USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 52
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Recent vocational research in Commercial Education has shown that high schools have over-emphasized the importance of shorthand and book- keeping, and that commercial education was giving inadequate training in general clerical practice. Our revised curriculum is well-balanced 'in that it is a good combination of technical and social studies, and aims to meet the change in business and social organization. Grade X offers basic training in "try-out" courses in bookkeeping, combined shorthand and typewriting, and clerical practice. Differentiation begins in Grade XI which allows a pupil to select the major field of business activity he wishes to enter. Shorthand, which was formerly a required subject in Grades
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XI and XII, has been changed to an elective. It is now offered only to those who are interested in it and who are capable of doing good work. A study of the eurricula of study will show that the Commercial curri- culum offers pupils a wide selection of elective subjects. In a 30-period a week program, the required work of the eurriculum is as follows:
Grade X-twelve periods of work required, of which eight periods is prepared work.
Grade XI-eight periods of unprepared work is required.
Grade XII-five periods of unprepared work is required.
The new course of study in clerical practice has proved to be generally practical in the following ways:
1. It meets a distinet voeational need in commercial education. This course is made up of short units of instruction in filing, calculating and bookkeeping machine operation, and in the use of the dietaphone.
2. It provides guidance and "try-out" opportunities in general and special clerical occupations.
3. It solves some of the problems of individual differences, "drop-outs", and "misfits".
4. It is a clearing house for a large amount of "special work" not only for the High School, but for the School Department.
5. It aids in developing a voeational attitude and atmosphere by giving practice and functioning subject-matter on real jobs. In so far as possible, instruction is based on prevailing occupational standards.
6. It has been conducive to greater co-operation between the school and local business concerns.
During the year, requests were made for Senior co-operative part-time work in local concerns. We were able to arrange pupils' programs for this type of work by excusing them from their cominercial work, believing that the practical offiee experience was immeasurably worth more than the class room work. A few of our Seniors were employed on full time before graduation. These pupils were excused from commercial work and were allowed an opportunity to make up the other subjeets they missed.
The placement and follow-up records of the graduating class show that many of our graduates were fortunate in securing employment in the following local offices:
Cash Grocery
1 Municipal Building 2
W. T. Grant Co.
1 Norwood Laundry 1
High School
1 Norwood Luniber Co. 1
Holliston Mills
1 Norwood Press 1
Howe's Jewelry Shop
1 Norwood Trust Co.
Lewis Manufacturing Co. 4 Plimpton Press 2 George H. Morrill Co. 8 Orent Brothers 1"
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For both boys and girls, a broad foundation in the fundamental academic and cultural subjects makes for a more complete and useful life after school and does not retard the acquiring of a means to a livelihood-rather, it makes it easier.
For girls we feel that more thought, time, and attention should be given to "Worthy home membership", even though the trend of times seems to point in the direction of placing women actively in the field of business and the work-a-day world. The future homes of Norwood and every other community are going to suffer unless girls are trained to see that caring for the home efficiently and effectively is just as much a business and far more important than to be trained for a career as a business or professional woman.
Believing this to be true and cducationally sound, the faculty, at the recommendation of Miss Bridges, Head of the Home Economics Depart- ment, has voted that every girl, before she graduates from the High School should be required, in all curricula, to take two periods a weck, during one of her three years, in Home Economics. This course is called Home Economics Required, and in September, 1930, the majority of our girls of the Junior Class will be enrolled in the divisions of this instruction. In requiring this course, and in support of its necessity, the faculty holds no brief for the ability of women in the field of business or in professional life, but does hold grave apprehensions as to the general usefulness and fitness of man as a housekeeper and a trainer of little children.
In the Practical Arts for boys, we have long since reached our capacity for work in this department. We are at a standstill now and using our equipment provided for up to the maximum enrollment. Expansion on this program to meet the increased demand for instruction is impossible until further room is provided. The department head, Mr. Wheeler, very amply covers the work and needs of his department in his report.
In athletics, Mr. Murray admirably holds up the traditionally high character and standards of achievement. His combined seasons show uniformly reasonable success in the different sports, and our aim to ex- emplify the highest type of sportsmanship is constantly in evidence and remarked upon by our opponents. From an educational point of view, we feel our boys and girls are receiving not only instruction in the games themselves, but far more important, they are coming in contact with the kind of leadership which makes for character building and is bound to make of them better men and women.
The program of the club activities has been expanded in an effort to meet the increased need of social training of our boys and girls. We now have in school fifteen clubs enrolling 450 pupils, or better than 81% of our students. These clubs are as follows:
Orchestra Glee Club Band
Handicraft Club
Aviation Club
Athletic Club
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Home Economics Club Dramatic Club Quest Club Debating Club
Radio Club
Photography Club Folk Dancing Club Camp Fire Group
Argucnot Staff
The meeting of these clubs come one period every other week approx- imately, and alternates with our school assemblies in the extra curricula program. To give the entire details of the activity of these clubs would be needless. It is widely known that not only are we doing much good by our clubs, but much very valuable training is coming to those partici- pating. Their importance to the life of the High School boy or girl is no longer a debated matter.
In passing, it might be well to add that our Orchestra has received the rating of the "A" group of the Massachusetts High School Orchestral Society. We are to compete for the first time in the annual competition of High School orchestras from all over the state. This year this com- petition is being held in Waltham, Massachusetts, in May.
All of our clubs are a distinct credit to the school and make for a very vital and important part in the school organization.
Among the outstanding needs of the school, as enumerated in my report of December 1, 1929, these seem to require most immediate attention and consideration:
1. Additional class room facilities to take care of an anticipated enroll- ment of September, 1931, of over 700 pupils.
2. An auditorium in which to carry on the necessary program of as- semblies, dramatics, debating, and all musical and club activities.
The Following Is A Report from Miss Ruth M. Gow, Dean of Girls
"I. The Little Office
This year the little office (near the teachers' room) has been shared by Miss McGonagle, Principal's Assistant, and me. Each of us have the use of it three periods a day.
The office has been made physically and aesthetically comfortable and attractive by the addition of window box, flowers, cushions, pictures, and other colorful articles.
Books on etiquette, manners, entertaining, vocational guidance, and other inspirational subjects have been placed in the office for the use of the girls any period when the office is occupied by the Dean.
A private office for the exclusive use of the Dean would be most advan- tageous.
II. Dean's Cards
In the Dean's office there is filed for each girl in the school a large card containing personal information about the girl, her picture, her school record, and her personality record.
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Personality Records. The personality record of students has been re- corded this year for the first time. Hereafter every spring, records will be made of the combined estimate of the Faculty about each student's personality. Pupils are marked on seventeen qualities. Any girl may see her record upon request and discuss her shortcomings with the Dean.
III. Attendance
As in previous years, absent, tardy, and dismissal eards were used which had to be signed by the girls' parents.
The home of every girl whose name was on the absent list and who had a telephone was called each morning.
There were four known cases of truancy among girls. Three of these were very early in the year.
The number of dismissals was, I believe, too large. Miss Kiley, Physical Director for the girls, has agreed to help in reducing this number next year.
We have no separate record of the attendance of girls for previous years in tabulated form so I eould draw no comparisons.
IV. Withdrawals from School
No girl has been allowed to leave school this year without a full in- vestigation being made as to the reasons for it. Unless it was quite obvious that the girl was unable to do High School work and was wasting time in remaining, every effort has been made to prevent her leaving.
Number of girls who considered leaving but were persuaded to remain 4 Number of girls who did leave, but who returned following a protest
by the Dean 3
Girls Leaving School
Because of ill health 4*
Because of ill health of mother
4
Following suspension 2
Moved from town. 2
Forced to work because of home conditions 31
Wanted to go to work 3
Total 18
At least 2 will return next year. *
t One has registered to return next year.
Number of girls registered in September, 262.
V. Health
Twenty-six girls whose health seemed poor were referred to the school nurse. Appointments were made through the Dean's office for a personal interview between the nurse and each of these girls. Advice on personal hygiene and health was given. Whenever necessary the case was fol- lowed up by either the nurse or the Dean.
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VI. Scholarship
The importance of high scholarship has been emphasized consistently throughout the year. Effort has been made to reduce the number of failures and increase the number of names on the honor roll in the follow- ing ways:
1. Every girl who failed any subject was interviewed after each mark- ing period.
2. Whenever possible, a girl who showed inability to master one subjeet was transferred to another.
3. If a girl whose program was heavy was doing poor work in general, her program was lightened by the dropping of one subject.
4. Insofar as time allowed, honor roll pupils were personally eom- mended.
5. When home conditions were found to account for poor scholarship, an explanation to the teachers frequently proved sufficient to bring about an adjustment and understanding which improved the situation.
6. When poor health seemed responsible for low seholarship, the school nurse was consulted. (One ease of chronic appendicitis was discovered in this way.)
7. At the elose of the school year letters were sent to the parents of twenty-five girls whose work seemed worthy of special note.
No girl who began the year with senior rating failed to graduate.
One girl who failed promotion a year ago but who hoped to make up her work and graduate, failed to do so.
There was a total of 18 failure marks for the year for girls of the Sopho- more and Junior Classes.
Three girls from the Sophomore and Junior Classes failed to be pro- moted.
An extensive questionnaire concerning her school work was filled out by every girl after the second marking period. . These questionnaires were unsigned and gave the pupil an opportunity to comment favorably or unfavorably upon her work.
Statistics were compiled by the Dean and a copy given to the Head of each Department. They proved interesting and enlightening in some eases. One definite result was the establishment of a system in the giving of term examinations whereby no pupil can have more than two examina- tions in one day.
VII. Group Meetings
There have been nine meetings held by the Dean with all the girls, or all the girls of one class.
The following topics have been diseussed:
Absenec Tardiness Dismissals
Behavior at School Functions
Dress
Scholarship
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Corridor Conduct Lunch Room Conduct
Courtesy to Speakers
Relation of the Dean to the girls
Responsibilities of girls represent- ing the school
Responsibilities of girls sent into homes to work
I believe a greater number of group meetings would be beneficial. Since the gymnasium is constantly in use, however, it is difficult to schedule them.
VIII. Home Visits Reasons for Home Visits:
To persuade girls leaving school to return 2
To discuss poor attendance with parent 2
To discuss with parent conduct and character of girl 6
To call to parent's attention physical defect of girl 1
To discuss with parent girl's failure to graduate. 1
Total number of Home Visits 12
Home visits were made only when absolutely necessary. Whenever possible, the subjects above mentioned and other subjects were discussed with parents either by telephone, correspondence, or visits of parents to the school.
IX. The Private Interview
The more girls who come to the Dean's office for one reason or another, the more girls the Dean becomes acquainted with, gains the friendship of, and eventually the confidence of.
The reasons for which girls have come to the little office this year are listed below:
Dismissal
To read books
Illness
To ask a simple question
To buy train tickets
To assist in office work To return attendance cards
To borrow books
To pay social calls
To rest
To offer suggestions
For private conference
No record has been made of girls coming to the office for any purpose other than for a private conference. A record has been made of the date and subject of almost all private conferences between October 1 and June 1. The figures are as follows:
Number of conferences at request of Dean 358
Number of conferences sought by pupils . 202
Total 560
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X. Extra Curricula Activities
Following is a list of the extra curricula activities in which girls could take part during the school year:
Group A
Basketball Baseball Field Hockey Tennis
Group C Orchestra School Paper
Group B
Dramatic Club
Group D School Council
Debating
Class Officers
Camp Fire
Cheer Leaders
Home Economics Club
Ticket Sellers
Glee Club
Quest Club
Number of girls taking part in one extra-curricula activity 97
Number of girls taking part in two extra-curricula activities 82
Number of girls taking part in three extra-curricula activities 43
Number of girls taking part in four extra-curricula activities 12
Number of girls taking part in five extra-curricula activities
8
Number of girls taking part in any extra-curricula activity . 242
One period a week was devoted to "Activities". During that period mectings of all girls in any of the activities in Group B took place. There- fore, it was possible for a girl to partake in only one of the activities in this group.
The girls who took part in more than three extra-curricula activities werc good students. Generally two of their activities were from Group D.
XI. Employment
Thirty-two girls were placed in part time positions through the Dean's office.
These positions were mostly for nurse maids or mother's helpers. (All office positions or positions of a clerical nature arc filled through the Commercial Department.)
At least two and sometimes three or four girls were sent out to be inter- viewed for each position.
The employer's report of each girl hired has been filed."
We feel certain that the school is going forward and its progress is steady and in keeping with educational trends in the more up-to-date communi- ties. We appreciate the fact that Norwood has done unusually and re- markably well by its boys and girls in the High School. In fact, our educational advantages offered are equaled by only a few communities in the state. It sometimes seems that a limit has been reached as to what
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can be done, yet we must ever try to better the educational facilities, the equipment, and instruction for our boys and girls.
The continued support of the townspeople, the hearty co-operation of our Committee, with your helpful leadership and readiness to counsel, the untiring and never-ceasing efforts on the part of our teachers are all important factors in the successful year just completed.
I sincerely appreciate the combined endeavors to keep moving effectively this big job of ours-training our youth.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT H. ARCHIBALD, Principal of Senior High School.
Mr Leonard W. Grant,
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwood, Massachusetts.
My dear Mr. Grant:
On January 1, 1929, the total enrollment in the Junior High School was 897; and on January 1, 1930, it is 930. The present sixth grade enroll- ment is 339. We are sending about 240 to high school in June, which will leave a gain in enrollment of nearly 100 for the present ycar, and will make our enrollment over 1000 in September, 1930.
We shall of necessity, have ten ninth grades, nine eighth grades, and ten seventh grades, since the new rooms are arranged to seat only thirty- five pupils. None of the sections should have more than thirty-five pupils per section. All of the eighth grades will have more than thirty- five pupils and every room that can possibly be used as such will contain a home room section, including the Mechanical Drawing room, while the "Library" (room 200) will have two sections. In other words, the building will be practically full to seating capacity in the fall of 1930.
Attendance
Attendance so far this year has been very much better than last year. This is particularly true in the matter of punctuality. Last year up to December 10, there were 693 cases of tardiness; this year there have been 440 cases up to January 1, which shows quite a gain and improvement; but we still are having too many cases of both tardiness and absence. We have too many weak alibis from parents, and the responsibility of getting pupils to school on time really rests with them, not with the teachers.
The New Addition
At this writing, the new addition is nearly completed and we expect to occupy it fully sometime in January. The new classrooms were occupied
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in October, and are all filled to capacity, as the Everett building was . abandoned for all Junior High School activities as soon as the new rooms were ready. We have not yet been able to work out our plans because three of the rooms in the building are occupied by sections which normally were in the Guild School and this has of necessity compelled us to abandon the plans for opportunity classes, and the library arrangements which are becoming more and more a necessity. It is hoped that the Fisher building will be ready for occupancy in October so that we can proceed with these plans.
Some provision will have to be made for stage furnishings in the gymnasium if the stage is to be used for purposes of dramatics, as there are none of any kind at present. Suitable curtains and stage settings will be required and a place to store them when they are not in use must be provided, since none can be left in place, as the stage is in use daily and all day as a girls' gymnasium. The splendid gymnasium ap- paratus is on hand but we find that it is of such size that there is no ade- quate storage room for it, since it will not go through the door into any of the rooms provided, so that the only place where it can be stored when not in use is in the public entrance lobbies to the main building, which from various angles does not seem a suitable place to keep such properties.
The Library
Educators maintain that in a school of this description and size a library is a necessity if we are to educate. We have at present about six or seven hundred volumes or more, including a very good collection of reference books, with no adequate housing facilities where they may be made avail- able for pupils use. Some are at present in the library (room 200) which is in use constantly as a music room with classes averaging seventy pupils; some are distributed in various classrooms; and others, particularly the reference books are in the Principal's office, the only place in the building where pupils can use them, so that in this small room from one to a dozen or fifteen boys and girls (the capacity of the room), are trying to do some studying, while school administration is proceeding at the same time. The situation does not admit of efficiency in either activity for there is constant friction.
It has been the plan to take one of the classrooms on the middle floor, strip it, and refit it as a library, where all books may be made available to pupils of all grades. This proposition has been defeated by the fact that all the rooms are needed for classroom purposes, but if the new school on the Fisher lot is completed for use in September 1930, we can have our purpose carried out. For this plan, much of the furniture is on hand. and stored in the basement where it is in the way. The school will need a librarian to eare for the activities of this room, and properly care for the property.
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Practical Arts Department
Perhaps the biggest need of the school is more adequate equipment of the Practical Arts Department. There have been no additions to equip- ment nor teacher personnel in this department since 1923. Meantime registration has increased from 700 to over 900. Professor J. B. Davis tells us that every boy and girl in the school should be in this activity as much as possible. This is provided for as far as the seventh and eighth grades are concerned. We have five Practical Arts instructors and over seven hundred of the nine hundred and forty pupils in the school are in these two grades. Many of the ninth-grade pupils however, are not doing anything in this line. The proposed enlargement of the shop and printing rooms will admit of larger classes in this department, which at present are limited to twenty-four pupils per class. The new addition has an additional food-laboratory, the provision for an additional sewing room, and with proper equipment and with additional instructors, a great step in advance could be made along the line in increasing the amount of work in the department. At present the instructors already here are working too many periods a week, but willingly and cheerfully accept the situation. More pupils in this grade, and in high school, are electing to follow this course and it is only proper that they should do so, for here a boy or girl who has no expectation nor desire to go to college to pursue an academic education beyond high school, can get a training in all trades to help start in life, for while these courses in no sense of the word are trade courses, nor do they pretend to teach a trade, the experience in these classes form a basis for intelligent choice and judgement.
Extra Curricula
All the extra curricular activities are well and fully organized. Aside from the regular gymnasium work, an extensive intra-mural soccer pro- gram was carried through to a conclusion in the fall, each room being represented in a competition by a series of twenty-eight games for each team in the school. A trophy was awarded to grade SJ. As has been done in former years a similar Basketball program for both boys and girls is to be organized this winter as soon as the gymnasium is available. There being twenty-seven home rooms, there will be at least twenty-seven teams organized to play in the Basketball series; each team including at least ten or twelve pupils in this activity. All these games are played under the direct supervision of the instructors. In the spring we have baseball for boys and volley ball for girls organized along the same line. A trophy is awarded to each winning team, and the name of the winning team with the date is engraved on the trophy. These trophies remain in the school for future competitions. Good sportsmanship is the aim of these competitions along with physical development, and we feel that the training received is of lasting benefit and value to both boys and girls. A place will be needed for baseball as we no longer have the use of the
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Civic field. We have a team in basket ball representing the school which will take about eight or ten games with teams of the same age from neigh- boring towns.
In addition to these athletic activities we have seventeen organized clubs, the work of which needs to be seen to be appreciated. One of the best of these clubs is the "Arguelot". This club has charge of the publica- tion of the school paper, a six- or eight-page publication issued monthly filled with school news and items of interest for the pupils in the school. It is set up and printed in the school print shop by boys in the printing classes under the direction of Mr. McAuliffe. It is sold to pupils only for two cents a copy. The money obtained is used to defray expenses of the paper itself and of the various activities of the school otherwise unpro- vided for. This club is under the direction of Miss Cooney. All the officials in charge of the paper are pupils of the school. The paper is supplemented by the "Year Book", a club under the direction of Miss Cullinane which club has charge in the same manner of the "Year Book", the school magazine which is issued once, in June, at the end of the year.
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