USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1945-1947 > Part 31
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and opportunity for pupil-teacher planning. To accomplish this will require a larger teaching staff and in some cases addi- tional plant facilities.
At the present time pupils are free to select the great majority of their studies from whatever offerings the school is able to make. If a particular course is desired by the pupil, sanctioned by the parent, and recommended for that pupil by the school, he is free to elect it. Thus each year it is our intent to fit the program of studies to the needs of the individual rather than to plan the program in advance and fit the individual into it. Courses are introduced, modified, or dropped as the need indicates. However, such changes are approved only when the continuity and integration of the whole program are maintained and the greatest good to the greatest number can be accom- plished.
Enrollment and Attendance
The enrollment on October first was 200 pupils, the largest in the history of the school. Included in this group are three veterans of World War II and one student taking Post-Grad- uate work. By classes the enrollment is distributed as follows : Freshmen (Grade 9) 66; Sophomores (Grade 10) 48; Juniors (Grade 11) 47; Seniors (Grade 12) 38; Post Graduate 1. Of this number 106 are boys and 94 girls. By comparing these figures with those of past years, it can readily be seen that more and more pupils are remaining in High School until graduation. Again this year the graduating class will undoubtedly be the largest in the history of the school.
Headmaster Clark in his annual report for 1944 made the following statement : "The per cent of attendance was 88.64% while that of a nearby town was 94.2%." The average attend- ance for the year 1947 was 93.9%. This compares most favor- ably with other communities in the State. Tardiness is still an unsolved problem. It is partly due to limited public transporta- tion facilities and partly to poor planning by pupils and their parents. Seventy-one per cent of all tardy cases in the school were attributed to less than ten per cent of the student body. Most tardinesses could be avoided if pupils would allow two or three minutes leeway each morning when they leave their homes.
Graduating Class
In June, 1947, thirty pupils were graduated. A follow-up
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on these graduates made in December reveals the following data : Seven are now attending degree-granting colleges includ- ing Radcliffe, New Hampshire State University, Boston Univer- sity, Northeastern University, and Framingham Teachers Col- lege. All report that they are making satisfactory progress to date. Nine are attending business schools, nursing schools, agricultural schools, radio schools, etc. They, too, report satis- factory progress to date. Eight have obtained good positions in business and industry. One is in the armed service, one in farming, and one is married. Three have moved out of town and as yet no report of their activities has been received. The school is again indebted to the Wayland Women's Club for three scholarships which were awarded at the graduation exer- cises. In addition to these, the Parmenter scholarship was awarded to one of our graduates who is now attending Rad- cliffe College.
Audio-Visual Aids
Over one hundred films were used during the year to sup- plement and enrich the work in the various classes. In Septem- ber a wire recording machine was purchased and has been in frequent use in English, Dramatic, and Music classes. The possibilities of this machine are unlimited, and it has already proved a definite asset to the educational program of the school. We are indebted to the class of 1947 who made this purchase possible through their generous gift.
Testing Program
In the spring a committee of faculty members drew up a test record card on which all standardized tests can be recorded for each individual as a part of his permanent cumulative record. In April the High School participated in an experi- mental test on "Social and Scientific Developments in the World Today," conducted by the American Council on Education. One of the primary purposes of this test is to motivate pupils to keep themselves more intelligently informed about recent social and scientific trends. The results indicated that pupils who were required to keep abreast of the times as part of their regular school work compared well with pupils in other high schools throughout the country. Those who were left to their own initiative to read newspapers and periodicals and to listen to radio programs which would widen their knowledge of world affairs failed to accomplish this end and made a poor showing on the test. In May and June standardized tests were given in
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all subject fields and were recorded on the individual test record cards. The Detroit Aptitude Test was given to a selected group of Juniors and Seniors as part of the guidance programı.
Activity Program
The modern high school can no longer be judged on its academic program of studies alone. Opportunity must be given for boys and girls to develop their personalities and social responsibilities by exercising their own volitions, their own initiative, and their own ideas. A great variety of activities were undertaken during the past year and nearly every student in the school partook in one or more of these activities. Although participation in the activity program has been large, it has been limited by lack of late afternoon facilities for those who live a considerable distance from the school. In the field of athletics, Wayland's basketball and baseball teams met with outstanding success. The basketball team won the Class C championship in the Tech tournament and finished the season with a record of 15 victories against 3 defeats. The baseball team was undefeated until it met Somerville in the Eastern State Baseball Tourney. The football team won 4 games, lost 4 and tied 1, winning for the second consecutive year its tradi- tional game with Weston. Early in January a committee of citizens feted the football team at a banquet held in the high school gymnasium. Over four hundred people enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner and witnessed awards to the members of the team. The girls' basketball team lost most of its games to strong opponents but showed steady improvement as the season progressed.
Five of our students participated in the American Legion Oratorical contest. Miss Roberta Buckingham won the school contest, the district contest, and finished third in the county contest.
A variety program was given in the high school auditorium in May. The high school orchestra and some of the talented pupils in both. high and grade schools combined with adult talent in the community to produce a most entertaining per- formance. The proceeds, which exceeded four hundred dollars, were used to help defray medical expenses which were incurred as the result of injuries on the football field. This year all football players were required to carry an athletes' insurance policy, and as a result, more than 80% of all doctor and X-ray bills were met at a cost of less than two dollars per athlete.
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In June the Senior Class published "The Reflector," our first yearbook. A committee of sixteen seniors, assisted by other members of the class and their faculty advisor, produced the sixty page book, replete with pictures and anecdotal records. The result exceeded all expectations and set a standard of accomplishment which will be very difficult to surpass.
During the year three issues of the "Chatterbox," our school paper, were published. A staff of over thirty pupils assisted by two faculty advisors was responsible for the com- position, business management, and distribution of this school paper.
In March, Wayland High School participated in the radio program, "Junior Town Meeting of the Air," which was broad- cast from station WBZ in Boston.
The Projectors' Club has been active throughout the year. training new operators for the various film projectors and the recording machine. Not only has this group been responsible for showing many films in school, but frequently its members have been called upon to operate the moving picture projector at church and community functions.
Wayco, the school's cooperative store, continues to operate as part of the Consumer Economics course. Its first year was completed in June and at that time a substantial dividend was declared to stockholders. This project serves a useful purpose in the school and provides many worthwhile experiences for the pupils who conduct it.
The Junior Prom and "Record Hops" have added to the enjoyment of the students and have provided opportunities for them to plan and participate in social functions of both the formal and informal variety.
In December the Cantata, "Petit Noel," was sung by the Glee Club assisted by the orchestra and verse speaking choir. Over one hundred pupils participated in this performance which was well received by a most appreciative audience.
The Student Council selected as its major project this fall the expansion and improvement of our assembly programs. After considerable study of available programs both within and without the school, the council completed extensive plans for assemblies for the rest of the school year. These will include both entertaining and instructive programs which promise to be most successful.
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The Francis Wayland Chapter of the National Honor Society initiated four new members in the spring. In the fall the members of this society drew up a "Success Card" in which they described the important factors which make for a success- ful high-school career.
The newly organized Dramatics Club has already produced three plays which were given at student assemblies. From this group was formed the verse speaking choir which took part in the Christmas program.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the faculty for their loyal, conscientious, and untiring efforts during the past year. They have never failed to give generously of their time and energy toward the fulfillment of their professional ideals. They have faced courageously growing burdens of increased class size, additional extra-curricular responsibilities and have participated enthusiastically on committees which have been striving to develop ways and means of improving education at Wayland High School.
May I also express my appreciation for the genuine sup- port and deep interest in all high-school activities which have been shown throughout the year by the superintendent, the members of the school committee, and the citizens of the com- munity.
Respectfully submitted, RADCLIFFE MORRILL,
Headmaster.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, CLASS OF 1947 Wayland High School Thursday Evening, June 12, 1947 High School Auditorium-Eight o'clock
PROGRAM
Processional March Romaine Charles Gounod High School Orchestra
Invocation Reverend Francis G. Shields
Education toward World Peace
Miss Mary Kicilinski
One World in the Making Mr. Andrew Ketchen
One World The Glee Club
O'Hara-Bratton
Commencement Address
Dr. Samuel M. Linday
The Trysting Place The Glee Club
Johannes Brahms
Presentation of Awards Mr. Radcliffe Morrill, Headmaster
Presentation of Class Gift Mr. Francis Henuset, Class President
Franz Schubert
The Omnipotence The Glee Club
Award of Diplomas Mr. Harvey C. Newton, Chairman, School Committee
National Anthem
High School Orchestra Key
Benediction Reverend John Madison Fogelsong
Recessional Soldiers' March from Faust Charles Gounod High School Orchestra
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CLASS OF 1947-GRADUATES
Pauline Cecille Anderson
Mary Katherine Kicilinski
Joseph F. Laughlin
Ruth E. Lumley
Richard Victor Benson
Bernard John McLellan
Charles Phillip Bowers
Doris Constance O'Neill
Roberta Mae Buckingham Harold Leroy Carver
William Francis Costello
Frederick J. Pillion, Jr.
Mary Theresa Fedock
Howard Chester Hash, Jr.
Francis Victor Henuset, 3d
Lois Patricia Hiltz
Charlotte Elizabeth Turnbull
Richard Arthur Wallace
Joan Constance Kelly
Ann Eileen Warsky
Andrew Gilmore Ketchen, Jr.
Natalie Eloise Wilson
OFFICERS OF THE CLASS OF 1947
President
Francis Henuset
Vice President
Harold Carver
Secretary
Ann Warsky
Treasurer
Natalie Wilson
THE FRANCIS WAYLAND CHAPTER
OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character
CLASS OF 1947 Pauline Anderson Roberta Buckingham Lois Hiltz Mary Kicilinski
CLASS OF 1948 Elayne Baudreau Lewis Russell Barbara Stevens Nancy Yarrish
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Marjorie Ethel Bamforth John Sherman Bates
Joanna Helen Pelletier
Maxine Ann Penketh
Robert Arthur Sanderson
Sheridan Schofield William T. Sweeney, Jr.
Sally J. Ide
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit the following report of the physical education program in the Wayland Schools.
In both of the grammar schools, the fall program consisted of outdoor games, stunts, object-handling activities, locomotor activities, and story plays for the first two grades. In grades three and four, games of higher organization were taught and activities involving small group and leader participation. Aside from a few games of group participation, the main emphasis in grades five and six was on team games, mainly soccer, fieldball, and speedball. To conclude the fall season, a game was played between both groups from each school. In Wayland we were able to have a much more complete fall program this year due to the new field which was available.
For the indoor program during the winter months, the first and second grades participated in singing games, stunts, class- room games, and rhythms involving fundamental locomotions. The third and fourth grades learned simple folk dances, stunts, and self-testing activities, rhythms, marching, and simple move- ment exercises. These same activities progressed through the fifth and sixth grades to a higher degree of difficulty.
An effort was made this fall to have all children in sneakers for their physical education period. This was carried out quite well through the cooperation of parents and teachers. As a safety measure, this requirement cannot be stressed too much. Also, in the seventh and eighth grades, the girls were asked to bring some sort of uniform to wear for activities. This project was also carried out well through the cooperation of the parents and teachers.
Under the leadership of the classroom teachers, the boys in the seventh and eighth grades have been receiving instruction in soccer. football, and basketball. Also, on days when the
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weather was inclement for outdoor activities, instruction for both boys and girls in mixed groups was given in ballroom dancing and folk dancing.
The girls' program in the High School includes two re- quired periods of physical education each week as does the boys' program. In these periods, instruction includes fundamentals in individual sports which will be of value outside of school, leadership and participation in team games, basic dance forms and patterns, and general conditioning activities.
After school activities include basketball, field-hockey, bad- minton, bowling and softball.
I wish to thank you and your staff for your splendid co- operation in helping to carry out this program.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE P. SISSON.
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REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report as art supervisor of the Wayland Schools.
Now that the average child enters public school with some knowledge of color, handling of pencils, crayons, clay and other media, it is less difficult to guide him along the paths of art instruction than formerly. He is more alert to all sorts of out- side experiences. He can express himself more clearly and our problem of teaching is guiding his abilities in the right channels.
If in this early stage, a house, tree, or person is not drawn according to those of a higher level, the child is expressing himself, getting pure enjoyment from creating and not sitting back and becoming a copyist. Naturally, the teacher must be there to guide and suggest when difficulties arise, to see that those with less initiative, courage and experience in giving release to their emotions and imagination do not have any sense of limitation.
Art is an emotional outlet. Here is a stronghold to explore. Can we direct and guide the young people under our super- vision in a way most valuable to their later life? Many people still want a concrete idea expressed.
In reviewing the program, it is not the actual results that always show what has been accomplished. Many papers are apparently stereotyped. However, it is in the preliminary build- up where the child expands and gets away from the sense of everyday happenings.
The past year, I had meetings with the principals and teach- ers to see wherein the art program could be more beneficial to the room program. All were most cooperative and wherever possible, art played a part in the routine work. Thus it was not like an extra curricular subject. I feel the teachers took more interest and saw more possibilities in the use of art as a teaching aid.
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In the Little America project, the children used knowledge gained from the papers and radio to construct a replica of Byrd's Expedition. Experimentation with various types of materials for homes, clothing, radio stations, etc., pertaining to this project, kept them wide awake about current events. The children also experimented with clay to depict the ancient beauty of Rome, Greece, and Egypt. The Battle of Concord and Lex- ington in miniature form was carefully laid out in minutest detail. Illustrated maps, homes, and costumes of other coun- tries, fish, bird, and floral life are only a few of the many sub- jects correlated with the art program.
The High School classes outside of their routine work have made posters for community activities, and designed and painted scenery for a variety show and an operetta. We are fortunate to have splendid material with which to work.
I certainly appreciate the splendid cooperation of the prin- . cipals and teachers. Without this, the work would be difficult.
May I express my appreciation to you, also, for your read- iness to help on problems at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGUERITE ELLIOTT PEASLEE, Supervisor of Art.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
To the child, singing is one of the spontaneous and natural forms of self-expression. It trains the ear, voice, and memory, and is the universal means of bringing the child into close con- tact with the art of music.
The fundamental purpose of school music is to encourage and develop an enjoyment of music and to provide an adequate background of knowledge. Supervisors strive for the musical culture of the average public school student rather than for that of the gifted few, and the ordinary boy or girl who finishes high school with a real enthusiasm for good music is their reward.
Wayland is most fortunate in having as executive school heads people who have a great interest in the teaching of music. The position of music supervisor in a school system whose superintendent and principals are unsympathetic toward the subject could be most difficult. But the cooperation extended by Mr. Kiernan, Mr. Morrill, Mrs. Draper, and Miss Kerr leaves nothing to be desired. Of no less importance is the interest and capability of the classroom teacher. The interest of the pupil naturally follows where it is directed, and there is no greater influence exerted upon a boy or girl in his school life than that of the teacher with whom he comes in daily contact. There is no question of the competency of the grade teachers employed by the Town of Wayland, some far surpassing the average teacher in their unbounded interest and understanding of the influence of good music upon the child. I would like to take this opportunity to express my great appreciation to all those with whom my work has brought me in contact. The spirit of friendship and cooperation existing throughout the schools develops a relationship of friendliness and contentment. A happy teacher is a good teacher.
In October, a voluntary group from the sixty-five students of Wayland High School who take chorus as an elective sang at the opening of the Community Chest Drive. On December 19, 1947, the entire chorus put on a very creditable performance of "Petit Noel," a musical pageant of the Christmas story based on the old French carols. It is hoped that before the close of
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the school year, the interested parents and friends of the gram- mar school students will be given an opportunity to see and hear their capabilities.
Respectfully submitted, PAULINE N. RADFORD, Supervisor of Vocal Music.
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REPORT OF THE PENMANSHIP SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit the following report of the opera- tion of the handwriting program in the Wayland Schools for the school year 1946-47.
In the initial handwriting tests administered in January, 1947, 8.6% of your pupils received a grade of "A" ( Excellent) ; 18.4% received a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 73% were graded less than "B." In the June tests administered in 1947, 53.2% of your pupils received a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; 22.4% received a grade of "B" (Good) and 24.4% were graded less than "B." Handwriting certificates were awarded. to 75% of your eighth grade pupils.
During the last school year, we graded approximately 3100 formal and 9500 informal samples of handwriting for your pupils. A formal test was administered monthly and a report was sent to each teacher giving a careful diagnosis of the hand- writing of each pupil in her room.
We furnished the following instructional materials : month- ly teachers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation cer- tificates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates for eighth grade pupils who qualified, monthly and term envel- opes, seals, etc.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our apprecia- tion for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM L. RINEHART.
193
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my report as School Physician for the year 1947.
Total number of students examined 792
The following defects noted in all the grades are as fol- lows :
Center School :
1. Defective tonsils and adenoids 121
2. Submaxillary gland enlargements 18
3. Cerumen in the ears (wax) 44
4. Defective heart 1
5. Defective posture 2
6. Orthopedic defects 4
7. Ear infections 1
8. Torticollis (wryneck ) 1
Cochituate School :
1. Defective tonsils and adenoids 147
2. Submaxillary gland enlargements 144
3. Cerumen in the ears (wax) 10
4. Orthopedic defects 2
High School: (Boys)
1. Defective tonsils and adenoids 33
2. Submaxillary gland enlargements 10
3. Defective heart 3
4. Defective posture 2
5. Marked acne 1
High School: (Girls)
1. Defective tonsils and adenoids 48
2. Cerumen in the ears (wax) 5
3. Marked acne 1
4. Sebaceous cyst 1
5. Defective heart 1
6. Orthopedic defects 1
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Defective teeth :
In as much as the school has an excellent dental clinic, teeth are cared for in that department.
I wish to state that my physical examinations were thor- ough and painstaking. No child was neglected in any way, shape, or manner. The high school boys received the regular army physical.
Diphtheria Boosters were given to about 612 students.
Triple Diphtheria injections given : Center School 90 Cochituate School 80
During the past year there have been a few sporadic cases of Pneumonia, Measles, Whooping Cough, Mumps, and Scarlet Fever. I believe with the modern treatments which are avail- able to all that there is no reason for the severity of these dis- eases.
I attended all the home football games and rendered med- ical attention as needed. I wish to thank Coach Nathanson, Assistant Coach Strickland, and Principal Morrill for the co- operation which they gave me. I also thank the team. They are all gentlemen.
I sincerely appreciate and wish to thank our superintendent, our dentist, our nurse, and all the teachers for their fine co- operation and help in connection with this work.
Respectfully submitted, DAVID R. COREY, M.D.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL CLINIC
To the Superintendent of Schools: ·
Modern education recognizes that the child's health is, in part, the school's responsibility. Dental treatment plays a large part in the school health program.
Each pupil in the elementary grades has a detailed dental examination at the beginning of the fall term. The main pur- pose of this annual examination is to locate defects in the teeth.
In each case, if defects are located, the home is notified as to the number and parents are advised to take their child to their family dentist or have the school dentist correct defects.
All dental health work has as one of its major aims dental education. The public health nurse has the greatest opportunity for meeting the parents. In discussing dental health problems in her contacts with children at school and mothers in their homes, she can interpret matters relating to dental care and education in oral hygiene.
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