USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 69
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The training offered in the Fashion Department ranges from Dress- making to Fashion Design, including technical aspects of pattern design, drafting, and grading. Initial placements in dress manufacturing this year will lead to additional placements in the future.
A graduate of this department, majoring in Fashion Design, was awarded the Scholastic Magazine National Scholarship for 1956 and is now attending Washington University in St. Louis.
291
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Equipment for the Dressmaking Department is adequate at present, but I should like to replace the Professional Model Sewing Machines with one or two of the latest models.
Other than part-time assistance in the Beauty Culture Department, there have been very few changes in the faculty. Mrs. Helene Goepner, teacher of Social Studies, transferred to the Norwood Junior High School. Mrs. Gertrude Butler was elected in September to teach Social Studies at the Peabody School.
I wish to express my appreciation for another satisfying year to the faculty who makes the major contribution to our success; to the Super- intendent of Schools, Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch, for his constant leadership; to the School Committee; and to the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody Fund, Inc., for their continued interest and support.
BLANCHE M. KINGSBURY Director
292
TOWN OF NORWOOD
List of Graduates-Henry O. Peabody School-1956 BEAUTY CULTURE
Mary Benjamin
Evelyn McLeer
Margaret Blumberg
Gertrude Noga
Joanne Chandler
Patricia Piper
Sandra Clark
Elaine Rieser
Dorothea Commendul
John Connolly
Jane Saltamachia Jean Sawyer Priscilla Sherman
Shirley Doyle
Patricia Elliott
Marjorie Thurlow
Marilyn Herron
Anne Tranavitch
Leonie LaLancette
Mary Wilson
BUSINESS
Priscilla Bederian
Sheila Carter
Joan Flansbury
Joanne Lukow
Beverly Galusha
Mary Mendes
Margaret Greaney
Joan Mulvehill
Gloria Gregory
Diane Grethe
Constance Nyborn Carolyn Paige Reinette Paquin
Barbara Gugliotta
Janet Heaver
Edna Sudlows
Shirley Kosiba
Priscilla Swanson
Enola Knapp
Janice Young
DRESSMAKING
Mary Governo
Elizabeth Johnson
Gail Legare
Donna Mulloy
Virginia Wagner
FOODS
Gloria Bousman
Margaret Eckhardt
Andrew Farrar
Carol Fennessey
Claire Flaherty
Jean Hutchinson Mary Oliver
Richard Pattison George Shackley Cyril Smith
Irene Stupak
Alan Thompson Arlene Welnicke
Charlene Rogers
Joyce Terren Mabel Sherman Ann Thurber
Marcia LaFontaine
Joanne Lipinsky Virginia Long
ENROLLMENT-HENRY O. PEABODY SCHOOL-1956
January - December
Course
Total Enroll- ment
Non- Residents
10
11
12
13
Total
Left
S.H.S. Diploma & Cert.
Cert.
Beauty Culture
67
42
9
10
19
38
9
3
17
Business
42
17
13
5
18
1
17
6
Dressmaking
32
24
6
5
4
1
16
7
5
4
Foods
47
33
9
10
9
3
31
3
12
1
1
Total
188
116
15
24
36
28
103
20
37
28
JOB PLACEMENTS:
REASONS FOR LEAVING SCHOOL:
Beauty Culture
20
Transferred to High School
2
Business
23
Went to work
10
Dressmaking
9
Moved to another town
4
Foods
13
Illness
2
Married
2
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Abington 3; Attleboro 10; North Attleboro 5; Braintree 4; Canton 4; Dedham 4; Dover 1; Duxbury 1; Foxboro 3; Framing- ham 2; Franklin 10; Haverhill 1; Holbrook 4; Islington 1; Mansfield 1; Medfield 3; Medway 2; Natick 1; Needham 7; Nor- folk 6; North Easton 1; Norwood 72; Quincy 1; Randolph 7; Reading 1; Rockland 2; Scituate 2; Somerset 1; Stoughton 2; Walpole 10; Westwood 7; Weymouth 2; Whitman 1; Wrentham 6.
293
294
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL-INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
Submitted herewith is my annual report as Director of the Vocational- Industrial Arts Department.
Vocational Education
In prior annual reports, I have evaluated the department on its merits of performance and its needs, an indication that our trade program was an effective one. During the past year, attempts to strengthen the program were made, that we might conform to the urgent request of the State Department of Vocational Education. This was accomplished, and the use of regular high school teachers for our academic and related subjects was abolished.
In September, Mr. Fred Richardson was transferred from Junior High School and appointed to our faculty to teach English, history, and related subjects. Since his appointment, the program has taken on a new stimulus of student interest and improvement.
The following is an excerpt from the annual report of the Massachusetts Department of Education, Vocational Division, Industrial Boys' Day Trade School.
"It has been definitely settled that there will be a reorganization of the related work."
"A study should be made to determine if the need of industry are being met by the offerings of this school."
"Greater effort should be made to contact industry."
"Teaching organization and teachers recommended for approval." "The following department is recommended for approval: Cabinetmaking."
"All courses recommended for approval."
"All records examined, found to be acceptable, and school recom- mended for approval in these particulars."
In September, nine boys were accepted as students in grades nine and ten. Of this number, only four boys from our Junior High School. This fact promotes a feeling of serious concern in regard to our program of Public Relations in the future. A stronger and more vigorous program to encourage Norwood boys to look into the opportunities for trade training will be undertaken.
A very busy construction program placed the vocational shop on a schedule of making some of the most ambitious projects the school has yet undertaken. We fulfilled orders for cabinets requested by the kindergarten classes, and cabinets for the Henry O. Peabody School. Each order had to conform to specific measurements to fit properly into spaces selected for them. Upon completion, the cabinets were installed by the students. Orders from customers in the community supplied us with sufficient work of a varied nature, and helped considerably to give our students the necessary work experience needed to meet trade requiremnts.
295
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
List of Graduates-Boys' Vocational School-1956
Allan Conrad
Donald Lorusso
Martin Dooney Richard Fitzpatrick
Kevin Naughton
Raymond Ostrom
Gerald Hughes
Charles Santoro
Charles Willette
Industrial Arts
The program in Arts and Industries at the Junior High School continued the exploratory experience with several subjects. The department presented a variety of subject areas, where the student could explore, to the best of his ability, the fields which some day might be his source of livelihood. We felt he was better able to judge for himself what he wished to make his life's work after he had been able to see the workings of a prospective occupation.
In September, Mr. Philip Fassnacht was appointed to succeed Mr. George Ronan. Under his direction, Industrial Arts took on a new meaning. Pro- cedures were exemplified by the requirements of exactness in thought and manipulative skills. The students were instructed the value of keeping things orderly and neatly.
Mechanical Drawing in the Senior High School attracted more students than usual. Students are realizing that their living today is greatly affected by an industrial influence.
A representative from the Mason-Neilan Company proposed a plan to have drafting students work afternoons at the close of school, and on Saturdays. This company is in need of young people who are capable of working on the board, after some preliminary experience with blue printing techniques.
This fall, representatives came to us from the Factory Mutual Engineer- ing Division, interested in setting up a Cooperative Training Program for High School students. The plan called for part time work, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., for five to ten students, boys or girls. The program was as follows: (a) Patch plans for request work, (b) Lettering, (c) Regular engineering report sketches, and (d) Date plans (preparing small plans from inspector's field notes). Due to the inconvenience of the time schedule requested, we have not proceeded with the plan, but in the future we hope to develop a solution, to these, and similar problems.
With the installation of new lighting facilities, eye strain on dark and gloomy days is now entirely eliminated. The lights do away with all dark shadows which previously created a serious handicap.
In conclusion, I believe that the year 1956 has revealed progress, as well as a very busy and productive school year. I wish at this time to express my sincere thanks to the faculty and to everyone who cooperated so graciously in advising me on matters of administration problems.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER
Director
296
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
Herewith I submit my second annual report as Director of Guidance and Placement:
The high school student of today is surrounded by constant demands for his service. Nearly every professional and labor group is vying for the attention of our youth.
Much attention is paid to the salaries involved or to the patriotic duty or to the good one can accomplish. Very little is said of the need for satis- faction or happiness that is inherent in man.
We are attempting, here, to put first things first. We are trying to help each student see the potential within and trying to show them the best way to achieve it.
One of the chief obstacles to the success of our program, as we see it, is the attitude taken by parents whose children do not have the scholastic aptitude necessary to achieve goals for which they are aiming.
No parent is ashamed of a child who does not grow as tall as others or if one child is not as handsome as another. Why, then, should a child not be permitted to be just what he is so far as aptitude is concerned.
Since we have been in our present position we have been very busy working with the rapidly forming Norwood Area Mental Health Clinic. At the present time this office is also chairman of the finance committee.
This position requires a great deal of extra work after hours. However, the great good that can come to the Norwood school's through this associa- tion justifies any amount of work.
Your director has taken advantage of the inservice training program held weekly for all elementary teachers. Because of serious lack of time we have been able to be present only twice, but have done much to cement the bonds that should exist between all teachers and this office.
Last spring we came upon the information that some years back a large group of teachers had prepared a recommended testing and recording plan for all the schools of Norwood. We scouted around and finally came up with the materials they had prepared.
This material was discussed carefully and presented to the elementary group for reconsideration. Upon their request we have submitted the plan to the school committee, and requested sufficient funds to put the plan into operation.
Last year we notified you that we would be in our office every Wednesday night from 7 until 9. It was our experience that only one person came to avail himself of that opportunity. Therefore, we have discontinued the prac- tice. Let it be clearly understood, nevertheless, that we are willing to make appointments for evening visits with adults if they so indicate.
Guidance
The director of guidance is a position, primarily, of administration and the director should be free from class assignments in order to fulfill, more nearly, the duties of the office.
297
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Last year, with fewer boys and working nearly every day from 7:45 to 5:00 and every Wednesday night from 7 to 9, your director was barely able to keep pace with the work because he was teaching three classes a day.
This year, with more boys and still with three classes, we find ourselves again barely meeting minimum requirements. However, it is hoped that by the time this message is in print there will be an adjustment in the teach- ing load.
In the opinion of authorities in the field of guidance, your director should not do any teaching and should not do the high school counseling.
It is your director's opinion that he should be responsible for the organization and administration of a complex program embracing every child in the system.
It is hoped that next year will find that we have made great strides in the improving of our guidance practices because we will have been given the necessary time and help.
We are deeply indebted to Miss Ryan, all of the Principals, to Mr. Lynch and to the School Committee for the wonderful assistance they have given us in our efforts to perform our work well.
During the course of last year we personally interviewed every junior boy and discussed with him the results of the Vocational Battery. Each boy was given a profile chart which he might take home to use in conference with parents. This single visit is by no means ideal, but represents only a fraction of what should be done.
Every boy and girl who felt that they would not go on to college was given a mechanical aptitude test by the state employment agency and was interviewed as to the indicated results.
Every boy who planned to enter college was interviewed at least once during the winter.
In the spring this office had over a hundred interviews on elective choices by sophomores and juniors. Many changes were recommended and changes were made.
During the course of the year at least one hundred personal letters were mailed from this office to the home of students who were not working up to standard. Very few of these letters were acknowledged, and even fewer brought personal contact.
Of last years graduating class, the following picture might be drawn:
Went to college 34
Business Schools 2
Junior College 3
Teachers College 5
4
Nurses
Preparatory Schools 4
58
298
TOWN OF NORWOOD
With the exception of one or two, all of the other members of this class are successfully employed through the area.
Placement
The work of director of placement proceeds very smoothly because of the large demand for personnel evident in our area.
The placement of girls in permanent positions is really no problem at all. But, there is some problem for the boys because of the fact that they will have to plan on interruptions for service functions. However, the problem is very slight.
We have had several calls for graduates of our school for positions that sound reasonably good. Unfortunately, we have no active file on graduates interested in other work. The only channel we have now is the student body.
It is the feeling of this office that we should have an active file and we are attempting to begin one this year.
On part-time work we have been instrumental in arranging meetings between employers and students that have resulted in employment for approximately 55 youngsters.
Every effort is made by this office to determine that the environment of any job situation is desirable.
This office spent a good deal of time working with the officials of a large local firm, hoping to spell out the beginning of a sound part-time program for students who are not properly motivated to function successfully in the classroom. To date there has not been much success.
THOMAS J. ROCHE
Director of Guidance and Placement
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1956, is respectfully submitted.
Introduction
Education in America has a responsibility, as have other great social institutions, to help boys and girls effectively in a democratic society. Edu- cation 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.
299
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
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 movements, has for one of its major aims the development of the more sensitive control of this instrument for more effective functioning. It is significantly 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, relaxation 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.
This year the School Department inaugurated a physical education pro- gram in all elementary schools under the supervision of Richard H. Mahony.
Briefly, the activities we include at the intermediate grade level consist of football, soccer, basketball, volley ball, softball, kickball, and baseball skills. We also have units in rhythmics, rope skipping, tumbling, track and field, health, and posture. At the primary grade level we are developing in the children basic skills such as running, hopping, and skipping through low organized games, story plays, singing games, and rhythmics. We also give, at all levels, calisthenics before every physical education class. This is to tone up the childrens muscles before an activity starts.
Physical Education Program
Junior High School - Girls
The girls physical education programn is under the direction of Miss Ellen Gifford. This program consists of corrective exercises, apparatus, march- ing, dancing, hiking, and posture work.
An extensive after-school program is carried out in games such as tennis, tenniquoit, volley ball, archery, badminton, basketball, and softball.
Junior High School - Boys
The program under the supervision of Mr. John Dixon consists of cales- thenics, marching, apparatus, first aid, group games, dancing, and a sports club.
The athletic program consists of the following: Varsity-basketball, base- ball, hockey; Intramural-basketball, baseball, and touch football. The varsity basketball and baseball consists of games played with teams in the Bay State League. These schools are: Dedham, Walpole, Needham, Milton, Fram- ingham, Wellesley, Natick, and Norwood.
300
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Health and Hygiene Education
Health education classes are organized in the sophomore classes for boys and girls. These classes are taught by the following: Miss Erna Kiley, Miss Mary Canning, Miss Katherine Ryan, and Orlando Scafati. A different phase of health is taught by each of the instructors. This is a weekly class.
Hygiene is given weekly to the seniors at the High School.
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, and to develop in the pupils an interest in good body mechanics through self appraisal and group judgment.
Physical Education and Athletic Program - Senior High School
An integrated program of physical education that included calisthenics, group correctives, apparatus, badminton, marching, games, and some group posture work.
The Athletic program consisted of the following sports:
Varsity football Junior Varsity football Varsity basketball - boys and girls
Junior Varsity basketball Hockey Outdoor track Golf Varsity baseball Junior Varsity baseball Tennis-Boys and Girls
The Varsity bosketball team played fourteen games with teams in the Bay State League. The team had an excellent record of eleven wins and three losses. They were selected to play in the Tech. tournament and were eliminated by Needham.
The junior varsity also played a fourteen game schedule with junior varsity teams in the Bay State League. The junior varsity was coached by John Doyle, a former Norwood High School player.
Hockey under the supervision of Mr. George Ronan held practice sessions at the Boston Skating Club, Boston Arena, Blue Hills skating rink, Wor- chester Arena, and, when outdoor ice was available, at Pettys Pond. They enjoyed one of the finest seasons winning seven games, losing three, and tying one. They were defeated by Walpole for the Championship of the Bay State League. At this writing they have won three straight games.
Boys tennis under the supervision of Mr. Thomas Roche held matches with teams in the Bay State Tennis League. The competition was very keen, and the boys enjoyed a fine season.
Mr. Frank Galvani, the track coach, greeted over thirty-five boys on opening day. The boys gave a good account of themselves. We had several outstanding boys on the team. Matches were held with teams in the Bay
301
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
State League, and the Massachusetts State Relays held at the University of Massachusetts.
The baseball team won the championship of the Bay State League. We defeated Brockton and Durfee in tournament play. Newton defeated us in the semi-finals. Our record for the season including tournament play was fourteen games won and three losses. Peter Wall did a terrific job of pitch- ing us to the championship by winning ten games during the season.
The junior varsity team also played a fourteen-game schedule. They had a fine record, and several of the boys will play for the varsity this coming year.
The golf team, coached by Mr. Everett Learnard, competed with teams in the newly formed Bay State Golf League. Our home golf course was the Norfolk Country Club.
Football candidates reported on August twenty-ninth, this being the date set by the Headmasters. The showing was poor compared to other years, but this was the same throughout other schools. We carried a squad of approxi- mately forty-five boys who worked very hard throughout the season. Our season's record was four wins and five losses. We again defeated Dedham for the sixth straight year 23-13.
My assistant coaches. Frank Galvani, Thomas Roche, and Arthur Gulla, played a very important part in our team play.
The junior varsity had a very successful season, and we should receive a lot of help from this group next fall.
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 on this level. There are some schools that have organized football below the ninth grade. I feel this is a must if we are to continue playing the teams that we do. I feel that our boys are placed at a disadvantage every time they play a team where there is a Junior High School football schedule. I can point to the success of our hockey teams of last year and that of this year. Many of that group were started in the seventh grade, and the results are heartwarming to all of us. Therefore, I feel the same can be accomplished in football.
Senior High - Girls
This program under the supervision of Miss Erna Kiley includes cor- rective exercises, badminton, marching, dancing, games, and group posture work.
The after-school athletic program consists of basketball, archery, bad- minton, and tennis.
The girls basketball teams will play an eight-game schedule this year with teams in the newly formed Bay State League for girls. An intra-mural program in basketball is run for all girls before and after the regular season.
Girls' tennis under the supervision of Miss Ruth Johngren enjoyed a fine season. They held matches with teams from neighboring towns.
302
TOWN OF NORWOOD
I sincerely thank the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, Principal, faculty, and the 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.
ORLANDO M. SCAFATI
Director of Athletics and Physical Education
REPORT OF HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION
I herewith submit a report on Home Economics Education for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Home Economics in Norwood continues in its former pattern as to offerings, viz:
Junior High School
Grades 7 & 8-Required of all girls. Basic, fundamental Homemaking training. Grade 9-Major course. (Elective). Both practical and technical instruction in Foods, Clothing, Home Membership.
Senior High School
Grade 10-a. Major Elective Course (5 diploma credits), b. Short Elective Course (1 diploma credit); Grade 11-a. Major Elective Course (5 diploma credits), b. Required course for all Junior Girls in "Youth Problems" 116 points; Grade 10-a. Major course in "Gracious Living" 5 points, b. Major course in "Family Living" 5 points.
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