USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1942-1944 > Part 20
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It seems that we may have to change our emphasis from the general to the vocational courses. Our schools must graduate students whose training is sufficiently broad not only to insure them places in our world of living but also to fit them into our industrial society.
To face this immense task the standardized objectives of in- dustrial education pertaining to skill and knowledge must be strongly emphasized in each and every shop class.
United States Navy Plane Models
In March, 1942, we were called upon to undertake a program of great magnitude and real significance. This was the construction of model airplanes of over fifty different types for use by the United States Navy in the training of its personnel.
It was obvious from the beginning that adjustments in our school program would have to be made in order to meet the quota designated for Norwood. Our final results showed over one hun- dred excellent models constructed, assembled, painted and accepted for the U. S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics.
The program was very profitable educationally for the participat- ing students, who learned the problems of assembly and of subassemblies of small units which go to make up the final project.
Civilian Defense
Working in conjunction with local Civilian Defense Officials, we undertook the construction of three dozen first aid stretchers for possible emergency use, and with material left over a number of "night sticks" for our air raid wardens were turned out. Nearly every shop class contributed toward the completion of this work. Due to the number of stretchers required, the con- struction and assembly was placed on a production basis, which taught our students some of the industrial methods involved.
Curtailment of Elementary Industrial Arts
The curtailment of our activity in the elementary grades, caused by Mr. White's leaving, made it necessary to utilize the services
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of our regular teachers to maintain some of the work, so as not to eliminate it entirely from the curriculum.
The organization of a school craft club I feel could provide opportunities that would guide, encourage, and promote the acquisition of elementary skills and techniques by the sixth grade child. It could satisfy the needs of the growing boy for expressive and constructive activity. Without a doubt, school would become more real and life-like if he could be allowed to participate in activities of vital interest to himself. I strongly recommend that the organization of a "School Craft Club" in our elementary schools be considered.
Changes in Our Personnel
In November Mr. O'Neil severed his connections with our schools and entered industry. For a period of twelve years he conducted our General Shop, and his influence upon the many students passing through his shop has been displayed quite noticeably during the years he was with us.
With the induction of Mr. Lunsman into the armed forces, our mechanical drawing classes in Junior High School suffered a severe loss - for the present, at least. Through his fine initiative and splendid technical ability a course of study in the form of a manual was prepared and adopted. It is now used in all ninth grade drafting divisions.
Vocational - Industrial Education
With reference to the aims of Industrial Education, it is well to note that they vary according to the type of industrial education under consideration. The accepted way of dividing this field is into two main divisions, Industrial Arts and Vocational Education.
At this time, with a change in shop personnel, the consideration of a vocational school program seems advisable, as we realize it is a worthwhile and timely step forward. Accordingly the planning of a vocational program in cabinet work is well under way and with re-arrangement of space, facilities for such a program can be organized very effectively to meet the needs and requirements of our students.
Our present general shop equipment can now be transferred to the Junior High School, where our program for Industrial Arts can be broadened to satisfy our educational objectives and principles which underlie the organization of our Junior High School.
For those students who do not wish to follow the trade course in the high school, a program will, no doubt, be set up whereby industrial arts offerings at the Junior High School be made available. Such an arrangement would also allow boys better choice of such courses as were in line with their own interests.
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New Goals Attracting Girls
Young women and girls are rapidly taking men's places in our industrial plants. They are donning overalls to take their places at the machines, while others are finding places in engineering offices where they work over a drawing board to trace designs of machine tools, from which blueprints are made.
Many of our senior girls should avail themselves of our industrial opportunities. If they could foresee the demand for their services, where a bit of mechanical training would be of value, they would find pursuit of such study profitable.
Conclusion
In closing this report I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance given me in promoting the work of the department during a trying school year, when minds were on the war and every one was rushed with duties brought about by present con- ditions. May I thank our Superintendent of Schools, especially, for his most helpful suggestions and co-operation.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
I herewith submit my annual report of the Art Department for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Art today is an indispensable factor in our war effort. It is selling, by means of large, striking posters, designed by topnotch artists, the need for conservation, for enlisting in the services, for stamping out rumor, for co-operating with civilian agencies and for supporting, financially, the government and the Red Cross.
Other artists are devoting their abilities to making pictorial records for government use or are taking an important part in the art and science of camouflage.
Art education has accepted new responsibilities in the present crisis. One is that of helping to maintain the mental health of our children by serving as a much needed antidote for the poisons of war. Our pupils need beauty now as they have never needed it before, for beauty means relaxation, at least temporarily, from the tenseness and ugliness which is menacing their childhood. Therefore, all kinds of free, creative drawing and painting are encouraged more than ever before with a consequent enjoyment of color and the pleasure and satisfaction which derives from creation. More imagination and freedom are increasingly shown. Much pleasure has been evident when painting to music or trying to express certain sounds or emotions in color.
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All kinds of hobbies and handcrafts are important now, to afford more of that mental relaxation so necessary as well as to furnish concrete results which can be actually used. Many of the objects made can be used in the home, given as Christmas gifts, sent in Junior Red Cross boxes or given to the hospitals or Junior Red Cross to be used in other ways.
Elementary Level
In the lower grades the ideas of friendliness, neighborliness and happiness in the home and the community are emphasized and many free drawings are made showing the houses, schools, churches, public buildings and other things with which the chil- dren are familiar. Their own ideas of the community's and the country's helpers, such as wardens, police and firemen, Red Cross workers, nurses, soldiers, sailors, etc., furnish subjects for many other drawings. A comprehensive collection of these drawings was recently taken to the Massachusetts School of Art to be sent, with some from other places, to schools in South America to show the children there what the American way of life is like.
Children of today enjoy drawing bombers, battleships, de- stroyers and battle scenes, since they are so definitely aware of these things. There seems to be no point in trying to suppress their desire to express themselves in this way, but such themes are not forced upon them. After such drawings have been made, however, the value of working together and sharing responsibility to achieve results may be emphasized, such as the way bombers and fighting planes fly and work together in formation.
Some classes have illustrated different ways in which they or their families have helped or could help in the war effort. In many cases stories describing the activities in the pictures were written in language classes and were exhibited on bulletin boards with the illustrations. One fifth grade class made individual draw- ings of their ideas of a practical blackout room. From these many drawings, consisting of floor plans and realistic views in color of one side of the room, the best features were selected to help in constructing a model, in three dimensions, of a blackout room, each member of the class contributing in some way to the com- pletion of the project.
As in other years, group projects integrating with Social Stud- ies have been an interesting part of our year's work. Several "moving picture" shows were executed by fourth grade children, as well as murals on Transportation, ancient Egyptian life, Hol- land, Norwood, the four Seasons, Spring games, Winter sports, Christmas, and so on.
Our usual Art work, in the three major divisions of Repre- sentation, Color and Design has been continued, with much more
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watercolor painting than before including stained glass motifs to be placed in certain windows in every grade school. Many post- ers and three dimensional pictures have been developed utilizing cut paper, real twigs, yarn, sandpaper and many other scrap materials brought from home. Our color study has been mainly in connection with our design work, rather than as a separate unit. Brighter and purer color has been evident as well as more pleasure and better success in conventionalizing familiar objects, animals and other things, rather than in using abstract shapes as motifs. A recent example of this was worked out in connection with the study of the theater and music in Social Studies, when all kinds of ancient and modern musical instruments were drawn in accurate representation. Following this, fantastic designs, with very gay and original colorings were made by grade six pu- pils, suggested by the drawings, but very much changed and decorated.
Junior High Level
Junior High School classes have continued their study of art mediums and their use by artists from primitive times up to the present, as an art background. Much less time has been spent, however, on this type of study, with its notebook and research work, so that more could be done with the subject of "Art in a Changing World." Several large murals along this line to be hung in the Art room, were executed by grade nine pupils. Special emphasis was placed on the importance and effect of the poster on modern life.
The Art Department had charge of the bulletin boards in corridors all over the building and original posters of all types, many dealing with ways of helping in the present crisis, were made and displayed at various times, as well as frequent exhibits in the library of the regular art work. There have been many calls for this department to make charts and signs to be used by the school or civilian defense agencies, as well as program covers, favors and decorations for various school affairs. Two very large wing panels, to match the outside set already in use on the stage of the auditorium, were painted by the instructor and some tal- ented pupils. Many interesting linoleum block designs were cut by some eighth and ninth grade classes and printed, through the courtesy of the school printing shop, just before Christmas. The increasing excellence and originality of the covers, cartoons and illustrations for the school paper were a source of pride and satisfaction to the whole school.
Grade nine elective art classes had had many conferences and discussions and made many plans for redecorating the art room, planning to do all the painting themselves. These plans, as well
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as several others in other classes, had to be abandoned when the art instructor entered the service much to the regret of the student body and faculty. A graduate of the same art school, with many of the same up-to-date ideas, is now in charge of the art classes and will carry to completion some of the original plans.
Senior High Level
The Senior High School Art Department has continued its high standard of work and, as always, has been called on for many posters and decorations for various dances and other school and comniunity organizations. Posters were also made showing three dimensions and using yarn, wire screening, cut paper, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard and many other materials.
As for several years, large decorative panels for the Christ- mas decorations in the lunch room were painted by this depart- ment.
The Year Book illustrations, an annual project, took much time, as well as large decorative maps.
In the Art Appreciation classes, the special project of the year's work was individual notebooks, each pupil choosing his own subject for research, for example, Architecture, Ceramics, Costume Design, Painting and Cartoons.
There have also been calls to help the Red Cross. At the present time, the red crosses on the flags to be used by the Red Cross Motor Corps are being painted by the art classes. Approxi- mately one hundred very attractive hand-painted menu covers were made and given to the Junior Red Cross, to be used in hospitals.
Conclusion
Thus we, of the Art Department, are trying to have our work meet the challenge and share the responsibilities of the present crisis, since "Art Education must be alert" in these times.
I wish, once more, to express my appreciation of the helpful interest and co-operation shown by the Superintendent, principals and teachers.
HELEN L. ARNOLD
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the Music Depart- ment.
During the past year my work has been divided into several sections; teaching orchestra, voice, harmony, and music appre-
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ciation in the Senior High School, outlining and supervising all vocal and theoretical work from grade one to grade nine and supervising the instrumental classes composed of 409 students of all grades.
Elementary Schools
A fact which has presented itself quite forcibly is the gen- uine musical interest that prevails in all grades. Theory, Sight Singing and Instrumental Music are progressing equally well insuring a high degree of creative activity, full participation and initiative besides giving all children the opportunity to acquire a solid musical foundation.
Junior High School
In the Junior High School there is an increasing interest in instrumental music and several classes have been organized.
In regard to the vocal work, the program has continued as indicated in previous reports.
We are still looking for the opportunity to organize a glee club of eighth and ninth grade students. While there are many candidates for this activity, time and place are lacking.
Senior High School
There is an increase in the number of students electing first year music courses. However, the number of students regis- tered in the second and third year courses is less than the number of pupils who want to keep on with their musical education. This is due to conflicts with other subjects which very often are not desired by the students. ,
The psychological necessity of music not only in peace time but also in war time is a fact upon which everyone agrees.
Never before has music been so much utilized in our nation. Industry has discovered that "Music in industrial shops, stores, and factories speeds up production, improves morale, creates good will and reduces error." (Dr. G. M. Tindall)
Five thousand plants and factories are now utilizing music, some on a 24. hour basis. Army and Navy vie with each other to provide music for the moral welfare of their men. With these facts before us, I believe that now is the time to follow the recom- mendation of the United States Commissioner of Education who. said: "I would eliminate from the secondary schools curriculum the subject matter which is not adjusted to the children's interest and need."
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I would amend that recommendation by not eliminating the subject but by permitting the student to choose her or his subject in case of conflict.
Every year, there are many students who would like to keep up their work in music, some for educational purposes. others as a vocation.
Those students should be allowed to profit by the opportunities offered to them.
It might be of interest to know that several of our graduates are now in the musical units of the Army and the Navy. Also, that some members of the orchestra participated in the concert given Boston by the Massachusetts State Festival Orchestra.
Conclusion
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the co-operation of all who have aided in the work of this department.
JOHN V. DETHIER
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
I herewith submit the report of the Physical Education De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1942.
In my report of 1941 I said, "In that part of the educational program which comes under the head of physical education, the needs sought are the same as in education in general, viz., develop- ment and co-ordination of the latent powers of the individual with a view to secure greater social efficiency and a fuller, richer life. The means through which these ends are to be gained are directed bodily activities involving vigorous and skillful use of the funda- mental neuro-muscular system; activities capable of being organ- ized and carried on in a systematic progressive manner, and largely by groups."
Today, after one year of war, the pupils of our schools must possess greater organic vigor, muscular and nervous strength, endurance and agility.
The primary purpose of physical education at this time is the production of health and general physical fitness which will permit the individual to perform the arduous duties required of him. The ultimate goal of this training then, is physical efficiency of both boys and girls, which is essential to military effectiveness.
If the United States is to compete on equal terms in the race to better the lot of mankind, they must give full attention to physi-
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cal development. A physically weak people cannot long endure against one that is physically strong.
With these ideas in mind, the physical fitness of every boy and girl in our school system must be considered. Individual play activity, competitive sports and corrective exercises must be avail- able to increasing numbers.
Elementary Grades
In each school grade we have a specific aim which is based upon the physiological and psychological characteristics of the children in that grade. With the above thoughts in mind the education program in the elementary grades may be listed as follows :
Grades 1-3
Grades 4-6
Games
Games
Folk Dancing
Folk Dancing
Singing Games
Marching
Modern Dancing
Exercises
Posture Work
Posture Work
As always, we are seeking certain values in our elementary grades, viz .:
a. We are laying a foundation upon which to build.
b. We are seeking development of large muscles.
c. We are seeking self-expression through rhythms, dramatic and singing games.
d. We are seeking co-operation through ring games and group activities.
e. We are seeking a sympathetic realization of everyday life through dramatic games and rhythms, and we are en- deavoring to make a connection between everyday living and the school life.
In November of 1942, Miss Dorothy Benson, the physical edu- cation teacher in the elementary schools, left the Norwood School system to enter the military service of our country. I know at this time that the members of the Physical Education Department, teachers and especially the children in the grade schools, know that the loss to Norwood will be our government's gain.
Junior High School
The Physical Education program in the Junior High School was carried on as a continuance of the objectives set up in the elementary grades.
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Individual attention was given during class and home room periods, and after school time, to posture. Advice and instruction was also given to pupils for the carrying on of these exercises at home.
For the girls, various tournaments were held in volley ball, badminton and basketball. Tennis has become very popular during the past year.
Dancing has been taught, not only in club period, but also in regular class periods. This program consists of folk dances of various lands, modern and social dancing. In the modern and social dancing program, we feel that pupils of Junior High School age will tend to eliminate shyness and awkwardness. In co-opera- tion with the Guidance Department, the Physical Education De- partment always teaches before the school parties, social dancing, during club period and after school.
For boys, inter-class basketball, baseball and soccer were played after school hours during the season. Both the Junior High School basketball and. baseball teams had schedules with outside teams. An Athletic Dancing Class was held on Friday afternoons during the regular club period as in former years.
Senior High School
We are now going into another age in the development of the pupil. In this program we try to continue the work that was started in the elementary schools and carried on in the Junior High School. Classes in Health are given to the Sophomore Class, in which lectures are given on the subjects of muscular growth of the body and the value of good posture. In the absence of Miss Mary A. Canning, we are endeavoring to give a series of lectures concerning the organic health of the school pupil. As in the past, Hygiene classes are held once a week for both girls and boys of the Senior class. In these classes subjects such as first aid, posture, muscular development, health rules and general care of the body are taught.
Athletics
As in the past, we strive to conduct an athletic program that will give all pupils an opportunity to participate in the type of sport in which they are most interested. Therefore, we include in our athletic program such sports as girls' tennis, boys' tennis, girls' field hockey, girls' archery, girls' basketball, boys' basket- ball, boys' golf, horse shoe pitching, track, softball, baseball and football.
Fortunately the football season passed without too serious handicap on our interscholastic competition on account of the ra-
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tioning of tires and gasoline. At this time I would like to express my appreciation to the parents of the students and citizens of the town of Norwood for their kind offers to transport the players to the games.
In basketball it has been necessary, on account of the cross country location of some of our rival schools, to play an abbrevi- ated schedule with teams on our own bus lines, and more of an inter-mural schedule will be put into effect.
Hockey has been. revived this year in Norwood, and as all games are played at the Boston Garden or the Boston Arena, the transportation problem is less difficult. The team is coached by Mr. Everett F. Learnard, Head of the Science Department.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to all members of the School Department for their fine co-operation with this department.
H. BENNETT MURRAY
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
We herewith submit the Annual Report of the Health Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Miss Mary A. Canning, our Health Supervisor, was granted a leave of absence in May, 1942, to enter military service. The health work in the schools has been carried on by the other two nurses.
We regret the resignation of Dr. Alfred A. Fenton, one of our school physicians. He will be missed in the Health Department for his loyal support and helpful advice.
Physical Examinations
All children in the school system have been given a stripped- to-the-waist examination by the school physician, Dr. George R. Allen. Notices were sent home to the parents of defects found at the time of examination and parents have been advised to consult the family physician for needed care.
Dental Examinations
In September Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, School Dentist examined all the children in grades one to twelve. Parents were notified and urged to consult their family dentist to have corrections made.
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Children who are unable to go to a private dentist can have their work done at the dental clinic if the parents so' desire.
At the time schools closed in June, 1942, a large percent of the children in grades one to six had their dental work completed. A much smaller percent was found in grades seven to twelve.
Communicable Disease
Common cold and grippe started soon after school began in September and caused many absences from school. Children are checked for any sign of a cold and excluded from school to prevent contagion. There have been several cases of mumps, measles and chicken pox since the beginning or school. All children returning to school after a communicable disease have to bring a certificate from their family physician to prevent epidemic.
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