USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 46
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reduced from seven to five periods. Group guidance classes meet once weekly, and homeroom guidance operates during two of our four homeroom periods.
Our building was much improved by the renovation of the girls' shower and locker rooms during the summer. When the boys' shower and locker rooms will have been similarly redone next September, we shall have made an excellent beginning in providing the proper facilities which our boys and girls should have as part of their education. The gymnasium floor has been sanded and resurfaced, improving another area that is constantly used by our pupils and by outside groups.
JOHN J. CORCORAN, Principal
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES
I am pleased to submit the first annual report of the Director of Special Services.
The Department of Special Services was established in September, 1961. to consolidate and coordinate all the educational programs which require the services of specially trained personnel. Children who deviate from the normal patterns of learning and development need that kind of help which takes into account particular disabilities as well as exceptional abilities. The chief functions of the department are to detect and diagnose atypical characteristics which affect the learning process; to adapt to each child an instructional program suited to his needs; to evaluate the progress of each pupil; to keep accurate records of physical, mental, and academic examinations; to contact agencies and organizations related to each area of specific work to insure coordination of effort.
The services offered by the Department at present consist of classes for the mentally retarded as well as provisions for the more able pupil, remedial and developmental reading instruction, speech correction and speech improvement classes, the foreign language program in the ele- mentary and junior high schools. It is also the responsibility of the department to coordinate the overall curriculum as well as the guidance services. Each of these special divisions as they now function is described on the following pages.
Class For The Mentally Retarded
There are, in the Norwood Public Schools, twenty-six educable children receiving special instruction according to their ability in three adjustment classes : the primary class, located at the Prescott School; the intermediate, at the Cleveland School, and the junior high group, at the Junior High School. In addition, a class for severely retarded children, designated as trainable, was opened in September, 1961, with seven pupils from Norwood and one from Canton attending.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
All classes in this division meet state criteria for membership and work in close conjunction with Mental Health Centers, Testing Centers, and State Agencies.
Speech Correction Classes
Two speech therapists have examined all incoming pupils to the elementary grades and have scheduled for intensive work, those children who have speech defects: lisps, sound substitutions, indistinct enunciation, stuttering, and similar speech impediments. Small groups meet weekly with a therapist in each school. In addition, speech teachers periodically give speech improvement classes to all kindergarten and first grade pupils.
Lip-reading instruction is given also at the Balcli School, the Junior High School, and the Senior High School, to pupils who have suffered a hearing loss.
Remedial and Developmental Reading
The Norwood Schools offer valuable services in the critical area of reading. Those pupils in the elementary grades who do not progress ill this skill at the normal rate, receive individual help from reading special- ists. Three such teachers diagnose the reading difficulties of children and prepare special types of reading instruction needed to overcome those difficulties. Small-group classes meet twice a week with tlie specialists. These teachers work in close cooperation with the classroom teacher who is advised of materials and methods to be used with the slow learners.
This year, the services of reading specialists were expanded to include demonstration classes at each grade level, and enrichment classes ill creative expression for the more able learner in Grade Six. The demonstra- tion classes act as an incentive to the classroom teacher to devise new presentations, to vary procedures.
At the secondary level, remedial reading classes are continued for those who have potential for improvement. All pupils in Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine, have regularly scheduled classes in developmental reading. These classes present a systematic approach to the mastery of basic skills in reading such as: the study of word analysis, and vocabulary; the ex -. tension of comprehension; the broadening of background experience; the development of speed. Developmental reading is offered as an elective to all 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade pupils. At these levels, this course is par- ticularly helpful in teaching students to get the most from the reading required in different subject-matter areas with an economy of time, as well as in preparing then for college board examinations which are given under time limits.
Foreign Language, Grades 3-S
Classes in oral French are given twice a week to all pupils in Grades Three and Four. Teachers develop topical units of conversation to teach vocabulary, patterns of speech, and simple sentence structure.
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The year the more able pupils in Grades Five and Six were selected for the study of French as an "advanced" subject. Selection was made on the basis of intelligence test results, achievement scores in the verbal areas, and generally high scholastic standing and motivation. The audio- lingual approach is used in structural units, followed by the reading and writing of French. It is expected that these pupils will continue the study of French at least through Grade Ten.
In the Junior High School, three high divisions in Grade Eight and two in Grade Seven have French classes twice a week, also using the audio- lingual approach as developed in the Glastonbury units.
Enrichment Classes, K-12
Enrichment classes have been initiated at the elementary level this year, as described under the headings of Remedial and Developmental Reading, and Foreign Language. The more able pupils in Grades Five and Six have been selected to take "advanced" classes in French. Those in Grade Six also have an enrichment class in creative expression, both written and oral.
Guidance Coordination
The Director of Special Services acts in the capacity of coordinator of guidance services to insure better articulation between educational levels. A projected program of Guidance Services has already been dis- cussed and studied, and is being refined and finalized for subsequent adoption.
One of the main functions of guidance is to assess the potential of individual students and to help guide them in their educational careers so that they may develop their capacities to become useful, independent, and responsible members of the human society. The chief sources of infor- mation concerning the educational development of individual students are standardized tests. A testing program has been planned and is being carried out throughout the year for all Grades, Kindergarten through Twelve. The complete list of tests scheduled is included in this report.
Curriculum Coordination
Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Special Services is conducting a survey of the teaching of reading in the elementary schools, with the purpose of proving our skills program by adopting a common basal reader throughout the system. Two committees of twelve teachers each, one for primary grades and the other for inter- mediate grades, have been organized to study the relative advantages and disadvantages of various basic reading series now in use in Norwood, as well as others not represented here. The committees meet weekly after school hours to hear reading consultants for different publishers who have been invited to discuss the series with which they are associated. Members
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
are preparing reports of their survey which should be completed in early Spring. These reports will be studied in turn by administrators for a subsequent decision. Whichever series may be adopted, a common basal reader will be in effect for all pupils in Grades One, Two, and Three, in September, 1962.
Numbers of Pupils Receiving Instruction in Special Services
I. CLASSES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED
Adjustment Class, Primary Level
8
Adjustment Class, Intermediate Level 7
Adjustment Class, Junior High School Level 11
Trainable Class
8*
*
including one tuition pupil from Canton
II. SPEECH CORRECTION CLASSES
Small-group instruction (weekly) 340
Speech improvement classes (average, weekly) 300
Lip-reading classes
10
TOTAL 650
III. REMEDIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL READING
Remedial
Demonstration Class (weekly)
Enrichment
Gr. 6
Balch School
35
86
15
Callahan School
39
75
18
Cleveland School
44
92
22
Prescott School
34
70
15
Shattuck School
36
60
8
Winslow School
27
60
10
TOTALS
215
443
88
Junior High School
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grades 10, 11, 12
348
312
Senior High School
373
260
IV. FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM, GRADES 3 - 8
All pupils Gr. 3 & 4
Selected pupils Gr. 5 & 6
Balch School
180
35
Callahan School
141
31
Cleveland School
176
48
TOTAL 34
Resolution
GRACE M. BEVERLY 1923 to 1961
For a period of thirty-eight years, you have performed capably and well as a teacher and Principal in the Norwood Public Schools. Your educational endeavors at the Balch School have been appre- ciated, not alone by those in your immediate district, but by all people of the Town of Norwood. Your sympathetic understanding and conscientious attention to the needs of children will not be forgotten by those who fortunately came under your direction.
Satisfaction from pleasant associations and professional ac- complishment should be your memories in the years ahead.
We, the Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appreciation of the excellent service rendered our schools by Miss Grace M. Beverly extend our best wishes for continued good health and good fortune upon the occasion of your retirement.
NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eugene A. Nelson, Chairman Charles L. Donahue Mary H. Hemman Thomas A. White Henry A. Diggs
John J. Cavanaugh John F. Reynolds
Resolution
MRS. VIOLA B. WHITE 1955 to 1961
Although Mrs. White recently completed six years of con- secutive teaching in the Mathematics Department of the Junior and Senior High Schools, we would be remiss in not recounting the fact that she taught at Norwood High School from 1917 to 1920, and again from 1943 to 1946.
Over the many years she performed in a most diligent and conscientious manner and her daily contributions to her students will be long remembered.
The Norwood School Committee wishes her many happy and healthful years in retirement.
NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eugene A. Nelson, Chairman
Charles L. Donahue
Mary H. Hemman Thomas A. White Henry A. Diggs
John J. Cavanaugh John F. Reynolds
Resolution
CECELIA L. MITCHELL 1920 to 1961
With full knowledge of your sympathetic understanding and conscientious ability in the teaching of young children, it is with regret that we acknowledge your retirement from the Norwood Public Schools.
Satisfaction from some forty years as a teacher of the second grade at the Balch School, and your professional accomplishment in the difficult tasks should be your memories in the years ahead.
We, the Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appre- ciation of the excellent service rendered our schools by Miss Cecelia L. Mitchell, extend our best wishes for continued good health and good fortune upon the occasion of your retirement.
NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eugene A. Nelson, Chairman
Charles L. Donahue Mary H. Hemman Thomas A. White Henry A. Diggs John J. Cavanaugh John F. Reynolds
Resolution
MARION E. SMART 1921 to 1961
For forty years your enthusiastic and inspirational teaching has been an integral part of the Norwood Public Schools. Your sincere understanding and conscientious attention to all who came under your jurisdiction will be long remembered. Your professional record is an enviable one and it is with regret that we acknowl- edge your retirement at this time.
It is our hope that memories of pleasant associations and work well done will enrich the enjoyment of the years that lie ahead.
We, the Members of the Norwood School Committee, in appre- ciation of the excellent service rendered our schools and our town by Miss Marion E. Smart, extend our best wishes for continued good health and good fortune upon the occasion of your retire- ment.
NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eugene A. Nelson, Chairman
Charles L. Donahue
Mary H. Hemman Thomas A. White Henry A. Diggs
John J. Cavanaugh John F. Reynolds
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Prescott School
131
41
Shattuck School
85
19
Winslow School
86
21
TOTALS
790
195
Junior High School
Grade 7
Grade 8
56
84
ANN A. LANOUE
Director of Special Services
REPORT OF THE ART DIRECTOR
Restatement of Educational Art Program
There are certain instinctive indications of self expression that are evident at the earliest age. These activities are natural to personality development.
The Art Program takes these instinctive drives and uses them in assisting the child to direct his creative play in more meaningful experiences as the personality develops:
Clay modelling - paper mache mural work; 3-dimensional construction with paper etc. Painting and coloring activities.
The "self" as creator is emphasized.
Library Exhibitions - Library Week
All Elementary Schools contributed art work for display at the Junior Department of the Morrill Memorial Library.
The Balch School exhibition was shown at the South Norwood Branch Library.
High-lights of the displays: Ceramics - Cleveland School Grade 6;
Puppets - Balch School Grade 4;
Puppet Stage and Puppets - Callahan School Grade 4;
Farm Scene - Balch School Grade 3 - (Both 3-dimensional and painted) ;
Floral Panels - Shattuck & Balch Schools Grade 6;
Paper Mosaics - Balch School Grade 2.
Stage Craft At the Cleveland School
A musical production at the Cleveland School, "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," necessitated three changes of scenery. Students from Grade 4
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
and 5 constructed, designed and painted two large surfaces -- a town square -a landscape. A throne was constructed and needed props were made-a crown, metallic sword, a street sign, spears, etc.
When one realizes that each painted surface was as large as the visible rectangular wall at the rear of the stage, the enormity of the project is then apparent.
This activity gave to the students an excellent opportunity to become introduced to stage craft.
Materials used-paint, wood, nails, hammers, saws, mural paper, large brushes, etc.
Children Design Covers For Art Outline Notebooks
Crayoned mosaic designs done by the students of Grades 1 & 2, now embellish the covers of black 2-ringed notebooks that contain the art activities for each classroom.
Monthly dividing pages were designed by the students and are now incorporated into the notebooks.
Crayon Mosaic Textiles
Remnant pieces of cloth measuring 4'x4' were given to some First Grade classes. Using crayon and a free spontaneous mosaic technique, attractive designs soon covered the surface. The colors were made per- manent by pressing with a warm iron.
Christmas Displays And Projects
This past Christmas proved a milestone in the area of seasonal art. Some of the outstanding projects:
1. Ceramic Ash Trays - Prescott Grades 1 and 6;
2. Ceramic Dishes - Shattuck Grade 4;
3. Ceramic Jewelry - Shattuck Grade 6;
4. Copper Foil Work - Prescott Grade 4;
5. Constructed Mobiles - Cleveland Grade 3; (suspended in Auditorium) ;
6. Painted Stained Glass Window - Winslow Grade 6; (displayed on stair landing) ;
7. Stained Glass Window - made of bits of colored glass cemented onto large pane of glass - Cleveland Grade 3;
8. Chalk Mural - Prescott Grade 4.
Scenery & Decorations For Christmas Assembly Balch School
The 5th and 6th Grade students of the Balch School created a most interesting display of background scenery for their Christmas Play, as well as decorating panels that were hung on the side walls. A most ambitious undertaking that merits compliments to Principal, teachers and students.
275
REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our Growing Collection of Prints
In order to give our children an opportunity to become acquainted with works of art, other than the brown sepia prints that surround us, I started to accumulate good colorful reproductions that would be properly framed and hung in the various schools. Prints recently framed and hung are:
"Sugaring Off" - Grandma Moses - at the Prescott & Balch Schools;
"Street Scene" - Vlamink - Classroom at Balch School;
"Still Life" - Paul Cezanne - Balch School Office;
To date there are 15 prints now on display in our Elementary Schools. Apart from an occasional purchase of a frame there has been no budget expenditure in acquiring these works.
Book Fair - Cleveland School
A P.T.A. sponsored poster contest was held in conjunction with their Book Fair.
Grade 1 & 2 were asked to create illustrations of their favorite story or book. Grades 3 thru 6 designed colorful posters for competition.
Ribbons were awarded for the best poster or illustration in each room. Second and third choices were designated as such.
Mr. Bush and Miss Dameron of the High School Art Department were the Judges.
Audio-Visual Display At Callahan School
The Art Department, in collaboration with Miss Louise Nugent and the Callahan faculty, assisted in organizing and displaying audio-visual aids to be viewed by the Callahan P.T.A.
Students groups designed and painted large titles that were fixed to the walls. They also decorated and arranged the exhibition area which was the School Auditorium.
The success of this educational display was due to Miss Nugent's untiring efforts and concern in the organization of the display.
Civic Cooperation By The Art Department
1. Newspaper critique for exhibition of painting at Morrill Memorial Library.
2. Painted float for Anniversary Parade in Dedham.
3. Presented to the Boston Chapter of the Red Cross seasonal murals for display at Hospitals.
4. Served as Judge in Poster Competition at Needham Public Schools.
5. "Art in the Classroom," illustrated talk to Evening Group of Norwood Women's Club.
6. Decorative resolutions designed and lettered for retired School Personnel.
7. Created posters for civic groups.
276
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Junior High School Art Program
The materials used by the Art Classes have been expanded so that a more expressive type course can be instituted.
Smaller classes make it possible for the Teacher to introduce painting, clay, 3-dimensional paper constructions, etc., and have these activities meaningful and pleasurable.
Two stage productions required that the Art Classes create scenery. One performance was "The Saucy Hollandaise." The other was a Christmas Assembly.
Currently the students are creating posters for the Curtain Timers, and this group is going to offer prizes for the best works.
Progress in the Junior High Program is going to be slow, for there have been so many physical obstacles to overcome. Some have been eliminated and this, at least enables one to direct attention to Course content.
Senior High School Art Program
New materials and techniques have been introduced for more interesting activities. Wood block printing and scratch board drawing are now being offered to the students.
Six of our High School students are currently preparing portfolios for entrance to schools and colleges of art.
High School students displayed a variety of Art work at the Adult Department of the Morrill Memorial Library.
In spite of the platoon classes at the High School, Mr. Bush and Miss Dameron have not been deterred from using this full selection of materials and techniques. Painting in oils is becoming a popular technique for the Seniors.
Conclusion
It is within the scope of the Art Program to develop in the student an empathy toward artistic things or creative activities. This, we are doing.
JOHN LEVITSKY Art Director
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND SUPERVISOR OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In its broadest sense, Physical Education includes all types of pro- grams-class, intramural, and varsity.
The specific objectives for each separate program would be as follows:
A. Physical Education Class Program
Objectives
1. Teach a wide variety of sports to encourage participation in intra- mural and varsity programs.
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2. Develop attitudes toward sports that will carry over into leisure time activity - 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 hielp develop the fundamental processes, i.e., running, jumping, throwing, catching, reaction to emotional situations, etc.
B. The Intramural Program
Objectives
1. To provide part-time recreation.
2. To give the student with average ability an opportunity to partici- pate 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.
4. In short, to give the student more encouragement to develop the attributes and qualities that are characterized in the class program.
C. The Varsity Athletic Program
Objectives
1. To give the athletes who desire a chance 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 Coopera- tion and Competition.
6. Emotional responses, such as winning and losing gracefully, take an additional meaning in a varsity program when the pressures are greater.
7. Again, in short to give the student more encouragement to develop the attributes and qualities that are characterized in the class program.
Physical Education and Athletic Program
Senior High School - Girls
This program includes exercises, badminton, marching, volley ball, field hockey, all games in season, tumbling, apparatus, and dancing.
The athletic program includes the following sports: Field hockey, varsity and junior varsity basketball, tennis, and softball. Field Hockey was introduced to our girls this year, and the girls were taught the basic fundamentals of the game. We held games between our own girls, as we felt we were in no position to compete with other schools this first year.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
The basketball team played games with teams in the Bay State League. The girls enjoyed the keen competition that is derived from playing in these games.
Girls' tennis had one of the most successful seasons this sport has enjoyed in many years.
The girls' softball team gave a very good account of themselves.
Senior High School - Boys
This program includes calisthenics, apparatus, marching, sports in season, tumbling, and weight lifting.
The athletic program consists of the following sports: Varsity and junior varsity football, freshman football, varsity and junior varsity basket- ball, hockey, cross country, outdoor track, varsity and junior varsity base- ball, golf, and tennis.
The varsity and junior varsity basketball teams played a sixteen-game schedule with teams in the Bay State League.
The Hockey team won the Championship of the Bay State League.
The Tennis team held matches with teams in the Bay State League. This group was greatly handicapped because they had to hold all their matches away from home and had very little opportunity to practice, as our tennis courts were being replaced.
The Track team held meets with other Bay State League teams. These meets were all held in Needham.
The varsity and junior varsity baseball teams played a sixteen-game schedule in the Bay State League.
The Golf team enjoyed a fine season. All our home matches and practice sessions were held at Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton.
Cross Country - this was a building year in Cross Country. We had many fine Sophomores on the squad who in time will develop into fine runners.
The Freshnian team had some good prospects, who in time, will give a very good account of themselves.
Football candidates reported on August twenty-eighth. This was a difficult season hampered by many injuries to key players, and replacements lacked experience. The coaches and players worked very hard throughout the season, and the boys were never outplayed in any game.
For the first time in eleven years, Dedham defeated Norwood 22-20. It was a well-played game, and our boys dominated the play.
The Freshman football team played six games with teams from surrounding towns. We have many fine looking prospects on this squad.
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