USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1951-1959 > Part 73
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Enrollment - School Facilities
Pupil enrollment as predicted has continued to increase. The opening of school in September resulted in an enrollment increase of 116 as compared to the enrollment of a year ago. Fortunately, the school was again prepared to care for this increase.
The High School
King Philip Regional High School has fulfilled all expectations as far as housing an adequate program of secondary education is con- cerned. The physical aspects of the plant inclusive of buildings and
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grounds certainly speak for themselves. The spacious auditorium with adequate stage facilities, the gymnasium, the cafeteria, special meet- ing rooms, athletic and recreational areas have been available and have been used extensively by community and state organizations.
The educational program offered to the young people is extensive. Subject matter fields made permissible by law are offered, in fact, it may be said that each subject and co-curricula activity are available to all pupils. However, the actual path followed by a pupil throughout his high school career depends on his capacity, ability, need, his inter- est and his willingness to accomplish the task.
The guidance program, staffed by full-time and part-time, well- qualified, experienced, understanding and interested teachers, is con- tinuing to do excellent work with pupils in helping them to chart their course not only through high school but in a future field of work or higher education after graduation.
The school program of each pupil is an individual matter. Coop- erative effort on the part of the pupil, the home, and the school is essential.
Conclusion
The past year has been one of accomplishment and satisfaction. It has been a year extremely strenuous for many members of our school system and I realize, too, strenuous and time-consuming on the part of many civic-minded persons.
We have been fortunate in obtaining and maintaining an excellent staff-outstanding teaching prevails in our classrooms; attention to many details associated with the safety and health of our children has been of concern; and the care of our building and grounds by persons interested in their work is gratifying.
May I express my appreciation to the School Committee for its sincere concern and understanding of the many challenges and for their help with problems confronting public school education. No indi- vidual or one department may progress successfully alone. Ours is a common task.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK J. DELANEY,
Superintendent of Schools
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF KING PHILIP REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
To: Superintendent of Schools Regional School Committee,
Citizens of the District:
King Philip Regional High has made excellent progress. The program is working very well. The educational opportunities offered by a comprehensive high school are proving themselves beneficial to the youth of this district.
LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT Grace W. Capron, Chairman
In all grades at all levels stress has been placed on reading and vocabulary. In September 1958 the Reading program was started with grades seven and nine. Special reading classes have been arranged for pupils in all other grades. The course of study has been followed in all classes with special review or drill as found needed in particular groups. Reading, speaking, writing, and listening are the bases for all class activities in every grade. Individual help is always availa- ble to any pupil. Practical use has been made of The Reader's Digest and Practical English. Participation in writing contests has been en- couraged. Original essays and poems have been accepted for publi- cation in high school anthologies. Much library work has been accom- plished in every grade through outside reading reports, research papers, and considerable reference work. Films and records have been used to aid in literature appreciation and understanding. In all groups effort has been made to stimulate good study habits to produce a better use of the English language and to encourage a desire to read the best in literature.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Dorothy Magraw, Chairman
The awareness that business education is a vital part of the pupil's preparation for life has resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of pupils taking the business subjects. Almost every pupil completes at least one year of typewriting before graduation. The Senior short- hand pupils pass the Standard Gregg tests regularly at increasing rates of speed up to 120 words per minute and successfully passed the Federal Civil Service Stenographic test. We are pleased to be able to place our business graduates in fine positions.
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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
C. W. Bennett, Chairman
The Mathematics Department is progressing as scheduled toward its goal of a three level program for the entire six grades (7-12) by the school year of 1961-62. At that time the first group of students to be exposed to the functional mathematics (top level) program in last year's grade eight will be completing their high school educations. The teachers offering the courses report that the material presented in the series of functional mathematics textbooks is being supplemented by material from the normal sequence of textbooks. This should not only add to the student's knowledge but will also be beneficial if the student should transfer to another school or change courses.
The three teachers working with grades seven and eight attended the Teachers' Conferences on Junior High School Mathematics and Science held at Salem Teacher's College.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Walter C. Littlefield, Chairman
Science courses currently being offered at the King Philip Regional High School are: general science, biology, chemistry, physics, geological science, physical science, and advanced biology.
Along with the subject matter proposed in the course of study, current discoveries in the field of science and demonstrations and ex- periments are being introduced in all courses to stimulate interest and bring about a better understanding of the wealth of scientific back- ground available to the science student of today.
Teachers and students alike are making wide use of the excellent facilities and equipment available. The growing room at this time contains plants (some of which are not even grown in this part of the country) which will be used by the classes in biology and general science. Four aquariums are now in use and are proving to be very helpful in the study of the life cycle and physiological development of the various members of the fish family.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT Viola Gananian, Chairman
Instruction in the modern foreign languages of French, Spanish and German has been geared to these several objectives:
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1. Drill in the basic skills of grammar and vocabulary.
2. Promoting understanding, through progressive development of such skills, of the spoken language as well as use of the spoken language to the greatest possible extent.
3. Accurate pronunciation.
4. Building the level of reading speed and comprehension.
5. Providing the opportunity for written expression of the lan- guage as determined by the level of attainment reached.
Thus, the mechanical aspects of language learning such as gram- mar, vocabulary and pronunciation are viewed as a means to the at- tainment of the greater goal-speaking, reading and writing that lan- guage or acquiring an appreciation for the thought patterns of the par- ticular language. Reading selections on cultural history or simple narratives as well as conversational episodes supply material for such creative use of the language.
An integral part of the foreign language instruction is the sup- plementing of course work by a consideration of cultural history by means of such methods as slides, films, pictures and other related realia.
A course outline of Latin will follow the above description with the exception that intensive drill on grammatical inflections and translation receive the emphasis of instruction.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Alice Church, Chairman
The Social Studies Department has a progressive program in the Humanities areas ranging from World Geography in the seventh grade to Contemporary Affairs in the twelfth grade. The courses are well re- ceived and the students are becoming aware of and gaining a knowl- edgeable understanding of the world and its problems, both present and past.
READING PROGRAM Alice Church, Chairman
The Developmental Reading Program in its first year of operation will have by June, 1959, been made available to all classes-seven through twelve. The program proved its worth even in its beginning stages. This is shown in the percentage gains in rate and comprehen- sion-as much as twenty percent increase has been noted over a three month period of time.
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HOME ECONOMICS
Pauline Pfeffer, Chairman
The food classes have studied the basic nutritional needs of the in- dividual and the family. They have learned to budget the food dollar, shop, prepare and serve food from simple breakfasts to a complete turkey dinner. Foreign breads and cookies made by the foods classes were featured at a coffee hour given in December when the girls were hostesses to the faculty at a Christmas party.
Clothing groups have been studying how to plan their wardrobe, to have more for less money, and then sewing to prove that it can be done. A wide variety of garments have been completed with new learnings and techniques in evidence constantly. In addition some of these cloth- ing students have done alteration projects and a make-over garment.
Girls are trained in child care from infancy up to school age. Bath- ing the new-born baby, sterilization of bottles and proper preparation of formula have been done by the classes. As part of their training younger girls are taught how to be responsible baby-sitters. Good grooming is not limited to any one class or group but stressed through- out the department as a necessary part of a girl's education.
Planning and decorating the home and care and cleaning of its contents are important parts of the curriculum.
Girls are shown the advantages and disadvantages of different appliances and how to get the most use out of them. They are taught to handle every phase of homemaking as economically, efficiently, and pleasantly as possible. After all, most of them will be home-makers!
INDUSTRIAL ARTS Gilbert Rishton, Chairman
The Industrial Arts Department has three sections - namely, Mechanical Drawing, General Woodworking and General Metal- working.
The number of boys in each section by grades is as follows:
Mechanical Drawing
Grades 9-12
64
Grade 8 32
Grade 7 38
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General Woodworking
Grades 9-12
50
Grade 8
33
Grade 7
39
General Metalworking
Grades 9-12
30
Grade 8
25
Grade 7
39
In the Mechanical Drawing section work is being done in Basic Mechanical Drawing for first-year boys. Advanced Mechanical Draw- ing for second-year boys and Architectural Drawing for advanced boys who have completed the fundamentals of machine drawing.
The units of work covered by General Woodworking are: Wood- working, Cabinet Work, Wood-turning, and Wood-finishing, while in General Metalworking work is being done in Bench Metal, Sheet- metal, Forgework, Welding, and Basic Machineshop.
This department has been operating for less than a year and is still in the process of development in many ways. A general improve- ment in variety and quality of the work is very evident. All instruc- tors in the department have definite plans for increased activity in our present work areas together with the introduction of new work units.
ART DEPARTMENT Barbara Bracey, Chairman
Since the Art Department opened its doors the art teachers have been primarily engaged in organizing and reorganizing procedure and course of study to meet the needs of the students in the art classes. Our objectives have been briefly:
To develop a better knowledge and appreciation of art.
To develop standards of good taste.
To provide opportunities for self-expression.
To discover and encourage the development of talent.
To give an appreciation to the role of art in every-day living.
We have stressed fundamentals or basic elements of composition, design and color to acquaint our students with a working knewledge of the principles in theory and practice that lie behind all successful creative experience in the visual arts. We have attempted to present a kind of survey course including:
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1. Experimentation with materials to provide information regard- ing basic technics and to encourage the application of this knowledge in original expression.
2. Art in daily life to stress the function of art principles in vari- ous aspects of daily living-for instance, the value of the art experience in relation to other areas in school and in adult life.
3. Survey of the major fields of art to introduce through selected activities some insight into the principles and technics em- ployed in the various art fields, some of which are not common- ly known or appreciated.
Of necessity we have been somewhat limited as to the scope of material that we have been able to cover or produce for various reasons from problems in scheduling to varying backgrounds and abilities of our students. However, all things considered, I feel that we have made definite progress during the past year and have been reasonably suc- cessful in what we set out to accomplish.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT Raymond R. Hill, Chairman
The Music Program at the King Philip Regional High School was not completely scheduled until March, 1958, due to the fact that the Music Room was not finished. The General Music classes and the Music Appreciation periods were the first to be scheduled as these courses were held in a regular classroom, but the Instrumental and Vocal groups had to await the completion of the Music Room. Thus, your Music Department feels that the members of the Band and the Chorus deserve special commendation because of the fact that after only approximately six weeks of organization they presented a most creditable performance at the formal dedication of the King Philip Regional High School. At this time also a special note of thanks is due your administrators and School Committee as it was directly due to their cooperation and expeditious action that the Band uniforms were ordered, fitted and delivered in time for the dedication. For the remainder of the school year the members of the Band and Chorus were in constant rehearsal in preparation for their performances at Class Night, Baccalaureate and the Graduation exercises. During the closing weeks of the school year the Band presented a program and demonstration of instruments for the children of the Elementary Schools in each of the Towns of the Regional District.
.. At the start of the school year. in September, 1958, the following Music Program was in complete readiness for the students attending
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the King Philip Regional High School: General Music (Compulsory at the seventh grade level)-1 period per week; Music Appreciation (Elective-Grades VIII - XII)-1 period per week; Band (Elective- Grades VII - XII)-3 activity. periods per week; Instrumental Class Instruction (Compulsory for Band members)-1 period per week; Chorus (Elective and Selective-Grades IX - XII)-3 activity periods per week. The response to the over-all Music Program has been most satisfactory. We have approximately one hundred students in the Music Appreciation classes, fifty-five students in the Chorus and sixty- five Band members. During the football season the Band performed at all of the games, presented a concert at the Wrentham State School in late November, and the Band and Chorus joined forces to present a concert during the Christmas season.
The Music Department feels that much has been accomplished in this past year. Of course, there have been some problems. Many of the Band members wanted to participate in both the Band and the Chorus but this has been an impossibility to date because of the con- flict in scheduling. There has also been some dissatisfaction because we do not have an orchestra at King Philip. This is due to the lack of string players immediately available and also to the fact that it is almost impossible to interest students and begin instruction on these more difficult instruments at the seventh or eighth grade level. In- struction on the stringed instruments should properly begin in either the fourth or fifth grade in order to insure a well-balanced orchestra at the High School level. However, we have been working on a solu- tion to this problem and we hope to have an orchestra at King Philip in the near future.
LIBRARY
Joan Clarke, Librarian
The King Philip Regional High School Library opened for the first time on January 16, 1958. At this time approximately 3,000 books were catalogued and on the shelves. At the present time the reference collection numbers about 410 books. There are now some 3,741 books catalogued in the regular collection. Total collection numbers some 4,151 books.
In 1958 the library subscribed to 52 magazines and 6 newspapers. Numerous gifts of backfiles of newspapers and magazines have been bestowed upon the library by people of the three towns. These are invaluable in setting up a pamphlet and clipping file for students' re- search. Pamphlets and magazines circulate to students.
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Circulation Statistics
January 16, 1958-June 27, 1958 6,066
Summer Reading Club (June 27 to Sept. 1, 1958) 1,100
September 1958-December 31, 1958 4,670
Books Circulated-Grand Total, 1958
11,836
Loan Period for books is two weeks. Books, unless reserved by an- other student or faculty member may be renewed for another two weeks.
Book Fair-A Christmas Book Fair was held on December 2, 3 and 4, 1958. Final tallying of accounts is not ready at this time. However, about $700 worth of books were sold. Of this, a 20% commission will go to the library to be deposited in the Library Fund. A great enthus- iasm was shown during the Fair, both by adults and students. This was most gratifying to the Librarian and to the Administrators. It is through such activities that greater knowledge of and interest in our libraries is stimulated.
Hours-363/4 hours of library service are provided each week. The library is open two days until 5 p. m. Ample opportunity is provided before, during and after school for students to get to the library.
In closing, it is the feeling of the Librarian that the past year has been a very successful one, not only by virtue of the amount of cir- culation, but because of the students' great interest in the library.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Elmer Silva, Athletic Director
By offering a varied program we are attempting to meet the physical needs of all students. At the present time, approximately 850 students are in the program and all classes meet twice weekly. With the outside facilities ready this year the entire spring and fall programs will be conducted out of doors, weather permitting.
As part of this year's spring program the national A.A.U. physical fitness and proficiency tests will be given to all students. The stan- dards of these tests are designed to create an awareness of physical fitness and to motivate boys and girls to increase sports participation for the development of physical fitness.
The intramural program is progressing rapidly in Grades 7 and 8 and in the spring an attempt will be made to interest the older students
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who are not involved in interscholastic athletics to participate in some athletic activity after school.
Athletics-All varsity teams are progressing rapidly and the coach- ing staff is pleased with the enthusiasm of the participating students. The turn-out for all sports, both boys and girls, has been so large that the size of squads has been limited with selection based on ability. It is probably the most difficult job for any coach to limit the squad but it must be done if their work is to be done efficiently.
A glaring weakness in our athletic program is the lack of spectator interest, not only from the student body but also from the adults in the region. It is hoped this will not become an area noted for its "fair-weather" fans, but rather parents, friends and students who will take an interest in what the young adults are doing not only in ath- letics but in all their activities.
Health Education-Our Health Instruction program other than what is given in the physical education classes has started this year in grade seven. This group of over 220 boys and girls meets once per week with the classes consisting of panel discussions, lectures and visual aids relating to the areas being studied.
All assignments which are given are things which can be applied to their every day living. Emphasis is placed on personal health. Such areas covered are: character traits, diet, habits both good and bad, cleanliness, and an understanding of human body and its functions.
A class of this size is being tried as an experiment so that if it is practical it may be tried in other areas of education. So far, at least, it has been successful.
Driver Education-Again this year our driver education car has [been furnished through the courtesy of Mr. Leo Lavallee and his company, L & B Motors.
Classes meet three times weekly, once for classroom instruction and twice for behind-the-wheel training and observation. The class- room other than psycho-physical tests, study on road courtesy, driving habits, motor vehicle law, and an understanding of the automobile itself.
The completed course gives students a good foundation to become a licensed operator. Every student will have a minimum of 8 hours of actual driving, 24 hours of observation, and 30 hours of classroom instruction.
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VISUAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Francis J. Gallipeau, Chairman
Use of Materials and Equipment-Approximately 3,520 hours of use of Audio Visual materials and equipment by teachers of King Philip Regional High School. Includes use of films, rental and free, filmstrips, opaque projector, overhead projector, phonographs, and cameras. Eight (8) football films (approx. 2400 feet); One (1) hockey film (300 feet); One (1) basketball film (300 feet). These films were used by coaches for study and improvement of players and for public relations. One (1) film of school library (600 feet) to show use and function of King Philip School Library.
We have a complete photography laboratory established for use of King Philip Regional High School students.
HEALTH SERVICES
Margaret G. Keady, R. N.
The Health Services at King Philip Regional High School supple- ment but are no substitute for the health care parents should provide for their children. Rather than relieving parents of responsibilities these services are designed to encourage parents to devote attention to child health and to acquaint them with problems of which they are unaware and to encourage the utilization of physicians, dentists and local community health agencies.
Our present policy for student health evaluation is a physical ex- amination every three years-Grades 7 and 10 and for students partici- pating in competitive sports. Examinations may be given by the family physician or the school physicians. Last year physical examina- tions were given to all students.
Screening tests for vision and hearing are given each year for all students. Two students are now receiving lip reading instruction.
A tuberculin testing program, conducted by the Norfolk County Hospital, was conducted in October for students in Grade II.
The school health services in conjunction with the guidance de- partment work closely for the promotion of mental health and in this way prevent the growth of emotional disorders.
In December, 1958, the service of the Norfolk Mental Health Clinic in Norwood became available to the King Philip Regional High School
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offering a three-fold program of clinical services, mental health con- sultation and mental health education.
In the future I hope we may be able to do more in the area of mental health.
I am grateful for the cooperation received from the community health and welfare agencies, physicians, hospitals and all who help to make health service possible.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
John B. Davidson, Guidance Director
Much progress has been made in the field of guidance since the school opened in October of 1957. Every pupil in the school has been counseled at least once with respect to programs in terms of interests, abilities, test results, and general motivation.
In preparing for state evaluation which comes within a year, I have set up four distinct functioning areas, e. g. the creation and func- tioning of an extensive and cumulative record system which contains information on every pupil from the seventh through the twelfth grade; a testing program which yields valuable information about a student's interests and abilities, which spells out placing a student at the proper level and which assists greatly in his over-all picture. Different busi- nesses have been contacted and we hope to enter into a program which will prove of mutual benefit to students of the school for part-time work, summer employment and full-time placement after graduation (some placement is already taking place at the present time); a follow- up program in which every graduate of the school is contacted for a period of five years after he has left the school in an attempt to be of help to the student even after he has left the school.
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