USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1948-1950 > Part 33
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Small collections of books were lent to all nine summer playgrounds, in place of the weekly service to only three playgrounds.
Use of books with the elementary grades of public and parochial schools was more than a third greater than in 1948.
Miss Shumaker spoke to playground leaders, and gave a demonstration story hour program for a senior girls social studies group at the Peabody School. She completed two years as Secretary-Treasurer of the Round Table of Children's Librarians.
Ghost Services
When you get a book you want, when you want it, there is a direct relationship to behind-the-scenes, important, time-consuming work, not necessarily known to our public.
The cataloging of 2,702 books under the direction of Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, was done with competence and dispatch. Records work involving the coordination and final preparation of all statistical reports, work on requisitions and bills, has never been better done than by Shirley Day, Records Librarian. The physical preparation and care of books and magazines is largely done by high school pages under the direction of staff members.
Staff Progress
Edna Phillips, Librarian, prepared a statement entitled, "Staff Qualifications and Analysis of Positions." She presented to the Board, with recommendation, a Minimum-Maximum Salary Scale.
Six members of the staff are making application to the Commonwealth for legal certification as librarians.
Miss Phillips served again as Chairman of the American Library Association's Committee on Intercultural Action; of the Nominating Committee, Old Colony Library Club; and as member, Librarians Advisory Council, United Council on World Affairs; Planning Committee for Institutc for Teachers and Librarians, Boston Public Library. She spoke at the Merrimac Valley Library Club, and as a panel member, at the Old Colony Library Club.
Esther C. Hallet and Shirley Day are, with high marks, taking the course in Reference Work offered by the Massachusetts Division of Public Libraries.
Staff members have attended library meetings, comprising national, state, local, and special subjects, as Cataloging, Young People's Work, and the Children's Round Table. The Staff has 100% membership in the Massachusetts Library Association.
Doris Allen joined the staff March Ist, as Assistant and is already making a real place for herself. The position of Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant is vacant.
During a year that included two vacancies, Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian, had extra demands on her abilities, and they were met with a very special help- fulness.
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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
South Norwood Branch -
As reported by Mary Knowles, Branch Librarian, whose enterprise, ability and charm are factors in a marked branch development.
Perhaps the most interesting event under Library leadership was the South Norwood Gardens and Trees Project. With the aim of making better known the many lovely gardens in South Norwood, and of encouraging new garden, tree and shrub planting, representatives from several community organizations were invited to take joint action.
A long-range plan of tree planting was drawn up for the Project by a tree expert, and submitted to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager, who promise consideration.
Despite the drought, the interest of householders was enlisted in plans for garden recognition, and of the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Club in taking garden pictures as soon as conditions permit.
Thirty-three story hours for children were held throughout the cool seasons, with a total attendance of 477. Summer Reading Club members read 280 books in conformity with club requirements. Plans are under way for the first time to have all classes from the Balch School visit the library for instruction. An increased number of non-fiction books having had a year at Main Library are taken to the Branch. Mrs. Knowles has spoken on books and library services before three com- munity groups for Norwood, as a whole. These activities are part of the reason the Branch circulation increased by 2,670.
South Norwood readers have appreciated Mrs. Robert Mitchell's gift of an electric clock.
Hospital Service -
As reported by Esther C. Hallet, Circulation Librarian, whose hard and effec- tive work and gracious personality are assets to her library.
1,579 more books were circulated at the hospital this year than last. Among the trends noticed by the librarians is a forging ahead in reading of biography and religious books. Nurses are using the service, not only in assigned class reading, but for aid in personal enterprises, as in planning a trans-continental motor trip. In ward service, it was noticed how much all patients in the room are likely to be affected by the response to proffered book service, made by the first patient approached.
Mrs. Harold Alden and Mrs. Louis Balboni have volunteered highly appre- ciated aid.
Norwood Organizations Use Their Library
The Adult Civic Education classes have met here, as have the Executive Board, Norwood Woman's Club, the Horizon Club, Camp Fire Girls, the Women's Com- munity Committee, and the Senior Girl Scouts.
The Librarian served on the Planning Committee, Norwood Community Coun-
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cil, and on the apointment of the Town Counsel, as member of a committee on town purchase of land for school purposes. She spoke at Senior, and briefly at the Junior High Schools.
Material continues to be supplied to the "Welcome Wagon" for distribution to new residents.
The Fine Arts Are Furthered
The Art Committee of the Norwood Woman's Club exhibited pottery made by Mrs. Arnold Zoboli and her students. The Norwood Garden Club arranged artistic patterns in flowers and branches to accompany the exhibits. They also most kindly provided mantel arrangements at Christmas. National Art Week was featured in all departments, including a display in the Junior Department and South Norwood Branch of art work done by pupils in the public schools.
Mr. George Augusta, a local artist of great talent, had his second one-man show here.
The Art Round Table of the American Library Association requested a brief article for their bulletin on "Art in the Small Library."
The Library's Friends
Fifty-one people benefited other readers by gifts of 207 books.
The Rotary Club has again been a public benefactor in the gift of a hand- some clock in an especially designed Mexican mahogany frame, for the Reference Room.
Mrs. Robert Mitchell's generous gift to the Branch was elsewhere recorded. A large hand-blown Blenko Ware glass vase has been a welcome gift from the Norwood Woman's Club.
Mrs. Robert Ludington of Summit, New Jersey gave the library a valuable set of slides of New England.
The Women of the Moose have kindly made their annual gift of children's books and handmade bookmarks.
Books of special value have been purchased with income from the Whedon, Chickering and Morse Funds.
This year the library's circulation of 117,372 (7.6 per capita) represents a 10,443 gain - the largest gain in 16 years. Despite the difficulties arising from two vacancies, it has been a fine year. The Librarian is deeply indebted to the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support; and to a Staff second to none as a librarian's teammates.
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS,
Librarian.
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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
LIBRARY HOURS
Adult Department: Monday-Friday 9 a.m .- 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m .- 6 p.m.
Junior Department: Monday-Friday 12:30-6 p.m .. Saturday 9 a.m .- 6 p.m.
South Norwood Branch: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-5:30 and 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m .- 12 and 1-6 p.m.
Norwood Hospital: Monday 1-5 p.m.
Trustees
ยท Maude A. Shattuck, Chairman Mary L. Dunn
Francis J. Doran Eugene A. Nelson
Rachel P. Martin George H. Welles
Staff
Edna Philips, Librarian, and Secretary of the Board
Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger
Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant; position vacant
N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian
Esther C. Hallet, Circulation Librarian
Mary Knowles, Branch Librarian
Shirley Day, Records Librarian
Doris C. Allen, Assistant
Building
Carl B. Pearson, Senior Building Custodian
Substitutes
Ruth R. King
Bettina Cottrell Helen R. Fraser
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Norwood, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
At the first meeting of the Planning Board in January, Patrick Long was elected chairman and Charles S. Ennis was elected secretary. The other members of the Board are Rosewell A. Norton, Lester N. Lechter and Hazis Kelley.
The Board acted upon many zoning changes and after much consideration, the following action was taken :---
a. The Planning Board recommended that the zoning of property on the southerly side of the Boston-Providence Highway from Neponset Street up to the Cloverleaf property be changed from THA to THB. This recommendation was upheld at the Town Meeting.
b. The Planning Board, after numerous hearings, tabled a petition received for a change in zoning on Weld Avenue inasmuch as the main objective raised by the residents of that area had been complied with by the petitioner.
c. The Planning Board recommended a change in the zoning law book by in- creasing the lot sizes from 6,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet. This recommenda- tion was upheld at the Town Meeting.
d. The Planning Board recommended a change in the zoning law book by in- creasing the distances between house lots, ect. This recommendation was upheld at the Town Meeting.
The Planning Board acted on and discussed the following projects:
a. They recommended to the Board of Selectmen that a committee be ap- pointed to study the possibility of the construction of the South Norwood Highway going from Walpole Street to Washington Street. This committee has since been appointed and progress is now being made.
b. They recommended that underground wiring be installed in South Norwood and in all future new housing developments.
c. They recommended that Dean Street be widened and resurfaced.
d. They recommended that arrangements be made to relocate the traffic island at Pleasant and Neponset Streets,
e. They met with a special committee from the Norwood Hospital to discuss traffic conditions near the Norwood Hospital. As a result, a recommendation was made that parking be prohibited on the westerly side of Washington Street from Guild Street to Winter Street which recommendation has been put into effect and has worked out very satisfactorily.
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REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
f. They went on record as being in favor of a fulltime Building Inspector.
g. They propose that one square foot of parking area shall be provided for every square foot of first floor building area.
h. They propose to rezone the entire Boston-Providence Highway from THA to THB.
i. They went on record as believing that dead-end streets should be completed wherever possible and that they be placed under the category of public necessity from the safety standpoint of the people living in said areas.
The retiring members of the Planning Board are Lester N. Lechter and Rose- well A. Norton.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICK LONG, Chairman, CHARLES S. ENNIS, Secretary, ROSEWELL A. NORTON, LESTER N. LECHTER, HAZIS KELLEY,
Members of Planning Board.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
TOWN OF NORWOOD MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1949
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1949 School Committee
John F. Kiley 14 George Street, NOrwood 7-0198
Term Expires 1950
John F. Reynolds 1950
31 Oak Road, NOrwood 7-0851
Thomas R. Bowler 1951
112 Winslow Avenue, NOrwood 7-1180-R
John J. Cook 1951
30 Adams Street, NOrwood 7-0981-R
Edward H. Thompson 1952
9 Gardner Road, NOrwood 7-1785-R
John J. Cavanaugh 235 Railroad Avenue, NOrwood 7-0679-M
1952
Organization John F. Kiley, Chairman Elizabeth Syverson, Clerk
Standing Committees
Appointment of Teachers: Mr. Bowler, Mr. Kiley, Mr. Cavanaugh.
Educational Program, Purchase of School Books and Supplies: Mr. Kiley, Mr. Bowler, Mr. Thompson.
Finance: Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Cook, Mr. Thompson.
Janitors, Schoolhouses, and Grounds: Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Cook, Mr. Cavanaugh.
Committee Meetings
The regular monthly meeting of the School Committee is held in the Commit- tee room, Room 100, Junior High School Building, at seven-thirty' o'clock, on the third Wednesday of each month.
Superintendent of Schools
Lincoln D. Lynch, 21 Florence Avenue, Telephone NOrwood 7-1266.
The Office of the Superintendent of Schools is at the Junior High School and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, from Monday through Friday, inclusive. Telephone NOrwood 7-0133.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Secretary and Clerks
Elizabeth V. Syverson, 68 Elm Street, Telephone NOrwood 7-1461-W, Principal Clerk and Secretary to Department Head.
' Elvie A. Schaier, 44 Highview Street, Tel. NOrwood 7-2227-R, Junior Clerk and Stenographer.
School Calendar 1949-50
Monday, September 12, 1949 - Kindergarten in session.
Tuesday, September 6, 1949 - Teachers report.
Wednesday, September 7, 1949 - Grades 1-12 in session.
Holidays
Wednesday, October 12, 1949 - Columbus Day.
Friday, October 28, 1949 - County Convention.
Friday, November II, 1949 - Armistice Day.
Thanksgiving Recess: Schools close at noon, Wednesday, November 23rd, and re-open on Monday, November 28th.
Christmas Recess: Schools close at noon on Thursday, December 22nd, and re- open on Tuesday, January 3, 1950.
Winter Recess: Schools close Friday, February 17th, and re-open on Monday, February 27th.
Friday, April 7, 1950 - Good Friday.
Spring Recess: Schools close Friday, April 14th, and re-open on Monday, April 24th.
Memorial Day Recess: Monday and Tuesday, May 29th, 30th.
No-School Signal 2-2
Repeated at 7:15 a.m. No forenoon session, Kindergarten through 12th grade. Repeated at 7:30 a.m. No forenoon session, Kindergarten through 9th grade. Repeated at 7:45 a.m. No forenoon session for Kindergarten through 6th grade. Repeated at 12:15 p.m. No afternoon session, Kindergarten through 9th grade. Repeated at 12:30 p.m. No afternoon session, Kindergarten through 6th grade. Repeated at 6:15 p.m. No session for evening school.
Note: When the No-School signal is sounded, all street lights are illuminated for three minutes.
Radio Stations (WBZ, WEEI, WHDH, WNAC) will broadcast notices between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and when possible, at noon and at night.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
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. Items which the School Committee regards report- able and not included in the aforementioned reports are submitted herewith.
This statement, and the reports of school officers, taken together, are adopted as the Report of the School Committee, it being understood that such adoption does not commit the Committee to the opinions or recommendations made therein.
Modernization
During this year the Henry O. Peabody School has been completely equipped with new fluorescent lighting fixtures. Aside from the fact that the original installa- tion of incandescent fixtures was inadequate for the daytime program, it was neces- sary to make the change so that the hundreds of people who were using the school in the Evening Practical Arts Program could work and learn under hygienic light- ing conditions.
Special Health Services
For several years, and, until the War, we had in Norwood the assistance of a Lip-reading teacher who devoted part-time services. During the period of the middle 40's, the service was discontinued due to our inability to employ a specially trained person to do this important work.
Realizing the importance of such a program, arrangements were made to have Miss Patricia Shortall, one of our regular teachers, who is interested in this area of instruction, take special training. Under her able leadership, the Lip Reading Program has been resumed.
The School Committee has also been able to secure the services of one who has had much experience as a regular classroom teacher and in addition to this, special training and experience in Remedial Reading and Speech Clinics, Miss Rita Mclaughlin.
Arrangements have already been made to have Miss McLaughlin, with the assist- ance of Principals, teachers, and nurses, to select those children who have remediable speech defects for special training and assistance. It will be immediately obvious to the reader that this kind of service to handicapped children will prevent consider- able maladjustment in children who might otherwise be extremely unhappy.
Until this time, little has been done at the Junior and Senior High School levels to attack directly the problem of the pupil who has marked deficiencies in reading. Miss McLaughlin has agreed to undertake the organization of remedial reading classes in our secondary schools in addition to her work with those suffering from speech handicaps.
The Committee hopes that the steps taken as indicated, will result in a well rounded program in these very important areas of school adjustment.
A majority of Committee members believe that the addition of a third full-time nurse to the staff is necessary to maintain our school health standards.
.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
The School Committee has this year voted to employ an additional nurse so that the health program may be more complete and satisfactory. The appointment will be made sometime in 1950.
Baseball - Elementary Schools
After trying other arrangements for several years, the School Committee this year, reorganized the supervision of the elementary baseball program. Regular, full-time men teachers who are employed during the school day in the Junior and Senior High Schools have been assigned to take over this important play activity and under their coaching, a very satisfactory schedule of play has been conducted.
Land Acquisition
The School Committee has unanimously agreed that the land opposite the High School should be taken for school purposes, and (regrets the action of the Town Meeting in its unwillingness to acquire the parcel of land), notwithstanding a unanimously favorable report of a Special Committee appointed by the Town Moderator.
Staff Council
As part of an overall salary policy and personnel relations program, jointly agreed upon by the teachers and the School Committee, there has been organized a Staff Council which has this year cooperated with and generously aided the School Committee in working out arrangements designed to improve the Professional Im- provement of our teaching staff.
Massachusetts Council
The Committee announces its satisfaction with the action taken this year in affiliating with other School Committees in the State in a common endeavor to improve the services of our schools.
Halloween
We would like to commend our teaching staff particularly for their generous assistance in cooperation with the Recreation authorities in making our community's Halloween program a most satisfactory community activity.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL - 1949
Resignations
Miss Paisley Sasso, Winslow School, to be married.
Miss Gertrude Crowell, Balch School, to stay at home.
Miss Dorothy Blood, Peabody School, to be married.
Mrs. Ruby Keown, Peabody School, to stay at home. Miss Jane O'Sullivan, R.N., School Nurse, to be married.
Mrs. Jennie Mann, West School, substitute.
Mrs. Doris M. Cullen, Balch School, substitute.
Mrs. Esther J. Chitty, Shattuck School, substitute.
Mrs. Grace M. Sprague, Shattuck School, substitute.
Mrs. Margaret O'Reilly, Callahan School, substitute.
Miss Harriet Davidson, Junior High School, to be married.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Retirements
Miss Minnie C. Cole, Elementary Schools.
Mrs. Ethel H. Cook, Senior High School, Art Department.
Miss Gertrude M. Shaw, Junior High School, Mathematics.
Re-instatement
Miss Mary A. Canning, R.N., Supervising School Nurse, following military leave.
Military Leave Mr. Henry F. Fairbanks, Senior High School.
Appointments
Miss Margaret A. Cassidy, Shattuck School.
Miss Nancy Schmalz, Shattuck School.
Miss Mary M. Toomey, Shattuck School.
Miss Elaine Macmann, Callahan School.
Miss Barbara Brown, Kindergarten, Junior High School.
Miss Rita Mclaughlin, Balch School.
Miss Marjorie Rappold, Winslow School.
Miss Doris Jackson, West School.
Mrs. Helen Beardsell, H. O. Peabody School, Trades.
Miss Bertha Tarallo, H. O. Peabody School, Trades.
Mrs. Harriet Davidson Tippett, Junior High School, Temporary Teacher. Miss Phyllis Condon, Junior High School, Junior Clerk and Stenographer.
Resolutions
Gertrude M. Shaw
Following thirty years of uninterrupted service in teaching in the Public Schools of Norwood, we know that you must feel that you have played a very important part in contributing, in no small way, to the effectiveness of our school program.
Mindful of your generous, cooperative and enthusiastic spirit, we regret your departure from the service of our community.
The hundreds of fathers and mothers, as well as our young people with whom you have worked so conscientiously through these many years, will also note with regret your leaving.
We hope that in the years to come, you will look back upon your record with much satisfaction. We hope too, that the memories of pleasant associations and work well done, will enrich the enjoyment of the many years which lie before you.
THE NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
June 16, 1949.
Minnie C. Cole
At the end of a long and fruitful period of service, characterized by unselfish devotion to the children of our Town, you must feel most satisfied.
You have always been interested in and worked for children who have found school work difficult. This has been your life and we know, your happiness.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
The compensations and rewards which spring from the knowledge that young people are happier and better for having your help must be many.
We hope that in the years which lie ahead, your associations with our children will remain fresh in your memory, and that the good work which you have done will always be a source of pride and satisfaction to you.
While we are sorry to see you leave our service, we hope that you may look for- ward to many years of good health and fortune.
THE NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
December 31, 1949.
Appreciation
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, appreciate the willingness of the employees of the Norwood Schools in the performance, each according to his capacity to contribute, of the many and difficult tasks they have so generously undertaken.
JOHN F. KILEY, Chairman THOMAS R. BOWLER JOHN J. COOK JOHN J. CAVANAUGH EDWARD H. THOMPSON JOHN F. REYNOLDS
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Herewith, I submit my fourteenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
Measurement and Evaluation
Last year, in a meeting with our principals, I suggested the need for a more systematic, comprehensive and thorough study of our testing program. It was a source of pleasure to me to learn that most of our staff was interested and eager to undertake the work involved. Arrangements were made to provide for those teachers who have not reviewed the most up-to-date techniques in measurement and evalua- tion, a course under the able leadership of Professor Kavaraceus of Boston University. Those who have taken the course are outspoken and enthusiastic,- ready to go, so-to-speak.
We propose to learn all we can about individual pupils,- and to do something for them.
It is easy to comprehend the improvement that will accrue from the pursuit of our objective.
Word has come to me that already, many of our teachers have begun to work in this interesting area, and I have no doubt that, now, as this course nears comple- tion, it will be a matter of only a few weeks when we will be at work in formulating a program which will be fruitful.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Condition of Plant
Fortunately, Norwood does not face the immediate need of new construction to house school enrollments. The Town has, during the past few years, made generous appropriations to take care of necessary plant maintenance and replacement needs.
However, before it becomes necessary, because of expanding population, to build new school structures, it would be well to invest sizable sums in modernizing our whole school plant. Particularly, I refer to the need for modernization of the interior of school houses.
First of all, it is well to remember that for many years practically nothing has been done to make our classrooms more attractive.
Recent studies reveal the total inadequacy of our school lighting as related to the hygiene of the school situation.
The well lighted modern classroom is a delightful place in which to live, work, and learn. The stresses and strains upon the emotional and health aspects of devel- opment in the old dull classrooms are quite incalculable except in a qualitative and general way.
Many experiments have been made by public and private interests in making the old classroom a hygienic place in which children may work to their best advan- tage. Remodelling the old classroom is a big job in a community where we have many old buildings, but, if planned wisely and without bearing too heavily on the tax structure in any one year, is relatively easy.
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