USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 61
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
D. VINCENT KENFICK
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
It gives me great pleasure to present my first annual report as Director of Music in the Norwood Public Schools.
The music education program in our schools is arranged to give as many pupils as possible a complete experience in music. The entire program includes singing, rhythmic activities, rhythm bands, melody flute classes, instrumental lessons, bands, orchestras, glee clubs, choruses, quartets, small groups, hamony, appreciation, and voice training classes.
All pupils in grades one through eight are required to take music. After the eighth grade, all music classes are elective, and most may be taken for credit.
There are one hundred eighty-six pupils playing band or orchestral instru- ments. These instrumentalists are divided among the schools as follows: Senior High School, 44; Junior High School, 49; Winslow School, 26; Balch School, 24; Callahan School, 19; Shattuck School, 13; and Junior High Elementary Unit, 13.
There are twenty rhythm bands and ten melody flute classes in the elementary schools.
The Senior High School curriculum offers: Voice Training I and II, Harmony I and II, Music Appreciation Iand II, and Orchestra. There is a Junior-Senior glee club, a Sophomore glee club, and Junior Senior chorus, that meet during the homeroom periods. Quartets and other small groups meet at other times.
A glee club has been formed at the Peabody School.
The Senior High School musical organizations have participated at the fol- lowing events: assemblies, football games, the Spring Concert, the family night concert, three festivals, the Memorial Day and Armistice Day parades, the Senior High Christmas program, and the Christmas program at the Norfolk County Agricultural School, and the Senior Play.
We have been able to expand and improve our program since September, by having Mrs. Ashley full-time instead of part-time. Her time is now divided between the Junior High School and the elementary schools.
Most of the instrumental work is done by Mr. Farnham, while my work is divided between the High School and the elementary schools.
218
TOWN OF NORWOOD
I wish to thank Mr. Farnham and Mrs. Ashley for their cooperation and assistance in carrying out the music program.
I also wish to thank Mr. Lynch, the School Committee, principals, teachers, and everyone else who has had a part in providing the pupils in the Norwood Public Schools with opportunities for more musical experiences.
RAYMOND F. FLECK Director of Music
REPORT OF HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION
I herewith submit my report on Home Economics Education in the Norwood Public Schools for the year ending December 31, 1953.
For any readers who may be unfamiliar with the Home Economics program in the Norwood Public Schools I will repeat that branches of Homemaking Edu- cation are taught to girls in grades seven to twelve, inclusive. The work in Junior High, though basic, is none the less complete in itself. In Senior High School pupils may major in Home Economics throughout their three years' training or select the shorter courses provided as their interests dictate or their curriculum permits. In addition to the elective courses in Senior High we offer a self-improvement or orientation course in Youth Problems - a requirement for all girls.
All Home Economics courses are built around the pupils' normal activities and the home experiences in which they can be expected to participate. Although pupils in their early teens are most interested in doing we are able to talk with older pupils about their thoughts and convictions, finding the exchange of ideals and standards of living most profitable.
In setting up our various courses it is most important that the objectives for lessons in home and family living coincide wth real family problem and that all subjects closely related to the home be inchided. We aim to have the training we give both realistic and practical.
Outside and beyond the courses built around functional interests in the home we find family relationship problems where pupils need help with various conflicts at home as well as with their personal friendships with boys and girls - all of them "here and now" problems. Through assisting with these daily life problems we hope to lay groundwork for more mature adjustments in later life. We find many opportunities present themselves to aid pupils in working out their own standards of behaviour.
We have been using cooperative student-teacher planning in charting class procedure most successfully. Even though the final responsibility for planning tentative goals and experiences and evaluating procedures rests with the Home Economics supervisor and her teachers, pupils can be of great assistance in accom- plishing our goals. However, before pupils can assist or participate in the planning, the teacher sets the stage. She makes sure that there will be a broad coverage of topics and subject matter which will meet the needs and interests which arise out of every phase of family life. She must see to it that a major proportion of time
219
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
and emphasis will be given to the current, meaningful problems of young people.
We have observed that when pupils assist with the planning interest increases amazingly. Through assuming some responsibility for the success of the lesson each pupil feels herself a more valuable and important part of her homemaking class. Cooperative planning definitely results in better human relationships. It becomes fun to plan and participate, although sometimes a big task. Student- teacher planning becomes a philosophy - a point of view. It trains for living, by giving the pupil an opportunity to practice daily the living problems discussed in class. Through this cooperative plan of working we are able to lead our students to critical thinking and good reasoning. We have noted that with this plan learning takes place more efficiently than in the more conventional types of teaching.
Homemaking Education constantly faces the challenge of keeping apace with the new and better products, equipment and methods which appear so contin- uously as a result of constant research and advance in science. Following are illustrations of the type of changes which face us in our teaching:
1. The rapid growth of non-cellulose fibers and finishes such as nylon, orlon, darcon, vicara, dynel, acrilon, etc.
2. The care and handling of these new fibers and finishes.
3. The development of new detergents and syndets; their use and effectiveness: chemical reactions; adaptability to prevailing water conditions; use of bleaches and ready-made starch.
4. The machine-age approach to our functional teaching, with newer methods, shorter cuts, and the numerous gadgets now obtainable.
5. New appliances; ex: Steam irons, pressed-on patches, contour sheets, oblong pie pans for wedge-shaped cuts.
6. New food processing methods and new food products on the market; ex: Hams with less fat; cheese made in one-half the time; new cheese spreads; new baby foods.
7. New packaging.
8. Combined drying and freezing processes, which reduces storage space and cost of transportation.
These are but a few examples of the need for constant re-organization of our subject matter material.
At Senior High School we now have facilities for freezing and storing frozen foods and can now demonstrate the preparation and packaging of foods for the freezer as well as the use of frozen foods. With the addition of this unit we are now able to store frozen foods for the cafeteria. The use of frozen foods has added interest and variety to our menus.
Our Senior High pupils have enjoyed demonstrations by mothers of the girls wherein some of the especially enjoyed racial dishes such as Pizza. Italian Waffles, Holiday Cakes, Noodles and Egg Macaroni have been prepared.
Pupils have assisted willingly and efficiently wherever they have been called upon to serve.
220
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Norwood Mothers' Club has very graciously continued their award for excellence in Home Economics and the award this past year went to Jean Wood. We are most grateful for this recognition and the stimulation it offers to better standards of accomplishment. We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the Norwood Mothers' Club.
We have been very busy with the redecoration of the Senior High School Cafeteria and have made several improvements in our kitchen facilities all of which will be much enjoyed. The cheerful atmosphere of the cafcteria has brought much happiness and many expressions of appreciation.
I wish to thank all co-workers, administrators, school officials and especially the School Committee for their continued support of the Home Economics program.
AGNES M. BRIDGES Supervisor of Home Economics Education
REPORT OF SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith submitted.
A considerable portion of the school year is spent in determining the health needs of the individual child: discovering his disabilities and his potentialities, be they of a physical, mental, emotional, or social nature, and initiating a follow-up program that will assure such necessary treatment and correction that will enable him to obtain the greatest benefit from his educational opportunities. Such work is of necessity repetitious and often monotonous. Progress is slow but there is a definite move forward.
Health Appraisals
The health appraisals done by the school physicans, Dr. George R. Allen and Dr. Harriet E. Rogers, do not in any sense of the word replace the examinations and services of the family physician. They are, in effect, a screening process only for determining defects and disabilities which should be called to the attention of the family. The family, in turn, is encouraged to take the child with physical defects to the family physician or other sources of care.
Health appraisals were made of all children from the kindergarten through grade twelve. Parents were notified of defects found. Dr. Rogers noted a continued high incidence of postural defects at all age levels and is trying to trace the cause.
Dental Health Program
The School Dental Health Program is actually a community project. Such a program could not possibly succeed if we did not have the cooperation of: (1) the community at large which provides the funds for the dental clinic to function; (2) the home which gives the child personal and professional care, and an adequate diet to maintain good dental health; (3) the private dentist who helps sustain continued interest in the dental program; (4) the school which aids in teaching and motivating the child in developing healthy dental habits; and (5) the child
221
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
himself who not only learns the essential of good dental health but puts it to practice as well.
Each child from kindergarten through grade 12 was checked by the School Dentist, Dr. Timothy J. Curtin. Parents were notified of the need for corrective work and urged to consult the family dentist. Many parents requested to have this work completed at the School Dental Clinic where treatment is provided at a minimal cost.
The following table shows the results of the dental program from September 1952 through June 1953:
Grade
1-6 incl. 7-9 incl. 10-12 incl.
Number examined by school dentist
1667
483
628
Number O.K. at time of examination
707
302
341
Work completed by school dentist
424
39
8
Work completed by family dentist
410
58
200
Number still under treatment
80
62
66
Number receiving no treatment
56
46
21
Vision and Hearing Tests
The Massachusetts Vision Tests were given to all children to screen out those in need of further examination. Although testing kindergarteners is very trying it is important to be certain there are no visual handicaps to retard school progress. Parents were notified of defects found.
Many children received attention from private sources. The School Eye Clinic cared for one hundred and twenty children. All these children did not need glasses for refractive errors but had medical treatment for diseased conditions of the eyes and lids. Dr. William Ryan substituted at the clinic during Dr. Hugo B. C. Riemer's absence from March to June.
The Maico Puretone Audiometer was used for testing the hearing of all children. Group tests were given those in grades 2 to 12 inclusive but individual tests are given to all failing the group tests as well. Again individual testing is tedious but well worth the effort if a handicapped child is discovered early and treatment started. The greatest difficulty is in finding a room in these crowded buildings which is quiet enough to do the testing. As a result of the hearing tests sixteen children ranging in age from 6 to 18 are having special instruction in lip reading and speech to help overcome the handicap.
Communicable Disease Control
The usual precautions have been taken to avoid the widespread incidence of colds and communicable disease. May we again stress the need for parents to keep a child at home in the early stages of infection as a means of attaining a more effective control.
Immunization Clinics
One hundred children were immunized with injections of diphtheria and tetanus toxoid. One hundred and ninety-three others were given the Schick test.
222
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Nineteen of this group reacted positively to the test and were given additional booster shots.
Chest X-Rays
Dr. Nahum Pillsbury of the Norfolk County Hospital in Braintree reported that none of the two hundred and six seniors and H. O. Peabody food handlers showed any evidence of pulmonary disease in the X-Rays taken by their Mobile Unit on October 22.
Milk Lunches
The Community Fund, through the Norwood Womens' Club, makes milk lunches available to any child unable to purchase the milk himself. This daily service is enjoyed by seventy or more children from October to May.
Handicapped Children
The annual fall census of physically handicapped children list some one hundred and twenty-four with some special need; for adjusted programs, home tutoring, special training, limited activities, or rest periods. For one reason or another each is in need of continued supervision.
Home Nursing Classes
The Foods I Class at the Henry O. Peabody School was given the American Red Cross Course in Home Nursing. Fourteen of tlie girls qualified for their certificates.
In-Service Training
The nurses attended a course on Normal Development and Behavior of the School Age Child sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Health at the Quincy Health Center during the months of October and November.
Personnel Changes
In June Mrs. Margaret Wallace resigned to assume her duties as a housewife and mother. We wish her success in her new field of endeavor.
In December Mrs. Mary Parsons was appointed to fill the vacancy. She comes to us without previous experience in the field of Public Health. This should be but a temporary handicap since many opportunities are now available for the nurse who wishes to grow professionally and meet the qualifications demanded in a specialized branch of nursing.
Improvements
Certain improvements are needed and would be most appreciated if the elas- ticity of the budget would warrant their execution.
The nurse's rooms at the Senior High, the Junior High, and the Callahan Schools are sorely in need of painting to restore them to a point where they can measure up to the standards demanded for a healthful environment. A health
223
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
room should be clean and attractive whether it is being used for examinations, consultations, or for a sick child awaiting transportation home.
The installation of hot water in the nurse's rooms in the Senior High, Shattuck, and Winslow Schools would be very helpful. Cleanliness is an important factor in giving nursing care. Continuous washing with cold water is rather hard on the patient as well as the nurse. Cold water is not as effective either. Adminis- tering a dose of baking soda for an upset stomach becomes a major operation under such circumstances.
Conclusion
We of the Health Department wish to thank you, Mr. Lynch, School Com- mittee members, our fellow workers, and our many friends and helpers in the community for the continued interest and cooperation during this past year.
MARY A. CANNING, R.N. Supervising School Nurse
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1953, is respectfully submitted.
Introduction
Education in America has a responsibility, as have other great social institu- tions, 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 sig- nificantly 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.
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, relax
224
TOWN OF NORWOOD
ation and rest, remedial and adapted activities, co-educational and co-recreational activities, 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
Junior Varsity Football
Varsity Basketball
Junior Varsity Basketball
Hockey Outdoor Track Golf Varsity Baseball
Junior Varsity Baseball Tennis - Boys and Girls
The varsity basketball team played fourteen games with teams in the Bay State League. We had a fine team with two outstanding boys in Richard Bunker and John Cieri. These boys ranked very high in our league scoring. Our season record was seven wins and seven losses.
The junior varsity also played a fourteen game schedule with junior varsity teams in the Bay State League.
Hockey under the supervision of Robert Conley held practice sessions at the Boston Skating Club, Boston 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 for their fine spirit and sportsmanship.
The track team coached by Mr. Stanley Fisher held meets with teams in the Bay State League.
Boys' tennis under the direction of Mr. Lloyd Schultz held matches with Dedham, Needham, and Westwood.
The varsity baseball team enjoyed a very successful season, winning the Bay State League Championship with twelve victories and two defeats. Richard Bunker was selected by many of the Boston papers as the outstanding pitcher in our area. We were invited by the Boston writers to take part in the Tournament in Fenway Park. We met and were defeated by a strong Somerville teanı.
The junior varsity team coached by Mr. Edward Songin played a ten-game schedule with teams in the Bay State League and had a very successful season.
The golf team, coached by Mr. Everett Learnard, competed as in the past in
225
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
the Norfolk County Interscholastic Golf League. The following schools made up this league: Norwood, Needham, Walpole, Dedham, North Quincy, Quincy, and Hingham. All home matches were held at the Ponkapoag Golf Club.
On the first day of September, the coaches greeted over sixty boys who reported for football. This number dropped to approximately forty-five boys during the season. We had a fine group of boys who showed a great deal of spirit and team play during the year. Our season's record was five wins against three losses. The three losses were against three very strong opponents. We again beat Dedham for the third straight year 27-0.
I was fortunate in having as my assistant coaches Arthur Gulla, an outstanding athlete while at Norwood High School, and Frank Galvani. These men worked hard with the boys, and their work was greatly appreciated by the players and myself.
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 our boys more experience, and they would come to us at the High School well 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. Arthur Gulla, played a five-game schedule.
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 neighboring 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 classes 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.
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, volley ball, archery, badminton, and basketball.
226
TOWN OF NORWOOD
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.
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 aiins and objectives of our physical education program.
ORLANDO M. SCAFATI
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
I herewith submit my annual report as Attendance Officer for the year ending December 31, 1953.
Total number of investigations 192
Number of Truancies 29
Number of illness cases investigated 94
Assisting at home 13
Investigation of cases where home permits were desired 5
Investigation of cases where working certificates were desired 7
Miscellaneous cases
44
Total number of children returned to school 12
Number of Court cases 0
HENRY F. BREEN, JR.
227
REPORT OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Town Engineer:
The work load of the Engineering Department continues to increase each year and the increasing housing developments along with the other work has made it almost impossible to do anything but the most essential work. All departments require engineering work or advice and these requests are so numerous and varied that it is impossible to list them all. A brief review of the more important requests and work done are listed as follows:
Bituminous Concrete Sidewalks
Central Street Prospect Street
Berwick Place
Walpole Street
St. James Avenue
East Hoyle Street
Elliot Street
Neponset Street Broadway
Fulton Street
Brookfield Road Garfield Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
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.