USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 16
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198
TOWN OF NORWOOD
In order to give each boy in our school sufficient work experience, both with hand tools and machines, an exhaustive bit of planning is required in locating sufficient work to keep every boy busily engaged. We were very fortunate to have received calls for outside work in a sufficient amount and at a propitious time so that instruction on actual projects never became slack. Our "productivity charts" show that the total market value of all work completed amounted to over four thousand dollars.
Classes in cabinet work for adults, held two evenings per week, using our shop facilities, gave a large group of men an extensive training in manipulative skills, both hand and machine. This type of training is most beneficial, as the joy of each man's achievement reflects his ability in accomplishment.
Industrial Arts
In many respects the program in Industrial Arts at our Junior High School continued the exploratory experiences as indicated in my previous reports .. We feel that our greatest asset lies in the fact that in our program boys learn through real experiences with real tools. real materials, and real machines. Through pride in workmanship, safe work habits, and an appreciation for all well kept tools and machines. Given an insight into the world of work through real experiences, our boys will have developed manipulative skills that will be used to advantage after they leave our Industrial Arts shows.
Civil Defense was given a helping hand by some of our woodworking classes, who turned out some "night sticks" for that organization.
Conclusion
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for that splendid feeling of cooperation given me by the faculty, by Mr. Hayden, and by Mr. Lynch.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER.
Direector Norwood Boys' Vocational School
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE H. O. PEABODY SCHOOL
I hereby submit the tenth annual report of the Henry O. Peabody School for Girls.
September, 1951, marked the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Henry O. Peabody School for Girls. The first period in the history of the school has been one of pioneering-the development of a new type of school to serve an area almost entirely nnacquainted with vocational education. The administration of such a program has required courage and perseverance. No doubt, faster growth was anticipated by its founders. However, reflection will reveal that nearly forty years had elapsed before the plan became a reality, and it can well be reasoned that ten years is a short time in the life of a school.
The vision and determination of those few educators and interested citizens who in the past had faith in the need for such a school in our community saved this unusual educational opportunity from being directed elsewhere. The School
199
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
during these ten years has been guided through its difficult pioneering period of growth by the same profound sense of purpose and firm belief in eventuality as was held by its founders.
An evaluation of the reasons which have contributed to our slow growth indi- cates: (1) the unsympathetic attitude of New England, as a whole, toward the idea of area schools: (2) emotional and traditional thinking on the part of parents and potential students: (3) transportation difficulties between Norwood and neighboring towns; and (4) lack of a broad and diversified advertising program for the School. Of these four major factors, the administration felt the area of advertising was the most pressing need and the one which would, in all probability, bring immedi- ate as well as lasting results.
It is interesting to note that the State Department of Vocational Education commends the School upon its publicity efforts in the following excerpt from its annual report: "Many ways and means have been found to publicize effectively the training program available at this school. Good public relations have continued to be stressed ... In view of the fine facilities available in this school and the high standards maintained in the several departments, it is regrettable that the school is not serving a larger number of pupils, especially from Norwood."
In the field of education, years are often required for the development of a new idea. The success of its graduates does assist in publicizing the school, but the effect is not far-reaching enough. The private vocational school owes much of its success to the use of modern advertising methods.
A survey published in 1951 by the Lincoln and Terese Filene Foundation, "Industrial Education Facilities of New England" gives high praise to industrial education facilities of Massachusetts. The survey points out, however, that in New England no program of advertising has been initiated to sell this type of education.
The decision of the school authorities to advertise the school and its offerings throughout the large local area which it is prepared to serve came about as the general result of these observations and the direct result of two dinner meetings held at the school for superintendents, principals, guidance directors, and school committee members of towns within commuting distance of Norwood.
In July, 1951, Gerard F. Burke, Inc., of Boston, conducted an advertising campaign using: (1) direct mail contact of seniors in the various high schools; (2) direct mail contact of presidents of corporations in the area: (3) a series of articles and pictures appearing in the newspapers of Norwood and surrounding towns; (4) space advertising in the newspapers of Norwood and surrounding towns; (5) radio broadcasts at regular intervals occurring throughout the weeks preceding the opening of school; and (6) distribution of posters in prominent places frequented by young people.
The results of this advertising campaign have not been startling, but to date we have had seventy-seven inquiries from thirty-six towns; but there has been a definite upturn in our enrollment especially in the number of non-resident post- high-school students.
The Norwood School Committee and the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Inc .. at their joint meeting at the Peabody School, decided that the adver- tising was worth while and recommended that it be continued. A series of pam- phlets are now in the process to be distributed to guidance directors throughout the various schools.
200
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Our annual Parents' Night Program held during Education Week this year continued to place emphasis on advertising. The meeting was well attended. Many parents of non-resident students were present and brought guests. We considered this program very worth while.
Parents' Night Program-November 8, 1951
Outline of Program:
Homeroom visits Assembly in Cafeteria
Greetings from Miss Blanche L. Marcionette and Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch. Panel Chairman
"AN INFORMAL SELF-EVALUATION" from the point of view of
I. What the school believes presented by
Mrs. Helene Goepner Miss Marjorie McCready
11. What the pupil receives presented by
Mrs. Anne Mucinskas-Beauty Culture Department Miss Marie Knoll -- Dressmaking Department Miss Lorraine Conradson-Foods Department Miss Ruth Pask-Business Department
III. What the parent perceives
Mrs. Henry Santoro-Why I decided to send my daughters to the Henry O. Peabody School. What I have done to help other mothers select this school for the training of their girls.
Mrs. Arthur Knoll -- What attitudes toward work and school were developed.
What help was given toward placement.
Mrs. Elton Hamilton-How my girls have benefited from attend- ing the Henry O. Peabody School. To what degree were they prepared to meet actual working conditions? Was the adjustment made casier by attend- ance here?
Discussion period and Social Hour
The second five-year survey of the success of our graduates is now in process. Response at this early point is already high. Every progressive school keeps in touch with its graduates periodically. Such a survey is an attempt to learn how we may improve our instruction and serves a dual purpose, as it also enables us to give more accurate up-to-date information to prospective employers seeking experienced graduates.
The School Placement Service has done a very creditable job this year. Results have been excellent! One very satisfying indication of appreciation for the school has been manifested by the number of experienced graduates who seek our services for advice on change of employment.
ENROLLMENT AND PLACEMENT BY COURSES January, 1951-December, 1951
Course
Enrollment
Non- Residents
Left School **
Under- Graduates
Certificates Granted
Placements
PT*
FT
Beauty Culture
21
10
3
12
6
6
5
Business Education
43
14
12
15
16
3
20
Trade Dressmaking
36
16
8
26
2
2
6
Commercial Foods
34
14
7
23
4
13
5
Total
136
54
30
76
28
18
36
*Part-time placement Full-time pllacement
** Reasons for leaving:
To go to work 12. Transferred to Norwood High School 1, Transportation Difficulties 2, To be married 2, Joined Armed Forces 4, Moved elsewhere 3, Economic Reasons 1, Home Responsibility 1, Ill Health 2, Left-Reasons Unknown 2.
DISTRIBUTION OF NON-RESIDENT PUPILS
Canton, 2; Dedham, 6; Dover, I; Foxboro, 5; Franklin,2; Medfield, 5: Millis, 2; Milton, 1; Natick, 2; Norfolk, 5: North Easton, 2: Norton, 1; Plainville, I: Sheldonville, 1; Walpole, 14; Westwood, 1; Wrentham, 3.
201
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1
202
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The following graduates have been granted certificates:
Joan Frances Benjamin Barbara Catherine Benson
* Marjorie Louise Knoll
* Jean M. Kuszyski
*Lucy Ellen Breen
Lillian Ann Martowska
Rita V. Brin
Anne Margaret Deveney
*Paul Lester Mick Sally Ann Newark Helen Thelma O'Brien
Mary Margaret Devine Marion Teresta Dolan
*William F. Pudsey Barbara Jean Pungitore
*Charlotte F. Frost Joan M. Furey Gloria Giovannucci
Anna Louise Richards Eleanor G. Roberts
*Elizabeth Vina Gleichauf Mary Alice Herig Priscilla M. Johnston Carol Jostin
*Jeannette Santoro Leona Mae Sawyer
*Florence Sherman Shirley A. Stravinski
* These graduates received a Certificate of Proficiency
This year, as formerly, two groups of students from the Norwood Senior High School reported daily for two class periods in secretarial work and office machines. These classes were taught by Miss Marjorie E. McCready and Miss Rose H. Mor- rison of our staff. Beginning in September, 1951, two additional classes for students of the Norwood Senior High School were conducted at the Peabody School by Mrs. Helen Beardsell, teacher of Related Science and Home Living. These classes in Home and Family Living met with Mrs. Beardsell three times a week.
The Tea Room Course was resumed April 29, when Miss Clara Allison joined our staff as teacher of Tea Room Management. Miss Allison is a graduate of Pur- due University and has taken further study at Columbia University .. She is very able in this line of work-much of her work experience was at the tea room of the L. S. Ayres Company. Indianapolis.
Miss Ethel Johnson who served as a part-time teacher of Bakery and Catering since January was elected as a full-time teacher in May, 1951. Miss Johnson is well known among food people in Boston having been associated many years with Miss Lucy G. Allen at the Boston School of Cookery. At the time of her election as teacher of Bakery and Catering, she was employed as the Food Technician for the dining service of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.
We now feel that with three very able teachers in our Food Department. we can offer unusual and outstanding opportunities for training in this field.
The Peabody School faculty has made the most outstanding contributions to the school through this period of development. This is due to their professional excellence and the fine spirit of enthusiasm evidenced at all times. I wish to express my appreciation and thanks for their co-operation and cheerful acceptance of every challenge! Much credit is also due Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch, Superintendent of Schools, for his guidance and sympathetic understanding of our problems at all times. The faculty joins me in expressing thanks to him for his encouragement and for his confidence in the future of the school.
'To the countless others who have contributed their loyal support and help- thank you again!
BLANCHE L. MARCIONETTE, Director.
203
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
Herewith, 1 submit my sixth annual report as Director of Guidance and Placement.
Guidance
In prior annual reports, we have outlined the many, varied, and often com- plex activities that are part of a guidance program in a senior high school. During the past year, we have attempted to carry on our usual program in spite of the fact that the time available to the Director for guidance purposes has been greatly reduced by the imposition of assignments that are not related to a program of guidance services.
Placement
Practically all of our students, on completion of their formal schooling, are going to enter the world of work. To some, the transition will be a major one. However. many others will make the change quite smoothly due in large part to the benefits gained through part-time employment while attending school. Although many of these students will be working primarily for the monetary compensation received, most will profit far more from the educational and occupational experi- ences associated with their particular jobs.
During the past year, we were able to help some seventy students secure either permanent or part-time employment. Of the present classes in the senior high school. sixty-five per cent of the seniors, forty-nine per cent of the juniors, and thirty-two per cent of the sophomores reported that they engaged in some type of part-time employment.
If the shortage of workers that is predicted for next spring and summer materializes, high school students will again be called upon to help alleviate the situation.
Follow-Up
A follow-up of the 139 graduates of the Norwood Senior High School Class of 1951 showed the following distribution: (Does not include Boys' Vocational School. or Henry O. Peabody School Graduates.)
Per Cent
Number
of Class
Attending School or College
42
- 30.2
Employed
77
55.4
In Armed Services of United States
20
14.4
Of the forty-two members of the Class attending school or college on a full- time basis, the distribution was as follows:
Number Per Cent
Type of School or College
Enrolled
of Class
Four Year College
21
15.1
Business or Accounting (Less than 4 years)
7
5.0
Schools of Nursing
8
5.8
Preparatory Schools
I
.7
Post Graduates
1.4
Miscellaneous
3
204
TOWN OF NORWOOD
A broad classification of the number of members of the Class employed, shows the following distribution:
Number Per Cent of Class
Type of Employment
Employed
Industrial
16
11.5
Secretarial, Stenographic, Clerical
32
23.0
Sales and Distribution
21
15.1
Construction and Building Trades
3
2.2
Telephone Operators
3
2.2
Miscellaneous
2
1.4
Conclusion
This report, as is customary, is concluded with the reminder that effective guidance for young people demands the continued and cooperative efforts of all concerned with the welfare of youth. The responsibility is not solely that of the home, school, and church.
We thank our School Committee, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Hayden, and all who have helped the Guidance Department.
D. VINCENT KENEFICK ..
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1951, is respectfully submitted.
An opportunity for the promotion of vigorous normal growth through a wide range of large motor activities such as natural activities of daily life, free and individual play. games and sports, dance, athletics, self-testing activities, relaxation and rest, remedial and adapted activities, co-educational and co-recreational activi- ties, trips, and parties.
An opportunity for the development of sound attitudes, habits, and knowledge of wholesome living.
An opportunity to develop interest, joy, and satisfaction in many skills, and these skills in terms of sports, dance and recreational activities, now and which will continue in the mature use of leisure time.
Physical Education Program
Senior High School-Boys
An integrated program of physical education that included calisthenics, group correctives, apparatus, badminton, marching, and some posture work.
The athletic program consisted of the following sports:
Varsity Football Outdoor track
Junior Varsity Football Golf
Varsity Basketball Varsity Baseball
Junior Varsity Basketball Junior Varsity Baseball
Intramural Basketball Tennis-Boys and Girls
Hockey
205
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The intramural basketball program was run between football and basketball and again after the basketball season. This program is run for those boys who do not take part in varsity competition. There is much interest in this program.
The varsity basketball team played fourteen games with teams in the Bay State League. Norwood and Needham finished in a fourth-place tie in the league standing.
The Junior Varsity also plyaed a fourteen-game schedule with J.V. teams in the Bay State League.
Hockey, under the direction of Mr. William Hagblom, held practice sessions in the Skating Club Boston Arena and the Providence. The boys did a good job when one considers the hardships that go along with hockey. At this writing. the boys have defeated Walpole and were beaten by Waltham.
Outdoor track was coached by Mr. Stanley Fisher. Meets were held with teams in the Bay State League. This was the first time that league competition was attempted and proved very successful.
Boys' Tennis, under the direction of Mr. Lloyd Schultz, was held during the months of May and June. Matches were held with B. C. High. Dedham, Needham. Westwood, and Wellesley.
The Varsity baseball team played fourteen games in the Bay State League. This team was made up of mostly sophomores and juniors -- with only one senior in the regular line-up. They gained quite a bit of experience and should do better this coming year.
The junior varsity baseball team, coached by Mr. Joseph Fenton, played a ten game schedule and had a very successful season.
The Golf Team, coached by Mr. Everett Learnard, competed as in the past. in the Norfolk County Interscholastic Golf League. All home matches were held at the Ponkapoag Golf Club.
The first football meeting was held August twenty-seventh at the Senior High School. This meeting was attended by approximately sixty-five boys. The first few days were devoted to organization, such as doctor's examinations, giving out equip- ment, and assigning lockers. Actual practice got under way on September first. I was very fortunate in having as my assistant coaches two capable men, Mr. Edward Songin, former Boston College star, and Mr. Frank Galvani, former head coach at Framingham High School. These men worked very hard with the boys, and their work was appreciated by the players and myself. We accomplished one thing that had not been done in twelve years, and that was the defeating of . Dedham 12-0. I believe this victory over Dedham will increase our spirit, and with the same type of coaches, we will be on the upgrade.
I still feel that we can help our football situation by having football in the ninth grade under proper supervision. This would give the boys more experience and would help us at the high school a great deal. All of our opponents have football in the ninth grade, and the boys enjoy it very much.
The junior varsity football team played a schedule of six games and enjoyed a fine season. We had several good looking boys in this group that will be on the varsity next fall.
206
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Senior High School-Girls
This program under the supervision of Miss Erna Kiley included corrective exercises, apparatus, badminton, marching, dancing, games, and group posture work.
The after-school athletic program consists of basketball, archery, and tennis. The girls basketball team played a schedule of five games with teams from neigh- boring towns. The intramural program was run before and after the regular
, basketball schedule.
The girls tennis team reported in the gymnasium to Miss Ruth Johngren. Instruction and practice continued indoors until warmer weather made the use of the courts available. They held matches with teams from neighboring towns.
Junior High School-Girls
The Girls Physical Education Department, under the direction of Miss Ellen Gifford. consists of corrective exercises, apparatus, marching, dancing, hiking, games, and posture work.
An extensive after-school program is carried out in games such as tennis, tenniquoit. colley ball. badminton, and basketball.
Junior High School-Boys
The program under the supervision of Mr. John Dixon consists of calisthenics, marching, apparatus, health hints, group games, social dancing, and a sports club.
The Athletic program consists of the following: Varsity basketball. Varsity baseball. Intramural basketball, baseball, and touch football.
Health and Hygiene Education
Health education classes are organized in the Sophomore classes for boys and girls, while classes in hygiene are given weekly to Senior High School boys and girls.
The general objectives of the health program are:
To improve the general condition of the individual so that he may function normally, may avoid disease, and may fit himself for his life work; to develop in the pupils an interest in good body mechanics through self-appraisal and group judgment.
Conclusion
I sincerely thank the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, faculty, and Physical Education Department for their splendid cooperation and assistance this past year in aiding me to realize the aims and objectives of our physical education program.
ORLANDO M. SCAFATI
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the Health Department is herewith submitted.
"Health is considered an essential condition for the realization of worthy goals in an individual. Any worthwhile philosophy of education recognizes physical, mental. social, and spiritual needs of man and accepts responsibility for directing its aims toward aiding the individual to achieve this fourfold development."
207
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Physical Examinations
Our school physicians, Drs. George R. Allen and Harriet E. Rogers, have examined all children from Kindergarten through Senior High. Physical defects found at the time of examination were reported to the parents. The parents were urged to consult the family physician for advice on necessary treatment for cor- rection. We have had excellent cooperation from both parents and physicians in this corrective work.
There was little improvement noted in the postural defects found last year by Dr. Rogers in the children in the elementary grades.
Dental Examinations
Each child from Kindergarten through Senior High had a dental examination in September. Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, School Dentist, reported all defects found at that time and advised parents to visit their family dentist for necessary dentistry. Many parents availed themselves of the services of the School Dental Clinic where the childrens' dentistry is done at a minimal cost to the parent. The School Dental Clinic is a full-time clinic available to any child on the request of the parent.
The dental program has been an active one over a period of many years. Its aim is to lead the child to good dental health and along with him, his parents. As a whole, the reaction of the parents, children, dentists, teachers, and community has been most favorable. There is still much work to be done to attain our goal. It is a continuous process whereby it is hoped that the child will have all necessary dental work completed each year. The elementary children are enthusiastic in their eagerness to attain the coveted "Yellow Slip" from the dentist which indicates all necessary dentistry has been completed. The junior high group has evidenced more interest this past year. Too much stress cannot be placed upon the importance of dental care. Teeth are most essential for our general good health. The cooper- ation of the parents is urged to the end that the child be supervised in the proper care of his teeth. The dentist cannot be on hand to clean the teeth daily. Yet in all too many cases do we find teeth sorely in need of brushing. Recent studies have shown that careful brushing of the teeth after eating is an effective means in preventing dental decay.
The following table shows the results of the dental program from September 1950 to June 1951:
No. exam. No. O.K. at Work compl. Work compl.
Grade
by School
Dentist
time of examination 569
by School Dentist
by Family Dentist
Under treat-
ment
No treat- ment
1 - 6 inc.
1250
343
273
2.1
11
7 -9 inc.
390
235
56
4-1
4.1
99 --
10 - 12 inc.
601
103
4
166
31
17
Vision Tests
The Massachusetts Vision Test is used to screen all pupils to determine which ones are in need of further examination by an ophthalmologist because of loss in visual acuity, latent hypermetropia, or muscle imbalance. The parents have been equally cooperative in having the visual defects corrected as with other physical defects.
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