USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 26
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Miss Pacheco presented to teachers of grades one and two a small place- mat project. We hope to have Miss Pacheco undertake more handicraft projects very shortly.
High School Art Program
Mrs. Nancy Tritter, the High School art teacher this year, comes to us from the Massachusetts School of Art. Her art program is contemporary and alive, and presents to the students both the creative activity and the intellectual appreciation of art, regardless of various and diversified capabilities.
Extra-curricular activities of the art classes are many; - bulletin boards for holidays, posters, decorations for school activities and assemblies, and also the Red Cross projects previously mentioned.
From magazines and various art publications, Mrs. Tritter is building a print collection for the Department that will aid in enriching the art appre- ciation area of the course. Visual material is a necessity in an Art Depart- ment, and in this area we are sadly lacking.
Junior High School Art Program
Miss Joan Chase became the Junior High School art teacher this fall. At the seventh and eighth grade level, art is a required subject, and the classes are large. The natural tendency would be to present a program that is limited to few materials; yet at this level, manipulating materials is quite necessary to build onto the experiences of their elementary training. The program from elementary grades on, should grow outward in all directions.
The use of many different materials places drawing skill as a minor consideration. Each child can create a project successfully, and to his full satisfaction, without the discouraging experience of sophisticated drawing lessons.
Art Program in the Special Classes
Mr. Charles Goff has provided for his class experiences in ceramics, copper enamelling, leather craft, and metal work.
Activities in these media supplement the regular program in such a way as to allow the development of a greater degree of handicraft skill. The activities stressed are the manipulative.
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Practice Teachers
During the past year the Massachusetts School of Art has sent three practice teachers to observe and teach in our school system. We expect soon to have two more, to do their practice teaching in Norwood. The teachers in our Art Department are well versed in contemporary art education, and this fact makes a partice teacher's experience here a profitable one.
To each teacher for their effort and cooperation, we give our thanks, and to the Principals, Mr. Lynch, and members of the School Committee, thank you for your support of the Art Program.
JOHN LEVITSKY
Art Director
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The annual report for the year ending December 31, 1957 is herewith sub- mitted. Since the position of Director of Music of the Norwood Public Schools is unfilled at the present time the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Lynch, has requested that I report for the Music Department. Therefore, this report is prepared and written from the viewpoint of an instructor in the Department. My duties have been connected with the Senior High School only, where I have been teaching for just over a year. As a result of having concentrated my efforts there, I have had little opportunity to learn much about the rest of the department and to hear and see many of the concerts that have been presented. Along with the responsibility of preparing this report has come the opportunity to familiarize myself, to a somewhat limited degree, with the duties of my co-workers. Also, having taught in this system for such a short time, I have little background information on which to base any comments concerning improvements.
Little reference will be made to the philosophy, aims, and purposes of music education. The reports of the last few years, especially 1954 and 1955, have covered these items well. A detailed resume covering public perform- ances by our various music groups, Grades 1-12, is not included since no complete record was available. However, local newspapers throughout the year excellently reviewed many of the programs presented for the public. Miss Norma Giusti, who taught in the Junior High School through June, 1957, has left this system and I am unable to report for her during that period of time. I believe the music teachers are accomplishing satisfactorily all that is expected of them, taking into consideration the facilities and equipment available and the difficulties under which some activities are carried on, especially in the instrumental field.
Personnel
1. Mr. Raymond F. Fleck, Vocal Music Supervisor of the Elementary Schools
2. Mr. George Farnham, Band Director
3. Mrs. Florence Jerome, Junior High School Music Instructor
4. Mr. John B. Faucett, Senior High School Music Instructor
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Since the last report several changes have been made in the faculty of the Music Department. Mr. Raymond F. Fleck, who formerly taught in both the Senior High School and Elementary Schools, was appointed Supervisor over all vocal music in Grades 1-6 only. This necessitated the addition of an instructor for the Senior High School, to which position I was appointed. This step helped to relieve Mr. Fleck's crowded schedule. I might add, that while the staff enlargement helped to care for the increased enrollment, the need for an additional assistance is felt now.
Another change developed when Miss Giusti resigned to teach in Connecti- cut. Although I heard only one concert under her direction, I was in agree- ment with the many fine comments I heard of her work in the Junior High School. Mrs. Jerome is continuing to maintain the same high standards that have prevailed at the Junior High for so many years.
Vocal Music in the Elementary Schools
It was learned from Mr. Fleck that pupils in the first six grades are being offered more and better music. Several contributing factors, listed by Mr. Fleck were: "better use of the music time allotment in each class; adop- tion of a Town-wide program of Music Studies for each grade; teachers' meetings by grade levels at the Elementary Schools Teachers' Institute on Wednesday afternoons; having one (full-time) Supervisor, Mr. Raymond F. Fleck, in charge of all Elementary School Vocal Music; untiring efforts of Principals, Teachers and Supervisor to provide a more balanced program; cooperation of the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee, and individual school P.T.A. groups, in providing more and better equipment; Music, Music Books, Rhythm Band Instruments, Records, Record Players."
He went on to say: "Our regular program includes rote and note songs in unison, two-parts, and three-parts, music appreciation, rhythmic activities (rhythm band), creative music and activities, and listening. Glee Clubs are usually formed after the New Year." Concluding he stated: "We present several programs during the year in which the children are given a chance to perform before an audience. The main performances are: the Christmas Carol Sings at each school, the Spring Concerts, P.T.A. Meetings and assemblies."
Vocal Music in the Junior High School
Mrs. Florence Jerome teaches the General Music Classes, which all 7th and 8th grade students are required to take and which some 9th grade stu- dents elect. In addition, she has organized Boys' and Girls' Glee Clubs for all the grades and small ensembles, such as the "Melody Maids," "Melody Lads," a quartet, etc. Most of these groups have performed at P.T.A. meet- ings and assemblies. A "Choir" composed of selected singers presented the Christmas Pageant. All ensembles are singing in either two or three parts.
Rehearsals for these groups are sandwiched in before and after school and during the lunch hour, since no other arrangement is possible. Even then, each meets but once a week. With a full schedule, Mrs. Jerome is unable to train additional students who have voiced a desire for help. Also, she wishes that the General Music Classes could meet twice a week.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Vocal Music in the Senior High School
Besides continuing the established music program at the Senior High School, I have organized the following groups: "Hi-Fis," "Hi-Los," "Varsity Choir," "Girls Glee Club," and "Boys Glee Club." Practically half the student body belongs to one group or more. Approximately 100 boys are involved. The administration faculty, student body, parents and friends seem to enjoy and appreciate the rich harmonies, resulting from three and four-part singing.
Instrumental Music in Grades 1-12
Mr. George Farnham reports that the Senior High School Band con- tinued to fulfill its obligations, playing at football games; the Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Aunt Jemina Parades; High School Assemblies, Music Festival, Exchange Concert, Football Rally, and Family Night. It's a source of amazement to me how Mr. Farnham produces the results he does with the Jr. High and Senior High Bands, realizing the difficulties under which he works. Perhaps the day will come when he will have Band rooms in both high schools in which to rehearse his bands under the optimum conditions. Also he looks forward to the time when additional instruments and assist- ance are provided. He thanks all who have helped him this year, especially the Band and Orchestra Parents Club.
Suggestions
Speaking as an instructor in the Department, I wish to say that the Department needs a Director of Music to coordinate, integrate, and unify our efforts. Also, a music budget would be an asset, it seems. The need for additional teaching space, instruments, and assistance in the Department has been previously mentioned.
In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to Superintendent Lynch for selecting me to prepare the annual report. Also, the whole department is grateful to the School Committee, our Superintendent, our Principals, our fellow teachers in the system, and to all the other fine people of Norwood that have assisted us in bringing music into the lives of our children.
JOHN B. FAUCETT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith sub- mitted :
Some learning is intentional, some accidental, some good and some bad, but in so far as the school child is concerned, education is directed toward aiding him to develop habits, skills, knowledge, understanding, ideals, and attitudes which will help him not only to live better but also help him to get more out of life. The same physiological and psychological back- ground which applies to the three R's is applicable to health and safety. Thus are health services geared to supplement the contributions of other team members concerned with the child attaining these goals.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To determine the health needs of the school child, there are required specific screening tests which may seem incidental and repetitious to those who do not understand our program, but which are most essential if prog- ress is to be made in the correction of remedial defects, or, if plans are to be made for specific adjustment programs for children with defects which cannot be remedied.
Health Appraisals
A stripped-to-the-waist examination is given each year to all children in kindergarten through grades 12 by the school psysicians, George R. Allen, M.D., and Harriet E. Rogers, M.D. During the year ending June 1957 some 3755 children were examined with 2610 of that group referred for further diagnosis and treatment for defects noted at the time of examination. Included in these referrals are dental, eye, and ear defects. Eighteen hun- dred and twenty-eight of these children had completed the referrals by visiting their family doctor, a clinic, or some other facility for further diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Examinations
Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, school dentist, examined 3782 children in grades K through 12 and found 1786 to be in need of dental attention. Of these, 512 had their work completed at the School Dental Clinic; 113 were com- pleted by their family dentist; 173 were still under treatment when school closed in June; 247 received no treatment. It is a well known fact that dental defects continue to increase despite the efforts made to control them. It is most important to stress the great need for further dental educa- tion for the parent, the child, the teacher, and all others who work with the child if there is to be any progress made in the future.
Massachusetts Vision Tests
The Massachusetts Vision Test was administered to 3739 children. One hundred thirty-seven children already wearing glasses were adequately corrected, 289 were found defective and referred for further treatment, 282 had the necessary corrections made. A large percentage of the children found with diseased conditions of the eyes or visual defects were cared for at the School Eye Clinic.
School Eye Clinic
Twenty-two clinics were held in the Junior High School under the direction of William J. Ryan, M.D. One hundred eighty-nine children were cared for at this clinic; 119 had new glasses prescribed, 18 needed no change in glasses being worn; 11 needed no glasses for the present; 19 had no refractive error; 5 were referred to the family physician for further diagnosis and treatment; and 6 were referred to the hospital or a private ophthalmologist for surgery.
Maico Puratone Audiometer Tests
The hearing testing program is concerned with all children in school. Each child is tested every year. Group tests numbering 2916 were given to those in grades 2 through 12. There were 746 individual tests given to those failing the group tests and to all kindergarteners and first graders.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Sixty-four were found defective and referred for diagnosis and treatment, and 60 were examined and found to be in need of treatment. Lip-reading classes were provided for those who would benefit by such instruction.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL Salk Vaccine
The program for polio immunization was extended to include all stu- dents from 15 through 19 so that, at the present writing, all children at all age levels who had parental consent have been immunized against polio with Salk vaccine. Combined with students inoculated by the family physi- cians about 95%+ of the school population is so protected. The vaccine was provided by the State Department of Health. We would be remiss if we failed at this time to thank all the doctors and nurses who volunteered to assist our own school medical personnel in completing this program. The Salk vaccine was also made available for all school personnel who wished to be protected from polio.
Tuberculosis Control
To fulfill the requirements set by law all school personnel, teachers, doctors, nurses, custodians, food handlers, and bus drivers were given chest X-Rays at the Mobile Unit provided by the Norfolk County Hospital on April 12, 1957.
It has been customary for all 12th graders to have chest X-Rays done in October. A new program was set up this year aimed at eliminating the expense of unnecessary X-Rays and the needlesss exposure of the children to radiation. In its place a skin testing program was initiated for all the students in grades 2 and 11. Only the positive reactors to the skin test were to be X-Rayed.
Of the 450 tested on November 18, 1957, with parental consent, only 10 had positive reactions to the test. These positive reactors were referred to the Norfolk County Hospital for chest X-Rays and more extensive exami- nations. In order to trace possible unknown contacts in the home the other members of the family were also tested and X-Rayed. One student was diagnozed as pulmonary tuberculosis and admitted to the hospital for treat- ment. This demonstrates the importance of continuing such a program.
The students in grade 12 were concerned that the change in program omitted them from the study. It is regrettable that it happened so but it is quite possible that steps might be taken to correct the omission.
If parents have sufficient concern because of the omission, the skin tests and chest X-Rays can be done at the Norwood Tuberculosis Clinic on the request of the family physician. This clinic is held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Board of Health rooms under the direction of the Norfolk County Hospital staff.
Asiatic Flu
The great publicity given Asiatic Flu in September and October caused considerable concern among local authorities. Fortunately, we were spared
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
the threatened epidemic. We did have a bit higher incidence of upper respiratory infections than usual among our school children but, by follow- ing our usual routine of excluding the sick child in early stages of illness, we were able to protect other children from infection.
The Board of Health made it possible for all school employees who wished to have an injection of flu vaccine to receive it. The injections were given by Dr. Allen and Dr. Rogers on November 19, 1957 to 121 of the school personnel. Many others had already had their injections given by their family physicians.
Diphtheria Immunization
Although a large percentage of our school children have been immun- ized against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus before entering school, immunization clinics against diphtheria have not been required. About 120 children received their inoculations and booster injections against diphtheria and tetanus.
Accidents and Safety Education
We might well ask ourselves why it is that we have such a high inci- dence of reportable and sometimes quite serious accidents on the play- ground and in the schools. Is it because our students have become more careless since they have the protection of the insurance which saves the drain on the family budget or is it because there is not sufficient emphasis being placed on safety education from the kindergarten through grade 12? It would be well to make a survey of these needs.
Rehabilitation
The new State Rehabilitation Program made possible by recent Federal legislation now enables the physically handicapped student to receive addi- tional education and training in a specific field of his own selection after graduation from Senior High School. With such assistance the student may become self-reliant and self-supporting in an occupation suited to his mental capacity and his physical incapacity. Two of our 1957 graduates are now receiving such training and programs are being planned for several others who will graduate in June 1958.
Future Nurses' Club
In April a Future Nurses' Club was organized at the Senior High School. The club has a threefold purpose: to interest high school students in personal and community health, to encourage them to learn what nursing requires and what it offers, and to help them to decide wisely about pro- fessional or practical nursing as a career. Through the club, it is hoped that would-be nurses will be able to learn in advance whether nursing is the occupation for them. At present there are thirty-nine seniors and juniors in the club. At the next meeting new sophomore members will be added.
Recommendations for Improving Health Services
Currently there is a great interest shown in planning the new schools. Such interest is commendable but should not some of it be rerouted toward
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
improving conditions existing in our present school buildings. Everyone is aware of the overcrowded conditions in the classroom, but is anyone aware that the nurses' activities are also being curtailed for want of proper space and facilities.
For several years a request has been made for the installation of hot water in the nurses' room at the Senior High School. To date the only water provided is cold. It is a waste of professional time and energy for the nurse to have to go downstairs for hot water, whether it is to give a much needed dose of baking soda, to wash a dirty wound, to soak an injured ankle, or to wash her own hands as frequently as she should. Hot water is an essential commodity for health maintenance.
The need for painting the walls and ceiling of the nurses' room at the Callahan School has not lessened in the years since the original request was made. Tan paint was a practical color for walls when the school was built but even tan paint becomes dirty and grimy after many years of use.
A visit to the nurses' room at the Junior High School on any Thursday morning when Eye Clinic is in session will demonstrate the inadequacy of that set up. The only ventilation provided is a 12-inch swinging vent in the skylight which becomes ineffective when the curtain must be drawn for the refractions. With a clinic of 14 to 24 patients, several parents, and the personnel to run it one could not even imagine health conditions to be anything but undesirable and inadequate The lighting is old and ineffec- tive. There is absolutely no privacy. A private conference with a patient or parent must be held either in the lavatory or the corridor.
Many hours of the nurses' time is devoted to recording data on health cards: making out the original cards and each year making the notations of the doctors' examinations, heights and weights, the immunizations, the illnesses, the conferences with child, teacher or parent, the results of home visits, and all other data concerning the correction of defects referred to physicians or clinics. This may not seem very impressive but when each notation is multiplied by the number of students enrolled, it is possible to appreciate the colossal undertaking it is. Records are valuable but to be valuable they must be complete and up to date. It does not require profes- sionally trained people to make these notations. One with less training could do it thereby leaving the nurse free to do more important professional activities. Clerical assistance is very much needed.
Some thought too should be given toward increasing the medical and nursing personnel in the schools to meet the demands made by the higher enrollments. Unless such additional personnel is made available it will be necessary to curtail some of the health services now provided. It would be most difficult to determine, after all these years, what services should be dropped. The salaries of such personnel should be commensurate with salaries provided all professional school personnel and in proportion to the responsibilities demanded in maintaining high standards in the Health Services of the Norwood Schools.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Conclusion
To all in the school department and those outside the school family, we of the Health Department extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for the help and cooperation you have given us. I would like at this time to add my personal thanks to the people of Norwood for the many years I have worked for and with them.
MARY A. CANNING, R.N., ED.M. Supervising School Nurse
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
I herewith submit my twenty-sixth annual report as Attendance Officer for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Total number of investigations 274
Number of truancies 34
Number of illness cases investigated 128
Assisting at home 18
Investigation of cases where home permits were desired 4
Investigation of cases where working certificates desired 2 Miscellaneous cases 88
Total number of children returned to school 24
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, 1957
Balance January 1, 1957
$1,568,848.58
Received from:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Income Taxes
School Aid
116,319.88
State Tax Apportionment
59,279.03
Corporation Taxes
255,679.80
Meal Tax
4,942.35
Highway Reimbursement Ch. 90
3,993.28
Reimbursement Loss of Taxes
1,375.14
Reimbursement Abatement Paraplegic Vet.
280.00
English Speaking Class
219.50
Transportation of Pupils
4,282.00
Vocational Education
35,064.13
Reimbursement Airport Construction
30,337.86
H. & P. Licenses
44.00
U. S. Grants:
Old Age Assistance
34,159.94
Aid of Dependent Children
10,451.35
Disability Assistance
4,407.01
Smith-Hughes & George Bardon Fund
2,550.00
Norfolk County:
Dog Licenses Returns
1,907.35
Highway Reimbursement Ch. 90
3,993.28
District Court Fines
781.90
Taxes and Assessments:
Property Taxes
2,395,104.48
Polls
11,540.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
274,636.42
Sewer Assessments
4,655.48
Water Liens
10,481.43
Committed Interest
995.93
Costs
1,029.50
Interest:
Taxes and Assessments
1,320.13
Tax Titles
288.76
Electric Service Deposits
1,095.72
Cemetery Trust Fund
3,012.73
Alice H. Plimpton Fund
343.75
William T. Whedon Fund
15.63
E. Florence Morse Fund
15.63
Post War Rehabilitation Fund
10.50
Anna M. Day Fund
156.25
Harriet W. Lane Fund
25.00
Warren H. Cudworth Fund
16.26
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
313
High School English Prize Fund
15.63
Accrued Interest on Loans Issued
2,257.59
Investment of Loan Funds Sewer and Highway
471.82
School
2,707.25
Electric Light Revenues:
Rates
1,051,087.28
In Lieu of Taxes
35,000.00
Water Revenues:
Rates
176,872.87
Hydrant Rental
9,058.00
Certificates of Liens
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