USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 20
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For many years we have had relatively few changes in our faculty, but for various reasons this stability of our teaching staff no longer exists. Constant increases in enrollment, retirement of teachers, transfer of teachers within the system, and their withdrawal to accept better positions in nearby comniunities have all contributed to the many changes in our teaching staff. As a result of these factors, three-fifths of teachers in this school have not been with us for three years. If we expect to attract com- petent personnel to our school systeni, we must have a salary schedule which will allow us to compete for teachers with the school systems to which we are constantly compared.
In each grade the courses offered to our students who are superior in academic work aim at enrichment rather than acceleration. In mathe- matics, however, we continue to teach algebra in grade 8 to qualified pupils. In grade 9 geometry is studied by those who have completed algebra in grade 8. These pupils will have had an opportunity to complete four years of mathematics at the end of their junior year at Norwood Senior High School, and to continue with a year of mathematics for advanced placement when they become seniors.
Conversational French is tanght for two periods of twenty minutes each to slightly more than half the number of pupils in grade 7. All of these students have had conversational French in grade 6 of the Norwood Public Schools. In grade 8 French is an elective subject for those who have studied it in grade 7, and this year the eighth grade pupils have French for three periods of forty-five minutes each week. In grade 9 French is offered as an elective for five periods each week and these pupils may continue French throughout their high school course of study.
Regular tests are administered by the guidance department, and results show that we continue to teach the academic subjects satisfactorily. Yet we have not been complacent, but have been aware that we must improve our offerings to meet the challenge in education. Our work with superior students in mathematics, our program in French, and our developmental reading program which we have instituted during the past few years give evidence that we are responding to that challenge.
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Next September, the ninth grade will be housed at the expanded Norwood Senior High School. We shall then enroll approximately six hundred and fifty pupils in the two grades, 7 and 8. The transfer is a matter of expediency in a building program rather than a change in philosophy in the education of this age group.
With smaller classes next September and with greater use of our library facilities, we can have a better Junior High School program. The decreased enrollment will not provide vacant classrooms for we plan to use the space as it should be used in a Junior High School program to afford better educational opportunities for our pupils.
As our population continues to increase, pupils come from homes built at a considerable distance from the school. At present more than five hundred and fifty remain at school during the noon hour. Since we do not have facilities for hot lunch, we serve only milk, cookies, and potato chips as a supplement for the lunch which is brought from home. Because this type of lunch requires less space, we can seat grades 8 and 9 at first lunch, while grade 7 waits in the auditorium until there is room. This situation will be remedied somewhat with a more normal enrollment next year.
Several years have elapsed since our building has been reconditioned, and some parts of it need improvement. Painting is ever a problem, and a building which has been in use for nearly forty-two years needs more care than it has received in recent years. I shall not dwell on this point which I have covered more fully in recent reports.
I wish to express my thanks to our retired superintendent, Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch, for the cooperation which I have received in the past, and to you, Dr. Coakley, for the cooperation which I am presently receiving.
JOHN J. CORCORAN, Principal
REPORT OF THE ART DIRECTOR
1 herewith submit the annual report of the Art Department for the year 1960.
Monthly Art Outlines
Each elementary teacher has at her disposal a complete art program that is organized on a monthly basis. Endless sources have been investigated in an attempt to give our children and teachers lessons that are purposeful and reflect progressive ideas.
The art outlines are an expedient way of having teachers gain an insight into sound, constructive art teaching. This procedure could be placed on a plane of "in service training."
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REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Murals - Correlation
Using art as a visual personal counterpart of academic training is not necessarily a progressive procedure. A map or a descriptive chart are examples of pictographic visual aids. In the art program, correlation of art and academic subjects is encouraged.
Examples of Correlated Murals
Winslow School - Grades 3 and 4 Correlation - Art-Social Studies
A series of colorful panels showing children's awareness of com- munity life, work, play, school, home, etc.
Shattuck School -- Grade 6
Correlation - Art-Social Studies
Large mural depicting Canada and its people. Large colorful figures show Canadians and their attire. Series of vignettes show Canadian industries. Everything placed around a map of Canada.
Balch School - Grade 3
Correlation - Art-Social Studies
Mural using as its theme "Transportation through the Ages." All methods of transportation drawn and arranged around a "Time Machine" travelling back through time.
Copper Enameled Jewelry Sale
A meeting of the Winslow School P.T.A. was devoted to art education. Mr. Kevin Barry's sixth grade students sold to the parents an assortment of copper enameled earrings and pins. These had been fashioned during their art periods under the direction of Mr. Barry. With the money that was earned, a beautifully framed reproduction of a fine painting was purchased. Sixteen prints were borrowed on approval and exhibited on the main bulletin board. This exhibit served two purposes; it enabled all students at the Winslow School to enjoy a variety of fine paintings and also Mr. Barry's class voted for the painting they wanted to buy. This painting "The New Jersey Coast" by Frederick Waugh, now proudly hangs in the hallway at the Winslow School.
National Art Week
The Norwood Women's Club had opportunity to see colorful slides of art work performed by our public schools.
An attractive display at the Morrill Library was arranged by Mr. Howard Bush, Senior High School Art Teacher. Materials, Method and Results of linoleum block printing were shown.
Art Appreciation - Recent Progress
A collection of zoo slides were purchased as the beginning of a resource of visual samples of art masterpieces. Next best to a museum trip, a good
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collection of colorful slides can, with proper verbal guidance be a most satsifactory educational experience.
These slides will be filed according to different art trends and for each grouping an accompanying text will be written so that any teacher in our system can use the slides confidently and be able to supply the necessary factual information to the students.
Ceramics - Elementary School
Two sixth grade classes were able to fashion and fire ceramic objects that were taken home as Christmas gifts. Other classes are currently in the process of completing ash trays, boxes, dishes, etc. that the children can give to their parents.
High School Art Program
Many new techniques are being offered to our high school students so that they can participate in new methods and materials.
Oil Painting - introductory painting experiences. Familiarity with materials and technical possibilities.
Air Brush Work - Experiments to investigate use of this fascinating commercial technique.
Linoleum block printing - unusual printing surfaces and printing procedures.
Advanced Ceramic Work - Contemporary functional objects. Variety of decorative surface techniques.
Five or six of the senior students are planning to continue their art careers after graduation. Many of our students have been successful in their chosen phase of the art field. One of our graduates, now at the Rhode Island School of Design, was selected for advanced study in Italy. Others, preparing for positions as art teachers or commercial artists are optimistic about their future careers, and are happy in pursuing a line of endeavor for which they are inherently qualified.
Field Trips
Plans are being made for a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, and also significant galleries in Boston.
Junior High School Art Program
We have been successful in consolidating very large art classes into responsive groups.
An emphasis is placed on design, because for many students this is the last time that they will avail themselves of art instruction. There is a definite attempt to have the student respond to special relationships, per- sonal color preference, color distribution, and design evaluation. As a future consumer of industrial products, he surely must have some taste by which to establish "personal choice."
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REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Art Appreciation
It is desirable that we obtain visual aids through which the instructor may discuss "pro's and con's" of both two dimensional and three dimen- sional objects.
Example: Evolution of Chair
1. Historic Development
2. Suitability of Materials
3. Design-Structural Decorative
4. Examples of good and bad design.
Conclusion: The success of the art program extends far beyond the influence of the art director. A concerned administration and a cooperative faculty are the ones responsible for a significant healthy art program. To those, a sincere, "thank you."
JOHN LEVITSKY,
Art Director
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL - INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
I hereby submit my thirty-fourth annual report as Director of the Vocational-Industrial Arts Department.
Vocational Education
On September 7, 1944, our first unit of trade training in cabinet making was inaugurated. This was the beginning of our Boys' Vocational School, which started the group on a training program that eventually fitted them for a profitable and worthwhile living.
At that time other units of trade work were suggested, such as automobile repair, airplane motors repair, and maintenance, electrical appliances, printing and plumbing. Each of these suggested opportunities for employment in the industry of this area. Unfortunately, these units demanded space which was unavailable, so conecntration was directed to the present cabinet-making unit.
Our graduates in most instances placed themselves in excellent positions, from trade teacher, or shop foreman, to owner of his own shop.
Senior High School - Industrial Arts Technical Drawing
The program of technical drawing today covers so much new material, particularly in the field of electronics, that we have endeavored to upgrade our program to benefit both our minor group of students, which is obviously a terminal group, and our major group, which is a college prep group. The level of achievement was established by requiring each group to complete a required number of plates each term, based on the number of periods scheduled within the week. Observation of this upgrading of program,
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clearly indicates the necessity of a drawing program in the eighth and ninth grades, to strengthen the knowledge of fundamentals that this year's sopho- more group definitely is lacking.
Looking forward to next year, this serious handicap can be overcome with the grade nine group housed in our new addition to the high school, which will have two drawing rooms. We will be able to offer a new and improved program, which may require the services of another technical drawing teacher.
Junior High School - Industrial Arts Printing - Woodwork - General Metal Work
The program in Arts and Industries for our Junior High School students presented exploratory experience in the activities listed. The students had the opportunity to explore these areas, and participate in the construction of a variety of projects, that were planned and based on his ability and talent.
Our woodwork program took on an added incentive when the shop replaced its out-dated woodworking benches with eight two-station, all purpose benches. With these in place, and securely fastened to the floor, the danger of accidents has been lessened.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I wish to thank my faculty and all others for their splendid cooperation, and the principals for their helpfulness in matters of administration.
CLIFFORD H. WHEELER, Director Boys' Vocational School
REPORT ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
The report of Athletics and the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1960, is respectfully submitted. Elementary Schools:
Under the supervision of Mr. Richard Mahoney and Mrs. Helen Jackson, the activites 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 level calisthenics before every physical education class.
We are continuing our Saturday morning basketball program for boys in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.
In Memoriam
JAMES JOSEPH GORMLEY entered the service of the Norwood Public Schools on September 7, 1932. Until death took him from us on April 15, 1960, he devoted his life and energy to the youth of Norwood and to the school work he loved so much.
Jim Gormley worked long and well for our community. As a teacher and Faculty Manager of Athletics, he was admired by students, parents, fellow teachers and administrators. The popular educator will be long remembered by all who knew him.
In the light of his faithful, tireless efforts as an outstanding educator and citizen of Norwood, We, the Members of the Norwood School Com- mittee, resolve that this statement shall be copied for public announcement and that a special copy be sent to his family.
EUGENE A. NELSON, Chairman JOHN J. CAVANAUGH CHARLES L. DONAHUE HENRY W. DIGGS MARY H. HEMMAN JOHN F. REYNOLDS DR. JOHN F. KELLY Norwood School Committee
Resolution
GRACE C. MCGONAGLE 1914 to 1960
The retirement of Miss Grace C. McGonagle from the employ of the Norwood Public Schools forces upon us the realization of the long term of invaluable service which she has rendered to our schools and to our community. She has always been interested in and worked with the young people of our community with a generous and enthusiastic spirit.
We, the Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appreciation of the excellent service rendered our schools and our town by Miss Grace C. McGonagle over a period of forty-six years, extend our best wishes for continued good health and fortune. We hope, too, that the memories of pleasant associations and work well done will enrich the enjoyment of the years which lie ahead.
EUGENE A. NELSON, Chairman JOHN J. CAVANAUGH HENRY W. DIGGS CHARLES L. DONAHUE MARY H. HEMMAN DR. JOHN F. KELLY JOHN F. REYNOLDS Norwood School Committee
June 30, 1960
Resolution
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MARY C. CULLINANE 1926 to 1960
Ever mindful of your generous, cooperative, and enthusiastic spirit while teaching the young people of Norwood, it is with regret that we acknowledge your retirement from the Norwood Public Schools.
We hope the memories of pleasant associations and work well done will enrich the enjoyment of the years that lie ahead.
We, Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appreciation of the excellent educational service rendered our schools and our Town over a period of thirty-four years, extend to you our best wishes upon your retirement.
EUGENE A. NELSON, Chairman JOHN J. CAVANAUGH
HENRY W. DIGGS CHARLES L. DONAHUE MARY H. HEMMAN
DR. JOHN F. KELLY
JOHN F. REYNOLDS Norwood School Committee
November 30, 1960
Resolution
AGNES H. HEDBERG 1920 to 1960
We, the Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appreciation of the excellent service rendered our schools and our town by Miss Agnes H. Hedberg, over a period of forty years, extend our best wishes for continued good health and good fortune upon the occasion of your retirement.
In a most professional manner, you have performed your educational tasks as teacher and principal, conscientiously and well. Without regard for self, you have expended your energies in the interests of all children and youth of Norwood. Your sincere understanding and appreciation of all who came under your jurisdiction will long be remembered. Your profes- sional record is an enviable one.
In the years to come, may you recall with deep satisfaction, pleasant associations, work well done and a record of accomplishment, and it is our hope that such memories will enrich the enjoyment of the many years which lie ahead.
EUGENE A. NELSON, Chairman JOHN J. CAVANAUGH HENRY W. DIGGS CHARLES L. DONAHUE MARY H. HEMMAN DR. JOHN F. KELLY JOHN F. REYNOLDS
Norwood School Committee
November 30, 1960
Resolution
RUTH L. PAGE 1942 - 1960
Miss Page came to the Norwood Public Schools in 1942, the opening year of the H. O. Peabody School, and completed 18 years of service as its Art Teacher. Her artistic talent, versatility, and creativity furnished the spirit which marked whatever she undertook. Her contribution to the daily lives of the graduates of the Peabody School will have lasting influence. She will be remembered with warm affection by the students and the faculty alike. We wish for her many years of enjoyment pursuing those arts she loves best.
EUGENE A. NELSON, Chairman MARY H. HEMMAN JOHN J. CAVANAUGH DR. JOHN F. KELLY CHARLES L. DONAHUE JOHN F. REYNOLDS HENRY W. DIGGS
Norwood School Committee
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REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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, tenniquoit, badminton, and end ball.
After school sports are held on the average of four afternoons a week. In the Fall, tenniquoit and volley ball are the games for all grades. Basket- ball is the Winter sport for eighth and ninthi 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 by offering 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 calisthenics, marching, apparatus, first aid, group games, dancing and a sports club.
The baseball team is coached by Mr. John Poce who held daily practice. A twelve-game schedule was played with teams from surrounding towns.
The basketball team is coached by Mr. James Savage, assisted by John Twombly, who also held daily practice. A ten-game schedule was played with teams from surrounding towns.
The football squad was supervised by Mr. John Twombly and assisted by Mr. James Savage. This group was fully equipped, and basic funda- mentals were taught. A six-game schedule was played with teams from surrounding towns. Mr. John Poce supervised an eighth-grade program in football. These boys were fully equipped and were taught fundamentals of contact football.
Hockey on this level is under the supervision of Mr. Robert Richards. All students are eligible to participate in this activity. Practice is held weekly at the Tabor School Rink and, if weather permits, practice is held out of doors. These boys are taught the fundamentals of the game. Scrim- images are being held with freshmen teams in surrounding towns. We feel that our boys will gain game experience this way. The interest was so great in this sport that we added a new coach to handle those boys in the eighth grade.
An intramural program is run for all boys in the Fall for touch football and basketball during the Winter months.
Health Education classes are organized in the Sophomore Classes for boys and girls. These classes are taught by the following: Miss Erna Kiley, Mr. 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.
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Physical Education and Athletic Program
Senior High - Girls
This program under the supervision of Miss Erna Kiley includes correc- tive exercises, badminton, marching, games, and group posture work.
The Girls' Basketball Team, coached by Miss Erna Kiley, played games with teams in the Bay State League.
Girls' tennis under the supervision of Mrs. Carol Davis enjoyed a fine season. They held matches with teams in the Bay State League.
The girls' softball team under the supervision of Miss Margaret Wegerdt played games with teams in the Bay State League. This was the first year of inter-scholastic competition for this sport.
We hope that we will be able to add Field Hockey to our girls' program in the very near future.
Senior High School - Boys
An interested program of physical education that includes calisthenics, 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 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 suc- cessful season. The team finished third in a tie with Framingham. A game between these two teams was played to decide which one would play in the tournament. The game ended in a tie after several overtime periods. The record during the regular season of play was eight wins, one tie, and five losses. In the play-offs Norwood won two, tied one, and lost one.
Boys' Tennis, under the supervision of Mr. Howard Bush, held matches with teams in the Bay State League.
Mr. Thomas Roche, the track coach, greeted over thirty boys on opening day. Matches were held with teams in the Bay State League, Belmont relays, and State Meet held at White's 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 ten wins and six losses.
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REPORT OF THE NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Junior Varsity baseball team, under the supervision of Mr. Fred Richardson, also played a sixteen-game schedule with teams in the Bay State League.
The Golf Team, coached by Mr. John Monbouquette, held matches with teams in the Bay State League. This group is handicapped because of lack of a golf course to practice. Arrangements were made to receive some instruc- tion and also use the Route 1 driving range. Our home course this year was the Norfolk Golf Club.
Cross Country is attracting more boys every year. This team is coached by Mr. Fred Richardson. Results-5 wins and 3 losses.
Football candidates reported as usual on the date set by the Head- masters (September first). We won five games while losing three, and for the tenth straight year we beat Dedham in a very close and exciting game- the score Norwood 26, Dedham 20. My assistant coaches, Arthur Gulla, Richard Fusco, and Edward Feeney played a very important part in our team play.
I sincerely thank the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, Principals, Coaches of various sports, Faculty, and the Physical Education Department for their splended cooperation and assistance this past year in aiding me to realize the aims and objectives of our Physical Education Program.
ORLANDO SCAFATI
SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The annual report of the School Health Department is herewith submitted.
Health Appraisals
Our school physicians, Dr. George R. Allen and Dr. Harriet Rogers have examined all children in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10, children participating in competitive sports, and others referred for special reasons. A total of 1489 were examined and 92 were referred to the family physician for further diagnosis or treatment. We have had excellent cooperation from both parents and physicians in this corrective work.
Dental Examination
Each child from Kindergarten through Senior High had a dental exami- nation by Dr. Timothy Curtin, School Dentist. Parents were notified if there was a need for corrective work and urged to consult the family dentist. The School Dental Clinic runs on a full-time basis and will care for any child in the school system for a minimal charge on request of the parent. The follow- ing table shows the results of the dental program from September 1959 to June 1960.
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