USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 42
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The success of our graduates is also a major factor which influences our growth, and the school placement service has become well known through their job per- formance. The advertising program which has been continued this year is helpful in presenting the over-all picture of our school over a wider area. We note a sense of satisfaction and a feeling of stability derived from our progress over the years which gives promise of an interesting future.
Our policy of accepting the more mature student, the senior or recent high school graduate, was put into effect this year, resulting in a larger number of serious-minded students seeking specific training in the fields of their choice. However, when the enrollment warrants, we do accept students for grades ten and eleven if we feel they can profit by the training given. Boys are still being accepted in the Commercial goods program, since there is great demand for young men in this field. Three of our 1955 young men graduates are now employed full time as bakers and range cooks at the Canton Hospital School.
ENROLLMENT AND PLACEMENT BY COURSES January 1955 - December 1955
Total Enroll- ment
Non Residents
10
11
12
13
Total
Left
S.H.S. Diploma & Cert.
Cert.
Course
Beauty Culture
66
56
0
11
5
19
35
4
6
21
Business
42
13
0
0
16
8
24
2
10
Dressmaking
39
12
9
10
6
4
29
5
5
Foods
84
31
20
26
18
4
68
4
12
-
Total
231
112
29
47
45
35
156
15
33
00015 6 0 0 27
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
JOB PLACEMENTS:
REASONS FOR LEAVING SCHOOL:
Beauty Culture
27
Transferred to High School
2
Business
16
Went to work
8
Foods
12
Moved to another town
2
Illness
2
Married
1
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ENROLLMENT
Abington, 3; Attleboro, 14; Brockton, 1; Braintree, 1; Canton, 7; Dedham, 6; Duxbury, 2; Easton, 2; Foxboro, 4; Franklin, 7; Hol- brook, 2; Mansfield, 2; Medfield, 4; Natick, 2; Needham, 5; Norfolk, 5; Norton, 1; Norwood, 119; Quincy, 1; Randolph, 5; Rock- land, 1; Scituate, 2; Somerset, 1; So. Westport, 1; Stoughton, 7; Walpole, 9; Westwood, 7; Weymouth, 4; Wrentham, 6.
219
220
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The capacity enrollment of last year has been sustained in the Beauty Culture and Foods Departments. The Business Department has doubled its enrollment, taxing present facilities to capacity. This department has continued to present the advanced work in shorthand, transcription, and business machines to those Norwood Senior High School students who elect this training on a part-time basis, despite the increase in numbers of its full-time pupils. With expanded physical facilities and an additional teacher, I believe the Business Department will be ready to meet the challenge of the industrial development now taking place in Norwood and vicinity. Businessmen know that we are here and recognize the quality of our training.
The Dressmaking Department is operating satisfactorily. With more emphasis on fashion and clothing manufacturing, we hope to build up this department. Interest in our advanced group this year is high, with all students doing a superior type of work. One of our dressmaking pupils is preparing for admission to the New York Fashion Institute of Technology following her graduation in June.
The following is an excerpt from the annual report of the Massachusetts De- partment of Education, Vocational Division:
"It has been gratifying to note the satisfactory outcome of the special effort which has been made to strengthen public relations through first- hand contact with guidance directors, school administrators, parents, and others. Pupils with more ability, and more serious in purpose and interest, have been enrolled this year."
"The school responded to the increased interest in: Hairdressing by the employment of a second Hairdressing instructor."
"This school has continued its effort to place the graduate in superior type of related employment."
"Teaching organization and teachers recommended for approval."
List of Graduates - Henry O. Peabody School - 1955
BEAUTY CULTURE
Nancy Bosworth
Barbara Holt
Elaine Canney
Viola Macleod
Paul Papasodero
Nancy Carlson Shirley Caruolo
Janet Peterson
Marie Porazzo
Gail Conroy Claudette Dorothy Claire Doucette Ada Eagles
Lucille Sloan June Tripp
Nancy Walsh
Marjorie Weldon
Catherine Esper Avis Fahey Barbara Garvin Marjorie Gross Barbara Hodges
Fay Weston Carol Williams
Loretta Young Karolyn Youngdahl
221
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
BUSINESS
Janice Baker
Joyce Luce
Mary Benoit
Marion Masce
Elizabeth Chervenak
Nancy McDargh
Irene Falconer
Eleanor Parkinson
Dorothy Folan
Nancy Perna
Mildred Giampietro
Pauline Rhoads
Nadine Greenwood
Louise Sawyer
Grace Guiod
Constance Thomashay
DRESSMAKING
Mary Diamond Joyce Kleinberg Mabel Sherman
Joyce Terren Virginia Wagner
FOODS
Sally Beyer
John Kelter
Bette Chisholm
Dorothy Petts
Katherine DeGazio
Fred Reed
Jennie DiCicco
Ruth Randig
Dorothy Eklund John Gnecco
Carol Schiller Elizabeth Smith
We have had another successful evening school program this year and are serving almost exclusively Norwood residents. Emphasis continues on dressmaking as the demand seems greatest in that area.
Because of the wide interest evidenced in a beginning typewriting program, the Norwood School Committee voted to organize such a class this year. Registration was nearly three times our actual capacity. All applications were carefully studied, and a group of twenty-five adult students were accepted for the initial class. This class meets for two hours twice a week for a period of eighteen weeks. We are pleased with the enthusiastic reception the students have given the course, as well as with their fine progress.
Other evening school courses have been requested, but in the light of practicability and available physical facilities, we still must choose in favor of those now being offered.
A quotation from the annual report of the Massachusetts Department of Education, Vocational Division, concerning the Evening School program follows:
"In spite of the weather and illness, the membership in the Norwood Practical Art Program continued above the minimum required."
"Excellent work was accomplished in all classes, particularly in the Advanced Clothing. As in other years, more and more younger women took advantage of the opportunities offered. The course in Children's clothing was particularly helpful to them and served as an excellent means of assisting the family budget."
222
TOWN OF NORWOOD
1
"Interest in Decorated Ware seems to have subsided which is under- standable, since it has been carried on in Norwood for approximately nine years."
"Teaching organization and teachers recommended for approval."
Mrs. Eva D'Alu, a substitute teacher in the Beauty Culture Department last year, was appointed a full-time teacher this year. Increased enrollment in the department necessitated the employment of a second teacher.
In June, 1955, Miss Muriel Files, our school secretary, transferred to the Town Treasurer's Office. Mrs. Marion Godfrey was appointed to the position November 1.
In closing, I should like to express my appreciation for the co-operation and enthusiasm of a very fine faculty - the spirit behind our growing school. I also wish to thank the Superintendent of Schools for his helpfulness and leader- ship and all others whose loyal support continues to promote this educational program for our community.
BLANCHE M. KINGSBURY
Director
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL-INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
I herewith submit my annual report as director of the Vocational-Industrial Arts Department.
Last fall the Boys' Vocational School accepted more students than the capacity enrollment would allow. To take care of this increase an appreciable adjustment was made so that no student was forced to be placed on a waiting list. Immediately after school opened the director received many more requests for admittance, but these had to be deferred until the following year. Many of these requests came from parents in nearby communities.
For a one unit school in its twelfth year of operation, the enrollment has never gone below the maximum number that the school could handle efficiently. We accepted applications of a few students who did not have sufficient maturity for trade training, which gave them an opportunity to find themselves through vocational training. By this training, some skills, understandings, attitudes, and working habits necessary for progress in future employment were emphasized. This move was justifiable as it kept these students profitably occupied and pre- vented them from leaving school, which they most likely would have done.
With increased numbers applying each year for admission, it is now felt that a more rigid means of selection should be established, to better serve those students who show a reasonable promise of ability and an honest intention to profit from our program.
The State Department of Vocational Education has once again suggested that our related subjects program be reorganized. The use of regular high school teachers for these subjects, who have not had previous training in any given trade, seems to create a question as to whether certain requirements have been inet to merit reimbursement through federal funds. I believe the assignment of a trained vocational teacher would eliminate any possibility of further doubt in this regard.
223
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In June four boys were graduated - a small group but an ambitious one. Three are gainfully employed, unfortunately not in the trade for which they trained. One boy who showed exceptional ability as a tradesman and teacher during his three-year training period was accepted by the State Teachers College in Fitchburg. He is the second boy from our school to be accepted by the college.
Our out-of-town students represent approximately one-third of the school's enrollment. We have three boys from Canton, two from Walpole, and one each from Dedham, Wrentham, Franklin, and West Medway. It is a pleasure to have these boys with us, as their attendance record has been nearly perfect, in spite of the distance and transportation problems involved.
The vocational shop maintained a rather busy year in construction of pro- jects. Many projects for the elementary school program were requested and made to the necessary specifications. Christmas cut-outs were made for the town's decorations, and many outside orders were accepted and completed. All work sold to customers was commendable and highly satisfactory.
Recently the State Department of Vocational Education issued a "Safety In- spection Sheet", prepared jointly by the American Vocational Association and the National Safety Council. They urge the school to make an immediate survey of conditions by the methods indicated. This step was taken primarily as an additional safeguard for the pupils of our school. Our accident record has been satisfactory, and records show that the shop's safety program conducted in past years has provided adequate protection for our students.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
As a phase of general education, Industrial Arts in the Junior High School supports and fulfills many of the fundamental concepts that develop a greater understanding of the significance of industry in the world today. Its primary purpose is to familiarize students with the tools, products, processes, and occupa- tions of industry, and to enrich the experiences of these young people at an im- portant stage in their school life.
Over the years, the course in Industrial Arts has offered a program of activities and work experiences, which has given boys an opportunity to learn many skills, combined with a knowledge of the operation of certain machines used in industry, particularly printing, sheet metal, and machine shop practice.
Another phase of the Industrial Arts program offered to the ninth grade and all students in the Senior High School was the course in Mechanical Drawing. Since most high school students must use some basic principles of drafting from time to time, this is an essential subject. The large group of students who elected the subject last fall, either as a major (five times a week), or as a minor (two or three times a week), have begun to realize that today we live in an environment dominated by industrial influence. These influences are especially significant because drafting is the universal medium of communication, making possible the production of all goods. With this in mind, all drafting classes were very much interested groups, and their accomplishments reflect that interest.
The redecoration of the class room just before school opened in September pro- vided a most pleasing atmosphere in which to work. The color scheme is pleasing
224
TOWN OF NORWOOD
to the eye, and the drawing benches, painted to harmonize with the wall coloring, presents a work area comparable to any modern school of today. The drawing benches are thirty-seven years old, but are in excellent condition despite their age.
IN CONCLUSION
I believe that 1955 showed a very busy and productive school year. It is my privilege at this time to express my sincere gratitude to those who cooperated so faithfully and advised me in all matters pertaining to the school.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER
Director
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
I herewith submit my first annual report as Director of Guidance and Place- ment for the Norwood Schools.
The first few weeks following our appointment were spent in orienting our- selves to the local picture. Since school started late we were able to organize the physical aspects of our office which had been left in disarray by the painters. Much time was spent in perusing the files in an attempt to make ourselves ready to be of service from the first day of classes.
During the first few weeks of class we were primarily concerned with the problems of program change. This task was one that we could not enter into with pleasure for several reasons. The primary reason was that all program cards were made out in the spring and were approved by parents; therefore, there should be little need for changes in the fall.
To us it seems reasonable that the programs organized in the spring for the following year are given much time and thought by the counselors, Principal, and parents. Why should it be necessary then to make more than one hundred changes during the fall weeks. It is our intention next year to request the personal visit of a parent whenever any change in program is requested after school opens in September.
On October eighteenth we had Mr. John McCarthy of Boston University ad- minister the vocational battery to all of our junior class. This as you probably know, took an entire school day.
The corrected and analyzed tests were returned to the guidance office shortly before Thanksgiving. Since that time we have done much studying and counseling on them. We hope to have interviewed all of the students tested by the end of January.
On the basis of the studies on these tests we have requested that a competent remedial reading teacher undertake an extensive program of work with the group of poor readers now in our midst.
We wish to state here that our juniors and seniors, according to these test results, are the equal of any other eleventh or twelfth grade group in New England.
We are cognizant of the fact that our office requires far more of us than that which we now do. It is our intention to slowly broaden our scope of action until we have a thoroughly unified program through all twelve grades.
225
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Further, it is our intention to have office hours from 7-9 P.M. on Wednesdays, starting January eleventh. It is hoped that we will be able at that time to offer counsel and aid to those of our own town whom we can serve best at no other hour of the day.
We hope to make the placement services of this office function as well as did those of our predecessor. It is our desire that all employers of Norwood be so kind as to call us whenever there is need of help, even though it be only temporary.
At this time we do not have an active file on alumni who might be desirous of aid in placement. We plan to ask their help in organizing such a file.
We have been gathering information on scholarships available to Norwood students. It is our hope, again, that such information will be in usable form in the near future.
At this time we would like to publicly thank Mr. Hayden for his help and patience during this organizational period. Further, we are greatly indebted to Miss Ryan who has been invaluable as a friend and aid. She has given us con- siderable of her time though her own schedule is so very full.
I wish also to thank the School Committee and Superintendent for their expression of confidence in me by this appointment.
THOMAS J. ROCHE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1955, is respectfully submitted.
Introduction
Education in America has a responsibility, as have other great social insti- tutions, 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 experience 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 for one of its major aims the development of the more sensitive control of this instrument for more effective functioning. It it significantly that area which deals constantly and continuously with the in- dividual in his most dynamic learning, for he moves, sees, thinks, feels at once in situations of social and democratic import.
226
TOWN OF NORWOOD
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, relaxa- tion 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 knowl- edge of wholesome living.
An opportunity to develop interest, joy, and satisfaction in many skills, and these skills in terms of sports, dance and recreational activities now and which will continue in the mature use of leisure time.
Physical Education Program
Senior High School - Boys
An integrated program of physical education that included calisthenics, group correctives, apparatus, badminton, marching, and some posture work.
The athletic program consisted of the following sports:
Varsity football Outdoor track
Junior varsity football
Golf
Varsity Basketball - Boys and Girls
Varsity baseball
Junior varsity basketball
Junior varsity baseball
Hockey
Tennis - Boys and Girls
The varsity basketball team played fourteen games with teams in the Bay State League. Our team was made up of boys with very little varsity experience, and it showed in our early games. As the season continued and the boys got more experience, they proved they could play a real good game. We ended the season by winning six games and losing eight.
The junior varsity also played a fourteen-game schedule with junior varsity teams in the Bay State League. The junior varsity was coached by William Walsh, a former Norwood High School player.
Hockey under the supervision of Mr. Leonard Ceglarski held practice sessions at the Boston Skating Club, Boston Arena, and, when outdoor ice was available, at Petty's Pond. They enjoyed one of the finest seasons, winning four games. We have many boys coming back, and the hockey outlook for 1955-1956 looks very bright.
Boys' Tennis, under the supervision of Mr. Lloyd Schultz, held matches with teams in the Bay State League. This was the first year that our team competed in the Bay State Tennis League. The competition was very keen, and the boys enjoyed a fine season.
Mr. Galvani, the track coach, greeted over forty boys on opening day. The boys gave a good account of themselves. We had several outstanding boys who will help the track team in 1956. Matches were held with teams in the Bay State League, and the Massachusetts State Relays were held at the University of Massachusetts.
The Varsity baseball team enjoyed a very successful season, winning nine games while losing four.
The junior varsity team was coached by Mr. John Riordan. A fourteen-game schedule was played. They had a very fine record.
: 227
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The golf team, coached by Mr. Everett Learnard, competed as in the past in the Norfolk County Interscholastic Golf League. This League is made up of the following schools: Norwood, Needham, Walpole, Dedham, North Quincy, Quincy, and Hingham. Matches were held at the Norfolk Golf Club and the Ponkapoag Golf Club.
On the first day of September, the coaches greeted over sixty boys who re- ported for football. This was one of the most inexperienced group of boys that we have ever had. We did not have a single letterman on the entire squad. The coaches realized that we had this type of group and that this was to be a "building" year. I must say we had a very willing group of boys who showed real spirit and a great deal of courage. This season was very unusual. First we had a polio scare, and we were forced to have light workouts instead of our heavy drills, and secondly, we had a very rainy season. We played as many games on Monday as we could and cancelled two games, one with Milton, the other, with Stoughton. Our season's record was three wins and four losses. We again beat Dedham for the fifth straight year 12-6.
My assistant coaches, Frank Galvani, Thomas Roche, and John Doyle, played a very important part in our team play.
The Junior varsity played six games, winning four and losing two.
The Lion's Club of Norwod donated a Whirlpool bath to the athletic teams. This piece of equipment proved very valuable to the football team this year, and I feel it will be very helpful to us in years to come. I am very grateful to the Lion's Club for this gift.
As I have mentioned many times in the past, we need ninth-grade football if we are to win our share of football games. Every school that we play has a well- organized football program in the ninth grade. There are some schools that have organized football below the ninth grade. I feel this is a must if we are to con- tinue playing the teams that we do. I feel that our boys are placed at a dis- advantage every time they play a team which has had Junior High School foot- ball experience.
Senior High - Girls
This program under the supervision of Miss Erna Kiley includes corrective exercises, apparatus, badminton, marching, dancing, games, and group posture work.
The after-school athletic program consists of basketball, archery, badminton, 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 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,
228
TOWN OF NORWOOD
and fit himself for his life work, and to develop in the pupils an interest in good body mechanics through self-appraisal and group judgment.
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 and soft ball.
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, baseball, hockey, intramural basketball, baseball, and touch football.
I sincerely thank the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, Principal, 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.
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