USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 20
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Increased interest in the Peabody School, by the type of student whom this school was intended to serve, will limit our ability to accept, for training, many of the younger students who will apply. On the other hand, our policy of admis- sion must be carefully considered so that we are not tempted to admit too many students in the upper-age group (25-35) thus limiting our facilities for training stu- dents of grade twelve, and those applying for entrance immediately following high- school graduation. Briefly, if the current trend is indicative, we should be plan- ning our program of studies to meet the needs of those students who are anticipat- ing employment either directly or soon after graduation from high school. How- ever, we shall always consider individuals who show reasonable promise of ability to profit from our program and who manifest an honest intention of entering the trade at the completion of the course. In line with this policy, I have accepted a number of boys in the Foods Department.
Today the Food field offers unusual opportunities for young men, since there is a great need for them in this industry. Our boys have successfully worked during the summer in many of the best food establishments throughout New England. The performance of these young men on summer jobs has attracted the attention of the hotel and restaurant industry and, in several cases, has resulted in permanent employment. At present sixteen boys are training in this Department.
Transportation is still a deterring factor for many nonresidents who apply for admission. Over 50 per cent of our present enrollment is composed of nonresidents -representing twenty-six towns. The following list shows the means of transporta- tion used by the students from each of these towns:
Bus-Dedham, Natick, North Attleboro, Walpole, Westwood, and Wrentham. Train-Fitchburg, Franklin, Norfolk, and Quincy.
Private car-Abington, Brockton, Duxbury, Easton, Mansfield, Medfield, Nor- ton, Randolph, Stoughton, Taunton, Waltham, Westport, and Weymouth.
Taxi-Canton, Needham, and Sharon.
Increased bus service which may develop to serve the new industries locating in Norwood should also benefit our students.
At present, parking space near the school for private cars is not adequate for students, teachers, visitors and customers. I recommend that the land around the tennis courts be developed for this purpose.
ENROLLMENT AND PLACEMENT BY COURSE January 1954 to December 1954
Undergraduates
Left School
Diploma & Certificate
Certif. Only
*PT FT
Course
50
37
30
0
5
7
18
7
5
8
0
12
Beauty Culture
29
8
16
0 0
10
6
3
4
6
2
8
Business Education
31
20
17
3
9
4
1
6
6
2
0
7
Trade Dressmaking
66
28
47
15
16
13
3
8
7
4
20
7
Commercial Foods
..
.
-
Totals
176
93
110
18
30
34
28
24
22
20
22
34
REASONS FOR LEAVING
11
To be married
4
To go to work
4
Ill health
1
Returned to High School
3
Deaceased
1
Moved to another town
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ENROLLMENT
Abington 3; Brockton 1; Canton 6; Dedham 8; Duxbury 1; Easton 2; Fitchburg 1; Franklin 5; Mansfield 2; Medfield 3; Natick 3; Needham 6; Norfolk 4; North Attleboro 5; Norton 1; Quincy 1; Randolph 3; Sharon 2; Stoughton 5; Ttaunton 1; Walpole 16; Waltham 2; Westport 1; Westwood 6; Weymouth 2; Wrentham 3; Norwood 83.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Placement
Enroll- ment
Non- Residents
T 10 11 12 13
-
I
268
TOWN OF NORWOOD
List of Graduates - Henry O. Peabody School, 1954
BEAUTY CULTURE
Elizabeth Economos
Barbara Garvin Martha Geary Theresa Gemelli Mary Greenlaw Barbara Holt
Paul Papasodero Geraldine Shepherd Muriel Smith
Elizabeth Welch
Marjorie Weldon Karolyn Youngdahl
Janice McIntyre
BUSINESS
Mary Donnelly Janice Greenwood Marjorie Hamilton Marjorie MacDonald Catherine Muir
Elaine Poirier Charlotte Pretto Gail Rafuse Evelyn Walsh Cynthia Snow
DRESSMAKING
Virginia Bailey Jeannette Barnes Bernice DiGirolamo Janet Guimetti
Elinor King Marie Montisano Christine Moroz Elaine Ruddock
FOODS
Evelyn Hunt John Kelly Charleen Martin Gunnel Nordlund Leone O'Neil
Eleanor Picone Robert Rogan Louise Sickinger Sandra Soderberg Shirley Swenson
Albert Behar
The faculty and students have spent a busy and satisfying year together. The nature of our work makes it necessary to seek out every opportunity to co-ordinate the program with industry, but it is likewise the policy to supplement the program with many broadening and cultural experiences. I mention here a few of those activities: field trips conducted for every department, including visits to business offices and trade meetings; fashion shows; art exhibits related to fashion; and work- shop meetings held for the trade.
The students of the Commercial Foods Department were invited to attend several workshop meetings of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and bakery demonstrations held for the trade at the H. A. Johnson Company. This year the boys of this department had a special invitation to exhibit at the Culinary Salon held in Boston in connection with the New England Hotel and Restaurant Show. Although the students did not enter competition with chefs, they received an award for their school exhibit. Each boy also received an award of merit. The following
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
students received awards: John Gnecco, John Kelly, John Kelter, William Mercier, Fred Reed, and Cyril Smith. These awards were presented to the Director of the School at the Special Award Dinner.
Beauty Culture students created and modeled coiffures at the Annual Hair- dressers' Show held in Boston last spring. The following students received awards of merit: Theresa Gemelli, Martha Geary, Barbara Garvin, Geraldine Shepherd, Muriel Smith, Carol Williams, Nancy Walsh, and Karolyn Youngdahl.
The Student Co-operative Association carries out a well-planned social calendar assisted by faculty members. The elected officers of this Association meet regularly with the Student Council of the Norwood Senior High School. The Peabody School organization is a member of the National Association of Student Councils and the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils. This year in addition to the regular monthly social activity, the Co-operative Association sponsored two Theatre Parties-"Cinerama" and the matinee performance of "Carmen."
The Evening Practical Arts program continues with good numbers. As pro- grams have been set up in most of the outlying towns, the problem of enrolling nonresidents has lessened. Today, dressmaking is the only course with a waiting list. According to the statistics in the magazine "American Fabrics," home dress- making is on the increase country-wide.
This year we have one class less in Tray Painting and Rug Hooking. Numbers still hold up in the Rug Braiding classes. The two advanced business courses were continued this year but numbers are low.
The following excerpts are taken from the annual report of the State Depart- ment of Vocational Education:
DAY SCHOOL
"The efforts of the past several years to stress public relations and to publicize the opportunities available in this school appear to have been effective in that pupils with more ability and promise are now being guided to this school.
"This school has continued to emphasize the personality development and good citizenship of the pupils in addition to the trade training pro- gram.
"Because of the fine training program and the high standards to which pupils are held, the School has been successful in placing its graduates in very satisfactory positions."
EVENING SCHOOL
"Excellent standards of workmanship, good organization and teaching continue to characterize the Adult program."
Mrs. Eva D'alu who assisted as a substitute in the Beauty Culture Department last year was appointed as a full-time instructor in September, 1954. The increase in the number of students in that Department warranted the adding of another teacher to the faculty.
270
TOWN OF NORWOOD
This summer we were saddened and shocked by the sudden death of Mr. Paul L. Salsgiver. Mr. Salsgiver served as the Educational Advisor to the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Incorporated.
Although Mr. Salsgiver was concerned with his many duties as head of the Business Department of Simmons College and very active in professional as well as civic affairs, he had a sincere interest in the Peabody School and its future.
It was Mr. Salsgiver's recommendation that an annual dinner meeting of the Norwood School Committee and the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Incorporated be held at the School. This resulted in clearer appreciation of our progress and has fostered a mutual understanding of our problems.
We shall miss Mr. Salsgiver as a good friend-helpful and kindly in his advice.
This year also marked the passing of Dr. Frederick G. Nichols. Dr. Nichols was one of the original trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Incorporated and, as educational advisor, was instrumental in establishing the Business Department on a vocational basis.
The present school shows promise of continued success. Special commendation is due the faculty for their fine professional interest and co-operative spirit. Their enthusiasm shows every evidence that they still enjoy the challenge of further devel- oping this growing school. It is a privilege to work with such a group, and I wish to express my appreciation to them for another pleasant year together.
I wish also to express my personal thanks to the Superintendent of Schools, Members of the Norwood School Committee, and the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Incorporated for the positive support given to our program.
BLANCHE L. MARCIONETTE, Director.
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL-INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
I herewith submit my annual report of the Vocational-Industrial Arts Depart- ment.
When the schools of Norwood opened in September, 1954, it marked the eleventh year of our Boys' Vocational School. To look back over the years, progress has been our aim, and expansion of the school our sincere hope. It is evident that Vocational Education is playing a greater role in the public school system of Norwood each year, and this report calls attention to procedures which are now in use.
Good education must develop citizens who WORK as well as play; PRODUCE as well as consume; CREATE as well as appreciate. Our type of education for Norwood youth plays a very important part in teaching these vocational objectives.
Each September a small group of boys is accepted, who wish to receive special- ized instruction in cabinet making (the only unit that makes up the school at present.) It is interesting to note that this fall several of the boys we accepted had just completed the eighth grade and were fourteen years old.
271
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Our School is divided into two Vocational divisions, ninth and tenth year boys make up division one; eleventh and twelfth year boys, division two. Each division is made up in equal numbers, thus making the teacher load in the shop a good group to handle. The beginners are given training of direct benefit that will develop an ability to prepare them, not only in "how to live" and "what to live for," but also in "how to make a living."
Some of the older group, and it seems to me a wasteful practice, are being trained for an occupation which they do not intend to enter. This is an injustice to the student himself. However, we have accepted and given each boy who applies for admission an opportunity to try the course, with the expectation of creating an interest in trade preparation. The drop-outs and withdrawals are few in number each year, and the boys that fulfill the course requirement are awarded the high school diploma.
Many of our boys come to us from surrounding communities. This year we have four boys from Canton, one each from Dedham, Walpole, Wrentham, and Franklin. We are glad to welcome these boys, provided our local applicants do not fill the school to capacity.
To give our students the work experiences necessary for a well-rounded trade training, we accept and encourage people of Norwood to send us any type of cabi- net work. We have been very fortunate in the past to have sufficient work given us, and our "productivity report" each year to the State Department of Vocational Education shows a record worthy of praise and commendation.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
Our program in Industrial Arts confined entirely to the Junior High School, followed the work experiences as outlined in my previous reports. Again I should like to state that our realization is not so much a matter of teaching skills and imparting technical knowledge, as what will happen to our boys engaged in pre- Vocational activities. We emphasize the fact that boys work cooperatively with each other, and show respect for the rights and privileges of others. We assume that objectives are accomplished when boys can learn to plan out procedures for the making of a project and follow the procedure in the actual construction to a finished job.
I believe the Industrial Arts program offers a variety of activities that interest the average boy in Junior High School. A broader program would no doubt create an even greater interest, although our facilities are adequate and attractive in well organized shops under good teacher supervision.
In concluding this report, an expression of gratitude is extended to those who have cooperated so faithfully and shared advice which was most helpful to me during the year.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER
Director
272
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE ART DIRECTOR
This is my annual report of the activities of this department during the year 1954.
Junior High Elementary Unit Presents "Hansel & Gretel"
Last May the Junior High Elementary Unit presented to the PTA, the Junior High, and the other Elementary schools, the well-loved classic, "Hansel & Gretel". This was an ambitious undertaking for a group of teachers who were new to this type of performance. Great credit should be extended them for coming through the maze of conferences, rehearsals, and projects with a wholesome production of unusual excellence.
For our part we undertook the stage direction and the construction of scenery. The Gingerbread House, Witch's Oven, Cage, and other props were important creative activities for our boys and girls.
To produce a change of scene without the necessity of painting a huge back- drop area measuring 14x20 feet I introduced a method new to our schools called "reverse projection". Simply, the system calls for a translucent backdrop upon which is projected a color slide from the rear of the stage. The audience views the scene correctly from their side. Although our initial experiments entailed many problems the advantage of this system was immediately evident to all who saw the play. A change of scene is made the instant a new slide is inserted into the projector. In addition this enabled us to take color slides of a title and the whole cast, all of whom were shown in full color, larger than life size, upon this translucent screen.
To Mr. Lynch and Mr. Napoleone go my thanks for their confidence in the idea and sharing with me the responsibility for its success or failure. The screen has proved valuable in subsequent Junior High productions and its possibilities have not yet been exhausted.
PTA Exhibit of Christmas Work
The Shattuck School tried a new kind of exhibit this year in connection with the Christmas season and a PTA meeting. Each room was asked to illustrate a Christmas theme, using as its means of expression one of the materials or methods which have been a regular part of its art program during the year.
The theme of gay decorations was caried out by the 1st grade in the form of "mobiles" -- those gaily constructed floating designs that move in ever-changing patterns.
The second grade worked with the Santa Claus theme and had their bulletin boards replete with reindeer, a sleigh, and a village. This was constructed through three-dimensional use of colored papers, with crayon and other materials added for interest.
The other 2nd grade, using Toys as its theme, constructed these of colored papers and mounted them attractively on a bulletin board.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The 3rd grade made crayon drawings of winter play activities.
The 4th grade depicted a small community gaily reflecting the holiday spirit. Mounted on a bulletin board, a real Christmas tree was in the center of the com- mon, with shopping activities, outdoor sports, and people attending church ser- vices.
One 5th grade, in conjunction with its unit "Art in the Home", displayed a seasonal table arrangement featuring a carefully grouped selection of plates, napkins, silver, and centerpiece.
The other 5th grade, through the use of colored panels drawn on a continuous roll of paper, depicted the story of Mary and Joseph, and the Birth of Christ. The roll was run through a miniature stage and made translucent by the use of a photoflood lamp which rendered the color much like slides. Recordings of Christ- mas chimes accompanied the presentation which was made as each youngster re- cited the story of his panel. For the PTA meeting this part was accomplished by using the tape recorder.
The 6th grade displayed the bisque-fired ceramic ware which they had made their parents as Christmas gifts and their boards depicted the story of Bethlehem and the approach of the Wise Men.
Art and Ceramics
The study of ceramic materials and processes has continued to be received with enthusiasm by all our youngsters and especially those in our elementary schools. Clay is an inexpensive material which has wonderful creative possibilities. It can be freely modeled in tremendous variety because of its great plasticity and once fired in the kiln and rc-fired for the glazing becomes a permanent and at- tractive product of the child's own hand.
The completion of a piece of ware is not the whole story, however. The introduction of such work consists of an illustrated discussion of the following:
1. What are the new uses of ceramic materials in this atomic age?
2. What are the unusual properties of ceramic materials?
3. What is the effect of extreme heat upon silica clay?
4. What processes are used in making ceramics?
Art & Metal Enameling
Our initial experiments with enameling in the elementary classroom has proven it worthy of acceptance as a part of our regular art activities. This process involves the child in shaping a small piece of copper, cleaning it, and sprinkling upon its surface finely ground enamels. The location of these enamel glazes is dependent, of course, upon the original design which each child had previously made. The piece is then placed in a small portable kiln and fired at a high temperature. This fuzes the molten glass to the copper in two or three minutes producing very attractive ef- fects. A large assortiment of originally designed pins and small trays have already been completed. I am indebted to Mr. Lambert of the Winslow School for the extra time and assistance he has given me in pioneering this new media.
274
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Art & High Fidelity
Previous reports of mine have mentioned reasons for my interest in promoting the use of quality musical and sound reproduction equipment in our schools. Early this year I designed and assembled a unit of this type for the Junior High Elementary Unit to prove how quality sound, through the use of quality equip- ment, could be obtained at less cost than inferior equipment. The teachers have made excellent use of it and report its reproduction to be the best they have heard.
For the Junior High auditorium I have designed and am now assembling a complete new sound console. This consists of an amplifier unit with detachable matching table wings on both sides-one for the turntable and control equipment and the opposite wing for a new tape recorder. In conjunction with two permanent speaker units to be mounted in the front corners of the auditorium the Junior High will have a hi-fidelity control console for its microphone, phono, and tape inputs to be used during all its stage functions. The amplification of sound from this stage has been badly needed for years. Mr Corcoran and the Student Activities Association have been supporting this endeavor, as well as Mr. Lynch, who author- ized the Boys' Vocational School to furnish us the table units.
Junior High School Art Program
Last Spring, Mr. Lindgren and Mrs. Nelson (Home Economics), produced a fashion show called, "Styles Around the Clock". Fifty-five members of their 9th grade classes took part in six lively and colorful acts. The performance sought to show that good choices of costume and creative uses of simple materials could off- set the luxury of expensive clothes. With both its humorous and serious moments heightened with lighting and sound effects, it was one of the brighter spots in the school's assembly program.
In addition to its regular work the department has been responsible for the guidance of a training teacher from the Mass. School of Art.
Carefully selected 16mm sound films have been used to supplement various areas of study. Mr. Lindgren is also the school's Visual Aid Director.
Full use has been made of a variety of art media-tempera, cut paper, plas- ticene modeling, water color, India Ink, ceramics, and other experimental materials -both in forms of free creative expression, and in conjunction with class work planned to develop an understanding of culture.
Senior High School Art Program
Many areas of study make up a complete years program. The following are typical units that might serve to indicate the direction of our teaching.
As an introduction to the basic art elements of line, shape, color, and texture, one problem was to create a continual line arrangement based on the human figure. Following the linear solution, shape, color, and texture solutions followed.
Another problem was concerned with Advertising Design. The first section, with four plates, introduced the student to the combination of type and visual , symbols necessary in the production of a meaningful design. After this problem a
275
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
cover design for a piece of music was presented. A study was then made of art methods used to attract consumer attention and interest.
Since the human hand was found to be one of the most frequently used visual symbols in advertising art a number of problems concerned with the drawing of hands was presented. After these studies the drawings were utilized in a new prob- lem combining the use of the hand, one expressive word, and a photographic il- lustration. To conclude the study of advertising symbols an abstract design in color was completed, a sample 12-page calender was created, and the poster form of advertising was analyzed.
A number of advanced students were given experimental problems in the use of the brayer. This is a large gelatin roller and is used in combination with printers ink and shalk. A number of mural-size studies of animals were made in this manner.
In addition to an excellent study of contemporary painting and sculpture, Mr. Schultz is to be commended for his outstanding bulletin board displays. They not only show student work but are arranged to contribute, visually, to the lesson at hand.
Complete Interior Painting of the Junior High School and the Senior High School Auditorium
In answer to a request for advice from Mr. Lynch and the School Committee regarding the painting of the above areas, I undertook the problem of a major change in their interior coloring. In considering a solution I felt it had to be based upon the following premises which now stand reflected in the completed job.
1. The types of paint used, and the areas of color, must be practical from the standpoint of maintenance in order that the finished appearance, subject to hard usc, would be of lasting value to the town.
2. A complete "lift" must be given the whole school that it might appear attractive, youthful, and desirable enough to make children want to keep it clean.
3. All study areas, usually at the front of the room, must be restful to the eye with little or no color change to the mopboard.
'4. Halls must appear warm, light, and friendly in character.
5. All rooms having only North light should be treated in tones suggesting artificial sunlight and warmth as much as possible.
6. Bulletin board areas, if wallpapered in practical patterns, can add "texture" to a room otherwise surrounded by hard, flat walls-at the same time making them more functional by eliminating the show of soil and tack holes.
7. The Junior High auditorium, because it is primarily used as a general meeting place should reflect a formal auditorium atmosphere.
8. The Senior High gymnasium, on the other hand, must appear able to take considerable wear and colored from the point of adequate visibility for players upon its basketball courts.
276
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Observations
When I was employed by the School Committee in 1940 to become the first trained art instructor in the Junior High School I was assigned to Room 210-an English classroom. Through the efforts of Mr. Lynch and Mr. Newbury, the princi- pal who occupied the building at this time, measures were taken to make the best of a difficult teaching situation. However, without the rudiments of running water, storage space, or activities space it was, and still is, not easy to do the type of work made possible only through the use of these essential conveniences. I concur with Dr. Wilson's report and sincerely hope it will be instrumental in bringing about an Art Room & Workshop, specifically designed for this service, to be used by all our Junior High School students.
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