USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 40
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Growth and progress in Home Economics call for continuous adjustment. We must advance with a swiftly-changing world, adopt new methods, accept new products and new ways of living and working, new points of view and new living standards. As the load of housekeeping has become lightened over the years, opportunities for fuller and richer life have been presented to homemakers. Con- sequently, in our teaching we have kept apace with all this advancement in modern living and have glamourized our subject matter as occasion demanded. For example:
In Foods classes we now work with the many varieties of ready-mixed packaged foods, including frozen, powdered and concentrated foods. In addition to the usual hand tools and utensils we now should add the use of power-driven mixers and
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choppers and pressure cookers. These processes have been demonstrated through visual aids. Foods classes particularly enjoy lessons in racial cookery where pupils volunteer to demonstrate how mother makes, for instance, Spaghetti Italienne, Pizza Pic, etc. Or perhaps mother's favorite recipe.
In clothing work we now give less attention to detail and finish and more to style, fashion, becoming and suitable clothing, quick and short-cut methods, electric machines, gadgets and attachments and the many new fabrics, including nylon, dracon, orlon, fiber E, etc. Now on the market we find the numerous devices such as button moulds and belt-making gadgets, all designed to assist with the "tricks of the trade" and make for a more professional look in the finished garment.
In homemaking areas, Family Living is our theme and we try to provide true life experiences as a basis for our subject matter. In these units we deal with the problems of creating and maintaining a satisfying and successful home. Pupils especially enjoy the lessons on decorating, arranging furniture, color schemes, making the home practical, comfortable and attractive and a happy place, family adjustment problems, getting along with others. New social standards present a challenge in our teaching of home ideals.
The required "Youth Problems" class gives opportunity for self expression through free interchange of thought and opinions on matters pertinent to the everyday problems of youth. This class, I believe, performs a real service in the adjustment of the girl to her friends, her school life, her home life, and the world about her and finally presents incentive and assistance in charting a useful career or a happy home and community life.
We have used visual aids regularly, have enjoyed contact with and assistance from visiting demonstrators and used the medium of radio and TV as a source of good teaching material, pupils reporting on the certain features heard at home as they contribute to our class work in Home Economics. The aesthetic appeal has been satisfied through our study of color and design including the selection of good pictures and home decorations. Pupils are guided in the choice of good reading matter for the home. Home magazines are available to add interest and enthusiasm and very pleasant atmosphere to our lessons.
Home Economics is a "natural" for girls where their varied interests are sure to be aroused and satisfied. There is in this branch of education no end to the numerous outlets for expression and happiness. Our response from the pupils is excellent, our class enrollment continues above average-a healthy indication of satisfactions in this branch of their education. Through our teachings pupils have become much interested in worthwhile hobbies and thus have developed wholesome interests which will lead to the wise use of their leisure time. They especially enjoy the study of old glass, china and antique-collecting. Through our "baby- sitting" approach to child-care units pupils find training for employment as well as instruction of value in establishing their own homes later on. Our lessons on flowers and home gardening for beauty outside and inside the home, the culture of picking flowers and particularly flower arrangements delight the girls and provide instruction which can be put to excellent use at many school functions.
Pupils have responded graciously and willingly to all calls where because of their Home Economics training they can be of special assistance, such as decorating
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
at Christmastime, serving at school parties, hostess duties where needed, making corsages and other decorations, assisting at the Teachers' Club Tea, writing invita- tions, etc.
I wish to thank the Norwood Mothers' Club for their continuing interest and generosity in making an award in Home Economics available at graduation time. The 1952 award went to Lucy Sholtz, a most cooperative, appreciative and inspiring pupil.
Again I wish to express my grateful appreciation for all cooperation and assist- ance given in the development and support of the Home Economics program in Norwood.
AGNES M. BRIDGES
Supervisor of Home Economics Education
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1952, is respectfully submitted.
Introduction
Education in America has a responsibility, as have other great social institutions, to help boys and girls live effectively in a democratic society. Education dedicated to the democratic ideals of this society must provide:
An opportunity to deal honestly and realistically with problems which come within the experience of boys and girls and within the experiences of teachers.
A program rich in knowledge, skills, techniques, and understandings in all areas of life.
An opportunity to recognize and deal effectively with needs and purposes of boys and girls.
An opportunity to translate ideals of democratic society into everyday living and teaching.
Physical education has the same responsibilities and the same objectives as education in general. It is that area of education which, because it deals with the body in action, in movement, has one of its major aims the development of the more sensitive control of this instrument for more effective functioning. It is significantly that area which deals constantly and continuously with the individual in his most dynamic learning, for he moves, sees, thinks, feels at once in situations of social and democratic import.
The physical education programn must provide:
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
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individual play, games and sports, dance, athletics, self-testing activities, relaxation and rest, remedial and adapted activities, co-educational and co-recreational activ- ities, trips, and parties.
An opportunity for the development of sound attitudes, habits, and knowledge of wholcsome living.
An opportunity to develop interest, joy, and satisfaction in many skills, and these skills in terins 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 cducation that incluidcd calisthentics, 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
The intramural basketball program was run between football and basketball and again after the basketball season. This program attracted approximately one hundred and twenty boys.
The varsity basketball team played fourteen games with teams in the Bay State Leaguc. Our record of four wins and eleven losses is not a very impressive one. We have every man back from last year's team, and, of course, we are looking forward to a much better season this year.
The junior varsity also played a fourteen-game schedule with J.V. teams in the Bay State League.
Hockey, under the direction of Mr. William Hagblom, held practice sessions at the Boston Skating Club, Boston Arena, Providence Arena, and, when outdoor ice was available, at Petty's Pond. Considering the hardships that go with hockey, the boys did a fine job and should be commended on their fine spirit and sports- manship.
Outdoor track, coached by Mr. Stanley Fisher, held meets with teams in the Bay State Leagnc.
Boys' tennis, under the direction Mr. Lloyd Schultz, was held during the months of May and June. Matches were held with Dedham, Needham, and Westwood.
The Varsity baseball team enjoyed a very successful season, winning eleven games while losing three. Richard Bunker was selected by Mr. Fred Foye of the Herald-Traveler on the All-Scholastic baseball team. Necdham was the Bay State Champion with Norwood in second place.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Junior Varsity team, coached by Mr. Edward Songin, played a twelve-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. The following schools made up this league: Norwood, Needham, Walpole, Dedhani, North Quincy, Quincy, and Hingham. All home matches were held at the Ponkapoag Golf Club. Ralph Haddad was the league champion.
This year, football got under way on September first which was one week later than usual. We were conforming to the Headmasters ruling regarding the starting date. We had approximately seventy-five boys dressed in the early part of the season, but we lost about twenty-five of these boys for various reasons half way through the season, leaving us with a squad of fifty. Seventy-five per cent of the squad was made up of sophomores who we feel will help a great deal next year. Again I say I was fortunate in having as my assistant coaches Edward Songin and Frank Galvani, two very capable men. These men worked hard with the boys, and their work was greatly appreciated. The team came into its own when we defeated a strong Natick team 15-12 and again when the team working as a unit defeated Dedham for the second straight year 20-6.
As I have mentioned in the past, we need ninth grade football if we are to win our share of football games. This would give the boys more experience, and they would come to us at the High School grounded in the fundamentals of the game. All of our opponents have football in the ninth grade, and the boys enjoy it very much.
The junior varsity, coached by Mr. Edward Songin, played a schedule of six games and enjoyed a fine season.
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.
Girls' tennis under the supervision of Miss Ruth Johngren enjoyed a fine season. They held matches with teams from neighboring towns.
Health and Hygiene Education
Health education classes are organized in the sophomore class for boys and girls, while classes in hygiene are given weekly to Senior High School seniors.
The general objectives of the health program are:
To improve the general condition of the individual so that he may function normally, avoid disease, and fit himself for his life work; to develop in the pupils an interest in good body mechanics through self-appraisal and group judgement.
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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, tenni- quoit, volley ball, badminton, and basketball.
Junior High School - Boys
The program under the supervision of Mr. John Dixon consists of calisthentics, marching, apparatus, health hints, group games, social dancing, and a sports club.
The Athletic program consists of the following: Varsity baseball, varsity basket- ball, Intramural basketball, baseball, and touch football.
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 Director of Athletics and Physical Education
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Submitted herewith is the annual report of the Music Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The work in Music was carried on according to the "General Outline of Music" as reported in previous reports.
Whenever a different theory in the teaching of music did appear, it was given careful consideration with a view of introducing it into our course.
In the Elementary Schools, a new level of learning and of enjoying music has been reached by encouraging the children to sing, singly or in small groups, songs of their own choosing-either from their own music readers or from their popular radio programs.
The number of pupils in the grade schools taking instrumental instruction is as follows:
Rhythmn Band 522
Bass Horn 1
Clarinets
18
Saxophones 6
Trombones 16
Trumpets 35
Violins 19
Cello
1
Melody flutes
234
Alto Horns
Drums
11
Piano 122
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In the upper grades, 69 students are enrolled in classes similar to those mentioned above.
In the Senior High School, the number of students taking music varies very little from year to year:
Voice Training 33 Harmony 14
Orchestra 26 Music Appreciation 43
Besides these regular classes, we have several small groups such as girls sextet, boys quartet, glee club, brass quartet, and soloists, rehearsing whenever possible before or after school.
All these groups have appeared in public and have been very well received.
The orchestra has played at the Annual Concert, the Chamber of Commerce Night, the Senior Play, and various other school functions.
The vocal groups besides participating in most of the functions mentioned above also took part in the new Christmas festivities inaugurated this year in Norwood.
Many of our students are now valuable members of Church Choirs and instrumental organizations, thus returning to the community some of the knowl- edge acquired in the Schools.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the helpful interest and cooperation of all who have aided in the work of this depart- ment.
J. V. DETHIER Supervisor of Music
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith submitted.
Physical Examinations
Legislation providing new rules and regulations relative to spaced physical examinations of school children became effective on September 1, 1952. They provide for the examination of every child within six months before entrance to school or during the first year after entrance and at intervals of either three or four years thereafter. Children entering from other systems will also be examined. It is hoped that such spaced examinations will result in more effective screening, and better co-operation of the families in having the defects corrected. Such a pro- gram entails many changes before it will function smoothly. For a more complete explanation of the proposed plan attention is directed to the booklet, "Regulations for Physical Examinations of School Children in Massachusetts".
Spaced examinations are not an entirely new innovation to Norwood where such a regime was in action until 1931. It was discontinued at the suggestion of the State Health Department. Dr. Harriet E. Rogers has taken an initial step in setting
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
the new program in motion. In the Balch School she confined her examinations to the youngsters in the kindergarten, grades 1, 4, and 6, and all children new to the system. Having parents present at the examination is a future aim. It will permit the parent and doctor to discuss any problem concerning the child's welfare.
The physical examinations of the other children proceeded as in the past under the direction of the School Physicians, Dr. George R. Allen and Dr. Harriet E. Rogers. All students are given a stripped-to-the-waist examination and boys taking part in competitive sports are checked for hernia. The football squad was examined in August before any body contact practice on the field was started. Parents received notification of defects noted.
Vision Tests
The Massachusetts Vision Test was given to measure the visual acuity of all children from kindergarten through grade 12. Those with defects were referred for treatment by an ophthalmologist. Testing the first grade and kindergarten children demands great patience in order to assure that the screening is adequate. The excellent co-operation of the parents in having these visual defects corrected continues.
Eye Clinic
On the request of the parent a child with a visual defect may be cared for at the School Eye Clinic, which is under the supervision of Dr. Hugo B. C. Riemer.
Number children examined at eye clinic 131
Number of visits made 169
Number with new prescriptions for glasses 26
Number with a change in glasses being worn 22
Number requiring no change in glasses being worn 26
Number for follow-up because of beginning myopia 18
Number having no refractive error 30
Number having medical treatment for abnormality 8
Number referred back to family doctor for further study 6
Number recommended for operative work 1
Hearing Tests
The auditory acuity of the children in kindergarten through grade 12 was tested with the Maico Puretone Audiometer. Grades 2 to 12 were given group tests and group retests. Those failing the retests were tested individually. Individual audiograms were traced out for the benefit of the family and the doctor in establish- ing corrective measures. All kindergarteners and first graders were given individual tests. The individual test, simple in itself, becomes quite complex with this young group and by the fact that, due to crowded conditions, it is practically a physical impossibility to find a corner quiet enough for effective testing.
Some twenty children are having lip reading instructions as a result of this testing program and it is quite possible that several others will be added as soon as all possible remedial corrections have been completed by the doctors to whom the children have been referred.
Dental Examinations
The dental examinations of all children from kindergarten to grade 12 were
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
done by Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, School Dentist. Dental defects noted at the time were referred to the parent for correction by the family dentist. The School Dental Clinic runs on a full-time basis and will care for any child in the school system for a minimal charge on request of the parent.
The enthusiasm and interest shown in the Elementary and Senior High students is not shared by the rank and file of the Junior High populace. This is due in part to the natural process of development whereby the adolescent of this level is generally disinterested in anything which would improve his personal appearance. An attempt is being made to pique the interest of the group to a greater appreci- ation of the importance of good dental health to their general well being. A movie was shown which emphasized the important points in dental care with reasons for doing them. Plans are underway to show similar films to the elementary children.
Recent dental studies have shown the startling increase in the incidence of dental caries as a result of soft drinks and candy. Being aware of this situation, and not having devised any feasible means of washing the teeth after eating them, it seems that our simplest solution would be to discontinue the sale of candy in school. The small amount of profit made by its sale is outbalanced by the damage done to the teeth. Theory is useless unless the child can put it to practical use.
The following table shows the results of the dental program from September, 1951 to June, 1952:
GRADE:
1-6 incl.
7-9 incl.
10-12 incl.
Number examined by School Dentist
1384
454
622
Number OK at time of examination
561
170
316
Work completed by School Dentist
391
52
4
Work completed by Family Dentist
357
78
192
Number still under treatment with
Family Dentist
80
108
37
Number not receiving treatment
91
46
68
Handicapped Children
The school programs are set up to meet the limited capacities of handicapped children. For those unable to attend school a home tutor is provided. This has enabled many youngsters to maintain their standing with their classmates even after long absences.
Two children with marked hearing and speech handicaps are attending Horace Mann School in Boston on a full-time basis.
Arrangements were made for several children to be examined and admitted to the Wrentham State School.
Communicable Disease Control
During the months of January, February, and March there was a high rate of absence from respiratory infections, particularly in the Senior and Junior High School levels. In May and June measles and german measles took their toll in all
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
age groups. As the year closed in December there was another rise in the incidence of respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections with a sprinkling of scarlet fever, chicken pox. and whooping cough for good measurc.
Diphtheria Immunization
For the first time, on recommendation of the Massachusetts State Department of Health, the double antigen was used to immunize one hundred ten children against diphtheria and tetanus. Eighty-eight children previously inoculated were given the Schick test. Positive reactors received booster shots of the double antigen.
Chest X-Rays
On October 18, 1952 one hundred forty-nine students of the twelfth grade in Senior High and Henry O. Peabody School and eight school employees had chest X-rays taken under the supervision of the Norfolk County Hospital. The reports of the findings have been received and the x-rays are all negative.
Weighing and Measuring
The monthly weighing and measuring in the elementary grades is used as an educational device to interest the child in his own growth. Stress is placed on the child's "growth" rather than his weight. The comparisons made are with his own progress which considers individual differences in body build and maturation. This project offers an excellent means for selecting children who need further study and advice as to the practice of desirable health habits. Individual consultations are held with the child for this purpose and the co-operation of the family enlisted.
Milk Lunches
Each school building has provisions for mid-morning lunch of crackers and milk. The elementary children make the best showing as milk drinkers. The Norwood Women's Club, through the Community Fund, provides the free milk for needy children.
Home Nursing
Twenty-one girls in the Henry O. Peabody School completed the Course in Home Nursing and qualified for their certificates from the American Red Cross. These classes will be continued.
If this course could be extended to include girls from the Senior High School a great contribution could be made toward providing the much needed trained personnel for the Civil Defense to be used in time of emergency. In addition these girls would be schooled to meet many of the demands made upon them as future mothers and community workers.
Telephone
The telephone situation offers a particularly knotty problem to solve. Too
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
much time which should be diverted to more purposeful endeavors is being wasted since the removal of the extension telephones. Before their reinoval, it was possible to keep busy while waiting for a free line but now one must either wait in line in the office for the call or keep running up and downstairs to check if the line is free. Even though a message is taken on the incoming calls it is difficult to call back. It is not at all unusual to have to run downstairs to the office to answer the phone three or four times in the course of checking in absentees. In many instances the calls to be made are of a personal nature which demand privacy but with an office full of students or the principal in conference privacy is not possible. When you consider that in the course of a school year the school nurses make over twenty-six hundred calls, I think you can appreciate the necessity of finding some means to avoid this wasted effort. Even with the most careful budgeting of telephone calls there is still a tremendous waste of time and energy.
In-service Training
During the week following the close of school in June, Miss McDonough and Miss Canning took part in a workshop on Handicapped Children at Simmons College. In October and November all three nurses attended a series of lectures given in the New Stone School in Walpole under the auspices of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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