USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 76
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
Each technique and lesson has been undertaken by myself in classrooms to test the feasability of the lesson. Material distribution - size of class and facilities being considered.
Scope of our Activities Grades 1 - 12
Currently, a student who remains in the art program from Grade 1 through high school would work with the following techniques.
245
REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Crayon Sponge Painting Finger Painting Tempera Painting
Papier Mache
Linoleum Block Printing Potato Block Printing Mosaics
Water Color Painting
String Drawing
Oil Painting
Cloth Pictures
Cut Paper 2 Dimensional
Copper Enamelling
Cut Paper 3 Dimensional
Clay Modelling Ceramics
Murals Pen & Ink Colored Chalk - pastel
Plasticene
Plastic Carving
Soap Carving Aluminum Foil Tooling
Charcoal Drawing
The art program reflects the help of cooperation of many individuals. To the School Committee, to Mr. Lincoln Lynch, and to our principals and our teachers my personal - thank you. I extend to you also a picture, of a young child eagerly pouring into his art work his total being, as a source of personal satisfaction.
JOHN LEVITSKY Art Director -
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL - INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
Submitted herewith is my annual report as Director of the Vocational- Industrial Arts Department.
Vocational Education
Our program of instruction during the past year followed that of previous years, with perhaps a little more emphasis placed on learning the fundamentals necessary in shop, and on English grammar in the academic classes, to enable our students to express themselves adequately. We have endeavored to lay a solid basic foundation for each student in his chosen field of trade training. I believe this training fulfills the future needs effectively for every boy who graduates, having completed satisfactorily the requirements of the program.
Some of these boys are destined to fill positions in industry which will re- quire the advantages of a practical shop program, and a thorough knowledge of basic shop procedures and methods. Having met these conditions we feel our boys take an interest in their future development and fit into the rapidly chang- ing technological picture very well.
At present the hope of the possibility that Vocational Education would be expanded has diminished, and the outlook for the future of such training indi- cates no provision for it in the enlarged addition to our present Senior High School. The trend seems to be a return to an Industrial Arts program that will give shop work to a great many boys who have been denied this type of in- struction for a long time.
246
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The small enrollment in our school this past September was somewhat dis- appointing. We accepted four boys from the Junior High School, out of a group of twelve who originally applied for admission. Two boys were non- residents, one transferring from Framingham in his junior year, and another who transfered from Sharon. Both of these young men were recommended to us by their respective guidance counselors. After school started, we had two transfers from our own high school.
Total enrollment now consisted of twenty-five students, five less than the total we could accommodate. With such a small first year group, we faced a problem in adjusting our entire school into two divisions of equal distribution of students. To accomplish this, it was necessary to take some juniors out of the larger group, particularly those we felt needed more of the fundamentals at that level, which appeared to be lacking.
Our out of town students represent almost one-half of our entire enroll- ment. Their attendance record is one of the best, and it is gratifying when you realize the distances and transportation problems with which they have to contend.
Many times our attention is called to the fact that vocational schools are primarily made up of students who have failed academically, or created a dis- ciplinary problem in other departments of the school system. This condition may be true for a few in our school, but we find the majority of our boys show a definite purpose, and have a serious educational goal for their achievement. Some of these "problems" from academic departments have done remarkably well, but they are the exception rather than the rule. It is our feeling that we have a responsibility for serving the needs of those who do not have academic interest or ability. It takes ability and motivation to succeed in a vocational program, and we try earnestly to provide those experiences that will create an interest and give all help possible to develop them.
A busy program of shop activities gave our boys the chance to demonstrate their abilities and skills with the construction of projects requested from other departments in the school system, and orders from outside the system as well. These activities ranged in size from small science experimenting devices to that of a trailer body for the school truck.
List of Graduates - Boys' Vocational School - 1959
Wilfred Fraser James Kelliher
David Houghton Michael Long
Walter Naff
Senior High School - Industrial Arts
Mechanical Drawing
Contrary to my previous reports on this activity, classes have declined con- siderably in the number of students electing the subject this fall. The reason is difficult to understand, but the curtailment seems to point to the fact that so
247
REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
much new material has been added to the school curriculum, it left little op- portunity for those college bound students to elect this course.
It is interesting to note also the present trend of minimizing drawing in engineering-college curriculums. If this trend continues, engineering colleges may require for entrance that all freshmen have a working knowledge of drafting. This will mean that the high school teacher of drafting must step up his course content to the point where his students will be well prepared in the art of presenting ideas visually.
Ultimately it appears that first year college level drafting will be placed in high schools so the college will not have to take time for it. Their interest is mostly in the fundamental concepts of the material covered and not too much on technique, although this is desirable.
At a conference held at Northeastern University the latter part of May, staff members of the university pointed out that this situation was developing, and also cited the background of some of the students now attending, which was excellent in some cases, while poor in others. They felt that a meeting of all drawing teachers in this immediate area could form a unified course of instruc- tion, so that applicants would all have had a course that was applicable to the university entrance requirements.
This fall when it became apparent that classes would run a little light, it was decided to reduce the number of work stations in the mechanical drawing room from thirty to twenty-four. With less stations it has now given additional space in the room and overcome the crowded conditions that existed.
Junior High School - Industrial Arts
With increased enrollment and lack of space to conduct all phases of the school's curriculum, it was decided to eliminate mechanical drawing in September, on a temporary basis, until such time as conditions will allow otherwise.
Through occupational exploration our junior high students still are pro- vided with opportunities to learn the various skills in woodwork, metal work and printing. The fundamental concepts developed in these shops will familiarize the students in the use of hand tools, and a knowledge of the operation of some power machines used in industry.
Once again, I would like to bring attention to the fact that the old out- dated woodworking benches, discarded by our elementary schools many years ago, should be replaced. An immediate consideraion of this replacement would definitely create better working conditions, and add a much desired safety factor. I would recommend the four station, all purpose bench, firmly secured to the floor, with convenient storage space underneath.
In June, Mr. Frank McKernan, severed his connections with the school after serving two years as woodworking instructor. His place was taken by Mr. Robert Shanahan, when school opened in September. He comes to us with a limited experience in industrial arts, but with a spirit and willingness to improve our present program of shop work.
248
TOWN OF NORWOOD
In concluding this report, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal of the Senior High School, and the faculty, for all their assistance and cooperation.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER Director Boys' Vocational School
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
The report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1959, is respectfully submitted.
I. Objectives of Physical Education (Class, Intramural and Varsity Program)
Education in its broadest sense is concerned with (a) the individual, (b) a stimulus, (c) the reaction to a stimulus, and (d) the modification or education that takes place as a result.
Physical education is concerned with types of situations and responses char- acterized by muscular activity and includes all types of programs - class, in- tramural, and varsity.
The specific objectives for each separate program are as follows:
A. Physical Education Class Program
1. Teach a wide variety of sports to encourage participation in intramural and varsity programs.
2. Develop attitudes toward sports that will carry over into leisure time activity - both childhood and adulthood.
3. To attain a certain standard of muscular strength and organic vigor.
4. To develop correct attitudes and correct habits toward healthful living.
5. To encourage proper responses toward co-educational activity.
6. To help develop the fundamental skills, i.e., running, jumping, throw- ing, catching, reaction to emotional situations and so on.
B. The Intramural Program
1. To provide part-time recreation.
2. To give the student with average ability an opportunity to participate further and to even excel.
3. To provide activity in certain sports that are not offered in the class program or varsity program because of space, time, and facilities.
249
REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
C. The Varsity Athletic Program
1. To give the athletes an opportunity for further advancement and excellence.
2. To develop leadership qualities among those students who qualify.
3. To help promote and encourage school morale.
4. To provide full-time after school recreation.
5. To give fuller expression and meaning to the terms Team Cooperation and Competition.
6. Emotional responses, such as winning and losing gracefully, take an additional meaning in a varsity program where the pressures are greater.
II. Physical Education Program
Elementary Schools:
Under the supervision of Mr. Richard Mahoney and Miss Margaret Cuming, the activities we include at the intermediate grade level consist of touch-football, soccer, basketball, volley ball, softball, kickball, and baseball. We also have units in rhythmetics, rope skipping, tumbling, track and field events, health, and posture. At the primary grade level we are developing in the children basic skills such as running, hopping, and skipping through 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 children's muscles before an activity starts.
This year we have started a Saturday morning basketball program for boys in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. This program is very popular with parents and pupils.
Junior High School - Girls
The girls' Physical Education program is under the direction of Miss Ellen Gifford. The program consists of corrective exercises, apparatus, marching, all types of dancing, team games, such as Volley Ball, Tennisquoit, Badminton, and End Ball. Posture is the theme of every class period.
After school sports are held on the average of four afternoons a week. In the fall, Tennisquoit and Volley Ball are the games for all grades. Basketball is the winter sport for eighth and ninth grades. Tennis and softball are spring sports for all. A tournament in these various sports is run by choosing captains in the homerooms and each competing with the other. It is hoped that, by offer- ing a number of sports, almost every girl will find a particular sport in which she is interested.
Junior High School - Boys
The program under the supervision of Mr. John Dixon consists of calis- thenics, marching, apparatus, first aid, group games, dancing, and a sports club.
250
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The varsity baseball team was coached by Mr. John Poce who held daily practice. A fourteen-game schedule was played.
The football squad was supervised by Mr. Thomas Roche and assisted by Mr. Edward Feeney. This group was fully equipped, and basic fundamentals were taught. A six-game schedule was played.
Mr. Robert Richards supervises the Junior High School Hockey program. All boys in the school are eligible to participate in this activity. Practice is held weekly at the Blue Hills Rink if weather permits practice out of doors. These boys are taught the fundamentals of the game. Games are not allowed at this time, but I am sure that, as we improve, that we will be able to play teams in our area.
An Intramural program is run for all boys in the fall for touch football and basketball during the winter months. These two activities are very well received by the students and large numbers of boys participate in them.
III. Health and Hygiene Education
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's work, and to develop in the pupils an interest in good body mechanics through self-appraisal and group judgment.
Health Education classes are organized in the sophomore classes for boys and girls. These classes are taught by the following: Miss Erna Kiley, Richard Mahoney, and Miss Katherine Ryan. 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.
IV. Physical Education and Athletic Program
Senior High School - Girls
This program under the supervision of Miss Erna Kiley includes corrective exercises, badminton, marching, games and group posture work.
The Girls' Basketball Team, coached by Miss Erna Kiley, played games with some teams in the Bay State League. These girls enjoyed the keen competition that is derived from playing in these games.
Girls' tennis under the supervision of Mrs. Carol Davis enjoyed a fine season. They held matches with some teams from schools which are members of the Bay State League.
Softball was offered to girls during the spring and fall as an intramural sport. This activity was very well received, and I am sure that when a suit- able playing area is provided for girls we will enlarge their after-school program.
251
REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tennis was also offered to the girls during the fall as an intramural sport, and this too was well received and a lot of interest was created.
I might mention again our need for more personnel and more playing area for girls. The girls' program has suffered because of the above. We hope that in the near future, this will be taken care of and that the girls in our school will be able to participate in all sports and compete on the same level with other high schools.
Senior High School - Boys
An integrated program of physical education that includes calisthenics, group correctives, apparatus, marching, games, tumbling, and weight lifting.
The athletic program consists of the following sports: Varsity and Junior varsity football, Varsity and Junior varsity basketball, Hockey, Cross Country, Outdoor track, Varsity and Junior varsity baseball, Golf, and Tennis.
The Varsity basketball team, coached by Mr. Fred Richardson, played a sixteen-game schedule with teams in the Bay State League. The record was six wins, ten losses.
The Junior varsity Basketball team, coached by Mr. Richard Mahoney, also played a sixteen-game schedule with junior varsity teams in the Bay State League.
Hockey, under the supervision of Mr. John Monbouquette, had a successful season. The team finished second to Needham in the Bay State League. The record was ten wins, three losses and one tie. At this writing for the current season, our record is two wins, two losses, and one tie.
Boys Tennis, under the supervision of Mr. Richard Mahoney, held matches with teams in the Bay State League. Our record was not an impressive one, but the boys enjoyed the keen competition with boys in the league.
Mr. Frank Galvani, the track coach, greeted over forty boys on opening day. The boys gave a very good account of themselves. We had several out- standing boys on the team. Matches were held with teams in the Bay State League. We also participated in the Belmont relays, and in the State Meet held at White Stadium.
The Varsity baseball team, coached by Mr. Orlando Scafati, played a sixteen- game schedule in the Bay State League. Our record for the season was nine wins and seven losses.
The Junior varsity baseball team, under the supervision of Mr. Fred Rich- ardson, also played a sixteen-game schedule with teams in the Bay State League.
The Golf Team, coached by Mr. Everett Learnard, held matches with teams in the Bay State League. This group is handicapped because of lack of adequate practise facilities. Arrangements were made to receive some instruction at the route No. 1 driving range where the boys received some valuable instructions.
252
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Our home course this year was the Norfolk Golf Club. We are not allowed the use of the course for practice.
Cross Country is attracting more boys every year, and in time, we expect to compete evenly in our league. This team is coached by Mr. Fred Richardson.
Football candidates reported, as usual, on the date set by the Headmasters (September first). Sixty-five boys reported on the first day, but we soon had a working squad of fifty boys. Double sessions were held the first week, as we felt this was necessary to get the boys in condition to meet our first opponent, Natick.
The boys worked very hard, and again, it was a fine group. Our season did not turn out as expected, as we did not count on the many injuries, but we had a strong finish when we defeated Braintree, Framingham, and, for the ninth straight year, Dedham. The Dedham score 12-6, and our season's record was four wins, four losses, and one tie. In league competition, our record was. four wins, three losses, and one tie.
My assistant coaches, Frank Galvani, Arthur Gulla, Thomas Roche, Richard Mahoney, and Edward Feeney, played a very important part in our team play.
I sincerely thank the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, Princi- pals, Coaches of various sports, 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 Supervisor of Physical Education and Athletics
SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith submitted.
Health Appraisals
During the fall term all children in grades one, four, seven, ten, and all pupils participating in competitive sports, together with others referred for examination, were given a physical examination by Dr. George R. Allen and Dr. Harriet Rogers. Parents have been notified and advised to consult their family physician for treatment, in those cases wherein findings warranted such advice.
Dental Examinations
All pupils in all grades, have been examined by Dr. Timothy Curtin, School Dentist. Notice of defects were sent to the parents requesting that the family
253
REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
dentist be consulted. The services of the School Dental Clinic are available to those who do not have a private dentist.
Massachusetts Vision Test
The Massachusetts Vision Test was administered to all pupils, kindergarten through grade twelve. One hundred ninety-one children failed the test and were referred for further treatment. All but four children completed the referral.
Eye Clinic
Twenty-two clinics were held at the Junior High School under the direction of Dr. William Ryan. Three hundred sixty children attended these clinics.
Audiometer Tests
Audiometer tests were given all children early in the school year. Fifty children were referred as a result of failing the test. Forty-eight children com- pleted the referral. Mrs. Jeanne Quinn conducts lip reading classes for those recommended for special training after examination and treatment by an otologist.
Communicable Disease Control
Thirty-nine children in grade one received the initial services of diphtheria and tetanus injections. Two hundred eight children had the "booster" injection.
All children and personnel who requested it, were given the Mantoux test for tuberculosis. The positive reactors were X-rayed and followed up by the Board of Health. This program was conducted through the joint efforts of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Norwood School Department, Nor- wood Board of Health, and the Norwood Committee of the Norfolk County Tuberculosis and Health Association.
Personnel Changes
Mrs. John Folan who joined our staff in March 1959, has proved to be a competent member of our staff.
The school nurses have felt the pressure caused by the opening of the Prescott and Cleveland Schools. When one considers that in 1926 we had three nurses employed by the School Department, it would seem that with the tremendous increase in school population, additional nurses should be employed.
Mrs. Alice Maguire is testing the eyes of the children this year, thereby relieving some of the pressure resulting from increased enrollments.
We express our sincere appreciation and thanks to you, to the School Com- mittee, to all members of the School Department and of the community for their cooperation and interest.
CATHERINE M. McDONOUGH, R.N. Supervising School Nurse
254
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
By means of this report the public school music teachers of Norwood would like to take the opportunity to express their appreciation to all who have assisted in any way to help them bring music into the lives of Norwood students and the public in general. Words of praise and constructive criticism encourage the music teachers and students alike to greater accomplishment. All concerned are grateful for the interest of so many.
In a way, the music department presents part of its annual report at every public performance. The Town of Norwood is able to hear and see the results of hours and hours of teaching and rehearsing.
A brief report, such as this, does not allow the listing of every public concert, music assembly, and similar programs which have been presented by various instrumental and choral groups. Nor does it allow for a discussion of the classroom work.
Mention will be made of a few certain areas that command our attention. The Band program in the Senior High School is very much hindered because of the lack of proper rehearsal space. The proposed new high school addition will provide much needed facilities. In spite of the absence of a Band Room, the Band was heard playing at Football games, parades, festivals, pop rallies and other such activities. Children in the Elementary grades are encouraged to learn to play musical instruments. Junior and Senior instrumental groups pro- vide an opportunity for all students who are interested, willing and able to schedule the time for it, to participate in group musical activities.
The Band and the Junior High and Senior High choral groups accepted the invitation of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce to present a Christmas Carol concert during the Christmas Holidays.
On the Senior High school level, the choral groups continued to be an active part of the program. The names of the three groups are the Varsity Choir, the Hi-Fis, and the Hi-Los. Approximately 170 boys and girls belong to these groups. They sing in seven parts. The Hi-Fis include First Tenor, Second Tenor, First Bass, and Second Bass. The Hi-Los include First Soprano, Second Soprano, and Alto. The Varsity Choir is a mixed chorus of Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses. The selection of boys and girls who can sing part music is a task that requires much time in the early part of each school year. Replacement of gradu- ating members of these groups is the result of this procedure which provides for each member of the Sophomore class an opportunity for an audition.
Naturally, when dealing with such large numbers there will be those who, though unable to read music, have fine voices. To overcome this handicap the four parts are taught separately. The Basses and each of the other groups learn their parts in rehearsal by themselves. When the parts are learned as if separate melodies, then a joint rehearsal is held. The results are quite remarkable. The choral groups present complete concerts. A variety of music is performed, ranging from classical music to the best of popular music. Much care is used in
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.