USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 58
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
Christmas Recess: Schools close at noon Wednesday, December 23rd, 1953 and re-open Monday, January 4, 1954.
Winter Recess: Schools close Friday, February 19th, and re-open Monday, March Ist, 1954.
Spring Recess: Schools close Wednesday, April 14th, and re-open Wednesday, April 21st, 1954.
Monday, May 31st - Memorial Day
Friday, June 18th - Tentative Closing of School
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 throughi 9th grade. Repeated at 7:45 a.m. No forenoon session, 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.
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 and 8 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 School. Items which the School Committee regards
181
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
reportable and not included in the aforementioned reports are submitted here- with.
Class for Exceptional Children
In September, there was opened in the Junior High School building, a class for children whose adjustment to the school situation has been difficult for many and varying reasons.
It represents the first attempt in nearly twenty years to reestablish a kind of school program adapted to the needs of a group of children who are three or more years retarded in educational development.
Under the able direction of Mrs. Winnifred Paine, the group is, as a whole, proving itself. Certain problems which arise out of the fact that there are such wide age ranges and ranges in other factors which make homogenuity virtually impossible.
This situation creates an administrative difficulty which stems from the lack of room in the building and the need for another such teacher, - so that the group may be divided in such manner as to separate the older from the younger children.
However, in another year, with additional school housing space provided as a result of planned expansion of our plant facilities, much improvement will be made.
Redistricting
When schools opened in the fall, it was necessary to "redistrict" temporarily our school population. One hundred children, roughly, had to be transferred from the Ellis Gardens "so-called" section of Town to the Balch School where there was a surplus seating capacity.
This action required the separation of children from the school and its associations to which the children had become adjusted and frequently children in the same family were separated from one another.
Apart from the inconvenience caused the numbers of families in that neighbor- hood, new problems were created for the school administration. Additional bus service and additional teachers were necessary.
The long noon hour for upwards of a total of two hundred children in a school lacking lunchroom facilities and a supervised noon hour program created a most serious problem. The situation has been improved to a great extent by the employ- ment of three additional teachers who, in addition to their regular teaching duties, assist Miss Beverly, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Duffy in the supervision of the noon hour program at the Balch School.
Further assistance in this respect is assured as a result of the volunteer efforts of a group of parents of children in the Balch School who will soon participate in an improved program of activity for children who will be required to remain during the long noon hour at school. Practically all of these children live a mile or more from school and of this group, a large majority is made up of "bus" pupils.
With the opening of planned additional classrooms (5) at the Callahan School, some relief is assured.
182
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Another large group of children (approximately 250) from three other districts is now housed in the Junior High School. The children are from the Shattuck, Winslow, and (mostly) from the newly developed Cleveland Park areas. This group together with the pupils of grades 7, 8, and 9, fills the Junior High School Building nearly to maximum capacity and creates for administration many problems which in an ideal or other-than-temporary situation would not be present.
However, the arrangements, under the able leadership and cooperative manage- ment of Mr. Corcoran and Mr. Napoleone, is working out as satisfactorily as can be expected.
Universal recognition of the need for additional school housing accompanied by direct action taken at recent town meetings point to the probability of relief from crowding in the near future.
The fact that additional classrooms may be ready for occupancy by school- opening time in September is heartening.
Needs - Forseeable Future
The School Committee, in response to a request from the Finance Commission, submitted a list of large expenditures which may well be considered by the town within the next five years. (Following, is the listing as submitted).
School Committee Recommendations made in response to Finance Commision letter dated November 4, 1953
No. Date Project Estimated Cost
1. 1954 Interior painting Senior High School-entire building $15,000.
2. 1954 Interior painting Junior High School-entire building 12,000.
3. 1954 New Fluorescent lighting in all school buildings, excepting West and H. O. Peabody Schools 50,000.
1. 1955 Build new lunchroom facilities in all schools, excepting H. O. Peabody, West and Callahan Schools (assuming the Callahan addition now being planned will include lunchroom). Gym- nasium-auditorium facilities might be included in these plans for those schools not already so equipped 25,000.
1. 1956 Field House and Bleachers at H. Bennett Murray Field 75,000.
2. 1956 Re-loam and re-seed H. Bennett Murray Field at the Senior High School 5,000.
3. 1956 Build hard-surface play areas at each school site (excepting West) 70,000.
1. 1957 Build auditorium Senior High School, including lunchroom (see No. J. 1955) and Science laboratories 500,000.
2 1957 New intercommunication system at Senior High School 5,000.
1. 1958 Remodel West wing of Senior High School to house more vocational school programs or more pupils (or both) 300,000.
It is understood that there are not included in this listing minor improvements, alterations, or ordinary replacement and repair expenditures.
183
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Committee of Nine
We have, during this year, followed with much interest and considerable concern the progress of the Committee of Nine, appointed by the Moderator of Town Meeting to study and report upon the needs of the community, particularly as related to new school sites and school housing.
For the extent of our capacity to cooperate, we have provided the aforesaid committee with whatever assistance or data we have been able to furnish.
Music Festival
Norwood was host to several hundred musical units representing cities and towns of Eastern Massachusetts during the Southeastern Music Festival on May 9. 1953.
The detailed preparation for the inost successful program, in which more than 3000 young people participated was the result in large part, of the organizing genius of Host Chairman Jean V. Dethier, ably assisted by all employees of the School Department, each contributing his share. While a listing of each of those who assisted is impractical, it would be less than proper if mention were not made of the appreciation of the assistance of members of the General Committee, as follows: George H. Farnham, Assistant Chairman; Elvie A. Schaier, Secretary; Elizabeth V. Syvetson, Treasurer; Lincoln D. Lynch, Hospitality Chairman; Mary A. Canning, R.N., First Aid Chairman; Blanche L. Marcionette, Luncheon Chair- man; the Norwood Band and Orchestra Club; the Norwood Chamber of Commerce; and Chief of Police Mark Folan, who was Chief Marshal of the Parade.
New Salary Schedule
On January 1, 1953, a revision of the salary schedule for teachers was adopted. We believe that the schedule as written is good, and, compared with other com- munities like Norwood is quite satisfactory. Under the provision of the scale, a teacher who possesses a bachelor's degree will normally receive in his or her 10th year of teaching, a salary of at least $4400 per annum and holders of a master's degree $4600.
40 Hour Week - Custodians
We have during this year determined to place School Custodians on a 40-hour work week basic beginning January Ist, 1954. This decision has been reached following several conferences with representatives of our School Custodians who assure us that our service will not suffer and that the extra cost will be negligible.
Civic Education
During this past year as in others, we have provided, through cooperation of Public Library Officials, opportunity to attend elementary classes in English and American Citizenship.
The classes are held two evenings weekly, at the Library, and under the direction of Mrs. Eileen O'Toole, assisted by Mrs. Margaret McAuliffe and Miss Mary C. Cullinane. Mrs. O'Toole has, since September, been on leave of absence.
184
TOWN OF NORWOOD
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL 1953
Resignations
Miss Esther Studley, Junior High Elementary Unit, to be married. Miss Elizabeth Costello, Division of Special Services, to be married. Miss Bertha Bechunas, Clerk, H. O. Peabody School, to be married. Miss Wanda Juras, Balch School Kindergarten, to teach elsewhere.
Miss Sylvia Trees, Winslow School, to be married.
Miss Patricia Guild, Balch School Kindergarten, to be married.
Mrs. Ellen Fialkow, Senior High School Art Dept.
Mrs. Margaret Wallace, School Nurse, to stay at home.
Retirements
Mrs. Elvira L. Cook, Junior High School.
Professor Jean V. Dethier, Director of Music.
Military Leave
Mr. Henry F. Fairbanks, Senior High School, on military leave since January 20, 1943.
On Leave of Absence
Mr. Lloyd Schultz, Senior High School, Art Dept., to study.
Appointments
Mrs. Jeanne E. Quinn, Division of Special Services
Mrs. Mary A. Parsons, School Nurse
Miss Mary G. O'Neil, Winslow School
Mrs. Irma Diggs, Temporary Teacher, Winslow School Kindergarten Mrs. Winifred Paine, Temporary Teacher, Class for Exceptional Children Miss Blanche Tuleja, Junior High Elementary Unit Miss Patricia Whalen, Junior High Elementary Unit Miss Joan M. Hanley, Junior High Elementary Unit
Miss Mary T. Donovan, Junior High Elementary Unit
Miss Theresa Gove, Junior High Elementary Unit
Miss Grace L. Healy, Junior High Elementary Unit
Mr. Thomas R. Roche, Junior High School
Mrs. Ruth Ashley, full-time Music, Elementary and Junior High School Miss Joan T. Dwane, Balch School Miss June I. McDonough, Balch School
Miss Marie O'Rielly, Balch School
Miss Hildegarde Fickeisen, Balch School Miss Marilyn Reid, Balch School Miss Janet Silva, Balch School Mr. Charles Parker, Balch School
Mr. Raymond A. Fleck, Director of Music
185
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. George Pappas, Temporary Teacher, Art Dept., Senior High School Miss Muriel Files, Junior Clerk & Stenographer, H. O. Peabody School
RESOLUTIONS
Mrs. Elvira L. Cook
Since 1924, Mrs. Elvira L. Cook has served the interests of our schools and our community.
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, are mindful of her devotion to her work and are most appreciative of her interest and effort in behalf of the hundreds of Norwood children whose privilege it was to be numbered among her pupils and friends.
We would have her know of our gratitude to her and our wishes for her continued good health and happiness.
JOHN F. KILEY, Chairman FRANCES L. BLANCHOT EDWARD H. THOMPSON THOMAS R. BOWLER JOHN J. CAVANAUGH C. JAMES CLEARY
July 15, 1953
John Vincent Dethier
Since 1925 Professor John Vincent Dethier has served the interests of our schools and our community.
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, are mindful of his intense devotion to his work and are most appreciative of his interest and effort in behalf of the hundreds of Norwood children whose privilege it was to be numbered among his friends and pupils.
We would have him know of our gratitude to him and our wishes for his continued good health and happiness.
JOHN F. KILEY, Chairman FRANCES L. BLANCHOT EDWARD H. THOMPSON THOMAS R. BOWLER JOHN J. CAVANAUGH C. JAMES CLEARY
June 24, 1953
Appreciation
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, appreciate the willingness of the employees of the Norwood Schools in the performance, each according to
186
TOWN OF NORWOOD
his capacity to contribute, of the many and difficult tasks they have so generously undertaken.
FRANCES L. BLANCHOT THOMAS R. BOWLER JOHN J. CAVANAUGH JOHN F. KILEY EDWARD H. THOMPSON C. JAMES CLEARY
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Herewith I submit my eighteenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools. There are included in this report, such statements as may be of interest to the reader as have not been made by others, whose reports are included in the Report of the School Committec.
Democracy
During this past year several meetings of teachers and principals have been held for the purpose of determining the extent to which we may take positive steps toward inculcating in young peoples' minds the ideals of democracy.
Under the able leadership of Mr. Thomas Curtin, Director of the Division of American Citizenship of the Department of Education, methods and materials have been selected for use in each of our schools. For the most part, the new pamphlets and brochures which have been adopted, are those published by the Civic Education Foundation under the direction of Dr. John Mahoney and Dr. Henry Holmes.
Testing
Through the cooperation of the World Book Company, we have just com- pleted the first of a series of tests of all children from grades two to nine. These pupils are being tested for intelligence and achievement ratings. The testing pro- gram will result in no expense to the town as it is a part of a revision of the testing program of the World Book Company, wherein norms and criteria are to be established for new tests and scales to be published by that company.
The results will have considerable value for our teachers and administrators as they will be of assistance in the matter of grade placement and adjustment of all of our pupils.
At this point, it seems to me, it may be well to urge the School Committee to provide for each teacher a filing cabinet to be used for the storage of these test results together with such other tests and anecdotal records as may help teachers, pupils, and parents interpret results in terms of the growth and adjust- ment of each individual pupil.
Such material can be so much more valuable if readily accessible than it can be when stored in central office files.
Such devices will give impetus to and establish motivation for a more complete and better organized testing program in our schools.
187
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Maintenance
During this past year nearly one hundred thousand dollars has been spent in the maintenance and repair program of our schools. Expenditure at this rate must continue for some years to come and mostly due to the fact that for approximately twenty years before 1946, our buildings have been deteriorating due in part to neglect and the wear and tear of time and use.
While for many years, the appropriation for maintenance purposes was set at a level ranging from seven to nine thousand dollars, it was pointed out that a day of reckoning must come, the plea for an increase was made and to no avail. Now, at exorbitantly high prices, the town is paying for its shortsightedness.
New Furniture
Expanding enrollments together with the need for replacement of outworn and outmoded school desks and chairs have required the expenditure of several thousands of dollars this year for new school desks and chairs.
The new chairs and desks which have been purchased at an average cost of twenty-five dollars for the combination desk and chair are up-to-date and designed for the informal type of classroom arrangement which is to be found in the progressive school.
Gradually, desks which are too small, or which have outlived their usefulness must be replaced, and there are several hundred such units yet to be purchased, if we would have the best in classroom furniture.
New Clocks
The last of our schools originally equipped with old-fashioned "hand-wound" clocks, (Shattuck and Winslow) were, this year, refurnished with modern clock and bell systems.
Painting
The exteriors of our school buildings were painted this year. Each now presents an attractive outward appearance.
It is to be regretted however that I must report the necessity for replacement of panes of glass. -- broken by stones, golf-balls, or rifle shot.
It seems to me that all townspeople must take more pride in their school buildings, and have more concern for the kind of vandalism that causes this unnecessary waste.
General Condition - School Buildings
The reader may be interested in the answer to a question so phrased as to suggest what more major expenditure is needed to make our several school build- ings more satisfactory from the standpoint of condition. Briefly, the following should be done:
1. The Junior High School building should have all its masonry repointed.
188
TOWN OF NORWOOD
2. Practically all of the interiors of the Senior and Junior High Schools should be re-lighted (fluorescent lighting), and redecorated.
3. All toilet and nurses rooms should be furnished with hot water facilities.
These are projects, which, in my opinion should be undertaken immediately and, if completed in this coming year, along with the purchase of storage files for each homeroom teacher and such desks and chairs as may be purchased will take us far in the program of modernizing and conditioning existing school facilities.
Following these extraordinary school expenditures, our problem will then be to maintain the school plants at good condition level and then to be concerned about capital expenditures for additional school facilities such are listed in the Report of the School Committee.
New Teachers
The time has come for the School Committee to reconsider its regulation governing the appointment of new teachers.
Many times in the past few years the School Committee has been required to suspend its rule requiring one year's experience as a condition of election to a position in the Norwood Schools.
Every community is jealous of, and anxious to hold the successful teacher. Teachers who would like to come to Norwood or to transfer to any other com- munity, for that matter, are increasingly difficult to find.
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 Schools
189
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TABLE I
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS*
Received 1953
Anticipated 1954
Tuition:
City and State Wards
$ 7,581.97
$ 8,000.00
Other Municipalities - Vocational
15,064.49
15,000.00
Adult Education
286.80
200.00
State Reimbursement
Vocational Schools
29,474.10
29,450.00
State Aid - Chapter 70
63,549.28
65,000.00
Federal Reimbursement:
Geo. Barden - Vocational
1,321.70
1,200.00
H. O Peabody Income Account - Vocational
24,474.44
24,450.00
Sales:
Girls Vocational School
9,327.36
9,000.00
Boys Vocational School
1,316.36
1,400.00
School Janitors - Rentals
830.86
500.00
School Halls - Rentals
462.00
400.00
Miscellaneous:
Instruction Supplies and Textbooks
125.49
125.00
Practical Arts
204.86
200.00
Telephone Toll Calls
17.37
25.00
Miscellaneous
70.75
50.00
$154,107.83
$155,000.00
* Not included are receipts on account of lunch counter operation or athletics in the Senior High School. Legislature requires that these accounts are to be handled as revolving funds.
190
TABLE II
TEACHERS EMPLOYED
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Senior High School
28
28
33
32
32
32
32 1/2
32
32
32
Junior High School
27
26
25
25
24
24
221/2
231/2
261/2
27
Vocational - HOP
131/2
141/2
124/2
121/2
12 1/2
121/2
121/2
12 1/2
121/2
121/2
Vocational - Boys
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Elementary Schools
42
41
41
40
40
40
40
41
51
56
Kindergarten
..
....
4
41/2
4
5
7
7
Specials
3
3
3
3
3
7
7
7*
TOWN OF NORWOOD
*Includes: Supervisor of Art; Instructor of Instrumental Music; Division of Special Services; Teacher of Exceptional Children.
TABLE III ENROLLMENT FOR TEN-YEAR PERIOD (June Enrollments)
Junior
Senior
Vocational
Year
Kindergarten
Elementary
High
High
Boys
Girls
Total
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
1948-49
197
962
430
495
29
84
2,197
1949-50
194
1,011
416
516
30
77
2,244
1950-51
177
1,076
431
496
24
60
2,264
1951-52
303
1,165
468
512
29
78
2,555
1952-53
345
1,402
547
496
26
68
2,884
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
191
192
TABLE IV
SCHOOL POPULATION TRENDS (October Enrollments)
JHS
Year
Balch Callahan Shattuck West Winslow Elem. Kinder.
Total Elem.
Junior Senior High High
Boys
Girls
Ttl. All Schools
1944-45
259
209
228
54
189
939
540
492
109
2,080
1945-46
241
217
233
49
222
962
507
490
113
2,089
1946-47
249
216
217
50
205
937
473
496
17
111
2,062
1947-48
268
204
229
46
185
932
458
500
27
97
2,040
1948-49
325
269
290
51
254
(215)
1,189
437
506
23
90
2,265
1949-50
337
287
278
47
255
(199)
1,204
417
492
29
78
2,251
1950-51
347
307
252
42
265
(176)
1,235
419
473
30
82
2,269
1951-52
463
355
299
55
272
(331)
1,444
460
498
24
77
2,533
1952-53
504
441
292
55
289
140
(361)
1,721
550
500
28
91
2,890
1953-54
642
362
296
49
281
239
(358)
1,869
577
520
30
103
*3,123
...
* Includes 12 pupils in Class for Exceptional Children
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Vocational
193
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TABLE V
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED DURING 1953
Type of Employment Certificate
Boys Girls Total
EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES - issued to minors between the ages of 16 to 21:
Full Time 16-18 years of age
64
47
111
Full Time 18-21 years of age
60
98
158
Part Time 16-18 years of age
142
157
299
Part Time 18-21 years of age
30
21
51
, (The differences with respect to the two age groups relate to kinds of employment and hours.)
EMPLOYMENT PERMITS - issued to minors
14 to 16 years of age:
Part Time Employment
25
15
40
Total
321
338
659
Total Number Issued in 1950
584
Total Number Issued in 1951
672
Total Number Issued in 1952
623
Total Number Issued in 1953
659
All Schools
AGE-GRADE MEMBERSHIP
October 1, 1953
GRADE
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20 & over
TOTAL
Kdg.
Boys Girls
56
107 138
156
1
Boys Girls
33 41
118
5
132
86
5
150
2
Boys Girls
8
64
72
5 5
1
140
3
Boys Girls
5
39
92
11 5
2
114
4
Boys Girls
33
78
22 5
1
107
33
68
1
110
27
61
21
1
27
67
10
45
64
12
4
1
1
127
35
62
6
1
104
24
54
12
3
1
1
31
50
6
3
91
Girls
1
26
46
20
1
1
2
26
50
10
89
9
Boys
20
70
10
3
1
104
Girls
27
56
18
2
I
104
10
Boys
1
34
64
15
3
117
Girls
26
49
23
3
101
1
32
64
15
3
115
28
45
10
1
12
Boys Girls
31
61
10
1
84 103
P.G.
Boys Girls
6
10
4
2
22
3123
194
TOWN OF NORWOOD
94
7
Boys
94
8
Boys Girls
33
70
17
3
123
5
Boys Girls
104
6
Boys Girls
4
66
65
149
9
32
68
-
156
49
194
1
11
Boys Girls
2
3
5
134
195
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
I have the honor to present my eighth annual report as Principal of the Senior High School.
An Overview
The year just passed has been a happy one. Morale of students and teachers is excellent. Cooperation of parents has been outstanding. The Class of '53 was among the best in the last twenty years both in the matter of academic accom- plishment and in school citizenship. All who prepared for college were successful in meeting entrance requirements. Instructional competence at the school by and large is of demonstrably superior standards.
School Plant and Equipment
Aside from the above, perhaps the most satisfying consideration of the year is the fact that several very important improvements have been made both in the school building and its equipment. The outside of the school has been completely repainted. The school library has been remodeled and is now in the process of being redecorated. The school cafeteria is currently undergoing a similar rejuven- ation. A system of exhaust stacks has been installed in the chemistry laboratory.
In the matter of equipment, an electric timer for basketball and other indoor sports activities has been purchased and installed in the gymnasium; the cost in part was defrayed by a gift of $300 from the Class of '53. The public address system on the athletic field has been similarly modernized. In prospect there is the purchase of a new sound recorder to replace our present outmoded equipment for use in language, dramatics, and music classes. There is nothing that succeeds like success. Modernizations such as these have a most favorable influence on the edu- cational climate of the school.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.