USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 22
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Unity in Elementary Vocal work was accomplished by a carefully drawn up course of study by members of the Music Department. Through careful planning and supervision, the Department provided a program of definite purpose and uniformity to all Elementary Schools.
During this year the Music Department continued its spirit of growth and determination for a Music Program of outstanding calibre. We foresee even greater strides forward in the near future.
RALPH E. FORSMAN Director of Music
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ART
New Art Outlines
Grades 1-6
A broader frame of reference is being instituted to encourage a more personal contribution by the elementary art specialists.
The new art program outline will be general in nature and will be based on a week by week format. Our two elementary art teachers are in a position to supplant printed assistance with personal help.
There is no substitute for the visit of an art specialist.
Kindergarten
Each kindergarten teacher was given an outline of art activities perti- nent to the artistic development of this age level.
Elementary Schools Art Program
Foreign Student Week
At the Balch School, the sixth grades constructed large, costumed fig- ures of colored paper. The figures, representing all the countries of the world, were used to decorate the walls of the main floor.
Colored flags, made of construction paper, were displayed alongside the appropriate figure.
Students of grades 1, 2, and 3 drew crayoned scenes that related to the character of foreign lands.
As a colorful display, it was a success, and also was a good example of the correlation of art and social studies.
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Ceramic Activities
Callahan School - Decorative masks, Grade 6.
Cleveland School - Textured bas-reliefs, Grade 6.
All schools, Grade 6 - Decorative tile, ash trays, hot plates, and wall plaques.
(All sixth graders had the opportunity to create a ceramic object.)
Bookplate for the Cleveland School Library
All students created designs, and from the many good possibilities, the work of a sixth grade boy was selected.
The design, (totally the boy's work) was printed commercially on gummed paper and is now used to identify the books of the Cleveland School Library.
Balch School Musical
A mural background was designed and painted by the sixth graders. The ambitious subject was a large symphony orchestra in full dress. Each student contributed a drawing of a musician; these sketched figures were cut out and pasted onto the background paper and served as a basic layout for the paint.
The result was a colorful backdrop for the various musical numbers.
Along both sides of the auditorium, decorated pie plates by fourth graders became colorful notes arranged on painted staffs. At the rear of the assembly hall, pictures of musical instruments painted in water color provided a consistent decorative scheme.
Framed Reproductions - Recent Acquisitions
As a recognition of our students' participation in the "Clean-up, Fix-up, Paint-up" campaign, the Norwood Women's Community Club presented each elementary school with a large colorful framed print. The artists that were represented included Raoul Dufy, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Gasser, Glackens and Renoir. The selection comprised various schools of painting, from the traditional, through the impressionistic trend to the extreme modern.
Since the start of this drive to acquire prints for the various schools, we have hung about twenty framed prints. This would include the Jr. High School.
Art Contests
The Art Department is striving to eliminate any competitive project in which individual prizes are given. It is a contradiction of good art edu- tion to establish standards that brand as less-than-good any sincere
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effort by the young student. Encouragement is the criteria of the art pro- gram, and the alloting of prizes benefits one or two students, while the others, to whom their own work was a masterpiece, indeed are puzzled. Children view and evaluate their work in a much different light than the adult.
Junior High School Art Program
Mr. Samuel Burchill, the Jr. High art teacher, has a firm grounding in the realm of modern art. At this grade level, there is a natural tend- ency for the student to assume a restrained, critical attitude toward his accomplishments. Mr. Burchill has been able to remotivate the art classes with contemporary ideas and new artistic adventures. Although a self- expressive attitude dominates the program, basic concepts of art form a foundation for the expressive techniques.
Color Study - theory and application
Design Principles -
experimentation - colleges functional -3D constructions decorative - posters, etc.
Lettering - letter construction styles of lettering
Drawing - figure and portrait study perspective.
A newly installed display board on the main floor has been decorated with the art work of the students. Seasonal themes have been used, as well as displays of interesting art techniques.
Senior High School Art Program
Art Club
The students were given the opportunity to visit the following art centers; the Fogg Museum, Harvard; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Design Research, Harvard; and the Harvard School of Design. Mr. Leonard Eldridge, the High School art teacher, was able to clarify and summarize information in his capacity as guide.
Display on Washington Street
A local merchant, who has always been cooperative, offered the use of his window for an extensive display of art work by High School stu- dents. Many techniques were exhibited, both two-dimensional and three- dimensional; pen and ink drawing, block printing, soda-straw construc- tions, painting in oil, tempera, water color and mixed media, encaustic experiments ceramics - wheel throw objects, modelled objects, and slip castings, - soap carvings, pencil sketches, and work in colored chalk.
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Easels for oil painting
Painting in oil requires an easel suited for that purpose. To that end some students at the High School are constructing some, under the guid- ance of Mr. Eldridge. This will allow a painting group to work apart from the class, and permit a standing painting position; as well as cen- tralizing a technique that can be a messy medium.
Enamelling on metal
Experiments in the art of enamelling were carried on, various metals being tried as the base for the enamel. Articles of jewelry and mobiles are currently underway. This procedure permits students to apply art princi- ples of color, design, texture, etc. in a technique that is unique. With the raw materials at hand, the student is able to evolve a personalized made useful article.
Stagecraft
Stage designing was introduced as a class project. The problems of color, space, lighting, etc., were considered. This was an excellent op- portunity to relate art principles to a meaninful end.
Audio - Visual Department and water color
A film strip of the New England seacoast was used as a motivating device for a water color lesson. The strip permitted students and teacher to use as pictorial motifs some picturesque scenes. It proved to be an excellent way to transport a class visually to scenes of artistic interest.
JOHN LEVITSKY, Art Director
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND SUPERVISOR OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education differs from other forms of education only in the fact that physical education is concerned with types of situations and re- sponses characterized by muscular activity. However, all education is characterized by intellectual and emotional response. We cannot separate the physical, emotional, and intellectual response.
I. Senior High School - Girls
The following people are concerned with the physical education pro- gram: Miss Erna Kiley, Miss Betsy Sise, and Miss Florence Sullivan. Each ninth and tenth grade student takes physical education three periods a week. All eleventh and twelfth grade students take physical education two periods per week. The three periods per week for the first two grades
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work out very well, and it is well received by the students. This is possible because of the two gyms.
The program consists of all sports in season. It also includes exer- cises, badminton, marching, volley ball, soccer, field hockey, tennis, soft- ball, dancing, apparatus and tumbling.
II. Boys' Program
The following people are concerned with the boys' Physical Educa- tion Program: Mr. Orlando Scafati, Mr. Arthur Gulla, and Mr. Ben Malvinni. The boys' breakdown is the same as the girls', three periods per week for ninth and tenth grades, and two periods per week for eleventh and twelfth grades.
The class program includes calisthenics, sports in season, tumbling, soccer, weight lifting, wrestling, and gymnastics. This is the second year with our new gym and we now feel that we are better able to give the stu- dent a varied physical education program.
B. The Intramural Program
I. Girls
The following activities were included: Field hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, softball, gymnastics, and tumbling. Large numbers of girls turned out for the above after-school program. This program was carried on by all our Physical Education Instructors.
II. Intramural - Boys
This program is under the supervision of Mr. Malvinni. The following sports were included: Tennis, soccer, flag football, basketball, weight lift- ing, and gymnastics. Large numbers participated in the above activities which were enjoyed by all who took part in them.
C. The Varsity Athletic Program
I. Girls' Athletic Program
The following sports were held: Varsity and Junior varsity basketball, coached by Miss Kiley and Miss Sise; Tennis, coached by Miss Sise; Varsity softball, coached by Mrs. Martowska, and Junior Varsity Softball, coached by Mrs. Parker. Games were held with teams in the Bay State League. The girls gave a very good account of themselves, and I am sure they all enjoyed the competition with the different schools.
II. Boys' Athletic Program
Basketball
Varsity - Mr. Nolet Junior Varsity - Mr. Poce Freshman - Mr. Parker
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Eighth grade - Mr. Savage Seventh grade - Mr. Twombley All games are played in the Bay State League.
Cross Country - Mr. Richardson Freshman Cross Country - Mr. Piccirilli Seventh and Eighth grade - Mr. Morris
This activity has improved since we introduced the sport, and at the present time it is attracting many boys.
Indoor Track - Mr. Richardson
This sport was new to us last year.
Practice session were held in the Norwood Armory, and all track meets were held at the Boston Armory. At this writing this team has two victories to its credit.
Outdoor Track - Mr. Richardson, Mr. Sweeney
This group also was much improved over previous years. Track meets were held at Needham, Braintree, and Framingham.
The Freshman Track was coached by Mr. Gulla - seventh and eighth grade by Mr. Morris. We are very happy with the showing in our track program.
Gymnastics - Mr. Malvinni
A new sport to us, and it attracted many boys not interested in other sports. Much experience was gained by competing with other schools in the Bay State League.
Hockey - Wheeler Freshman - Mr. Young
Hockey is one of the more popular sports and perhaps one of the hardest for the boys and coaches. The reason for the above is that we have to hold all our practice sessions out of town. The following rinks were used: Tabor in Needham, McHugh Forum at Boston College, Boston Arena, Providence Arena, Weymouth, and Harvard. All games were held at tlie Boston Arena. The team had a fine season. At the present time the record is three wins and one tie. We have added a Junior Varsity program under the supervision of Mr. Young. This year the freshman program will be run by Mr. Gormley who is new to our coaching staff.
Baseball - Mr. Poce Junior Varsity - Mr. Jacques
Freshmen - Mr. Piccirilli
Seventh and Eighth Grade -- Mr. Parker
The baseball teams enjoyed a fine season, and prospects look bright for the future. We had many outstanding boys on our squads.
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Tennis - Mr. Malvinni
This is a carry-over sport that needs more interest from the student. With our new courts I am sure we will improve and create more interest in the future.
Golf - Mr. Scafati
This also is another carry-over sport, but due to the lack of a golf course in town and not many boys participating in this sport, it make it quite difficult to compete strongly with other towns. Our home matches are held at Ponkapoag.
Football - Mr. Gulla, Mr. Jacques
Junior Varsity - Mr. Shaughnessy, Mr. Bamberry
Freshman - Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Gallagher
Seventh and Eight Grade - Mr. Twombley, Mr. Jennings
Football candidates reported on the date set by the headmasters. The coaches greeted a group of approximately sixty-five boys. The junior var- sity, freshman, and eighth-grade teams also had a schedule of games.
All games in the various sports were played with members of the Bay State League. The following schools are members of the League: Braintree, Dedham, Framingham North and South, Milton, Natick, Need- ham, Norwood and Wellesley.
Elementary Intramural
During the winter months a basketball program is run for the fifth and sixth graders from all elementary schools. To run this program the following school gyms are used: Prescott, Cleveland, and High School. This year the Oldham School is included in the program. This program is run on Saturday mornings and during vacation time between the hours of 9 and 12. This activity is well received by the students and their parents.
A girls' program was also started in basketball one day per week. The following schools were used, as they are the only schools with a gym: Prescott and Cleveland. This year the Oldham School will be included.
In the spring a softball program is carried on for the girls in all schools. Games are played with other schools in the town.
The boys have a baseball program, and they too play games with other schools in the town.
Junior High School Intramural
Boys - Touch football program every day when the weather permits. This activity is run on a homeroom level. Each homeroom plays every other homeroom at least once during the season.
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Basketball is played on the same arrangement as the above program.
A Saturday morning program is also run. This program takes care of all seventh and eighth-grade boys who are not able to make the varsity or junior varsity teams.
In the spring a softball program is run on the homeroom basis.
Girls - During the winter months basketball is very popular. In the spring the girls take part in tennis and softball.
ORLANDO M. SCAFATI
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
I herewith submit my third Annual Report as Supervisor of Elementary and Junior High School Physical Education.
Elementary Schools
Beginning in the Kindergarten and continuing through Grade Six, there is a definite progressive Physical Education Curriculum geared to the best interests of every boy and girl.
Every boy and girl, unless medically excused, receives two (2) thirty minute periods of Physical Education per week. In grades One and Two the classroom teacher, with the aid of the Supervisor and a Physical Education Curriculum Guide, puts forth her own particular Physical Edu- cation Program. In Grades Three through Six every boy and girl receives instruction from either the Supervisor or the Physical Education Instructor for one period each week. The classroom teacher conducts another period of Physical Education each week. Every classroom teacher has a definite Physical Education Curriculum Guide to follow throughout the School Year. The Curriculum Guide is periodically being reviewed for the best interests of the children.
The activities that boys and girls receive at the Elementary level are: Games of high and low organization, tumbling and stunts, apparatus work, football, basketball, softball, volley ball, track and field, rhythmics, soccer, marching, kickball, posture work and calisthenics. These activities and skills are performed throughout the School Year.
Annual Physical Education Exhibition Day
On May 23, 1963, the Third Annual Physical Education Exhibition Day was held at the Balch School grounds. This event is held every Spring for all Sixth Grade boys and girls in the Norwood Public Schools. The boys and girls participated in volley ball games, 50 yd. and 100 yd. dashes,
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220 yd. relay races, softball games, broad jumping, baseball throws for accuracy and distance, kickball games, and there was a Folk Dance demonstration by the Prescott School.
Mr. Ralph Colson, Director of Physical Education, Health and Rec- reation for the State of Massachusetts, was Guest Speaker. Also present was Dr. Philip O. Coakley, Superintendent of Schools, and all Elementary Principals.
One important highlight of the day was the pleasure of reading a letter from the White House, Washington, D.C., addressed to the Sixth Grade Boys and Girls in the Norwood Public Schools. It conveyed, in part, this message: "Your enthusiastic participation in Physical Fitness Activities sets a splendid example for other American youngsters and encourages broader public support for such programs . "
Motion pictures and slides were taken of the various events during Exhibition Day. We find these very useful and the children enjoy viewing them. The films and slides are also available to civic groups.
Shattuck School - Roman Holiday
On Friday afternoon, June 7, 1963, the Shattuck School presented a Roman Holiday, which involved all grades at the school. The program started with a mass calisthenics demonstration on the athletic field that included Grades One through Six.
The Sixth Grade Class participated in a tumbling exhibition, while the Fifth Grade put forth a fine marching drill and Folk Dance. The First and Second Grade boys and girls participated in an American Vir- ginia Reel and a German Folk Dance.
This program was enjoyed by many parents and it is anticipated that this will be repeated during the current year.
Annual Physical Education Exhibition Days
In the Spring of 1963, we had our first all Junior High School Exhibition Days. On June 3rd, the Seventh Grade boys and girls gathered at the Civic Field to participate in their Exhibition Day, and on June 4th, all Eighth Grade students held their Exhibition Day.
All the students participate in various games and activities such as: Softball, kickball, volley ball, 50 yd. and 100 yd. dashes, baseball throws for accuracy, broad jump, shot put, basketball throws for accuracy, and 220 yd. relay races with teams made up from individual Homerooms.
Physical Fitness Tests
Each November the Youth Physical Fitness Test is administered to every boy and girl in Grades 4, 5 and 6. The boys and girls who success- fully pass this test receive a Physical Fitness Certificate.
The Physical Fitness Test serves to motivate pupils to practice self- improvement and it gives the Supervisor a record of what each pupil can
1
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do. By comparing himself with the Class Average, a pupil may be moti- vated to practice harder. During the Spring months, a second test is given primarily for those students who did not meet the requirements the first time.
At the end of a School Year we find a high per cent of boys and girls passing this test.
Posture
The posture of every boy and girl in the Elementary Schools is our constant concern. Through the efforts of the Supervisor, the Physical Edu- cation Instructors and the classroom teachers, every boy and girl is receiving extensive instruction on the importance of developing good standing, sitting and walking posture habits. Good posture is chiefly a matter of habit, attitude and good health.
Trainable Class
The children at our Trainable Class receive one Physical Education period per week from the Supervisor. Activities that these children have been participating in are: Bowling, tumbling, rhythmics, calisthenics, walking board exercises and developing skills such as throwing, catching, running, hopping, skipping and climbing. In the Fall and Spring the Bond Street Playground is used by the children. They have the use of swings, jungle gym and a slide.
In the past two years there has been a steady improvement in various activities and skills among these children.
Junior High School
Every boy and girl in Grades Seven and Eight, unless medically ex- cused, receives two formal Physical Education periods per week. After leaving the Sixth Grade, boys and girls find a more progressive program in Grade Seven, and a more demanding program in Grade Eight.
Unlike the Elementary level every boy and girl at the Junior High School has a uniform that must be worn to every Physical Education Class.
Activities that boys and girls receive in their Physical Education Program are: Games of high and low organization, softbal, football, bas- ketball, track and field, tumbling and stunts, apparatus work, rope climbing, rhythmics, posture work, soccer, kickball, marching, volley ball, tennis and calisthenics.
The Physical Education Instructors present these activities in units, spending a number of weeks on each activity or skill, throughout the School Year.
Towel System
In September of 1963, a "towel system" was started at the Junior High School for boys in Grades Seven and Eight. This type of project
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enables a boy to receive a clean towel following a shower after his Physical Education class.
Physical Fitness Tests
Last November all Seventh and Eighth Grade boys and girls were given the Youth Physical Fitness Test. Students who successfully passed it were awarded a Physical Fitness Certificate. The test will again be given in the Spring primarily for those who did not meet the require- ments. The reason that this test is given is to help motivate pupils to make self-improvement and to show students what level they are on in regard to the rest of the class. A high percentage of our boys and girls pass this test each year, due to their training at the Elementary level.
Swimming Program
A swimming program for both boys and girls in Grades Seven and Eight will be instituted in the Spring of 1964. This program will be held at the Civic Pool, which is directly across the street from the Junior High School.
I would like, at this time, to express my sincere appreciation to the Superintendent of Schools for his cooperation over the past year.
To the Director of Special Services, Elementary and Junior High Principals, and classroom teachers. A sincere thank you for your con- tinuous support.
RICHARD H. MAHONEY Supervisor
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION
Audio and Visual Aids provide valuable assistance to teachers in every subject area and a more vivid presentation to the class. To be able to SEE something is much more readily understood than to have it verbally described in terms of "seeing." When we appeal to several senses in a presentation we tend to generate a greater "seeing" power.
Audio-Visual Aids are not teachers, nor substitutes for teachers, but are aids and tools for use by teachers in cooperation with their subject presentations. Audio-Visual Education is not a subject in itself, but is an integral part of any subject when used properly.
The use of Audio-Visual materials tends to focus the class attention onto one central idea, and will create a desire for more learning and further class participation.
We are using more films, filmstrips, and other Audio-Visual equip- ment in our classes, but, at the same time we are more particular in the selection and use of these materials. We are not interested in films and
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materials for entertainment purposes, however, we readily acknowledge the fact that educational materials should be presented in an interesting way, and that must be well done to be of genuine value.
We in Norwood are fortunate to have many Audio-Visual materials at our disposal. Every school has at least one of the following:
- 16mm Sound Movie Projector
- Filmstrip Projector
- Opaque Projector
- Microscopic Projector - Record Player
- Tape Recorder
- Television - Filmstrip Previewer
As Director of Audio-Visual Education, in 1963; I drove 1525 miles to make 1149 visits to the various schools in Norwood; conducted 10 training sessions for teachers; organized three Audio-Visual clubs; talked to numerous teachers and principals; made repairs to 81 pieces of equipment and sent only 15 out for larger repairs; ordered, delivered and returned borrowed films; made copies of Master French and Spanish tapes for everyday use in the High School Language Laboratory; attended several workshops and meetings for Audio-Visual Directors; wrote many letters requesting free materials, data on new materials in the field, and advice from others in the field; coordinated the programs of the "21-Inch Classroom" (WGBH Channel 2) our Educational Television Channel in Boston; and set up schedules for films to be used by teachers in the various schools.
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