USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1936-1938 > Part 67
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During the spring, N.Y.A. workers served as umpires two afternoons a week for the grammar school baseball league and during the summer both boys and girls assisted the playground supervisors at the various playgrounds.
Autumn Recreation
During the fall season, N.Y.A. boys and girls worked at the Balch, Callahan, Winslow and Shattuck School playgrounds in directing children's activities after school hours.
Ping-pong, cards and games were resumed two evenings a week at the Civic Association.
In closing I should like to express my appreciation for the assistance given by you, the Town officials and the Women's Community Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
M. EDWARD NEE, Supervisor, National Youth Administration
ANNUAL REPORT
-of the-
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT -of the -- TOWN OF NORWOOD Massachusetts
For the Year Ending December 31, 1938
125
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
School Committee 1938
John J. Conley, 13 Central Street, term expires 1939.
Edward H. Thompson, 9 Gardner Road, term expires 1939.
Dennis P. O'Leary, 724 Washington Street, term expires 1940.
Thomas A. Kerr, 153 Winslow Avenue, term expires 1940.
Josephine A. Chandler, 100 Walpole Street, term expires 1941.
Christine L. Probert, 11 Marion Avenue, term expires 1941.
Organization Christine L. Probert, Chairman. Elizabeth Zurba, Secretary.
Standing Committees
Appointment of Teachers: Mrs. Chandler, Mrs. Probert, Mr. Thompson. Janitors, Schoolhouses and Grounds: Mr. Conley, Mr. Kerr, Mr. O'Leary. Educational Program, Purchase of Books and Supplies: Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Chandler, Mr. Kerr.
Finance: Mr. O'Leary, Mr. Conley, Mr. Thompson.
Committee Meetings
The regular monthly meeting of the School Committee is held at the School Committee Rooms, Junior High School, at eight o'clock p. m., on the second Thursday of each month.
Superintendent of Schools
Lincoln D. Lynch, 21 Florence Avenue, Telephone Norwood 1266.
The office of the Superintendent of Schools is at the Junior High School and is open from 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. every day except Saturday, when it is open from 8:00 a. m. until 12:00 m. Telephone Norwood 0133.
Clerk Elizabeth Zurba, 49 Saunders Road, Telephone Norwood 1155-W
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1938-1939
First term begins September 7, 1938, ends December 23, 1938 .... 16 weeks Second term begins January 3, 1939, ends February 17, 1939. 7 weeks Third term begins February 27, 1939, ends April 14, 1939. 7 weeks Fourth term begins April 24, 1939, ends June 23, 1939. 9 weeks First term begins September 6, 1939, ends December 22, 1939 16 weeks
126
Holidays
ยท October 12, 1938-Columbus Day.
October 28, 1938-Teachers' Convention Day.
November 11, 1938-Armistice Day.
November 24 and 25, 1938-Thanksgiving Recess.
December 23, 1938-Schools close for Christmas vacation and re-open January 3, 1939.
February 17, 1939-Schools close for Mid-winter vacation and re-open February 27, 1939.
April 7, 1939-Good Friday.
April 14, 1939-Schools close for Spring vacation and re-open April 24, 1939.
May 30, 1939-Memorial Day.
June 17, 1939-Bunker Hill Day.
.
No School Signal 2-2
Repeated at 7:15 a. m. No forenoon session for grades 1 through 12.
Repeated at 7:30 a. m. No forenoon session for grades 1 through 9.
Repeated at 7:45 a. m. No forenoon session for grades 1 through 6.
Repeated at 12:15 p. m. No afternoon session for grades 1 through 9.
Repeated at 12:30 p. m. No afternoon session for grades 1 through 6.
Repeated at 6:15 p. m. No session for Evening School.
Note: When the No School Signal is sounded, all street lights are turned on for three minutes.
127
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The reports of the Superintendent, Principals and Supervisors present vital facts related to Norwood schools. Such statements concerning school activity as the School Committee regards worthy of consideration and not elsewhere included in the reports aforementioned are submitted herewith.
Changes in Personnel-1938 Resignations
Anne E. Chaisson, Junior High School, to be married.
Eleanor Drew, Junior High School, to be married.
Harriett M. Hultstrom, Shattuck School, to be married.
Gretchen E. Goldsmith, Shattuck School, to be married.
Jessie D. Cushman, Callahan School, poor health.
Death
Edward F. Brennan, M. D., School Physician.
Appointments
Florence Riley, Callahan School, Grade 3.
Lena C. DeSalvo, Senior High School, part-time teacher of Italian.
George R. Allen, M.D., School Physician.
Transfers
Mary M. Cassidy, from Callahan to Shattuck School.
Julia E. Connolly, from Balch to Winslow School.
Ruth Rogers, from Balch to Shattuck School.
Henry Santoro, janitor, from Junior High to Balch and Junior High Schools.
Patrick J. Cloherty, janitor, from Balch and Junior High Schools to Junior High School.
Teacher's Assistant
L. Betsey Wilmarth, Shattuck School, Grade 2.
Four teaching positions have been eliminated. The full annual salaries of the teachers occupying these positions aggregated $5,740.
Resolutions
Dr. Edward F. Brennan served the Town of Norwood as a member of its School Committee from 1921 until 1928. He was our School Physician from 1917 until the day of his death, September 9th, 1938.
Our community has lost a thoughtful, benevolent and capable citizen.
Our schools, teachers and children grieve the passing of a beloved friend and counsellor.
128
He was always actively interested in the welfare of our Town and our schools.
He gave generously of his time and attention that the needs of our children might better be served.
It is with real appreciation and profound feeling that we here record this expression of our sorrow in his departure.
Resolved, that this tribute to his memory be spread upon the records of the Norwood School Committee and that copies be sent to Mrs. Brennan and to the Norwood Daily Messenger and Norwood Free Press.
October 13, 1938
CHRISTINE L. PROBERT, Chairman, JOSEPHINE A. CHANDLER, JOHN J. CONLEY, THOMAS A. KERR, DENNIS P. O'LEARY, EDWARD H. THOMPSON.
During the several trying years which have elapsed since 1930, Mr. John J. Conley has served the interests of the townspeople of Norwood as a member of its School Committee. For three years he has assumed the responsibilities of its Chairman.
Ever mindful of the best interests of our children and alert to the possibilities of improvement in our school program, he has directed his energies toward these ends.
To Mr. Conley, our Town, its citizens and its children extend this ex- pression of gratitude for his unfailing interest in the work of our schools.
January 25, 1939 JOSEPHINE A. CHANDLER, Chairman, CHRISTINE L. PROBERT, HAROLD A. FLOOD, THOMAS A. KERR, DENNIS P. O'LEARY, EDWARD H. THOMPSON.
Table I. Teachers Employed
School
1931-32
1932-33
1933-34
1934-35
1935-36
1936-37 30
1937-38
1938-39*
Senior High
31
31
31
31
31
29
383
Junior High
31
28
28
28
27
27
27
32
Elementary
57
53
53
53
53
53
53
54
Specials
23
20
20
20
20
20
20
1
Totals
142
132
132
132
131
130
129
1253
(
* Note: It will be observed that all special teachers are, for this year, reported in the units wherein their teaching is done.
With reference to the fraction to be found under Senior High School, it may be said this teacher is employed two periods per day.
The one teacher reported as a Special teacher is the Director of Americanization, who is not connected with the regular public day schools in any way.
There are not included in this tabulation, one part-time teacher of physically handicapped children, two part-time (one afternoon per week each) teachers of instrumental music, and one teacher's assistant in a very large second grade at the Shattuck School.
129
130
Table II. Enrollment for Ten Year Period
Year
Elementary
Junior High
Senior High
Total
1927-1928
2,000
845
507
3,352
1928-1929
1,830
915
519
3,264
1929-1930
1,734
949
568
3,251
1930-1931
1,604
1,006
596
3,206
1931-1932
1,502
937
709
3,148
1932-1933
1,473
907
747
3,127
1933-1934
1,384
836
765
2,985
1934-1935
1,374
781
687
2,842
1935-1936
1,322
719
743
2,784
1936-1937
1,238
689
691
2,618
1937-1938
1,244
673
714
2,631
% of increase, 10 year period.
40.82
% of decrease, 10 year period
37.80
20.35
21.50
Table III. Anticipated Receipts, 1939
Anticipated 1938
Received 1938
Anticipated 1939
Tuition :
State Wards
$ 650
$ 1,290.40
$ 1,000
City of Boston Wards.
700
1,375.34
1,200
Day School Non-resident
500
547.67
500
Evening School Non-resident.
221.60
60
Vocational School.
500
1,283.94
1,400
State Reimbursement:
Regular Teachers' Salaries
26,000
25,701.38
25,500
Americanization, Teachers' Sal- aries.
1,300
1,156.80
1,440
Manual Arts.
250
188.03
200
Use of School Halls
1,000
652.50
700
Telephone.
20
24.05
25
Miscellaneous (Repairs, Sale and
Breakage of Supplies, Text-
books, Padlocks, etc.)
150
76.93
100
Lunch Counter Operation.
8,800
7,687.86
8,588
$39,870
$40,206.50
$40,713
Textbook Replacement
For the past few years, under the direction of our Superintendent, com- mittees of teachers have directed their efforts toward reorganization of course-of-study outlines and program revision. This activity naturally
131
demands the introduction of new texts which are purchased to meet the demands of a newer program.
It is significant that completely new adoptions of all social science and natural science books and workbook materials have been purchased for all pupils enrolled in the elementary schools. This has been done within the past two years.
The new text-workbook materials used in the elementary arithmetic program are purchased annually, making it possible to put clean, new books in the hands of pupils at the beginning of each year.
It has been clearly established that the administrative policy of the schools makes provision for up-to-date textbooks and materials.
Italian Language
As a result of petitions from the parents of several Senior High School pupils, and in pursuance of provisions of State Law, instruction in the Italian language is being offered to pupils who elect to pursue the study. There are now twenty-seven pupils enrolled in the course.
Henry O. Peabody School for Girls
The decree which has been ordered by the Probate Court of Suffolk County recently, has placed before the townspeople a matter worthy of very serious consideration. During the course of the next few months the School Committee will explore the educational possibilities of such an institution as is proposed, and consider the financial obligations which the town must incur if it is to participate in this interesting program of voca- tional education for girls.
Opportunity Study Hall
The School Committee has found it necessary to close the room at the Balch School which has been set aside for three evenings a week during the Evening School session for pupils desirous of having a quiet place in which to read and study. There were only a few boys and girls interested in taking advantage of the opportunity.
Home Instruction
Physically handicapped children are receiving help in their studies at home. Many of our pupils who, because of temporary or permanent dis- ability, are unable to attend school are thus able to continue their education in such manner as to make better adjustment to the demands of the society iu which they live. At this writing there are fourteen boys and girls re- ceiving the benefits of this service.
School Population Trends
The following table indicates rather clearly the fact that school popula- tions in all districts are a matter of concern, in that there is involved the solution of the problem as to how best to use the physical facilities available in our schools.
132
The reader will observe that the enrollments in some of our schools change but little, whereas in others, particularly in the Balch, Callahan and Junior High School, numbers are dropping steadily and rapidly.
It would appear that we have adequate housing facilities for our pupils. However, it is also true that in some of our schools there is much extra room for a variety of school activities, and in other schools relatively little extra space to expand the offerings of the school units.
For purposes of adjusting this unevenness, it may be necessary at some future date to consider the advisability of mapping out the town in new school districts. Such a procedure may be necessary, in fact, if the school populations of the Winslow and Shattuck districts are to increase to any great extent.
(See Table IV, see page 133.)
CHRISTINE L. PROBERT, Chairman, JOSEPHINE A. CHANDLER, JOHN J. CONLEY, THOMAS A. KERR, DENNIS P. O'LEARY, EDWARD H. THOMPSON.
Table IV. School Population Trends School
Year
Balch
Callahan
Shattuck West
Winslow
Beacon
Total Elementary
Senior Junior High High
Total All Schools
1930-1931
619
270
223
60
284
136
1,592
590
993
3,175
1931-1932
570
263
217
63
253
112
1,478
686
931
3,095
1932-1933
562
283
254
72
265
1,436
724
900
3,060
1933-1934
527
275
250
64
250
1,366
757
785
2,908
1934-1935
502
270
261
61
247
1,341
689
781
2,811
1935-1936
474
289
254
63
219
1,299
721
718
2,738
1936-1937
438
260
255
56
222
1,231
693
686
2,610
1937-1938
446
234
246
49
253
1,228
700
669
2,597
1938-1939
422
222
239
40
249
1,172
680
693
2,545
% increase
7.1
15.2
% increase ..
31.8
17.7
33.3
12.3
26.38
30.2
19.8
Note: Figures presented herewith are taken from September enrollments. Those presented in Table II are taken from June enrollments.
133
134
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Herewith, I submit my third annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
Mental Hygiene
Teachers and parents, whose business it is to guide the child in his ad- justments to the environment which surrounds him, have much to hope for as the truly integrated health program unfolds itself.
It is not necessary for me here to point to the inadequacy of the mass methods of an older order. Careful examination of any tests designed to illustrate the great ranges in differences among individuals will reveal all too clearly what we would rather not be forced to concede.
As the focus of attention centers upon the individual child, we are forced to an objective study of the facts to be found which will help us under- stand him.
The school must study the child if it is to know him and administer to his needs. Reflection upon the significance of findings must lead us directly to an appraisal of his physical, mental, social, emotional and educational assets as well as liabilities. We may then expect of him only that of which he is capable, guide him into those activities which provide for him opportunity to make the most of his assets, and help him to com- pensate for his deficiencies as best he can.
The school proposes to question the importance of the findings of in- vestigations which are merely summations of facts found. This is true whether the enumeration concerns itself with abilities or disabilities. As we contemplate the severity of any disability, we are learning that it is significant only as it is related to the development of the child's whole pattern of life. In some cases we find children with identical disabilities. In one instance, the child may compensate well and be, on the whole, a well-adjusted personality, whereas in the other, such disability may cause serious maladjustment.
The important consideration is the interpretation of those findings as they throw light upon the needs of the individual child.
Right here it might be well to ask ourselves a question. Of what avail is competence in tool-subjects if the child is unhappy, if he cannot ade- quately and happily handle his instinctive drives, if he is a misfit socially?
The individual needs a personality, character and temperament which promise a measure of happiness and approbation by his fellow men, as well as the tools with which he may compete in an industrial and com- mercial world.
To be sure, it is the business of the school to teach tool subjects which are necessary to our civilization. However, we must recognize the existence of other things which have a direct relation to the success of our teaching program.
Teacher and parent are becoming aware of the importance of fatigue as it may be related to nutrition, of nutrition as it may be related to posture,
135
of posture as it may be related to further fatigue, and all related to the manner in which the child adjusts personally, socially, emotionally, phys- ically and educationally.
We are beginning to recognize the necessity for an appraisal of the state of efficiency of the child's organs of special sense, particularly vision, speech and hearing, as they may be interrelated and generally related to the child's adjustment to his school and life situations.
The school must accept the challenge that it may be responsible in part for its failure to provide for the adjustment of the individual child. It is most difficult to explain the fact that many of our pupils do reasonably good work in school and maintain grade standards for all but that many of them derive no great enjoyment from attendance therein. Equally com- promising is the situation wherein we find need for so-called remedial instruction. It is the school's work to teach-but not in such manner as to injure the personality.
What, then, may we look for as the Mental Hygiene program develops?
More important than anything else, it seems, must come the realization that each child has a personality, valid at each stage of its growth, and that it must be unified and developed to its highest potential stature.
There must be a revaluation of aims and objectives. Changing em- phases will then throw into relief the many phases of the educational procedure which heretofore have not received the attention which is their due.
The best which modern medical science and educational theory and practice have discovered will then be brought favorably to bear on the solution of the child's educational problem.
Out of it all we shall see the child in a truer perspective and with more genuine understanding of the extreme complexity of the stresses and strains to which he is subject, and thus help him to establish a better adjustment.
Elementary Science
During the past year, a committee of elementary school teachers and principals under the direction of Miss Mary A. Dean, Principal of the Shattuck School, has completed its assignment in the establishment of an elementary program in Natural Science.
As it has been indicated in other reports that such a program satisfies a felt need in broadening the educational horizons of school children, as well as to provide materials for boys which are more interesting than the materials of other course programs, we are satisfied that our elementary program is much better and richer as a result of our new addition to the school program.
Henry O. Peabody School for Girls
For several months, it has been my privilege to assist Dr. Cleveland and his Committee in the preparation of plans necessary for the arrange-
136
ment of negotiations between the representatives of the Town of Norwood and the Henry O. Peabody Trustees.
At this writing, I am unable to compute with a fair accuracy the probable cost to the Town for a Vocational Education program for girls. Notwith- standing, working with some known facts and presenting a statement premised upon certain basic assumptions, I hope that I may present at an early date an evaluation of the school as well as a statement of probable costs and program offerings.
Many school people are convinced that the vocational education pro- gram is the crying need of the educational structure. They are wont to believe that the general education which proposes to fit the pupil "to live a life" falls short of the desired mark in that it fails to provide training that will enable him "to make a living."
The Henry O. Peabody proposal is a challenge which must tax our best attention for some inonths to come as we prepare to weigh the facts which will be involved in coming to a decision as to whether the Town should attempt to promote and support the venture.
Maintenance-Replacement
May I call your attention to the fact that, so far as possible, we are attempting to provide for the maintenance of School Department plants and equipment in accordance with a program of planned economy. The wear and tear to which our equipment is subject demands constant repair, replacement and maintenance. So far as it is possible to do so, we are planning to balance our load in such a way as not to make the burden to o heavy in any single year.
Conclusion
I shall not be concerned with the details of school management as related to procedures. Such considerations are developed in principals' and super- visors' reports, to be found elsewhere in the report of the Department.
May I express to you, members of the Norwood School Committee, to all my fellow-workers in the Norwood School Department and to the other Town officials upon whom I have to call for help and advice, my feelings of deep gratitude for the kind and considerate manner in which you have aided and supported me in my work.
LINCOLN D. LYNCH
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
I have the honor to present, herewith, my third annual report as Prin- cipal of the Norwood Senior High School. The first portion of this report will deal, as usual, with some statistical material, while the remainder of the report will touch upon some important aspects of the administration of the school.
137
Table I-Enrollment October 1, 1938
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
Sophomore
117
124
241
Junior.
116
114
230
Senior
79
115
194
Post Graduates
9
4
13
Totals
321
357
678
The figures in this table show that there are thirty-four fewer pupils in the High School now than were enrolled a year ago. A large percentage of this loss can be charged to fewer members in the present Senior Class as follows: In June, 1938 there were 221 graduates. The above table shows 194 regular seniors, and if the thirteen middle juniors who have a chance of graduating in June, 1939 are added to this number, then the probable number of graduates in June, 1939 will be 207, or a loss in this class of fourteen.
The following predictions may be made for September, 1939:
Table 2
Sophomores.
275
Juniors
241
Seniors
217
Total.
733
If the customary percentage for elimination is subtracted, then the ex- pectation for next September (without taking post graduate pupils into account) would be about 680 pupils, or approximately the same number which we have listed at present.
Table 3-Enrollment by Curricula
Class
College Preparatory
Commercial
General
Sophomore
19.4%
52.7%
27.9%
Junior
26.6%
32.8%
40.6%
Senior.
20.2%
35.8%
44.0%
School Average
22.5%
40.4%
37.5%
The reason for the presentation of Table 3 is because of the fact that trends in the curriculum enrollment may be shown by making comparisons with preceding years. Our three curricula are not separated by well defined division lines, nor does it seem desirable that they should be, because a school should provide its pupils with an opportunity, as interest and apti- tude dictates, to select subject matter which may not be included in a given curriculum. Attention is called in this connection to the increase in our pupils who are now enrolled in the Commercial curriculum as com- pared to the figures of a year ago. Also, as is explained above, there are
138
many pupils from the General curriculum who have elected some com- mercial subjects. As a result, there is a sizeable increase in enrollment in the course offerings of the Commercial Department. Our commercial teachers are now carrying a heavy teaching load; and if the election of commercial subjects continues to grow, it is probable that two subjects which now have small enrollments will have to be eliminated from this curriculum.
Curriculum Changes
The program of studies in a modern secondary school should continually be in a state of revision because of the fact that the society into which our graduates go is not static but is in a continual state of flux. The school must make an effort to keep up with these changing demands. Brief statements follow as to what has been done in this respect during the past two years, together with some suggestions as to what might be done during the next year or two.
1. Courses in Art Appreciation have been added to the curriculum so that this is now a major subject which may be chosen each year. This is especially desirable for pupils who expect to go on with this subject in other schools.
2. New courses in Home Problems have been started for both boys and girls. These courses are offered to provide a better understanding of the home and its relation to society. It is obvious that the home and its prob- lems are matters of vital concern to men as well as to women.
3. Certain additions have been made to our courses in Mechanical Drawing and Shop Work so that these courses have become major subjects. These additions should be of benefit to that group of boys who go on with some phase of education in the practical or industrial arts. Increasing numbers of boys are being enrolled in these courses year after year, and attention is called in this connection to Mr. Wheeler's report because it would seem that additional funds should be allocated to this department.
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