USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 52
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THE NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE Francis X. Sheehan, Jr., Chairman
John J. Cavanaugh Joseph F. Curran Henry W. Diggs William F. Egan
Mary E. Hemman Joseph R. Olshan
RESOLVED: That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to Mr. Hayden, and that a copy be spread upon the records of the School Committee and further, that a copy be sent to each of the local newspapers and further, that the resolution be published in the annual report of the 1964 School Committee.
In Retirement
MR. CLIFFORD H. WHEELER 1923 - 1964
Cognizant of your diligence and conscientious attention to the teaching and coaching of the youth of Norwood High School, we acknowledge your retirement from the Norwood Public Schools with regret.
For more than forty years, you have extended yourself in helping young men become proficient in industrial arts, and your accomplishments should be part of your fondest memories in years to come.
We, the members of the Norwood School Committee, in appreciation of the excellent service rendered our schools by Mr. Clifford H. Wheeler, extend our best wishes for continued good health and good fortune upon the occasion of your retirement.
THE NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE Francis X. Sheehan, Jr., Chairman
John J. Cavanaugh Joseph F. Curran Henry W. Diggs
William F. Egan
Mary E. Hemman Joseph R. Olshan
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Anticipated Enrollment as of December 1965 and December 1966
Grade Dec. 1965 Dec. 1966
9
460
491
10
444
460
11
403
444
12
380
403
1687
1798
Enrollment summary:
December 1, 1964 (present) 1586
December 1, 1965 (anticipated)
1687
December 1, 1966 (anticipated)
1798
Because the enrollment directly affects our already overcrowded condi- tions, a few additional items are worth iteration. First that 1500 is the normal capacity for all presently existing facilities at Norwood Senior High. Second, the number of students transferring to Norwood Senior High School formerly balanced more or less the number leaving. This has not been the case this school year and could very well be a future pattern. From Septem- ber 9, 1964, to December 31, 1964, 8 students left or transferred from Norwood Senior High, but 29 students enrolled during the same period for a net increase of 21 students. Six undergraduates transferred to the Henry O. Peabody School after the 1963-1964 academic year. Out of an eighth grade graduating class of 191 students at St. Catherine's in 1964, 111 students came to Norwood Senior High School. There is every indication that these figures will not change appreciably. The projected enrollment given last December for December 1, 1964, at Norwood Senior High was 1543 students and for December 1, 1965, 1573. As of this writing the enrollment is 1586. The updated projected enrollment for December 1, 1965, is 1687, or 187 over the capacity of the present facilities at Norwood Senior High School.
It is the hope also that two groups of educable students could become part of the Senior High School program because of their age and their physical needs of more advanced and suitable facilities.
Additional future enrollment projections are available, and all point consistently to the immediate need of additional school housing facilities at both the Junior and Senior High School levels.
The English Program Grows in Depth and Breadth
The first Language Arts Summer Workshop was held at the Senior High this past summer to develop a grammar-composition syllabus for grades seven through twelve. The committee, under the chairmanship of John J. Flaherty, was composed of teachers from the Junior High, the Henry O. Peabody School, and Norwood Senior High. The value of such a coordin- ated study followed by the development of a syllabus is apparent when one considers the necessity that all areas and skills in English be taught in the most organized and meaningful way possible. New and experienced English teachers will have a guide from which they can determine what has been
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
taught, what should be retaught, and what new material should now be introduced to strengthen and broaden their students' knowledge of English. This workshop approach to curriculum revision and enrichment will con- tinue throughout the year and effect substantial dividends in improved student preparation.
Intern Teachers of English at Norwood Senior High
The Norwood Public School System is cooperating with the Boston College Graduate School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching Program. Two candidates in the program are teaching the assignments normally given to one teacher on the English faculty. The cooperating high school benefits by having two additional staff members for the minimum salary of one teacher. The University profits by having an "in the field" laboratory for their training program and interested personnel to assist in training and counseling new teachers. The "intern" is able to realize one half of a first year teacher's salary while he is still studying full time for a Masters degree. Furthermore, the intern is getting experience under ideal teaching conditions.
The Mathematics Program
Although revision was started five years ago in this department, pro- gress and change is still continuing. Mr. James Dunn, Department Chairman, recommended that all ninth grade general mathematics use programmed text material because of the successful trial program in 1963-1964. Also one Algebra I class is using programmed material for the first year with gratifying results. All courses this school year are following a Modern Mathematics approach.
The advanced placement course is now in its second year. This freshman college mathematics program for selected students already has proven its worth. Three students who graduated in June, 1964, because of their suc- cessful matriculation of this accelerated program earned between three and nine college credits. This number will increase rapidly as more students are adequately prepared to elect the advanced placement program.
The Science Program
The four most significant items are, interestingly, in each of the four grades. The study of Earth Science in the ninth grade is being developed and expanded both by the collection and purchase of related materials and equipment. For instance, a weather station has been recently installed with students operating and collecting the data from a recently installed anemo- meter, barograph, and thermograph. At the sopliomore level the Blue version of the B.S.C.S. Biology has been continued with satisfying results. The full appreciation of this new approach is dependent to a degree on adequate equipment. Recently the Science Department under Mr. Everett Learnard acquired a sufficient number of stereomicroscopes which greatly enhance the effectiveness of the teacher in such areas as the study of genetics.
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The new CHEM study chemistry course is now given to most chemistry sections, and the new laboratory facilities are used to capacity every period of the day, which indicates the growing interest among juniors and some seniors. Those students who are particularly capable in science elect in their senior year the P.S.S.C. Physics course. This program of Physics instruction has proven to be the best method available to teach the subject and will certainly be continued. Tentative plans and outlines for some major changes in the Science curriculum have been submitted for approval. The desirability of advanced courses and advanced placement programs in the Sciences is apparent to many who are concerned with curriculum planning.
Social Studies Department
Department Chairman, Mrs. Paul Heffron, and the members of the Social Studies faculty have concentrated their efforts this fall on a cur- riculum study and revision. In-service workshops have been held with teachers from the Junior and Senior high schools and the Henry O Peabody School.
Improved articulation as well as curriculum changes have been among the subjects discussed. In the Senior High program, new subject electives for all levels and "advanced placement" courses are part of the proposals submitted for consideration.
Students this year participated in an International Affairs Day at Beaver Country Day School and the World Affairs Council United Nations Trip to New York City.
The Department Chairman plans to attend with other members of the Social Studies faculty several in-service institutes which are being held in Eastern Massachusetts to study additional proposals regarding the role of the Social Studies program in a modern comprehensive high school.
The Foreign Language Department
Fourth year Spanish is offered for the first time at Norwood Senior High, which means that three languages, Latin, French, and Spanish, are available in a four-year sequence. Miss Ruth Johngren, the Department Chairman, has organized the language laboratory schedule to allow for maximum student participation and utilization of this important facility. Each of the thirty stations are now fully equipped to permit listening, re- sponding, and recording practice by foreign language students. The addi- tional devices to record and play back practice tapes were installed this past summer. Now students in all booths can record and compare their performance with that of a native speaker. The improvement in accent, intonation, and pronunciation is most readily recognized. This excellent laboratory installation is open even after school each day for additional aural-oral practice.
Thirty of more foreign language students, directed by Miss Barbara Hegg, of the foreign language department, have formed a very active French Club. Before the Christmas holidays, the members of this group were host
316
TOWN OF NORWOOD
to the Needham High French Club, and each group presented delightful entertainment, sang carols, and conversed in their adopted language. The Henry O. Peabody School Foods Preparation staff assisted by supplying artfully created French pastries and refreshments.
An Expanding Business Curriculum
This is the second year that the Business Machines course has been offered. The number electing this subject has increased from two classes of twenty students to four classes of the same number.
As Mr. John Kelley has stated: "This course introduces the students to a representative variety of the simple machines equipment found in a modern business office."
Comptometers, electric calculators, ten-key and full-key listing machines (manual and electric), duplicating machines, and a Burrough's bookkeeping machine are some of the equipment so demonstrated and used for training future office workers.
The Industrial Arts Department Offers a Variety of Learning Experiences
In November, Mr. Francis McAuliffe, Department Chairman, reported that an electric arc welder was installed in the metal shop and became an integral part of the industrial arts course. A range of experiences are offered from the modern and well-equipped Metal Shop from which eacli student can receive an appreciation of the opportunities available in modern industry as a skilled technician.
This year, also, the graphic arts classes as a part of their class work are printing on the new offset printing equipment the school newspaper "The Hilltopper." The front page of the Christmas edition was in three colors, indicating the progress of printing methods at Norwood Senior High.
The Electronics course has now been part of the department's curricula for two years and is designed to teach a knowledge of the fundamentals and the various phases of development in the construction of radio and amplify- ing equipment. If a student has the aptitude and desire he can have with additional study a very satisfactory skill for future employment.
The Home Economics Department
It was necessary to add to the staff of this department this year because of the growing student interest which we feel is due to the constantly improving course content, the excellent facilities, and the quality instruc- tion available in the areas of garment making and repairing clothing, and the planning and preparation of foods. These skills are taught at various levels and in sequential courses. This allows students to elect these courses as minor or major subjects in their programs.
The Senior High School Library
For several years the school librarian, Mrs. Mary Theresa Sweeney, has been working to upgrade the library. The standard set by the American
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Library Association for an adequate school library is 10,000 volumes or 10 volumes per pupil.
At present there are 5665 volumes on our shelves, and each volume is a significant and essential part of a good library. Monthly new books in all categories are added to the total in use, and the standard will be met in a short time in quantity as well as quality.
Mrs. Sweeney is building concurrently a faculty library of professional periodicals, monographs, and reference materials. The library is used during the entire school day, before school, and for one hour after school. Certainly it is one of our most valuable facilities. As soon as more class- rooms are made available, physical expansion of the present library space is essential.
Significant Addenda
Each year it is customary to single out certain achievements or items of interest to the people of Norwood concerning the High School program. The following are several representative items.
National Honor Society
Within the comprehensive program of studies and activities at Norwood Senior High, there is in a position of preeminence the National Honor Society. We are proud of the students who achieve scholastically well enough to pass the stringent academic requirements. Membership is limited to juniors and seniors, and a junior in order to qualify must have been named on the school Honor Roll five times consecutively with at least three of these five citations for First Honors. Seniors, in order to qualify for the National Honor Society, must also have been named to the school Honor Roll with at least two of these five citations for First Honors. New members are enrolled at the end of the first semester.
The requirements for Honor Roll citation are as follows:
Honors with Distinction: 90% average and all A's or B+'s. Only minor considered is College Preparatory Mathematics.
First Honors: At least 1 A and 3 B+'s (Majors). One B is allowed in a fifth major subject or College Preparatory Mathematics.
Second Honors: At least 4 B's (Majors). One C+ is allowed in a fifth major or College Preparatory Mathematics if there is at least one B++.
As of April 10, 1964, eleven seniors and eleven juniors were members of the Norwood Senior High School National Honor Society.
Harvard Prize Book - Daughters of the American Revolution Medal
This Harvard Prize Book is annually awarded to "that Junior boy who in the judgment of his classmates and teachers is the best all around boy in his class." The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Medal is presented to "that senior girl who in the judgment of her teachers is the best school citizen in her class." The recipients of these awards were Leo E. Immonen who received the Harvard Prize Book and Perry-Lynn Moffitt who was awarded the D.A.R. Good Citizenship medal.
Journalism Award
Again the Boston University School of Public Relations and Communi- cations has honored Norwood Senior High School by awarding the highest achievement journalism award of the Boston University Scholastic Press Association to the staff of the Norwood Senior High School Yearbook Publication, TIOT. Mrs. Florence Riley, the faculty advisor, and the student editorial staff and members deserve the warmest congratulations for this achievement.
National Merit Awards
Bernard Cooper, a member of the Senior Class, was informed that he had achieved the top honor of semi finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Also nine other students were named to receive letters of commendation for their performance in the tests. The winners of letters of commendations are: Paul G. Abely, Gerald P. Belastock, Margaret A. Breen, Thomas C. Chestna, Mark T. Collins, Susan M. Hunt, Leo E. Immonen, Elizabeth M. Orme, and Peggy Rose.
Math. and Science Fair Winners
A growing and fascinating part of the Science and Math. programs at Norwood Senior High are the fairs at which students display their individual projects and compete for recognition. James Sweeney, on March 14, 1964, won first prize at a Regional Math. fair with his project, "Multi vibrators and their application in computers and games." At the Greater Boston Regional Fair, held at Brandeis University, James Sweeney's project won first prize, and in the State Fair, his project which took two years to build, was chosen the second place winner. This is the highest honor ever received by a Norwood High School student at this State wide competition. The winner of the Norwood Senior High School fair was Ralph Nixon, first prize, with Susan Dobson and James Sweeney sharing second prize.
Americans Abroad and Foreign Exchange Programs
This past summer Miss Arlene Black, having been selected by the local American Field Service committee and the New York home office selection committee of the parent organization, represented Norwood in the Philippine Islands. Her countless experiences and impressions have been vividly shared with many in Norwood since her return. Through the use of skillful narrative supplemented with color slides, she has brought this foreign country much closer to us both in understanding as well as factual knowledge.
The other phase of the American Field Service, the Student Foreign Exchange program, has brought to us and more particularly to the Norwood
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
family of Mr. and Mrs. John Lanzoni on Neponset Street and to Norwood Senior High, the fine representative of Villarrica, Paraguay, South America, Eduardo Ferreira. Eduardo will remain with us as a student emissary in his adopted home until the end of the present school year. Already, he has won many many friends and has earned our admiration for his warm personality and his ability to adjust so well and quickly to our customs and language.
Follow-up Study Report of Graduating Class of 1963
These figures represent a one hundred percent response and indicate the status of each graduate as of February 1, 1964. These statistics are compiled by the Counselors of the Norwood Senior High School Guidance Department each year and indicate the actual and not projected or intended status of each graduate.
Graduates
222
Attending four year colleges or universities
69
31%
Attending two year colleges for two year program 21
Attending three year schools of nursing
12
Attending preparatory schools
9
Attending other schools for one year program
25
Total furthering education on full time basis
136
61%
Employed full time and attending evening schools
16
Total furthering education on full and part time basis
152
68%
Employed full time
64
29%
Military Service
14
Unemployed
4
Married
4
In Review - Looking Ahead
We at Norwood Senior High are proud of the school which the people of Norwood provide for the education of their children and grateful, as educators, that they have traditionally valued good educational programs enough to make the necessary sacrifices. This year has been a fruitful one educationally for our students, and real progress has been made to strengthen and expand every area.
The high standards and excellent educational opportunities at Norwood High School have given your high school an enviable reputation with sur- rounding secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. This record of achievement is, in great measure, a testament to the zeal and dedication of Principal Charles A. Hayden who retired in August, 1964. In his last annual report Mr. Hayden made this observation which amounts to justifi- able homage and respect of the teaching staff.
"Over the years Norwood has been more than fortunate in its teachers. Yet here as elsewhere citizens should realize that a superior teacher in every classroom is an absolute necessity if the almost unbounded benefits of education are fully to accrue to society. This in our judgment is educa- tion's greatest need and, educationwise, society's greatest challenge."
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
As the curriculum at the secondary level becomes more diverse and more profound in content, greater demands are placed upon the professional staff of the school system and the economy of the local tax structure.
On the part of the schools, there must be a continuing evaluation of personnel and curriculum in order that the needs of the community and the students are met adequately and totally. The individual members of the teaching staff must be and are aware of the need to constantly update their backgrounds and class preparations by course study and reading in profes- sional journals and other sources.
Towns and cities are faced with the rising costs of teaching materials and programs in all classifications and of all descriptions. Also the well qualified and dedicated teachers who are the core and energy source of a school should be appropriately recompensed.
In closing it is my hope that the information in this report will enhance your knowledge and understanding of your high school. Nothing will increase your desire to have and to actively support quality education in Norwood as much as an interest in learning about the educational oppor- tunities in Norwood which are our mutual responsibilities.
A copy of the graduation exercises follows with the names of those seniors who received special honors at that time.
JOHN F. MONBOUQUETTE
Principal
GRADUATION HONOR AWARDS
Lane Medal Awards
Anne E. Drew
Joanne N. Gianusso
Perry-Lynn Moffitt
Suzanne M. Barrett
William M. Bazzy
Martha J. Black
Beverly A. Obuchon
Virginia A. Grudinskas
Paul E. McGuire
Roberta M. Cormier
Frances A. Wisgirda
Victor T. Lapuszynski
William H. Jank
Gregory R. Sullivan
Paul J. Loughlin
Muriel A. Fitzgerald
Frederick J. Dyer, Jr.
Joanne M. Smith
Elizabeth L. Anderson .
Eileen M. Gallivan
Steven H. Bowen
Berwick English Prize William M. Bazzy
Teachers' Club Scholarship
Norwood P.T.A. Council Scholarship
Paul E. McGuire Frederick J. Dyer, Jr.
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REPORT OF NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Rotary Club Scholarship Albert J. Hayes, Jr.
Norwood Woman's Club Scholarship Anne E. Drew
Parents Music Association Scholarship Richard E. Cornell
Charles A. Hayden, Latin Scholarship Paul E. McGuire
Norwood Mothers' Club Scholarships
William M. Bazzy Carolyn R. Kjoss Norwood Women's Community Committee Awards Beauty Culture-Sherryann L. Septelka Food Trades-Gail E. Steeves Norwood Italian Social Club Scholarship Joanne N. Gianusso
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ladies' Auxiliary #1822, Scholarship Suzanne M. Barrett
Kiwanis Club Scholarship Frances A. Wisgirda
The Fairbanks Chapter of the National Secretaries Association Scholarship Beverly A. Obuchon
Norwood Business and Prefessional Women's Club Nancy E. Johnson
High School Scholarships
Martha J. Black
Joanne M. Smith
Muriel A. Fitzgerald
Thomas E. Clifford Elizabeth L. Anderson
Perry-Lynn Moffitt
Norwood Mothers' Club Home Economics Award
Arlene E. Ryder
Norwood Women's Community Committee Foreign Language Awards French-Stephen H. Bowen Spanish-Anne E. Drew
Science Awards
Patricia A. Abbott Paul J. Loughlin
Nicholson Memorial Award in English
Perry-Lynn Moffitt Steven H. Bowen
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
United States History Medal John W. Maddocks
Leonard W. Sansone Memorial Scholarship Ernest R. Lawes, Jr. Andrew B. Boch Scholarship Patricia A. Abbott
Sons of Italy Scholarship William W. Cheney
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE HENRY 0. PEABODY SCHOOL
It is with pleasure that I present the annual report of the Henry O. Peabody School.
The challenge to which the Henry O. Peabody School was dedicated and the continuing challenge to which its present programs and faculty are committed is contained in the following quotation from Education for a Changing World of Work-"The aptitudes, skills and education of youth must match the needs of a changing economy. The eight out of ten who will not complete college must gain occupational competence in other ways. Vocational and technical education must prepare youth for employment."
Again this year there is capacity enrollment for existing facilities at the Henry O. Peabody School. This year students represent thirty one surrounding towns with a total enrollment of one hundred seventy one students.
As we survey the school and its programs in relation to the needs of the students who will be looking for jobs in the near future there are two questions we must consider-1. Will there be a sufficient number of jobs? 2. Will the training and education offered be adequate for the increasingly complex and higher level jobs offered by our economy? To answer the first question, we must continually check to see that our programs and numbers are realistically oriented to present and future labor market requirements. In order to assure an affirmative answer to the second question, we have continued to examine our curriculum.
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