USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 51
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
During the school year which ended in June, all of our teachers were engaged in a review of curriculum. Their work helped them to realize that our program must be continually studied to keep pace with our changing society, our changing knowledge of the world, our changing knowledge of human beings, of how they grow and learn, and the availability of new materials. The sharing of experience becomes more meaningful when we realize that our faculty has changed in the last few years so that now more than half of our teaching staff has been with us four years or less. The newer teachers who have participated in the curriculum review have developed a greater understanding of our particular age group so that they may teach this group more effectively.
A change in grouping for classroom instruction has been effected this year. While grouping is intended as an aid to instruction so that provisions can be made for individual differences, this can be done in several ways. We have returned this year to a plan whereby pupils with nearly similar scholastic abilities are in the same classroom. As a result, our superior students are challenged to a better performance. Our experience this year will guide us in planning the best course for these pupils. While greater depth within the subject fields are advocated by many, our experience may show that depth in some subjects and acceleration in mathematics may be more profitable.
-
In Memoriam
January 16, 1922 - February 27, 1958
William V. Shyne entered the service of our schools in 1922 and for thirty-six years was identified with the Shattuck School as its custodian.
Usually smiling and friendly, he endeared himself to all of those to whom he was ever ready. to lend a helping hand.
He felt, in fact he knew that he was just as important in the life of the Shattuck School, its teachers and its pupils as any other living person could be.
Whether the situation of the moment called for assistance to a teacher in building properties for a school play, replacing a heel torn from a shoe, mending a child's bat or taping his ball, Bill, as all knew him was ready to help.
Loved especially by all the children, he was to each a friend and adviser.
We have lost a devoted friend and helper.
Norwood School Committee
257
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In foreign language, a change has occurred. French, which was offered to selected pupils in the elementary school, is now continued in grade 7 for those who desire it.
In Grade 9, French I is offered to selected pupils so that they may study one foreign language for four years, as recommended by the national associations of foreign languages and by the military services, who claim that quality in the study of a foreign language is sorely needed by us in today's world.
Our needs remain about the same as those I reported last year, and I shall dwell on only one. As more homes are being built away from the center of town, more pupils must be accomodated in our lunchroom, where we have no facilities for a lunch program. At present 350 pupils remain at noon, and many more desire to stay but cannot be accom- modated. With so many mothers who work and consequently wish their children to remain at school, the inability of the school to accept all who would like to remain is a cause of dissatisfaction.
I wish to express my thanks to you, Mr. Lynch, and to our School Committee for the cooperation which has always been given to me.
JOHN J. CORCORAN, Principal
REPORT OF THE H. O. PEABODY SCHOOL
I hereby present the seventeenth Annual Report of the Henry O. Peabody School.
Several outstanding developments are taking place this year which substantiate my previous report concerning the progress of the school- continued improvement in public relations and communications with guid- ance departments throughout the area we serve, the establishing of a licensed course of Practical Nursing, further development of courses in Food Service and Management, and broadening of offerings in Beauty Culture and Business Departments.
It has been my privilege to be included in the weekly meetings held by the Superintendent of Schools this year to explore and project further development of the secondary-school program in Norwood. We have con- sidered in our thinking what contributions the Henry O. Peabody School can make. A Vocational survey has been conducted by the State Department of Vocational Education and, according to their findings, current changes taking place within the Peabody School, together with immediate plans for new courses, will meet expected demands.
A compelling consideration before our State Legislature at present is planning for public education after High School. This will take the form of community colleges, technical schools, and posthigh school offerings in the now well-established existing vocational schools in our state.
258
TOWN OF NORWOOD
A trend in the Henry O. Peabody School is toward increased enrollment in the thirteenth grade. Consequently we are now adapting our courses to meet the needs of this age group and new courses may be established at this level. Suggested offerings to be given on a post-high school level are medical and dental secretarial programs, licensed practical nurses' training, training, and advanced work in Food Service and Management.
I should like to discuss our status and our projections in the light of the results of the recent four-year study conducted by the United States Office of Education. This study, "Trends in the Training of Girls and Women" was undertaken to determine what changes, if any, have taken place in the training programs for girls and women in the states of the North Atlantic Region and to determine the extent and direction of program planning for the future. The study covered the years 1954-1957.
The following excerpt taken from the concluding section has a direct bearing upon our status: "Beauty culture and practical nursing show a steady increase over the four-year period. Licensure in these fields tends to promote standards, stability, and status in both training and employment."
Beauty Culture
This year the enrollment in Beauty Culture continues to increase with many more applicants than we can accommodate despite the addition of a laboratory and the employment of a third teacher. I definitely feel that enrollment in this course should be controlled to maintain a healthy placement situation.
In June, 1958, for the second time, our number of graduates was sufficient to warrant the State Board of Hairdressers' examination being held at the school. All graduates passed and were well placed in employ- ment. Successful graduates of this department have now formed the Henry O. Peabody School Beauty Culture Guild. The purpose of this guild is to maintain and improve professional standards by holding educational and social meetings. When it becomes better established, shop owners and operators in this area will be invited to attend the educational meetings.
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Kenneth Blair, an outstanding stylist and owner of several shops employing a number of our graduates, has recently consented to serve as a member of our Advisory board to the Beauty Culture course. He was the guest artist at the initial meeting of the Henry O. Peabody School Beauty Culture Guild.
Practical Nursing
The increased need for nursing service throughout the country has given rise to interest in practical nursing programs which may be organ- ized through co-operation of local vocational schools with local approved hospitals. Due to placement of this training program under the Department of Vocational Education, tuition-free to students, the private schools can no longer supply trainees in sufficient numbers for many of the hos- pitals they have served.
259
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Norwood Hospital has had long experience in the training of nurses in this category, having been affiliated with the Household Nurs- ing School, in Boston, for many years. The Norwood Hospital has made a formal request to the Norwood School Committee to establish a course in Practical Nursing at the Henry O. Peabody School. This has come about after several conferences with Hospital Administration, the Director of Henry O. Peabody School, State Supervisors from the Department of Voca- tional Education, and Supervisors of Schools of Nursing and Schools of Practical Nursing. The Norwood School Committee on September 15, 1958, voted formally to approve the establishment of this course in the Henry O. Peabody School and the request has been properly made to the State Approving Authority for Schools of Nursing for the establishment of this course. A survey of hospital facilities is to be made, which will enable the Norwood Hospital and any other local approved nursing facility to affiliate with this school. For the present the Norwood Hospital has gen- erously offered its fine physical facilities for clinical practice, and we contemplate a very fine relationship with this outstanding institution.
Food Service Course
Nation-wide statistics indicate that enrollment of girls and women in the food trades fluctuate and that an increasing number of boys are now taking this training.
Employment opportunity in the food field tends to be excellent for well-trained workers. A Massachusetts Food Service Educational Council has been established in the interest of developing a "hand in hand" policy with the schools. This group has already sponsored the Food Manage- ment and Technology course at the University of Massachusetts and is now ready to provide sponsorship for courses on a secondary and posthigh school level, through the personal efforts of Mr. Alexander Armour,. Secretary of this Council, and member of the Advisory Board of the Henry O. Peabody School Foods Department.
The annual meeting of the Massachusetts Council was held at the Henry O. Peabody School on November 19, 1958. The purpose of this Council is to explore means of improving education for the profession. The following members were present: James A. Gibbons, president of the New England Club Managers; Philip G. Zaramba, president of the Western Massachusetts Stewards; Robert Abrams, president of the Educational Council; Norman R. Grimm, vice-president of the Boston Stewards; Richard Treadway, Massachusetts Hotel Association; Charles Wallace, manager, Harvard Club, Boston; Dale H. Seiling, dean and director, School of Agri- culture, University of Massachusetts; Dr. William Esselen, head, Depart- ment of Food Technology, University of Massachusetts; Mark Strong, executive secretary of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association; Mr. Peter R. Berrini, member of the National American Chef Federation and Mr. Alexander Armour executive steward, McLean Hospital, secretary and treasurer of the Massachusetts Food Service Educational Council.
A project suggested by this group included the furnishing of a rotat-
260
TOWN OF NORWOOD
ing service of their chefs and stewards for demonstrations, the publishing of a descriptive brochure of training resources for the industry which are available tuition-free in our state-aided schools and assistance in placement and counseling and in arranging for field trips. Sponsorship by the lead- ers will give stature to the course and will work for the mutual benefit of the student and the industry. Such a plan has tremendous potential, and we look forward to working with the Council in its development.
The Council visited our food kitchens and bakery in the morning to observe the students in a normal situation preparing and serving luncheon for 125 students in the school cafeteria and for our guests and tea room customers. They were pleased to see a "live program" with real educa- tional experience.
Our goal in the coming year is to expand the program so that more well-qualified posthigh school students, especially young men, may be accommodated.
I am pleased to state that one of our young men graduates of the Henry O. Peabody School Foods Department, Robert Rogan, Class of 1954, entered the Food Technology course at the University of Massachusetts in September, 1958, after completing his service with the Navy.
Daniel Septelka, Class of 1959, plans to enter the Food Technology course at the University of Massachusetts in September, 1959.
Our food program in the Henry O. Peabody School prepares graduates primarily for employment after graduation, but it is possible to continue education in this field for one who desires and can qualify.
Guidance
Referring again to the four-year survey made by the United States office of Education three of their preliminary recommendations are as follows:
1. Strengthen vocational guidance services: School administrators, guid- ance personnel, teachers.
2. Promote public relations: School administrators, guidance personnel, teachers, parents, lay public, industry.
3. Make follow-up studies of graduates to determine strengths and weak- nesses of training programs.
We at the Peabody School have constantly worked in the direction of these recommendations.
On March 25, 1958, a conference and dinner meeting was held at the Henry O. Peabody School for guidance directors and counselors throughout this area. Forty guidance personnel of high schools considered within our regional area and forty graduates (representing the classes of 1944-1957 of the Henry O. Peabody School) met with faculty members of the school. The primary purposes of this meeting were to acquaint experienced and new guidance personnel with the school so that they could appreciate the results
26]
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of our training and to allow us to review accomplishments and search out suggestions for new offerings. Suggestions were also sought from guests and graduates for implementations to the present course of studies. This "grass roots" type of approach was very timely, as secondary school administrators search for improvement of all educational services.
Guests who attended were generous in their praise for the idea behind the conference and felt it most worth while to have a first-hand opportunity to talk with our graduates and to ask them pertinent questions to aid present students in their choice of careers. We feel results of this meeting have con- tributed appreciably to a better selection of students and increased enrollment this year.
Since the recent National Defense Education Act will provide for the training of additional guidance personnel, thus increasing the number of well-trained guidance people in the area, it may be necessary to make this guidance conference an annual event. We have already received such requests.
Our Food Department students prepared and served the attractive buffet dinner that evening.
Business Department
Our Business Department is attempting to meet demands for office work- ers to develop all-round individuals on the secondary and posthigh school level who have good personality and character traits as well as marketable skills. We have the educational and training facilities needed for equipping the beginning worker to meet the demands made of her and for preparing her to accept swifter promotional opportunities.
According to a survey by the Greater Boston Economic Study Committee, office employment in downtown Boston took a sharp upward surge in the decade between 1947 and 1957, even while other types of employment in the city slumped. Ten years ago, office employment accounted for 27.1 percent of all downtown employment. By 1957, this figure had increased to 34.1 per cent of the total employment for Boston. In the metropolitan area beyond downtown Boston, office employment increased its share of total jobs by 1.5 percent, or from 6.9 percent in 1947 to 8.4 percent in 1957.
The types of office employment showing impressive gains included insur- ance firms, architects and engineers, insurance agents, utilities, banks, secur- ity deals, credit agencies, and lawyers.
Boston is becoming even more attractive as a center for office employ- ment for several specific and local reasons. It is a center of state as well as city government and plans to add further government buildings. It is a Fed- eral Reserve City and insures its strength as a financial center. Also, the com- ing of the Prudential Insurance Company's $100 million center will add to the city's prestige as well as create numerous office positions for graduates of schools in the area. For these and other reasons, Boston will attract an increasing volume of related office activities in addition to those now being performed.
262
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Automation, as we know, has placed a new emphasis on processes which serve industry. More training programs are being urged to provide girls with better-than-average business background, as the human factor is still the important functioning of even minor machine processes. Schools are urged to offer training in every phase of office occupations possible to better prepare those who could fit into the office scene at various levels.
It has been predicted that by 1965, there will be 26.3 million women in the labor forces. This means an increase of 5.4 million over 1956. Of particu- lar interest is the fact that the 14-24 age group is expected to increase by 1.8 million, while the 35-44 group will decrease by nearly one million.
The Peabody School Business Department is well-equipped to work with young women in these age groups when the demand arises.
Much more interest is needed, however, on the part of guidance people, administrators, and teachers to inform young people of the tuition-free educa- tional opportunities which are available to them in our Business Department.
Dressmaking
I quote again from the survey on "Trends in the Training of Girls and Women':
"Needle trades enrollment have declined somewhat in the past two years. Jobs available, but high school girls prefer training that will lead to employment in fields that are more attractive socially and financially."
The Dressmaking course in the Henry O. Peabody School has been reduced in teaching personnel. Emphasis is on Fashion and only students who mani- fest genuine interest and abilities are accepted. Miss Elizabeth Johnson, a graduate of our department in 1956 will graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York in February, 1959. Miss Barbara Plante, a graduate of the 1958 Class in Fashion enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology in September, 1958.
The following excerpts concerning our day school are from the Annual report of the Massachusetts Department of Education-Vocational Division.
"This school has continued to stress effectively good public rela- tions not only in Norwood but in the surrounding communities of the County. It is anticipated this publicity may result in an increase in the enrollment of interested and capable pupils."
"All records examined, found to be acceptable, and school is recom- mended for approval in these particulars."
Faculty
Miss Margurite Sicurella began her services as a teacher in our Beauty Culture Department in September. She has had a long experience in Beauty Shop operation and styling.
Miss Alice Seelinger joined our faculty as teacher of Foods and Manager of the School Tea Room. She is a graduate of Simmons College in Food Man- agement and has had experience in tearoom operation.
263
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Teaching Services Rendered to Norwood High School
Because of our enrollment policy of accepting fewer undergraduates in the tenth and eleventh grades, several of our teachers have been able to render teaching services to the Norwood High School as well: The following number of high school classes taught by our teachers:
Business Department
20 classes weekly
Home Economics
6 classes weekly
Sophomore English
5 classes weekly
French I
5 classes weekly
Total 36
Mrs. Helen F. Beardsell, teacher of science and homemaking was a mem- ber of the Nutrition Committee for the preparation of the New Home Eco- nomics Curriculum prepared for the State Department of Education.
Miss Rose Morrison was a panel participant for Delta Pi Epsilon (gradu- ate honor society in business education) on the subject "Should Business Education be a part of, Subordinate to, or Have Equal Status with Vocational Education, on the Local, State and National Level?"
Miss Bertha Tarallo, Beauty Culture teacher assisted in the career day program for the Walpole Senior High School.
Several conferences and educational meetings were attended by all teachers, and many teachers have also enrolled in courses of study for the year.
Evening Practical Art Program
Class enrollments are unusually high this year and attendance excellent. After a lapse of four years, the course in Rug Hooking has been re-established. The demand for beginners' typing is still great. Requests for a course in ceramics are being considered for next year. The popularity of the dress mak- ing and children's clothing warrants continuation of them.
It is not practical at present to consider the expansion of the evening pro- gram, since all available facilities are now in use.
The following excerpts concerning our evening classes are from the Annual report of the Massachusetts Department of Education-Vocational Division.
"Teaching organization and teachers recommended for approval."
"All records examined, found to be acceptable, and school recom- mended for approval in these particulars."
May we hope in these seventeen years the Henry O. Peabody School has attained sufficient stature through its number of successful graduates to be considered a vital part of the educational tradition in Norwood and those towns which we serve.
I should like to express my personal thanks to the Faculty, Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch, Norwood School Committee, the Trustees of the Henry O. Peabody School Fund, and all others who contribute in any way to our growth and well being.
We look forward with enthusiasm and pleasure to making a greater con- tribution.
BLANCHE M. KINGSBURY
Director
264
TOWN OF NORWOOD
List of Graduates-Henry O. Peabody School-1958 Beauty Culture
Linda Marie Bassignani Gloria Louise Battistello Carole Ann Bishop Rosemarie Ellen Cady
Nancy Ellen Cass
Maureen Katherine Corrigan
Patricia Ann Courbron
Judith M. Douglass
Lois Patricia Ann Feeney
Linda Grace Flynn
Claire Gagne Jacobs
Jacqueline Isabelle Kerr Marsha Frances McDargh Louise Ann Mckay Beverly Ann Mitchell
Joan Louise Mulhern
Marie Alva Ouellett
Margaret Marie Peters
Annie Tolias
Virginia Claire Wallace
Grace Marie Walsh
Sandra Jean Woodbury
Business
Geraldine Breton
Carol Ann Corso
Corinne Marie Croteau
Margaret Ann Cummins
Elaine Lillian LaChapelle
Joanne Lojeck Elberta Marjorie Reed
Yvonne Ruth Russell
Paula Jane Sullivan
Gail B. Ziegele
Dressmaking
Jean Marie Cefalo Jacqueline Phyllis Grant Sandra Claire Peachey
Barbara Clementine Plante Judith Mae Schwendenman
Foods
Joan Elaine Berry Althea Louise Callahan David E. Cedarfield Richard C. Cullity
Richard Fred Rogan Joseph Charles Savino Paul E. Turnberg Marjorie F. Wheeler
265
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL-INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
Submitted herewith is my annual report as Director of the Vocational- Industrial Arts Department.
Vocational Education
Looking ahead to the future of vocational education in our community, it seems logical that we reflect upon what this type of education has accomplished for our students in the past. The program has been con- ducted for a period of fifteen years, and during that time many boys with varying degrees of ability have graduated from our school. For some, the training has given them positions of importance, and placed them in environments connected with the trade. For others the trade school experi- ences they learned helped them to fit into positions that today make their living enjoyable and profitable.
At the present, we are hopeful of the possibility that vocational offer- ings may be expanded to include a multiple group of courses that will be slanted toward local needs. State officials have visited Norwood and studied the problem, and have suggested that four courses be considered: Graphic Arts, Electronics, Auto Mechanics, and Machine Drafting. A survey of our community in regard to interest of parents concerning these offer- ings is now being conducted.
The following is an excerpt from the annual report of the Massachu- setts Department of Education-Vocational Division:
"Final decision on the continued approval of this school will be withheld until the results of the survey being currently conducted are obtained.
Teaching organization and teachers recommended for approval.
The following department is recommended for approval: Cabinet-making. All courses recomended for approval.
All records examined, found to be acceptable, and school recommended for approval in these particulars."
With the opening of schools in September, we were deprived of the services of Mr. Lewie Lugton, who met with an unfortunate accident. For a period of two months we carried on our program with an exceptionally fine substitute, Mr. John A. Timmins. The smoothness of the program showed the effectiveness of his efforts, which were most satisfactory.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.