USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 14
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Custodians, Schoolhouses, and Grounds: Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Reynolds.
Committee Meetings
The regular monthly meeting of the School Committee is held in the Com- mittee 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.
172
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Secretary and Clerks
Elizabeth Swerson. 68 Elm Street, Telephone NOrwood 7-1461-W. Principal Clerk and Secretary to Department Head and Clerk of School Committee.
Elvie A. Schaier, 44 Highview Street, Telephone NOrwood 7-2227-R, Junior Clerk and Stenographer.
School Calendar
Monday, September 10, 1951 -- Schools Open.
Dismissal at noon. P. M. Faculty Meetings.
Holidays
Friday, October 12, 1951 -- Columbus Day. -
Friday, October 26, 1951-Norfolk County Teachers' Convention.
Monday, November 12, 1951-Armistice Day.
Thanksgiving Recess: Schools close at noon, Wednesday, November 21, and reopen Monday, November 26.
Christmas Recess: Schools close at noon, December 21, and reopen Wednesday, Jannary 2, 1952.
Winter Recess: Schools close Friday, February 15th, and reopen Monday, February 25.
Spring Recess: Schools cllose Thursday, April 10th (Friday, April 11th. Good FFriday), and reopen Monday, April 21st.
Friday, May 30th-Memorial Day.
No-School Signals 2-2
Repeated at 7:15 a. m. No sessions, Kindergarten through 12th grade, all day. Repeated at 7:30 a. m. No forenoon session. Kindergarten through 9th grade. Repeated at 7:45 a. m. No forenoon session, Kindergarten through 6th grade. Repeated at 12:45 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 schools.
Note: When the No-School signal is sounded, all street lights are illuminated, 'if possible, 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.
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 reportable 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.
173
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Redistricting
Approximately one hundred pupils were transferred from the Callahan School to the Balch School at school-opening time in September.
This action was made necessary as a result of the crowded conditions at the Callahan School. The pupils who were thus affected were those whose transporta- tion to school is provided at public expense. All live in the area east of Highway No. I.
The solution to the crowding problem was relatively easy, since it was simply a matter of transporting children from one crowded school to the Balch School in which there were many empty rooms.
Notwithstanding this action, the Callahan School is still the center of a crowd- ing problem which again will demand solution.
The source of school enrollment increase in the district is, of course, the new large realty developments in the northern section of the town.
New real estate developments in other sections of the town will require con- stant study of the problem of finding suitable school housing facilities in the neighborhoods of the children to be served.
Very rapidly the housing capacities of the Callahan, Shattuck and Winslow Schools are being taxed to capacity.
The rather obvious, easy and expedient answer is to be the transfer of children who, for a Few years, may be housed in the Jimior High School building, and who live in neighborhoods not too far from it. .
Naturally, the enrollment pressure in each of the four school districts will be relieved by such action. However, three years hence, the problem will again arise, for the swelling surge which now presses the elementary school housing facility will, by that time, have begun to apply the same pressure to the Junior High School which, now only half-full, will be taxed to housing limits.
Printing Equipment
The old and out-dated equipment in the Printing Shop at the Junior High School has, in considerable part. been replaced as a result of the purchase of equip- ment, acquired through a private sale, which is modern and in first class condition. This equipment, if new. would cost nearly $4000. However, it was purchased for $2.300.
Redecoration
When schools reopened in the fall, children returned to much more pleasant and attractive school buildings.
At a total cost of approximately $20,000 the interior of the Balch, Winslow and Callahan Schools were redecorated.
These schoolhouses were redecorated in light colors which, apart from giving the schools an attractive appearance, provide lighter and brighter schoolroom work- ing and study areas. Many rooms which, heretofore, were dark, even inder artili- cial illumination, are now quite satisfactory from every viewpoint.
174
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Kindergarten Enrollments
Although an enumeration of grade enrollments is elsewhere presented, we would like to call attention to the situation by special reference. The average kindergarten enrollment for the previous three years has been, roughly 200. This year. in October, there were enrolled in the kindergarten approximately 330.
Without wishing to bore the reader by presentation of detailed interpretations. it seems that there is strong likelihood of our being faced with increasing enroll- ment waves which will strike the Junior High School in three years and again in greater force in six years.
There is one conclusion which may be deduced from a study of enrollment tables. The town must face the need for additional school housing facilities.
Henry O. Peabody School-Advertising
Dwindling enrollments in the Henry O. Peabody School presented a rather difficult problem to the School Committee.
The Committee has given much time and study to this problem. Several prac- tical steps have been taken, including efforts to secure the support and co-operation of the Henry O. Peabody Board of Trustees, School Committees, and school officials in nearby towns, looking toward fulfillment of the purpose of this unique educa- tional endeavor.
The reader will profitably peruse the statements of the Director of the Henry O. Peabody School, as presented elsewhere in this report.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL - 1951
Resignations
Miss Kathryn R. Byrne, Junior High School, to be married.
Miss Patricia McDavitt, Junior High School, to be married.
Miss Margaret M. Riley, Balch School. to be married.
Miss Alice J. O'Malley, Balch School, to be married.
Miss Elaine M. Macmann, Callahan School, to teach elsewhere.
Miss Margaret A. Cassidy, Shattuck School, to teach elsewhere.
Mrs. Pauline Ficco, Winslow School, to stay at home.
Miss Doris 1L. Jackson, West School, to be married.
Miss Patricia E. Shortall, Division of Special Services, to be married.
Deaths
Miss Esther A. Griffin, Teacher, Junior High School, July 26, 1951.
Miss Helen V. Welch, Senior High School Cafeteria Worker, June 3, 1951.
Transfers
Mr. Thomas A. White, from Balch School, Grade 6, to Junior High School. Mr. Robert E. Duke, from Shattuck School, Grade 6, to Junior High School.
Miss Louise E. Nugent, from Grade One. Junior High School to Grade One, Calla- han School.
Miss Eleanor T. Sline, to full-time Junior High School Home Economics.
Mrs. Helen F. Beardsell, to Senior High School and HI. O. Peabody Home Economics.
Military Leave
Mr. Henry F. Fairbanks, Senior High School.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Appointments
Mr. James E. Donovan, Junior High School.
Mrs. Grace R. White, part-time Home Economics, Junior High School.
Mrs. Evelyn F. Ramsdell, Division of Special Services. Miss Incille Kaizer, Division of Special Services. Miss Esther A. Studley, Balch School, Grade 1. Miss Georgia Christopulos, Balch School, Grade 1. Miss Elizabeth R. Lagarde, Balch School, Grade 4.
Miss Marie A. Repani. Balch School, Grade 3. Mr. Francis J. Duffey, Balch School, Grade 5.
Mr. Umberto V. C. Napoleone, Balch School, Grade 6. Miss Agnes M. Bagley, Callahan School, Grade 2. Mrs. Josephine Paul, Balch School, Grade 5.
Miss Jeanne H. Lockhart, Shattuck School, Grade 1.
Miss Anne E. Nolan, Shattuck School. Grade 5.
Mr. Edward F. Sweeney, Shattuck School, Grade 6.
Miss Elizabeth A. Daley, Winslow School, Grade 1. Miss Ann S. Pithie, Grade 1, West School.
Mrs. Doris M. Cullen. Callahan School, Grade 5-6.
Miss Marie Sheahan, Kindergarten, Callahan and Balch.
Miss Ethel W. Johnson, H. O. Peabody School, Foods-Bakery.
Miss Clara A. Allison, H. O. Peabody School, Foods-Tearoom.
Resolution KATHRYN ROSE BYRNE
Following twenty-seven years of uninterrupted service in the Norwood Public Schools, we know that you must feel that you have played a very important part in, and contributed in no small way to our school program.
Mindful of your generous, enthusiastic. and spirited attention to your duties as a teacher, we regret your departure from the services to the young people of Nor- wood whom it has been your pleasure to serve.
We hope that you will remember a proven record of outstanding service with much satisfaction. We hope, too, that the memories of pleasant associations will enrich the enjoyment of many happy years to come.
July 1, 1951 NORWOOD SCHOOL COMITTEE
Appreciation
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, appreciate the willingness of the employees of the Norwood Schools in the performance, cach according to his capacity to contribute, of the many and difficult tasks they have so generously undertaken.
JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Chairman MISS FRANCES L. BLANCHOT THOMAS R. BOWLER JOHN J. CAVANAUGH JOHN F. KILEY EDWARD H. THOMPSON
176
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Herewith, I submit my sixteenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
Another School Site-or Two-or Thrce?
Reference to my earlier reports will remind the reader of the need for atten- tion to the needs of an expanding school community.
Already, to meet the situation in part, au adequate site has been procured. (Near the Dean Street-Neponset Street area.)
I am able to report with much pleasure the facts of School Committee and Planning Board Approval of an area, in the Nichols Street-Fisher Street section of the town, suitable and desirable as a future school site.
Assuming, that, in the future Norwood may be a thickly settled community. it is my opinion that the Town should take steps to acquire land in the Holmwood Section and adjacent to a Town-owned playground.
Another area which has a development potential and which may some day demand school housing facilities is the area on Pleasant Street, near the end of Lenox Street.
A look at one of our Town maps will reveal its distance from the Balch, Callahan and Neponset school sites.
Workshops
On November first, there were conducted two well attended and profitable Institutes for teachers.
At the Callahan School, with the cooperation and support of the able State Supervisor of Primary Music. Mrs. Martina Driscoll, our kindergarten and primary teachers, together with those from our neighboring towns, spent a most profitable day in study of the methods, materials and philosophy of primary grade music.
Several well-known authors and supervisors who have been successful in this most interesting field spent the day with us.
Interest in the discussion was maintained at high level and participation was most enthusiastic.
While the primary grade teachers were meeting at the Callahan School another group consisting of intermediate grade teachers was assembled at the Junior . High School.
This Conference was held for the purpose of discussing the New Curricuhun Guide for the Upper Elementary grades.
Our Junior High School teachers, our upper elementary grade teachers and those of neighboring towns attended in large numbers.
Miss Mary O'Rourke, State Supervisor of Elementary Education, ably assisted by a staff of experts and consultants, many of whom contributed to the construction of the Guide itself, spent the day with us. conducting most interesting explanation and discussion features.
In Memoriam
Esther A. Griffin entered the service of the Norwood Public Schools in September, 1927.
The teachers who knew her loved and respected her. She was most sympathetic in her dealings with children.
All of us in the School Department who knew her mourn her departure.
177
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School-Plant Needs
Now that the Town has taken steps to acquire land in back of the bleachers at the High School, it is well to consider the need for erecting a combination bleacher-field house to replace the old wooden stands which are not satisfactory for many reasons.
The cost of maintaining a rather weak structure, the danger of its collapse, and the advantages of a higher, permanent, more spacious and serviceable facility would suggest the advisability of early action.
The High School Library needs much reconstruction-redecorating-new book shelves-enclosures and rearrangement. If there are adequate funds in our main- tenance budget, I would recommend immediate attention to this project.
On several occasions in the past, I have suggested the desirability of a year- round play area, to be constructed on the site of the present tennis courts.
The chief advantage of such a facility would be provision for skating during the winter time, tennis in the summer, and out-of-door games in spring and fall when the grounds are wet and the turf, muddy.
Another problem which confronts us is the matter of parking at the High School. At this writing, parking on both sides of Nichols Street is dangerous because of heavy auto and foot traffic at certain times during the day. There is not enough room for all the cars on either side. and, with the building of more homes on the opposite side of the street will come a most difficult traffic and parking problem.
Extension Course-Speech
Many of our teachers are about to complete a course in Speech Improvement presented by the Harvard-B. U. Service and conducted by Dr. Wilbert Pronovost.
Incipient speech disorders may be eliminated, if given proper attention by skilled teachers. Long established poor speech habits may be overcome and cor- rected by teachers trained to recognize and to refer them to qualified specialists ..
This is tremendously significant. For one has only to reflect upon the extent to which one may suffer (personality-wise) from some of the afflictions which have in large part being ignored or left untreated.
Handwriting and Testing
As soon as our teachers have completed their course in Speech Improvement, committees of teachers will be working upon standard outlines for the Norwood Public Schools' Handwriting program and upon an outline of a complete testing service for all children from the kindergarten through Grade XII.
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council
The M. I. A. C. consists of five representatives from each of three groups in the Commonwealth-The School Committees, the Superintendents of Schools, and the Prinipals of High Schools.
Its prime objective is to recognize athletics as an integral part of the educa- tional program for which school authorities are responsible.
The Council insists that school Athletics is the responsibility of School Com- mittees and as such it is necessary that School Committees exercise the controls which are necessary, if athletics is to be what it is supposed to be.
178
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Several abuses have developed which have arisen because, all too frequently, the program has gotten out-of-hand. so-to-speak, and in the hands of people who will, if they can, exploit youth.
As one of the representatives of this Council, I am much pleased to report that progress, though slow, is being made-progress which is in line with the objectives of the Council.
Jane C. Lane Medals
For many years, the income for the fund established by Mrs. Lane in memory of her husband, John C. Lane, has been adequate to provide medals to all those who, as members of the graduating class, have maintained a good citizenship record and a scholarship average of eighty-five per cent or higher.
Because of the facts that costs are higher and that the U. S. Mint at Philadel- phia will no longer cast medals, it has been necessary to announce a change.
In keeping with the spirit and intentions of the donor the medals will be awarded, but only in such quantity as the income from the John C. Lane Fund will allow.
The L. G. Balfour Company of Attleboro has agreed to cast a new die for a new design (key) gratis and has agreed to make eight medals annually for the $20. which representes the income from the invested fund. These will be awarded to the eight-ranking scholars in each graduating class who have good citizenship records and who have attended the Norwood High School at least two years.
Charity Drives
The members of our Schools have contributed this year, as they have for many years, most generously in support of worthy appeals for help-Norwood Hospital, Save-the-Children Federation, Polio, Heart, Korean Refugees.
This is all part of a program designed to create wholesome attitudes and strong personal qualities in our young people.
Plant Needs
Our maintenance program this year will feature-exterior painting. badly needed, new plumbing to provide more hot water in more places, especially in schools where we have inadequate hot water facilities and up-to-date sanitary toilet facilities in some of ouur older school buildings. One basement room in the Winslow School will be finished for classroom use.
Staff Council-Salary Schedule
A few weeks ago, the Staff Council submitted a report to the School Committee. Certain statements in that report are significant and will be of interest to towns- people.
Following are a few quotations. "Reports have just been issued by the State Department of Education of Massachusetts, listing the educational status of teachers in the cities and towns of Massachusetts. Norwood is listed among 106 towns of population more than 5,000.
Of the 106 High Schools on this list, the Faculty of only 15 shows a larger percentage than Norwood of teachers who hold Masters Degrees. The median for
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
the 106 High Schools is 33%. 46% of Norwood's High School teachers hold Master's Degrees.
But, it is in the listing of the elementary schools that Norwood has improved. A few years ago Norwood was almost at the bottom of the list which rated School systems on the education of their elementary teachers. This last State report lists only 28 out of the 106 towns, in which a larger percentage of teachers in the elementary schools have degrees than Norwood. The percentage of elementary school teachers in Norwood who now hold a degree is 58. The median for the State in this respect is 47%.
It is true that a part of this improvement is due to the fact that only teachers with a degree have been hired during the past few years. But to a very great extent this improvement in rating can be traced to the fact that teachers who have been in Norwood for many years are now studying and earning degrees.
We believe you will agree with us when we conclude that the money you invested in the program of supermaximum remuneration has paid very large dividends.
Norwood can now boast of a group of teachers which, in the matter of educa- tion and background for teaching, stands above 75% of the Faculties of other towns in the State."
During the years 1948-1952, eight teachers who were granted degree equivalence by the School Committee in 1948 have since that time earned a Bachelor's degree. and one of them has earned a Master's degree. Since 1948, five other teachers have earned Master's degrees.
Of eighty-two teachers who are now in the system and who have been eligible to receive super-maximum salary increments, fifty-four teachers have earned one or more super-maximinn increments. Sixteen additional teachers have undertaken further professional improvement courses. Only twelve have taken no formal pro- fessional improvement courses. Most of the twelve are older teachers who would find the extra work a health hazard.
Of the fifty-four teachers who have benefitted from pursuit of professional improvement courses (in satisfaction of which additional salary remuneration is secured at the rate of $100. for each of three years following successful completion of four credits of college work or their equivalent);
2 have earned 4 super-maximum increments
12 have earned 3 super-maximum increments
17 have earned 2 super-maximum increments
23 have earned 1 super-maximum increment.
Of the 126 teachers now employed in the system. thirty-three hold master's degrees and seventeen others have earned sixteen credits beyond the requirements for the Bachelor's degree.
"At the end of the second year under this program we are more than ever of the opinion that cooperation of School Committee, Superintendent and teachers always results in benefit to the educational system. The knowledge that our School Committee has confidence in its teachers, and makes every effort to further them in their work, results in an atmosphere free from tension and condnsive to high morale."
180
TOWN OF NORWOOD
In Memoriam
Miss Agnes Bridges has written a fitting testimonial to one of our fellow workers. It follows:
"It seems fitting that a particular tribute to Miss Helen Welch, deceased, be included here. She was a most faithful employee in the Cafeteria for a period of sixteen years. It would be difficult to find a more loyal friend, a more interested and faithful associate than Miss Welch. We have suffered a great loss which will long be felt. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to her family who so deeply miss a most loved and cherished sister."
Special Services
This year we have added two new teachers to the Staff of the Division of Special Services. Miss Kaiser and Mrs. Ramsdell have filled a need long recognized, and results are most satisfactory. Our schools are well cared for by these specialists who, working with Miss Casey, Miss Mclaughlin and Mrs. Lce in the arcas of Lip-reading, speech and Remedial Teaching are teaching children who need special help for which the ordinary classroom teacher has neither time nor specialized training.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to express to our new teachers a word of welcome and satisfaction, to our older teachers and other co-workers a word of gratitude and to the School Committee, a word of appreciation for the helpful support and encouragement which has been given me.
LINCOLN D. LYNCH, Superintendent of School
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TABLE I
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS*
Tuition:
Received 1951
Anticipated 1952
City of Boston & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$ 11,723.18
$ 12,000.00
Other Municipalities-Vocational
8,977.37
8,000.00
State Reimbursement:
Vocational School
25,621.92
25,630.00
State Support, Chapter 70
51,264.28
52,000.00
Federal Reimbursement:
George-Barden, Smith-Hughes Fund
1,695.42
1,650.00
H. O. Peabody Income Account
24,319.18
24,000.00
Sales-Work & Products:
Girls' Vocational School
3,082.76
3,000.00
Bovs' Vocational School
1,267.00
1,300.00
School Janitor Service
587.68
600.00
School Hall Rentals
466.00
500.00
Miscellaneous:
Instruction Supplies
20.00
20.00
Practical Arts
,
123.15
125.00
Textbooks
103.73
100.00
Telephone Calls
17.79
25.00
Miscellaneous
43.38
50.00
Insurance
1,156.84
$130,469.68
$129,000.00
(* Not included are receipts on account of lunch counter operation or athletics. Legislation requires that these accounts are to be handled as revolving funds.)
182
TABLE II
TEACHERS EMPLOYED
Sept.
Sept. 1943
Sept. 1944
Sept. 1945
Sept. 1946
Sept. 1947
Sept. 1948
Sept. 1949
Sept. 1950
Sept. 1951
1942
33
28
28
28
33
32
32
32
321/9
32
Senior High
8
=
131/2
141/5
121/2
121%
121/2
121/2
121/2
121%
Vocational-HOP
30
28
27
26
25
25
24
21
221/9
231/2
Junior High
42
40
12
11
41
40
40
. 40
10
41
Elementary
4
+1/2
-
5
Kindergarten
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
7
7+
Specials
t Includes: Supervisor of Art: Instructor of Instrument Music; and Division of Special Services (5).
TOWN OF NORWOOD
d
TABLE III ENROLLMENT FOR TEN-YEAR PERIOD (June Enrollments)
Ycar
Kindergarten
Elementary
Junior High
Senior High
Boys
Girls
Total
1941-42
1,051
596
700
2,347
1942-43
1,023
547
593
72
2.235
1943-44
977
558
544
88
2,167
1944-45
1,000
559
525
97
2,181
1945-46
963
498
455
17
114
2,047
1946-47
932
458
502
27
123
2,042
1947-48
903
454
517
23
90
1,987
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