USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1948-1950 > Part 11
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Because only the more gifted used to attend high school, college entrance requirements largely dictated the secondary school courses of study. These were dominated by college pre- paratory subjects. Even today we stress the study of 4 or 5 years of foreign language and yet require only one year of a study of our own country. We study maps of foreign con- tinents but seldom map our own community or state. We expound the theories of Chemistry and Physics but seldom visit local industrial plants or discuss present production methods. The old formal education was acceptable for the earlier high school population, but today nearly every child is a secondary pupil. The program of studies must contribute to preparation for well rounded citizenship. The school must become a com- munity itself and resemble life, in order to give actual practice in what it attempts to improve. In addition to preparation for college, experiences should be provided in activities which citizens are actually going to perform. Pupils should be taught to do better the desirable things they are going to do anyway. We are judged not by what we know, but what we do. What we are tomorrow depends on our schools today. If our democ- racy is to continue to function efficiently, our youth must appre- ciate and practice the principles upon which our country was founded.
With construction well underway, we are all looking for- ward enthusiastically to the completion of the two new wings to our building and the change to the 6-6 plan. Among the many advantages will be well equipped Home Economics and Shop suites, expanded Science suite, expanded office space, present gymnasium changed into a combination Library, Study Hall, and Cafeteria meeting three long existing needs, and the use of a new and much larger gym where girls' and boys' physi- cal education may be carried on simultaneously.
The present curriculum at Wayland is dominated by college preparatory subjects in spite of the fact that at the present time only about 25% of our pupils are able to go to college. In grades 11 and 12 particularly there are few general subjects for non-college people. Consequently, many who cannot cope with the material are enrolled in college preparatory courses in language, science, and mathematics, or advanced business. They not only get limited value but handicap the remainder of the class.
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With the reorganization coming from the inauguration of the 6-6 plan next fall, opportunity will be provided to greatly help the general students. All pupils are required to take at least four major subjects and a minor, Physical Education. English is required each year and provides one major. Because Social Studies are regarded as the core and heart of present day education, it is recommended that a Social Science Course be required each year. At present only United States History is required, although World Geography, World History, and Problems of Democracy are taught. The program might be Civics, including Occupations for grade 9, World History in grade 10. United States History in grade 11, and Problems of Democracy in grade 12. General Science would continue to be required in grade 9 and Biology in grade 10.
College people could complete their programs from Latin (2 years). French (3 years), Algebra (2 years), Plane Geome- try, Solid Geometry, Trigonometry, Chemistry and Physics. Business students would choose from Typing (2 years), Sten- ography (2 years), Bookkeeping (2 years), and Office Practice.
The 50% of the school population not included in the two above groups will find a choice more befitting their abilities. The installation of the Shop program will help greatly. All students may profit from work which requires manual skill. Accuracy, planning, neatness and logical thinking can be learned by working with material interesting and easy to comprehend.
Students in grades 9 and 10 would need but one more sub- ject to make four majors. For this and extra courses Fresh- men might choose from General Mathematics, General Business Training, Shop and Household Science. Sophomores might take World Geography, Bookkeeping, Shop and Home Man- agement.
In grades 11 and 12, where the need is more apparent, General students would need two more major subjects to make four. These might be chosen from Consumer Economics, Com- mercial Law and Salesmanship, Home and Family Life, Shop, Consumer Science, and Physiology, the latter including First Aid and Safety. Consumer Science and Physiology would be new subjects. Business students would also be able to benefit from these subjects.
Minor subjects would include required Physical Education, free hand Art, Mechanical Drawing, Reading Improvement, Typing for Personal Use and Refresher Arithmetic. It is hoped
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to be able to add Orientation, including How to Study, and pos- sibly Public Speaking.
STUDENT COUNCIL-ACTIVITIES
Teaching young people to live together is perhaps the most difficult but at the same time the most satisfying task of the secondary school. At Wayland the growth of the democratic way of life is promoted by furnishing life situations in which student participation enhances social intelligence.
The Student Council exemplifies the representative form of government. It helps establish and modify school policy and routine procedure and performs many activities which keep the school running more smoothly. It provides an outstanding way of training young people to guide each other.
The Council's two projects of the fall have been the estab- lishment of a system of athletic awards with definite standards, and the arranging of an assembly program.
ASSEMBLIES
The assembly program is well balanced and provides for about three assemblies a month. Educational and guidance values come from films and outside speakers telling about advanced schools, improving personality, getting a job, and being successful. Outstanding entertainment comes from four so-called paid assemblies. This year these include a radio broadcast show, a mentalist, a professional investigator, and a magician. These four programs were chosen only after care- ful consideration of many possibilities. The Student Council has already planned to participate in the National Assembly Service in 1949-50 and has chosen five programs recognized as outstanding in the country.
School morale is fostered by rallies and outstanding achievement is recognized with the presentation of awards.
About the most worth while of the assemblies are those which students themselves present. The Dramatic Club, the Music Clubs, the National Honor Society, the Juniors and the Sophomores are all sponsoring assemblies where the program is furnished by students.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Transcripts for advanced school and for jobs emphasize four items : Scholarship, Attendance, Citizenship and Activities. The last three items are taking on equal importance with schol-
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arship, especially activities participated in, awards received, offices held, etc.
Wayland High School has a well rounded Activity Pro- gram. Besides the Student Council, the Dramatic Club has sponsored two assemblies and aided in others. The English Classes have published the Chatterbox, the school newspaper. The Seniors annually produce a most outstanding yearbook. The Projectors' Club enables extended use of the school sound film projector and the wire recorder. The National Honor Society sponsored the Education Week assembly and is working on a school handbook. Way-Co, the school cooperative store, continues to be successfully operated by the Consumer Eco- nomics Class.
Wayland students participated in the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest and the Junior Town Meeting of the Air. In the social line, four big dances provided long remem- bered enjoyment as well as training in the courtesies of social behavior and providing an opportunity for the assumption of responsibility by working on committees.
The Music Department features a mixed chorus and a Girls' Glee Club whose main project for 1949 is the presenta- tion of the operetta, "Belle of Bagdad." It is hoped to enlarge the Music Department by having a Boys' Glee Club, an Orches- tra, and Band, the latter two to have not only regular rehear- sals but sectional and individual work as well.
Major sports are sponsored in each of the three seasons for both boys and girls. Playing of Junior Varsity as well as Var- sity schedules has enabled all members of our large squads to get in games. We are greatly indebted to the Wayland High Association for award jackets, a fine banquet and help in buy- ing athletic equipment.
FACULTY MEETINGS
The bi-monthly faculty meeting program has not only pro- vided a medium for the discussion of school routine but this year has taken for a general discussion topic, "School Activi- ties." These have been evaluated for aims, procedure, corre- lation and service to the school. During these meetings, next year's program of activity has been kept constantly in mind.
GUIDANCE
A Guidance program is taking definite form at Wayland High School. It features nine items. 1. Educational Guidance
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-adjustments within school, planning school careers, choosing and securing admittance to advanced schools. 2. Vocational -occupational information, career days, cooperative work. 3. Personal-discipline, social, etc. 4. Testing-intelligence, achievement, aptitude, standard subject tests. 5. Records- permanent record card, test record card, cumulative guidance and follow-up record, health card, personality rating sheet and pupil folders for other personal information. 6. Group activ- ity-home room, assemblies, etc. 7. Regular courses-explora- tory courses, movies, field trips, etc. 8. Placement-part-time work during school, help in getting a future job. 9. Follow-up.
The heavy load now carried by faculty members does not permit adequate time for Guidance work. A large part of the personal counseling is of necessity being done by the head- master, while Miss Merrithew as class advisor, has worked efficiently with the seniors. It is hoped that another year one or more teachers may be freed part time to promote this vital service.
TO PARENTS
We wish to enlist the cooperation of parents in minimizing the wasting of time and effort in school. In addition to the regular report cards, Warning Cards are sent home as needed midway in the marking period. Parents are contacted in cases of excessive absence, excessive tardiness, and lack of coopera- tion. Absentees are asked to bring a note on the day of return and make up work within a given time. Excusable absences are only those involving sickness. For other absences the school should be contacted in advance to prevent the absence being unexcused. Parents are urged to arrange for shopping, visit- ing, dentist appointments, work, etc. after school, Saturdays or vacations. Excessive absence not only greatly detracts from the value of school but makes much extra work by individual attention required for make-up work. The student's place is in the school unless there is a real necessity for his absence.
We wish parents would promote regular and systematic home study. We wish especially that they would urge their children to cooperate, avoid wasting time and get as much as possible out of school.
Parents are welcome to visit school and to discuss problems with the headmaster or teachers at any time outside regular school hours. Definite appointments are desirable.
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EDUCATION WEEK
Wishing to bring the parents and the school closer together, the big feature of the observance of American Education Week in November was a Parents' Night held in conjunction with the regular P.T.A. as a medium for parents working in closer har- mony with the school.
Other features of the work included : discussions of daily topics, making of Educational Posters, writing essays on Edu- cational Topics and an Education Week assembly sponsored by the National Honor Society whose members participated in a panel discussion.
I feel that Wayland has a splendid group of capable young people. I sincerely appreciate their cooperation and that of the faculty, superintendent, school committee and other citizens of Wayland in helping make our school a more useful institution.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY L. CLEMENT, Headmaster.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, CLASS OF 1948 Wayland High School Thursday Evening, June 10, 1948 High School Auditorium-Eight o'clock
PROGRAM
Triumphal March from Aida Verdi High School Orchestra
Invocation
Reverend Claude H. Voorheis
Morning Grieg
Girls' Chorus
Symposium-Zeal for American Democracy
Americans Have Rights and Privileges Nancy Yarrish
Citizenship Is a Responsibility Norma Tarr
Democracy Has Competition John Tivnan
The Future Depends on Us Norman Rhodes
By the Bend of the River Glee Club
Edwards
Presentation of Awards Mr. Radcliffe Morrill, Headmaster
Presentation of Class Gift Richard Riley, Class President
Herbert
Indian Summer
Glee Club
Award of Diplomas
Mr. Allan R. Finlay, Chairman, School Committee
National Anthem High School Orchestra Key
Benediction
Reverend William F. Reilly
Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
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American History Award
Sponsored by Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Good Citizen Award
Sponsored by the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution
Reader's Digest Award Sponsored by the Reader's Digest
Scholarship Awards Sponsored by the Wayland Woman's Club
CLASS OF 1948
OFFICERS
Richard Riley Norma Tarr Norman Rhodes Barbara Stevens
GRADUATES
John Eugene Clifford, Jr.
Mary Gertrude Lee
Doris Irene Collins
Joan Lightfoot
William Francis Curley, 3d
James A. Lupien
Frances Marie Davieau
James George Marcantonio
Richard B. Dew, Jr.
Frank J. McLellan
Margaret Marie DiModica
Dorothy May Place
Thomas H. Egan
Norman Edgar Rhodes
Dorothy Alice Gelinas
Richard James Riley
Barbara Ann Gersbach
Charles William Russell
Lester Hershel Gray, Jr.
Lewis S. Russell, Jr.
John George Handrahan
Murray Edward Stahl
Norman L. Hollett Robert A. Hooker
Geraldine Noreen Sullivan Norma Rita Tarr
Harold William Hynes
Eleanor Katherine Teele
Doris Antoinette LaFrance
John Thomas Tivnan
Daniel Richard Laughlin
Rose Mary Ward
Frances F. Hynes
Barbara Marie Stevens
Nancy Yarrish
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THE FRANCIS WAYLAND CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character CLASS OF 1948
Lewis Russell
Barbara Stevens
Nancy Yarrish
CLASS OF 1949
Elizabeth Amos Priscilla Buckingham Richard Bowers Mary Cahill Patricia Cooke Joan Crimmin
James Curley Audrey MacKeen Theresa Mayhew Esther Nisbet Malcolm Parrish Marie Weeks
Eleanor Wilson
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Physical education is education by means of physical activ- ities. It is concerned with activities of the muscular system of the body and related factors which influence the development of the child and the physical and social efficiency of the adult.
By keeping the above thoughts in mind, the physical educa- tion program of the Wayland Schools is planned and con- structed.
Activities continue from grade one through grade twelve. In the primary grades, activities including rhythms, singing games, fundamental locomotions, games of low organization, and big muscle activities are presented. Through these particu- lar activities, the children learn to develop alertness and quick response to situations, control and grace of bodily movements, courage, self-control, courtesy, obedience, cooperation, and initiative.
In the intermediate grades, many of the above activities are presented but in more advanced forms. One of the main activ- ities presented at this level is team games of low organization, in which the children learn to get along together in groups, choose leaders, and reason their own problems of a game.
Team games as soccer, touch football. volleyball, and bas- ketball are introduced in the upper grades. Here much emphasis is placed on team work, cooperation, and student leaders. Other activities include classroom games, gymnastics, stunts, folk and square dancing.
Beginning in the fifth grade of both schools, Cochituate and Center, the boys and girls have separate classes, the boys under the direction of a man instructor.
In the elementary schools, all competition has been kept within each grade with the exception of the fifth and sixth grades.
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On the junior high level, the boys' physical education classes are under the direction of Mr. Clement Hasenfus in the Cochituate School and Mr. Samuel Strickland in the Center School. The Wayland boys have been fortunate this year in being able to hold their winter activities in the High School gymnasium which also is true for the fifth and sixth grade boys of this school. In spite of the fact that in the Cochituate School there is no opportunity for the above, regular activities in sports have been carried on.
Activities of the junior high girls include soccer, softball, basketball, tumbling, gymnastics, games, and dancing. There also has been an opportunity for some after school activities in both schools this year. These have included soccer and bowling.
In the High School, regular physical education classes are conducted twice a week for both the boys and the girls. In these classes, activities which lead to after school activities are presented, and activities which can be carried over into leisure time. The extra-curricular program includes football and field hockey in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball and softball in the spring. Interschool schedules are planned in all of these sports for boys and girls.
In looking forward to the new additions of both the Cochituate School and the High School, the physical education program of the Wayland Schools will be expanded considerably.
May I, on behalf of the members. of the Physical Educa- tion Department and myself, thank all those who have in any way helped to make this program one in which the children of Wayland will have a richer and better rounded educational pro- gram.
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.
Art is making or creating objects through the transforma- tion of media and materials. It deals with imagination, ideas, feelings, and ideals. Life, form, color, tone, and texture are the basic elements. It is the putting together of ideas. Original work, called creative art, is the result of imagination, initiative, and invention. What is more stimulating than to see the results of the children as they enlarge on ideas given them and create their own little masterpieces? I believe there is more than just to teach art as a subject. It is not merely the picture displayed but what the child takes with him. It may not be used today or tomorrow, but it should be an experience and tend to develop the child's abilities, attitudes, and appreciation.
This past year, I have had meetings with the teachers to see wherein the art could have a more functional part in the program. I feel the teachers should have more recognition for the part they play in making the work so beneficial to the stu- dents. Their stimulus is what keeps the pupils' interest in many of the unit study groups at a high level.
Among the extra curricular projects were scenery con- structed and painted, a papier-maché cow, and programs and posters for the operetta. Many enjoyed the windows at Christ- mas, sandtables, clay modeling, murals, finger painting, and blackboard decorations. These activities could not be completed without the classroom teachers and principals giving extra time and thought to their execution. Many of the teachers procured additional materials from libraries and museums as visual aids for their classes. These are indirectly art aids also.
In the High School, the students have painted scenery for several activities. With mechanical drawing classes also present during the period, the students have become very efficient with only occasional supervision.
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The response to an art workshop in conjunction with the Natick, Sudbury, and Sherborn Schools was very heartily endorsed by the teachers. This being after school and a strenu- ous work period, I was very gratified by the participation and results. I am sure many of the teachers were surprised at their creative abilities and also gained more respect for the efforts of their children.
May I express my sincere appreciation for your interest and cooperation at all times.
Respectfully submitted, MARGUERITE ELLIOTT PEASLEE.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The very much increased interest in musical activities dur- ing the past year has been most gratifying. Enrollment in the high school chorus, an elective subject, has jumped from sixty members to eighty-five, and twenty-six high school students have been active in the Wayland Community Chorus. Follow- ing the successful Christmas pageant of December, 1947, the high school chorus put on commendable performances both at the dramatic production and again at graduation time. Some effort to have an all girl chorus has been made, but lack of time in a very close schedule has made this extremely difficult. How- ever, it is hoped that something more productive along this line may be fitted in during the coming school year. At present, we are going into rehearsals for the operetta, "The Belle of Bagdad." I believe we have some exceptional talent. The profits from this enterprise will go toward the purchase of a grand piano for the new auditorium.
To go beyond our own small community for a moment, let us look at what is being done in the nation at large. To stimu- late our high school people and their parents to an increasing interest in good music, the Columbia Broadcasting System and the new sponsor of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Broadcasts, the Standard Oil Company of New York, are select- ing and inviting from all over the United States high school boys and girls to come to New York, all expenses paid, for a very special "Week-end with Music." Those fortunate enough to be chosen will attend the best musical events to be found in New York -- opera, concerts, ballet, theatrical performances and rehearsals, and will meet celebrities distinguished in the field of music. Then on Sunday afternoon, they will attend the Phil- harmonic Concert and be presented and interviewed on a coast- to-coast broadcast with Mr. Deems Taylor, composer and critic. Because of marked achievement and interest in music, Mr.
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Clement and I have submitted the names of two students from Wayland High School to the National Advisory Board. We sincerely hope that both will receive the final official invitation, and all our best wishes go with them.
In the grade schools, the everyday work of learning how to enjoy and participate in vocal music, how to read music by the tonic sol-fa system, and how to blend their voices in harmony continues. Last spring, the students of the Wayland Center School presented the operetta, "The Magic Beanstalk," which was received most enthusiastically by parents and townspeople. With the money earned, a combination wire recorder, radio, and record player was purchased. I note that the machine is in great demand by the teachers and pupils, and is proving most useful in many ways.
Due to lack of facilities, the Cochituate School has been able to present little public work. However, at the P.T.A. meeting which I am to address in January, a group of pupils from the second grade will demonstrate the beginning of note reading, and another group from grades seven and eight will give a short program of two and three part singing. As soon as the school has its own auditorium, they will begin to partici- pate in different musical events.
May I take this opportunity to once again thank the stu- dents, teachers, principals, parents, and you for your sincere and generous cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
PAULINE N. RADFORD.
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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 of 1947-48.
In the initial handwriting tests administered in January, 1947, 8.6% of your pupils received a grade of "A" (Excel- lent ) ; 18.4% received a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 73% were graded less than "B." In the tests administered in June, 1948, 65.8% of your pupils received a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; 13.2% received a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 20.9% were grad- ed less than "B."
During the last school year, we graded approximately 5,500 formal and 16,500 informal samples of handwriting for your pupils. A formal test was administered monthly and a report was furnished each teacher giving a careful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in her room.
Handwriting certificates were awarded to 67% of your eighth grade pupils.
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