USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 43
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ORLANDO M. SCAFATI Director of Athletics and Physical Education
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, 1955.
In Norwood, Instruction in Homemaking Education is given in Junior and Senior High Schools, as a requirement in Grades VII and VIII, Junior High and Grade XI (Youth Problems) Senior High School. Additional courses may be elected in Grades IX, X, XI and XII.
The primary function of Homemaking Education is to improve the individual, the home and family life. All other objectives are subordinate to this over-all function. To achieve these goals our Home Economics program is based upon the solution of real life problems in the area of homemaking and personal living. We try to live and grow with our pupils and trust that we are guiding them toward useful, successful and happy living.
Home Economics teaching has come a long way from the early sewing lessons to the family-centered program of today. We have come out of dark basement food laboratories to sunny and homelike unit kitchens, modern apartments, even whole suites of rooms housed in separate wings; from drab, uninspiring, colorless laboratories to gaily decorated, colorful, informal homelike atmospheres which contribute so much to effective teaching. We have advanced from sewing perfec- tion on 5" samplers to the stage where the adolescent now gains satisfaction from her sewing experience - an attractive garment that fits, is suited to her type and figure - something she will wear with pride and satisfaction. No longer do we limit or confine ourselves to problems of Food, Clothing and Shelter for we have now shifted from a subject-organized curriculum to a family-centered one where we live with our pupils as we teach.
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229
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Typical of the changes we have been called upon to make in practical phases of our teaching is the change caused by the swing from formal table service to the present informal table-cooking now in general practice. Now we have the many convenient gadgets and electrical appliances for cooking, warming or serving right at the table. Room arrangements have changed to include television and the viewing groups of the household. These are but illustrations of the continuous adjustments to be made in all areas of homemaking teaching as we reorganize our teaching methods and materials.
To assist us in these modern, fast-moving times we have a wide variety of teaching resources available; viz: visual aids to help vitalize our teaching; radio, television, newspapers, magazines, attractive books, bulletins, cartoons; washing machines, steam irons, freezers, pressure cookers, electric appliances of all kinds, etc. In the midst of all this progress our problem and responsibility remains to select the most effective methods and pertinent material.
Good homemaking instruction today is progressive, up-to-date and consists no more in keeping the house clean than in making the hearts happy. We must include such experiences as will help the pupil to get along with people and give him poise and social grace in this social world. So many people have an amazing lack of knowledge of social amenities and obligations. In this area we are trying to set up standards which will bring about an appreciation of values, hoping to improve attitudes and steer thinking into the right channels.
The primary need for Home Economics anywhere and everywhere is greater national understanding of the deep purpose of Home Economics Education and recognition of its far-reaching import insofar as real homemaking is concerned. My ambition and wish for Home Economics in Norwood would be to see continuous learning experiences in family-life education from kindergarten through Senior High School, including boys as well as girls in such a program. Also, I would like to transform and rejuvenate our Family Living room at Senior High and our Laundry or all-purpose room at Junior High.
We are much pleased with a new set of gas ranges in our Foods Laboratory at Junior High School. Very soon we expect the replacement of gas and electric ranges at Senior High and also to add a new plastic tile floor to our Food Laboratory there. Everyone concerned is very happy about these changes to modern equipment which will make our rooms most attractice, together with our freshly decorated walls and furniture. It will be an inspiration to both pupils and teachers to carry on our work in such pleasant surroundings.
Our Senior High School Cafeteria opened this year with new stainless steel refrigerated lowerators for dispensing milk. Thus the efficiency in storing and handling the individual milk cartons has been increased and the milk is now served cold and appetizing. In the Cafeteria all sales including milk have increased and we now find ourselves taxed to capacity for storage space as well as freezer space for frozen foods. Apparently pupils appreciate more and more the excellent values they receive at low cost. To help handle the increased patronage we have added a part-time helper to our regular force of Cafeteria workers.
Miss Margaret Frates has been a inember of our Home Economics teaching force since September, 1955 and we are glad to welcome her to our department.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
All pupils in the Home Economics department have helped on the many occasions where their particular training and creative ability has been needed. The Gracious Living class at Senior High School are to be commended particularly for their major undertaking- the decoration of the whole building at Christmas- time. Pupils from our Major Home Economics classes served a special luncheon to a student council group who had as guests several exchange pupils from foreign countries. Among other things they have planned, decorated, prepared refreshments and served at several social functions, including the Sophomore party, Junior and Senior Proms and Class Day.
We are indebted to the Norwood Mother's Club for their generosity and cooperation in providing an award for excellence in Home Economics at gradua- tion. We sincerely express our gratitude for this stimulation to better effort.
May I take this opportunity to thank administrators and co-workers and all who have participated in the work of this department for the cooperation which has made this year one full of accomplishment, success and happiness.
AGNES M. BRIDGES
Supervisor of Home Economics Education
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
It gives me great pleasure to present my third annual report as Director of Music in the Norwood Public Schools.
There is music for every occasion in life, whether it be the common everyday routine or the stately pomp of festive holidays. This concept is carried out in the program of music throughout our system. For evidence of this one only has to step into a grade school class room for a moment, or visit a band, orchestra, or chorus rehearsal. We are striving to give a well balanced program that will have much carry-over in it- one that will go hand-in-hand with the individual for the rest of his or her life.
Our music program closely follows the seven basic objectives of education established by the National Education Association several years ago. These ob- jectives are:
1. Music Study Contributes To Health.
Our entire program requires good posture, both sitting and standing, it helps develop strong lungs, nimble fingers, keen eyes and alert hearing. It relieves nervous tensions, and stimulates the mind.
2. Music Study Develops Command Of The Fundamental Processes.
Clear thinking and intense concentration are required to permit the student , to read the note, think of the sound, (or fingering in the case of an instrumenta- list), pitch and time, while at the same time physically playing the instrument or singing the tone.
3. Music Is A Profitable Vocation.
It offers a great variety of opportunities from teaching to manufacturing, sell- ing, recording, broadcasting, as well as performing. Our program is the initial "foot-in-the-door" of success in this field.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
4. Music Prepares For Worthy Home Membership.
Happy is the home where the family can sit around the piano and sing, or play many of the songs that are taught right in our classes. We are trying to include some of the more important well known songs in our program.
5. Music Is Worthy Use Of Leisure.
We are all familiar with the old saying "Teach a boy to blow a horn and he'll never blow a safe." Generally the people we have in our bands and orchestras are boys and girls who have a wide variety of interests. Music is the safest and most enjoyable use of leisure for all ages.
6. Music Advances Civic Education
The better the type of music we perform in school concerts, the higher the educational level of the community arises. Also, to perform good music in either bands, orchestras or choruses, you must be in harmony with your neighbors, thus fellowship and brotherly love are greatly enhanced.
7. Music Builds Ethical Character.
The constant striving for a better performance helps the student develop a higher sense of values. The strong demands for industry, honesty, integrity and discipline in all phases of music can do a lot to build and improve one's character.
In our schools we have required vocal music for everyone up through grade eight and opportunities for everyone to have some vocal music in the upper grades, if they desire it. Instrumental music instruction is available to all who wish to take advantage of it.
Generally the elementary music program includes unison songs in all grades, two part singing is introduced in grade four and three part singing in grade six. Grades one and two have rhythm bands, and in grade three the melody flutes are used. Class instruction on band and Orchestral instruments begins in grade four. Piano instruction is available in those schools where there is room for it. The entire program is greatly enriched by the increasing record library each school is building. Each school has, or will have in the very near future, a glee club made up of singers from grades four, five, and six.
In the Junior High School all seventh and eighth grade pupils are required to take general music, while the ninth grade has a chance to elect it. In addition to general music classes there are glee clubs, orchestras and bands for those who wish them.
The High School program is entirely voluntary. The course provides Harmony, Appreciation, Voice Training, Orchestra, Band, Sophomore Glee Club, Junior- Senior Chorus, and small groups.
Our musical organizations are very active during the year. This past year, 1955, our groups made over forty public appearances and performed for several assemblies.
The Band played at: the Southeastern Music Festival in Mansfield; the Central Music Festival in Uxbridge; the Brockton Veterans Hospital; all the "home" and "away" football games; the Boston University-Temple football game at B. U.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Field; the Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades; the Family Night; the Spring Concert; P.T.A. meetings; Tag Days; and at several assemblies and programs at the High School and Junior High.
The Band has been hampered this year by not having a suitable rehearsal room. The lunch room being too open and the center of much traffic before school in the mornings and at noontime. During school hours it disturbs other teachers in the building and is disturbed by the noise from the metal shop on one side of the woodworking shop on the other. Also, the storage space is on the other side of the basement. We hope that this situation will soon be remedied.
The High School Orchestra has played for the Chamber of Commerce, the Spring Concert, P.T.A. Meetings, at the Senior Play, at Brockton Veterans Hospital, for the Senior Operetta, at Class Day and Graduation, and at several assemblies at the High School and Junior High.
The Junior-Senior Chorus this year has molded into a very nice group. It has sung for assemblies and at the Spring Concert.
The Sophomore Glee Club did a very commendable job at their Christmas assembly and at the Spring Concert.
The Peabody Chorus has sung four times: at the Spring Concert, their own Christmas program, Family Night and Open House.
The Junior High Girls, Boys and Mixed Glee Clubs have sung for assemblies and at the Spring Concert and for P.T.A. Meetings.
The High School Double Quartet has done some very fine work at P.T.A. Meetings, assemblies, the Veterans Hospital, at the Golden Agers Christmas Party, and at the Town Christmas Festival of Music.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Norwood Band and Orchestra Parents Club for all they have done for us in caring for the uniforms, furnishing transportation to games and concerts, providing chaperones, presenting Senior Band members with jackets, (Seventeen jackets were presented to Band members who are Seniors, at the Thanksgiving assembly.), and assisting in the many other ways that only parents can.
To the individual P.T.A.'s and the Council of P.T.A., thank you for your generous contributions to the cause of music in the Norwood Public Schools.
Our new Junior High music teacher, Miss Norma Giusti, and Mr. Farnham have worked with me on all these projects and their help and assistance is greatly appreciated.
In closing I wish to thank Mr. Lynch, the School Committee, Principals, teachers, pupils, parents, secretaries, custodians, and friends for the wonderful help in promoting music in our schools.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND F. FLECK
Director of Music
233
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith submitted.
The health and education provided the school child is not primarily concerned with the present but is geared to prepare him for the future date when he must find his place and assume his responsibility in the community. Our nation's strength is based on the health and education of its people and the foundation for it is laid in our schools. Such a program demands the understanding and sup- port of the parents, the school administration, physicians, nurses, dentists, teachers, and all community agencies interested in the school-age boy and girl.
Health Appraisal
The health appraisal does not in any way presume to replace the family physician's resonsibility for the child's health but rather to supplement his work by referring to him the children with physical defects found during the screening tests conducted in school.
The follow-up on the remedial physical defects is based on the physical findings of the school physicians, Dr. George R. Allen and Dr. Harriet E. Rogers; the dental examinations of Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, school dentist; the Massachusetts Vision tests; the Maico Audiometer tests; the weighing and measuring; and the observations of the school nurses and the classroom teachers.
These screening tests are given to all the children from the kindergarten through grade twelve each year. They require a great deal of time in planning and consume much time for execution. In general the parental cooperation is excellent. Many adjustments are made in and out of school to meet the more limited activities of the physically, emotionally, and mentally handicapped child.
Dental Clinic
The School Dentist completed the necessary dental work for 493 of the 1432 children found to have dental defects at the time of examination in September. Another 548 were completed by their family dentists. Work was started on an additional 76 but was not completed. More dental health education is needed as evidenced by the indifferent attitude and poor dental health habits of the children in the intermediate grades.
Eye Clinic
The School Eye Clinic is under the direction of Dr. William J. Ryan. 126 children made 236 visits to the clinic for necessary refractive and medical treat- ment for eye defects.
Control of Communicable Diseases
The individual who is successful in developing a vaccine to control the com- mon cold will do much toward improving the attendance record in school. Eventually it is hoped that the parent will be educated to keep the ailing child at home and protecting his classmates from infection. Early isolation is the best way to control communicable diseases since so many of them resemble the common cold in their early stages.
The usual variety of colds and virus were prevalent throughout the year. In addition chickenpox, German measles and measles swelled the absence lists
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
during the late winter and early spring. It is interesting to note that only 6 of the 22 polio cases in our community were of school age and of these 6 only 2 had paralytic type.
Routine chest XRays for 209 senior students at the High School were done in October. New food handlers at the H. O. Peabody School and 29 of the school personnel were XRayed at the same time. All XRays were negative for pulmonary infection.
The Tuberculosis Clinic held each month at the Board of Health Office in the Town Hall has facilitated the follow-up on our tuberculosis contact children.
Salk Vaccine
Everyone is aware of the confusion which attended the release of Dr. Francis' report on the success of the Salk vaccine in April. It rocked the nation. Many homes were divided on the question of parental consent for the child to receive the vaccine.
Our plans were made for the administration of the Salk vaccine as soon as the schools reopened after the April vacation but the indecision of the Massachusetts Department of Health delayed the start of the clinics until late in May. At that time 234 of the children who had the three injections of the Salk vaccine during the Field trials in 1954 were given their booster dose. The 256 youngsters who had had the inert substance during the field trials received two injections of the Salk vaccine and 561 children, 393 first and second graders and 168 third and fourth graders, received one injection in June. The second injection was to have been given during the summer but later developments in the polio situation resulted in a postponement of further treatments. Of the 1092 children in the first four grades who were eligible to receive the vaccine 1051 participated in the program.
Accidents and Safety Education
In order to prevent and reduce the number of accidents which have occurred at all age levels it would seem that the safety education program should be broadened. Much is being accomplished in the field of safe driving and the woodworking class has an enviable record which would indicate not only a knowl- edge of safety but a practical application of this knowledge in the daily class work. There is much to be accomplished in other areas.
Mental Hygiene
We have a definite and ever increasing need for a local Mental Health Clinic where the children with mental, emotional, and social problems may be referred for study and therapy. It is hoped that the community will soon be able to establish such a clinic.
A class of twenty junior girls at the H. O. Peabody School passed the Home Nursing Course and received their certificate from the American Red Cross.
Improvements
The nurses' rooms are a far cry from the Health Suites being installed in new school buildings. However, with a little change they could be improved, made more workable, and better able to meet the standards demanded of a health room.
235
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The annual request for the installation of hot water facilities in the nurses's rooms at the Shattuck, Winslow, and Senior High is in order. Hot water is a very essential need for health practices.
The room at the Junior High School with its skylight is of little help when inspecting throats and checking for rashes. More adequate light is needed. Much time and energy is wasted running down to the office on the first floor to use the telephone.
Conclusion
We of the Health Department wish to thank you, Mr. Lynch, the School Board Members, our fellow workers, and our many friends and helpers in the community for the continued interest and cooperation during this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY A. CANNING, R. N. Supervising School Nurse
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
I herewith submit my twenty-fourth Annual Report as Attendance Officer for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Total number of investigations 204
Number of truancies 18
Number of illness cases investigated 94
Assisting at home 21
Investigation of cases where home permits were desired 5
Investigation of cases where working certificates were desired 3
Miscellaneous cases 63
Total number of children returned to school
14
Number of court cases 0
HENRY F. BREEN, JR. Attendance Officer
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
January 1 to December 31, 1955
Balance January 1, 1955
$1,176,102.78
Received from:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Income Tax
95,460.79
School Aid, Chapter 70
99,448.23
Corporation Tax
193,046.05
Meal Tax
3,197.41
Airport Reimbursement
5,775.57
Reimbursement Hurricane Damage
103,207.54
Reimbursement Flood Damage
20,300.00
Reimbursement School Construction
4,702.14
English Speaking Classes
291.25
H. & P. Licenses
88.00
U. S. Grants:
Old Age Assistance
63,338.44
Aid to Dependent Children
10,388.59
Disability Assistance
11,249.57
Smith-Hughes & George-Bardon Fund
4,128.00
Reimbursement Hurricane Damage
13,743.92
Norfolk County:
Dog License Returns
1,706.33
Distinct Court Fines
1,121.60
Taxes and Assessments:
Property Taxes
1,864,140.42
Polls
10,860.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
216,997.65
Sewer Assessments
18,014.14
Street Betterments
23.85
Water Liens
1,516.38
Committed Interest
481.07
Costs
892.10
Tax Title Redemptions
4,290.32
Tax Title Redemptions Sec. 63, Chapt. 60
123.52
Sale of Tax Title Sec. 79, Chapt. 60 Tax Title fees
23.86
46.00
Sale of Tax Title Possessions
58,354.00
In lieu of Taxes Ch. 247 Acts of 1955
6.00
Interest:
Taxes and Assessments
1,591.35
Tax Titles
209.38
Electric Service Deposits
870.00
Cemetery Trust Fund
2,535.62
237
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
Alice H. Plimpton Fund
300.00
William T. Whedon Fund
15.00
E. Florence Morse Fund
15.00
Post War Rehabilitation Fund
258.75
Anna M. Day Fund
125.00
Harriet W. Lane Fund
18.00
Warren H. Cudworth Fund
15.00
High School English Prize Fund
14.70
Chickering Fund
11.00
Electric Light Revenues:
Rates
870,147.57
In Lieu of Taxes
25,000.00
Water Revenues:
Rates
162,803.37
Hydrant Rental
8,414.00
Certificates of Liens
724.00
Accounts Receivable:
General Government
2.25
Health
2,876.49
Police
1,879.80
Sanitation
675.48
Schools
39,445.83
Welfare
4,689.67
Aid to Dependent Children
6,791.77
Old Age Assistance
59,424.95
Disability Assistance
9,903.34
Water
865.89
Light
6,770.54
Real Estate
120.00
Veterans Benefits
12,345.46
Veterans Housing Board
1,915.90
Highway
69.50
Guarantee Deposits:
Electric
6,860.00
Sewer
14,133.79
Water
14,105.83
Light Investment
361.44
School
336.82
Highway
225.00
Plans and Specifications
50.00
Departmental Receipts:
Town Clerk:
Marriage Intentions
404.00
Recording fees, etc.
2,123.92
Dog Licenses
2,610.40
Sporting Licenses
3,866.00
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Liquor Licenses Miscellaneous Licenses
84.00 1,723.00
Health:
Dental Clinic
331.75
Eye Clinic
54.00
Plumbing fees
4,053.00
Permits
98.00
Cemetery:
Sale of Lots
6,035.00
Interment fees
4,075.00
Private Work
827.10
Perpetual Care Bequests
2,575.00
Care of Lots
2,803.00
Schools:
Special Lunch Fund
28,381.55
Athletic Revolving Fund
8,272.09
Other
365.52
Peabody School:
Special Lunch fund
5,838.51
Tea Room
2,787.69
Dressmaking
368.43
Bakery
913.65
Business
147.30
Boys' Vocational
1,211.34
Miscellaneous
20.15
Recreation Dance Receipts
2,229.00
Veterans Housing
5,596.00
Building Permits
7,219.00
Fire
136.50
Library
2,854.54
Permits
24.25
Playgrounds
30.00
Liquor Licenses
14,700.00
Light
2,483.40
Water
3,557.00
Sealing fees
461.70
Police
138.00
Snow and Ice Removal
28.00
Dog Officer
66.00
Sidewalks
3,863.52
Highway Maintenance
14,500.00
Refunds:
Playgrounds
3.64
Soldiers Benefits
396.50
Special School Lunch Fund
9.97
E. & D.
920.04
239
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
Old Age Assistance
4,450.13
Athletic Revolving Fund
10.86
O. A. A. Recovery Fund
1,868.75
Cemetery Maintenance
27.00
O. A. A., U. S. Grant
149.14
Police Incidentals
190.44
Finance Commission Incidentals
4.38
Welfare
92.85
School Maintenance
11.84
H. O. Peabody Income Account
48.43
Light
53.00
Garage Maintenance
113.22
Certification of Notes
2.00
Disability Assistance
38.75
A. D. C., U. S. Grant
52.10
Petty Cash Reimbursements:
School, Superintendent
100.00
School, Lunch Counters
100.00
Peabody School
100.00
Welfare
10.00
Withholding Tax Deductions
198,581.73
Deductions for Savings Bonds
2.057.00
Loans:
Anticipation of Reimbursement
5,650.00
Sewer
83,000.00
Water
165,000.00
Electric
129,000.00
Accrued Interest on Loans
512.73
Premiums
326.34
H. O. Peabody Fund Income
50,399.61
$6,021,119.77
Payments on Accountant's Warrants
4,359,942.96
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