USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1945-1947 > Part 37
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He knew his work, he loved it, and the fact that he was able to be of help was to him a source of deep satisfaction.
We mourn the loss of Mr. Disnard who was taken from us in death on April 4, 1946, and we resolve that this record of our sentiments should be spread upon the record of School Committee proceedings.
177
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Resolution Ruth Grace Manchester
Ruth Grace Manchester entered the service of the Norwood Public Schools in January, 1919.
During these past twenty-seven years, she has devoted her whole life and energy to her inspiring task of teaching the hundreds of young people whose good fortune it was to be numbered among her pupils.
She loved her work and she loved children, - all of them.
Miss Manchester was equipped with a broad background of keen understanding and appreciation of the finer things of life.
She was a source of inspiration to her fellow-teachers. Her wealth of experience acquired through extensive travel, teaching, and interests helped to make her a most interesting person.
We were fortunate to have numbered her among our teachers. When death took her from us on June 7, 1946, we lost a great teacher and friend.
ANOTHER BUSY YEAR Guidance
The Committee feels that, in the inauguration of a program in Guidance, there is to be found a solution to many of the very perplexing problems of school administra- tion with which, up to this time, the schools have not been equipped to deal.
The appointment of Mr. D. Vincent Kenefick, well qualified personally and pro- fessionally, to undertake the work of organizing a personal adjustment program for all children in the Norwood schools is timely and fortunate.
We are doing our best to eliminate, so far as possible, the "square peg in the round hole." Specialists in the field of Education, Psychology, and Sociology have, apparently with deep conviction, indicated the necessity for such a step.
We are confident that, through such a department as we have established, we shall soon have significant findings, adequate procedure, and profitable returns.
Elementary School Music
For several years our Elementary Schools have been without the services of one who could devote full-time effort in the supervision of our work in Play, Rhythm and song.
We are convinced that we have, this year, in Miss Haeussler, a person who is pro- fessionally qualified to integrate these activities and assist our elementary teachers in making these activities vital, interesting educational experiences for the children in the elementary schools.
Athletics - Sports
The Committee has, this year, interested itself in the business of reviving a wan- ing community interest in the athletic program at the High School. To this end the Committee has supported and encouraged a program which has proved its worth from the standpoint of community interest and student participation.
Those of us who witnessed the orderly spontaneous and enthusiastic pre-Thanks- giving demonstration staged by hundreds of fun-loving and loyal young people, may well be proud as well as satisfied.
At this writing our High School Athletic Association is solvent, its equipment adequate and the student body enthusiastic.
From the standpoint of team morale, our teams, in losing or in winning "look good," so-to-speak.
.
178
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Veterans - Program
The Committee would call attention to the educational service which is available to veterans of this and neighboring towns. Miss McDonough in this Report, covers the subject quite thoroughly.
However, mention of it is made here to indicate the extent to which changing concepts regarding Education as a community service have encouraged us to lend support to such programs as this.
Services - Other
The Committee would urge the reader to read carefully the reports of Principals and Supervisors who have indicated in their several reports the extent to which we have in Norwood attempted to introduce features calculated to improve the educa- tional services. We call your attention particularly to our Testing program, Sur- plus Commodity distribution as it affects High School and Peabody School lunch services, and the Afternoon and Evening Practical Arts Program.
Appreciation
We, members of the Norwood School Committee, at this time, commend the employees of the Department for their willingness to perform, each according to his capacity to contribute, the many and difficult tasks which they have so generously undertaken.
HAROLD T. YOUNG, Chairman, JOHN J. CAVANAUGH, JAMES J. CURRAN, ANTHONY F. O'DONNELL, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, EDWARD H. THOMPSON.
179
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Herewith, I submit my eleventh annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
In other years it has been my privilege, in presenting an annual report, to indicate the nature of certain of our needs, - and I refer particularly to the physical needs of our educational plant.
These needs relate, not so much to the ordinary expenses involved such as the repair, replacement, operation and maintenance items as they do to plant expansion and plans for future developments.
Physically, excepting in a few spots, our schools are in good condition. Our equipment is good, up-to-date, and well cared for, even in the face of scarcity of labor, materials, and rising costs.
Permit me to call the attention of the School Committee to my report of last year in which an attempt was made to set forth the needs for an expansion of our plant facilities to take care of the increasing demand for a broader and more intensive offering in the field of Vocational Education.
Miss Marcionette and Mr. Wheeler have, in their reports, indicated the need for special consideration of this important problem.
To me, there is tremendous store of profit in the proposal for the Town of Nor- wood if the town will exploit it in full measure. The idea is not visionary - it's very real.
From the standpoint of educational advantage the "area" school in Norwood, with its enlarged program, will make for an extensive and intensive offering in fields of educational pursuit which are today closed to many Norwood people for whom, for one reason or another, it is either too difficult or impossible.
At the risk of being charged with repetition of earlier statements, again I would like to call the attention of the School Committee to the need for land-taking in the area immediately opposite the Senior High School. In my 1945 report there were listed several reasons which would justify such an action.
Our Henry O. Peabody School program is growing, our Boy's Vocational School has possibilities for growth, - but building costs, traditional attitudes, and inertia seem to stand in the way of expansion and relief.
Bold and unorthodox though it may be, I shall suggest that it would be good business to establish a Vocational Home Economics Program for Girls in a private residence - very close to the Henry O. Peabody School for Girls. It may be had.
The Home Economics program as conducted in our Senior High School is, and has been, very successful. There is and always will be, in my opinion, a place for a cultural Home Economics program in the High School, especially for those pupils who are going on to college or for those who have other equally well-defined plans for future employment other than home-making.
On the other hand, for those girls who will, in all probability, have plans for a very general type of educational program, - what better, more satisfying and, in the end, more profitable educational offering may be had, than one in education for better living and home-making as a major pursuit in a Vocational Home-making Course adequately planned and taught?
We have, in Norwood, recently revised our salary schedule for teachers. It is a step in the right direction, and will in the end, we hope, bring about an improvement in the educational service which we are trying to render.
180
TOWN OF NORWOOD
There is however, a quid pro quo feature which is the topic of conversation in enlightened circles. The question is "What may we expect in return?" This is a reasonable question, and, - here again I believe that Norwood teachers will not fail us.
The School Committee is to be commended for its recent action in the establish- ment of an inquiry program. It has great promise, and, in the democratic way, will, I'm sure, bring about an improvement in our educational system.
Already, we teachers and principals are looking forward to the opportunity to do some self-appraisal work. We are wondering whether it may not be that there are, here and there, methods, materials, outlines, and attitudes, which may be dis- carded or revised following critical self-appraisal.
The situation is promising. We look to the School Committee for leadership and assistance, - we look to lay people of understanding for the same thing and we believe that we can, so-to-speak, "produce the goods."
I hope that in the newly organized New England School Development Council of which Norwood is a charter member, we may have an agency for assistance to the end that the "lag" between professional finding and its implementation may be re- duced.
I have a deep conviction that there is a way to do more things in better fashion than at present. We have got to, if we would master a very dynamic situation.
Conclusion
May I express to you, members of the Norwood School Committee, and to all my fellow-workers in the Norwood School Department whom I have called upon for help so many times this past and other years, and to the other Town officials upon whom I depend so much, my feeling of gratitude for your kind help and support.
LINCOLN D. LYNCH.
181
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Table I. School Department Receipts
Received 1946
Anticipated 1947
Tuition :
Other Municipalities
$5,839.30
$12,000.00
State Reimbursement:
Vocational Schools
23,266.22
25,000.00
Teachers Salaries (Regular)
20,097.25
20,000.00
Federal Reimbursement:
George-Deen Fund
4,450.00
4,000.00
Smith-Hughes Fund
674.06
700.00
Henry O. Peabody Fund
25,658.01
26,000.00
Henry O. Peabody Sale: Work and Products
5,052.08
5,500.00
Massachusetts School Lunch
1,409.78
1,300.00
High School Lunch Counter
12,524.07
12,500.00
Boys' Vocational Sale: Work and Products
. 476.80
600.00
School Janitor Service
590.45
700.00
School Hall Rentals
400.00
700.00
Miscellaneous:
Textbooks
195.50
100.00
Manual Arts
178.50
200.00
Telephone Toll Calls
18.51
20,00
Instruction Supplies and Other
149.55
150.00
Total
$100,980.08
$109,470.00
182
Table II TEACHERS EMPLOYED
School
Sept. 1937
Sept. 1938*
Sept. 1939*
Sept. 1940* 35
Sept. 1941*
Sept. 1942*
Sept. 1943*
Sept. 1944*
Sept. 1945*
Sept. 1946*
Senior High
29
38
36
35
33
28
28
28
33
Vocational
27
32
31
30
30
28
27
26
25
25
Junior High
53
54
51
50
47
42
40
42
41
31
Elementary
20
3¥
3
31
3
31
++
31
3¢
Specials
Totals
129
127
121
118
115
114
109
112
112
114
. .
. .
. .
8
· 11
13+
14+
12+
TOWN OF NORWOOD
*It will be observed that all special teachers are reported in the units wherein their teaching is done. tIncludes the Director of Adult Education and part-time teachers of Instrumental Music and Lip Reading.
#Includes one part-time teacher.
-
183
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Table III. Enrollment for Ten-Year Period (June Enrollments)
Year
Elementary
Junior High
Senior High
Voca- tional
Total
1936-1937
1,238
689
691
2,618
1937-1938
1,244
673
714
2,631
1938-1939
1,187
697
673
2,557
1939-1940
1,123
684
702
2,509
1940-1941
1,089
659
706
2,454
1941-1942
1,051
596
700
2,347
1942-1943
1,023
547
593
72
2,235
1943-1944.
977
558
544
88
2,167
1944-1945
1,000
559
525
97
2,181
1945-1946
963
498
472
114
2,047
184
Table IV SCHOOL POPULATION TRENDS (September Enrollments)
Total
Year
Balch
Callahan
Shattuck
West
Winslow Elementary
Junior High
Senior High
Voca- tional
Total All Schools
1937-1938
446
234
246
49
253
1,228
669
700
2,597
1938-1939
422
222
239
40
249
1,172
693
680
2,545
1939-1940
396
201
230
47
234
1,108
674
702
2,484
1940-1941
370
208
222
45
235
1,080
658
708
2,446
1941-1942
317
219
219
53
222
1,030
581
700
2,311
1942-1943
315
212
227
51
200
1,005
571
580
67
2,223
1943-1944
269
219
223
56
199
966
553
534
96
2 149
1944-1945
259
209
228
54
189
939
540
492
109
2,080
1945-1946
241
217
233
49
222
962
507
490
130
2,089
1946-1947
249
216
217
50
205
937
473
514
138
2,062
TOWN OF NORWOOD
185
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE NORWOOD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
I present herewith my first annual report as Principal of the Norwood Senior High School.
On March 10, 1946, after a brief illness, Leighton S. Thompson, then principal of the Norwood Senior High School, passed away. His going was a severe loss to students and faculty alike. Respected and loved by all for his noble character, professional zeal, and genuine sincerity, Leighton S. Thompson had labored in the educational vineyard with outstanding success for more than three decades.
I was appointed Principal of the Senior High School on April 3, 1946. Obviously, the length and detail of this report will be limited by the relatively short duration of my current tenure.
Educational and Related Activities
1. Civic-minded communities are becoming increasingly aware of the trans- cendent importance of the individual in a democratic society. On December 3, 1945, for the first time in Norwood's educational history, a directorship of guidance and placement was authorized for the Senior High School. Following my appoint- ment as principal, this position was taken over by D. Vincent Kenefick of our Social Science Department. Mr. Kenefick brought to his work many years of teaching experience plus substantial and diversified professional training. Excellent guidance and placement work has already been accomplished through this office.
2. In line with the fundamental aim of making the fullest possible provision for adjustment and self-discovery on the part of the individual student, in January, 1946, under the sponsorship of Boston University, a guidance testing program was accomplished by all members of our Junior and Senior classes. I am happy to re- port that these tests proved to be extremely valuable and that our Guidance Director has recommended that this testing service be made available this year for members of the class of 1948.
3. School and college placement reports for the Class of 1946 have been a source of considerable satisfaction to all of us. The crowded conditions which obtained in virtually all post-high school educational institutions presented a very real problem to those graduating in June 1946. Reports appear to indicate that Norwood Senior High School graduates had remarkable success in securing opportunities for further education. This was, of course, due in large measure to the high scholastic standing of those who sought school or college admission. Encouraging, too, has been the fact that several of our graduates have already been elected to prominent positions of leadership in the extracurricular life of the colleges of their choice.
4. We have been concerned during recent months with clarifying the principles which relate to marks and marking standards. It is generally agreed that an exces- sive number of failures in any class is prima facie evidence of poor teaching. How- ever, it is by no means true that a complete absence of failure is proof of good teach- ing. For satisfactory progress, marking standards must be reasonable, yet they must be challenging.
Closely related to marking standards is the problem of outside lesson preparation. Modern educators have yet to find a satisfactory substitute for earnest, substantial homestudy. In the judgment of teachers and pupils alike, most subject failures are due to insifficient time and effort in this direction.
186
TOWN OF NORWOOD
During the year, many parents came to the High School for personal conferences regarding school marks and similar problems of mutual concern. Such conferences were of great value. Parents and others who are interested are cordially invited to visit the High School at any time.
5. Statistics in Table I show that during the year, Norwood parents and students by and large have not been unmindful of the importance of regular school attendance.
With regard to the overall problem of attendance and general counseling work with girls, I am happy to report that since September, our Dean of Girls, Miss Ruth Gow, has been able to resume her afternoon and evening home visits. This pro- gressive activity promotes a closer liaison between the home and the school and facilitates counseling based on more complete knowledge of the total situation than would otherwise be possible.
6. As the year closes, we are expecting momentarily delivery of a new moving picture projector with sound attachment. This equipment will open for our school new and extended frontiers in the field of visual education. The training experience of the military forces in World War II affords ample proof of what can be accom- plished with modern visual education equipment.
I have placed Mr. Leonard temporarily in charge of our visual education program, and I am hopeful that during the coming year a substantial integration of visual education with our entire curriculum may be effected.
Table I ATTENDANCE FIVE YEAR PERIOD
Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.
May June Ave.
1941-1942
97.22 96.99 96.00 94.46 94.07 90.85 90.25 92.52 91.95 92.31 93.566
1942-1943
96.49 96.17 92.87 90.78 91.01 91.01 90.40
91.42 90.82 93.86 92.488
1943-1944
96.94 95.18 92.96 90.12 90.95 91.82 90.90 92.50 94.32 . 94.39 93.011
1944-1945
96.49 95.09 94.54 90.51 92.16 92.59 93.37
93.50
94.33 95.11 93.777
1945-1946
96.48 95.04 93.50 86.75 88.08 92.63 92.67
93.48 94.20 95.45
92.833
Table II Enrollment as of October 1, 1946
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
Veterans (unclassified)
15
15
Seniors
59
69
128
Juniors:
High School
86
84
170
Vocational School
5
5
175
Sophomores:
High School
89
111
200
Vocational School
12
12
212
Ninth Grade:
Vocational School
10
10
TOTALS
276
264
540
187
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Table III Expected Enrollment in September 1947
To be Seniors.
171
To be Juniors
200
To be Sophomores:
From Junior High
144
From St. Catherine's
45
To be ninth graders in Vocational Work
10
TOTAL
570
Table IV (Peabody School included)
Number of graduates from Norwood Senior High School 1937-1946 (inclusive)
Year
No. of Graduates
1937
172
1938
221
1939
199
1940
217
1941
195
1942
219
1943
181
1944
185
1945
167
1946
168
1947
185* (probable)
*Including 15 veterans
Personnel
The first months of 1946 saw the return of three more teachers from the Armed Services. Mr. Butler resumed his teaching duties on January fifteenth. Mr. Sulli- van returned February first, and Mr. Kelley on May first.
Overcrowded classes could now be divided, and teachers who had been carrying extra heavy programs during the war years could be given assignments more nearly in line with professional standards and expected results.
During the war years, the services of Miss Ryan and Mr. Klugh had been se- cured to replace Mr. Fisher and Mr. Sullivan. Miss Ryan was now transferred to the Home Economics department to make possible enriched and more adequate offerings in this increasingly important area. Mr. Klugh was retained in the Science Department. However, part of his teaching time and part of the teaching time of Mr. Fisher was assigned to the expanding Boys' Vocational Trade School.
On my own return from the service on December 3, 1945, Mrs. Riley, who in my absence had been assigned to the Foreign Language Department, was continued in that department because the full time of three teachers was needed for foreign language instruction and because with my new duties as Director of Guidance and Placement, as well as Submaster, I had no time available for classroom teaching. Mrs. Riley, Miss Ryan, and Mr. Klugh have all over a period of years been excep- tionally and outstandingly successful. Students and faculty members alike have welcomed their continuance in our professional family.
As previously mentioned, D. Vincent Kenefick was appointed Director of Guid- ance and Placement on April 10, 1946. On May 20, 1946, Martin M. O'Donnell was appointed Submaster to fill the vacancy brought about by my own promotion to the principalship.
188
TOWN OF NORWOOD
After a quarter of a century of devoted service on July 17, 1946, ill health caused the resignation of H. Bennett Murray, Director of Physical Education. Mr. Mur- ray was more than a coach; he was an educator. His high ethical standards and his enlightened sense of relative values which allowed him to place good sports- manship and good citizenship even above victory itself earned for him many times over the respect and admiration of his colleagues. On August 6, 1946, Orlando M. Scafati was appointed Director of Physical Education to replace Mr. Murray.
Steven J. Levanitis on September 3, 1946, was appointed temporary military substitute in the Mathematics Department. Mr. Levanitis is filling a vacancy caused by the continued absence of Henry F. Fairbanks. Mr. Fairbanks has been with the Armed Forces on military leave of absence since January 20, 1943.
Looking Ahead
Most of our immediate needs for the year ahead have already been communicated to the Superintendent of Schools. Chief among them are the following :-
1. A Parent-Teachers Association should be organized for the Senior High School.
2. An additional teacher should be secured for our English Department. Much more time could then be given to dramatics, to public speaking, and to stu- dent literary publications.
3. A portable stage should be designed and built for use in our gymnasium. This stage should be constructed in sections so that it might be assembled and disassembled with relative ease. The possibility of having an auditorium constructed in the near future is probably quite remote. However, a sec- tional stage, black-out curtains for the windows, adequate lighting, and some two hundred additional individual chairs would bring to our boys and girls virtually all the rich educational values afforded by a separate auditorium.
4. A modern intercommunication arrangement is needed at once. Our present "house-telephone" system has over the years become progressively ineffec- tive and for the past four years, it has been completely inoperative.
Even if it could be repaired, which now seems doubtful, it would be obso- lete and wholly inadequate as far as our educational needs are concerned. With a modern system, radio programs and recordings of timely interest could be piped to particular classrooms; instant two-way communication with any classroom could be established, and whenever the need arose, it would be possible through the main office to speak to the entire school on matters of concern to all. Most modern high schools in surrounding communities and elsewhere have this equipment. It is badly needed here.
Lane Medal Recipients
The following pupils in the Class of 1946 were awarded Lane Medals:
Louise Bonfatti
Lillian C. Kasauskas
Betsy E. Ross
Claire V. Fyfe
Martha M. Erickson
Nancy A. Brock
William R. Zettler
Shirley J. Holmes
Joan C. Seekins Faith Coakley
Phyllis M. Crowley Helga L. Gottberg
Dorothy E. Ross
Gerald E. Mahoney
Claire A. Rogers
Mary A. Adams
Roy W. Meears
Barbara A. Gullich
.
189
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
In Conclusion
I am deeply grateful to our Senior High School Faculty, to Superintendent Lynch, and to our School Committee for the whole-hearted co-operative and un- wavering support which has been accorded to me.
This report will close with the presentation of the Graduation Program for June, 1946.
CHARLES A. HAYDEN.
Graduation Exercises of Norwood High School Class of 1946 Tuesday Evening, June 4, 1946 Junior High School Gymnasium Program
PROCESSIONAL - March Mendelssohn
INVOCATION
Rev. William C. Carroll
"Glory to God"
J. V. Dethier
Chorus and Orchestra Words by J. J. Gormley
Glory to God the Lord of Hosts Let all mankind Thy praises sing
Guardian thru' all eternity Gentle Master Heavenly King.
O Father hear our praise resound In thanks for evermore to Thee Enflame our hearts with love like Thine Sublime in all Thy mystery.
ADDRESS
Rev. Robert G. Metters Rector, Emmanuel Church, Boston
Saint Saens
"Meditation"
Chorus and Orchestra Words by J. J. Gormley Evening star shining in the heavens, So brilliant gleaming far above us; O Sanctuary light of Heaven's dome, Prayerful we watch Thee.
Mansions bright lie beyond thy gleaming; Art thou a harbinger of Him Who lights thee, To watch us and guide us to His Celestial Home There to live in peace forevermore.
GIFT OF THE CLASS OF 1946 Robert McLean
ACCEPTANCE OF THE GIFT FOR THE SCHOOL Edward Costello
190
TOWN OF NORWOOD
AWARDS OF MEDALS AND PRIZES
Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch, Superintendent of Schools
Plimpton Art Prize
Berwick English Prize Leighton S. Thompson Memorial Trophy
Teachers' Club Scholarship
Norwood Women's Club Scholarship
High School Scholarships
Lane Medals
Music Prize
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