson all of those children received a throat and ear examination. The most common causes of deafness found were mastoids, ruptured ear drums from abscesses, tonsils and adenoids, and hardened wax.
We are delighted that we now have an audiometer of our own. Audio- meter tests will be given shortly after schools reopen in January.
Fæ Dr. Schorer made her annual visit to Norwood in June to examine the retarded children. Eighty-seven children were examined and recom- mendations made which would enable them to receive the greatest help in their school work.
· The work on a Tentative Outline in Health Education which was begun a year ago last September is nearing its completion. Grade I and Grade II outlines are completed and ready for print. The material for the four re- maining grades is collected and we have only to get it in order for printing.
We again gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to the Norwood High School Quest Club and to the Norwood Women's Club for their combined generous support of the health work.
The members of this department wish to express their appreciation for the loyal support and helpful advice received from you, from the super- visors, principals and teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
VERA H. BROOKS, Health Supervisor.
283
Mr. L. W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Music Department for the year 1928.
There is a marked improvement in the quality of the work done by the four choruses of the Senior High School which at present are composed of members of the three classes.
While there is a certain value in having Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores sing the same grade of music, it is not satisfactory from a progressive point of view. The remedy for this, would be to organize one or two choruses in each grade as now practiced in the Junior High School. During the past two years, there has been an increasing demand in the High School for a course in Harmony.
There is a demand in the Grade Schools for Glee Clubs and Orchestras. To meet these demands, it would be necessary to make the following ad- ditions to the Course of Music.
Grades V and VI-Glee Clubs and Orchestras (elective).
Grade X-Elementary Chorus. First year Counterpoint (elective). Grade XI-Intermediate Chorus. Second year Counterpoint (elective). Grade XII-Advance Chorus. Harmony (elective).
The adoption of this plan would provide for a well balanced program in Glee Club, Chorus, Orchestra and Harmony, keep apace with the steadily increasing interest on the part of the pupils and give s solid foundation to those who wish to make music their life work. The formation of Orchestras and Glee Clubs in the Grammar Schools, would thus institute a three grade course in these activities as follows:
Elementary Intermediate
Advanced
Grammar Schools Junior High School Senior High School
At present, we have three Glee Clubs of 80 or 90 voices each, also two orchestras of 28 and 35 members respectively. Two concerts were given during the year, one by the Senior High School Orchestra and Glee Club, the other by the Junior High School Orchestra and Glee Club.
Besides their concert, the Senior Orchestra has played at many public functions with great success. A small band recently organized in the Junior High School performed at one assembly and was very well received.
I am glad of this opportunity to express to the Superintendent, principals and teachers my appreciation for their interest and cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, J. V. DETHIER, Supervisor of Music.
284
Mr. Leonard W. Grant, Superintendent of Schools, Norwood, Mass.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Drawing Department for the year ending December 31, 1928.
The work in the Primary and the Intermediate Grades has remained very similar to that of the previous years. As Miss Helen Arnold, the Supervisor left in September, for a year's leave of absence, the work in these grades has been carried out by an assistant.
The Junior and Senior High Art classes have had little change in the kind of work accomplished by them.
Grade VII again this year, made "Kindness to Animals" posters, their large project of the year. A number of these posters were sent to the Boston Public Library for display during "Kindness to Animal Week," in April. Six pupils were awarded medals for their work.
Much time was spent on Perspective and Picture Study Booklets in Grade VIII.
Grade IX and the Senior High Art classes were called on for the usual number of posters for the various school activities. The High School pupils also made large Mother Goose posters, one being given to each first grade as a room decoration. At Christmas time, some craft work was as usual taken up which required the making, designing or decorating of articles for every day use.
Creative Designing, using the free brush method, is being tried out in both the Senior High and Grade IX. It is a method which gives "free- dom" and allows for creative imagination. This method has been practiced now for a number of years in the Boston Schools.
The number of pupils electing drawing in the Senior High School has increased from seventy-five to one hundred twenty this year. We are still unable to follow a graded art course, as pupils from all grades are work- ing in classes together. Until this can be changed, the teacher and pupils alike are somewhat handicapped.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL H. COOK, Temporary Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. Leonard W. Grant, Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Mass. January 3, 1929.
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
I herewith submit a report of the Home Economics Department for the year ending December 31, 1928.
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Home Economics Educators seem agreed that their contribution to the educational objective "Worthy Home Membership" should be based upon a plan which will help the child to live more abundantly in the present, immediate and more distant future. Therefore, subject matter which awakens responsibilities in family and community life, stimulates joy in the participation of family life and broadens knowledge in problems of healthful living is receiving major consideration in the time allotted to Home Eco- nomics instruction. All modern texts show a decided decrease in em- phasis upon the acquisition of skills with increased emphasis upon the development of attitudes, habits and knowledge. Since "America today is no better than its homes" and every girl is a member of a home, knowledge of principles which will enrich her home life, develop physical, mental and social health habits, broaden her outlook upon and her insight into life is of more value to her than the mere acquisition of skills which will develop naturally enough through the performance of daily activities.
It is because of the rapidly changing content and aims of Home Economics Education that our chief consideration and concern these past few years has been directed toward a continued reorganization of subject matter to include more and more a content of material upon which the girl may de- velop her personality and build her environment. Short unit courses have been arranged introducing in place of much of the formal laboratory work of previous years, various subjects which will broaden the girl's knowledge of home and family relationships. These courses have been selected with consideration of the Home Economics activities adapted to the age and experience of the girls in each grade.
Progress seems slow, often discouraging because of the up hill problem of turning public understanding from the hard and fast "Domestic Science." "Cooking" and "Sewing" type of instruction to which it has been ac- customed to the broader "Home" field which Home Economics instructing now covers. There is much potential material at hand, interest is waiting to be aroused and the department awaits the power of further expression and advancement into this newer field of Home Economics. Present equipment at the High School limits the advancement of pupils and it is, therefore, my earnest recommendation that steps be taken to provide opportunity for offering courses which will hold the interest of advanced pupils and which will allow the presentation of subject matter suited to their age. To keep apace educationally with modern Home Economic instruction the following recommendations should receive consideration in the case of both Junior and Senior High Schools, viz .:
1. Home-like atmospheres should be created, for they are conducive to interest and subsequent popularity of Home Economics courses. Properly furnished laundry, dining-room, bedroom and living rooms provide suitable settings for a large part of Home Economics instruction.
2. It is quite essential that dining-room equipment accompany labora- tory equipment otherwise a very important part of our work cannot be carried on effectively.
286
3. It is most desirable that reference and text-books be provided. Home Economics pupils need the opportunity to increase their ability in the use of the library and the evaluating and selecting of important references.
The organization of a double-period major course in High School this year has been the chief factor in helping the department to approach some of our ideals for Home Economics Education. A decided increased in- terest has developed in this class because of sufficient time in which to carry problems to completion. It has been proven through shortened periods that laboratory work cannot be carried on to the satisfaction of either pupils or teachers in time which is inadequate.
For the purpose of broadening the experiences and developing interest in school and community welfare a Home Economics Club has been formed in the High School and has established a splendid record in the cheer which they scattered at Christmas time through personal visits to crippled children at the Canton Hospital School and through their generous con- tribution of toys, goodies, books and special gifts to girls with no home contacts at Canton. Two excellent Christmas dinner baskets were con- tributed by this club and given away in Norwood. The club has worked out a plan by which this spirit of helpfulness will carry on throughout the year. As has been our custom and as part of the regular Home Economics curriculum for Junior High, Thanksgiving baskets were again packed and distributed in Norwood. Through the most generous spirit of pupils, teachers and friends four large, beautifully arranged baskets were given out this year.
Many opportunities for correlation, cooperation and development of school spirit have arisen and been met throughout the year, viz .:
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