USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1960-1965 > Part 9
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Instrumental Music-The Band had an active as well as a pro- ductive schedule during the 1960 school year. The members meet twice a week during the Activity period for rehearsals, and in addition to this, each member is required to schedule one period per week for instrumental class instruction. This instruction is important because here the group is smaller and the instructors can aid the students in overcoming their individual problems of technique and the mechanics
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of their particular instruments. The Music Department is proud of the quality of the instrumental music performed during this past year; and the following schedule of activities and performances is the result of the constant and earnest effort rendered by these young instru- mentalists: The first Band Exchange with The Valley Regional High School from Deep River, Connecticut, was very successful, both musi- cally and socially, and we look forward to a continuation of this ac- tivity; a trip to Brockton, Mass., to attend the Southeastern District Music Festival, where the members competed with ten other high school bands in Class C and again were awarded a final rating of A by the Adjudicator; paraded for The Little League in Norfolk and Wren- tham; the Memorial Day Exercises in Plainville, Wrentham and at the State School; performed at the Baccalaureate, Class Night and Grad- uation Exercises at King Philip; a Concert at each of the Elementary Schools in Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham; marched in the Wren- tham Lions' Club Parade; performed at the football games both at home and away; participated in school assemblies, and performed at the Christmas Concert. Besides the Senior Band we have a class of seventh and eight grade instrumentalists scheduled to meet one period per week. Some of the more advanced members of this group per- formed along with the Junior Choir at the Christmas Concert.
Choral Music-During this past year, we have begun a reorgani- zation of the Choral Program at King Philip, and to date the following has been accomplished: In September, 1960, a new rehearsal schedule was established in order to eliminate conflict with the instrumental rehearsals; thus providing the opportunity for more students to elect Choir and also the new schedule frees both instructors to work with the Choral groups. Time and schedule permitting, the Music Depart- ment hopes to continue the plan to develop a sound musical organiza- tion in the Choral Program at King Philip during the coming year. At the present time we have two Choral groups-the Senior Choir is elective in Grades IX-XII and it is scheduled to meet two periods per week during the Activity period. The Junior Choir is elective in Grades VII-VIII and it is scheduled to meet one period per week dur- ing the Activity period. The Senior Choir participated in the Ex- change Concert in the Spring, the Graduating Exercises at King Philip and both the Senior and Junior Choirs performed at the annual Christ- mas Concert.
The music class organized during 1959 for those students assigned to the Fourth Level continues to meet one period per week. Partici- pation, both as a group and individual, is the principal objection of this course of study, and the materials utilized are specifically pre- pared by the instructor to meet the requirements at this level.
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READING PROGRAM
Alice E. Church, Chairman
Our Developmental Reading program is designed to help students recognize and better their reading skills-especially vocabulary, com- prehension and rate. Emphasis at the upper levels is put on critical reading.
Due to the growth in student population and need we now have two full time reading instructors. We offer reading two or three hours per week for one half year to all seventh and eighth graders. In grades nine through twelve, the course, which is elective, has to be limited on a rotating basis to one marking term because of the enroll- ment.
The student is tested for placement and then through the use of multilevel materials progresses at his own rate.
Vocabulary development, listening skills, study skills, communi- cative skills, perception and accuracy (by way of Tachistoscope) com- prehension and rate (Controlled Reader) are used for class work.
Students, especially at the upper grade levels, are becoming ever more aware of their need for improvement in the area of reading and the further development of the skills basic to the program which is in its turn basic to the whole school curriculum.
SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAM
Erick Sargent, Chairman
The year 1960 proved to be a productive one for the Social Studies Department. Once again there was no turn over in the department and with strong teachers like Mr. Philip Burr, Mr. John Dwyer, Mrs. Elizabeth Foster, Mr. Francis Gallipeau, Miss Clara Manteca, Mr. Wil- liam Nowick, and Mr. John Robbins, the Social Studies program moved forward smoothly.
In addition to regular class room work, several field trips were taken and numerous projects started. The most interesting and most rewarding field trip was the trip to the United Nations Building in
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New York, with Mr. Nowick. The outstanding project was King Philip's initiating the idea of an annual forum for the Hockamock League and other schools to discuss the vital issues of the day. This past year the forum was held at King Philip and was on the Presi- dential Election. Ranking state and national speakers attended and took part in the program in addition to 25 area schools. The forum idea was widely acclaimed by all area schools and will become an annual event.
The following courses were offered in 1960:
7th Grade-World Geography.
8th Grade-U. S. History (from exploration to Civil War).
9th Grade-Citizenship Education.
10th Grade-World History-Ancient Civilization.
11th Grade-U. S. History (from Civil War to Present).
12th Grade-Problems of Democracy-Contemporary Affairs- Europe Since 1914.
Courses being considered as possible electives for the future are Advanced Geography and Economics.
The Social Studies Department felt that the Audio Visual Aids director was most co-operative during the year with timely films, etc., and the administration most helpful on co-arranging our field trips and projects.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Elmer Silva, Director of Physical Education and Athletics
Physical Education
Instruction in Physical Education at King Philip may be placed into three major categories:
1. Development of Physical Fitness.
2. Knowledge and skills of team and individual athletic activities.
3. Introduction to many leisure time activities.
Each student has at least two classes per week and all are required to take physical education unless they are excused by their family
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physician or because of the extent of their academic load they are unable to fit it into their schedule.
It is the ultimate aim of the department that all students will become aware of the importance of physical fitness and carry on their activities in the interscholastic athletic program or recreational agen- cies in the area.
Miss Marcia Conners is the girls' Physical Education instructor this year. In addition to all girls' Physical Education classes, she coaches all girls' athletic teams.
Many students are advancing rapidly in tumbling and gymnastics. These individual activities are an excellent stimulus for physical fit- ness. In these activities each boy and girl may progress at his or her own rate of physical ability. A gymnastic and tumbling club is being formed for boys interested in gymnastics so that they may specialize in one or two activities of their choice. For the present time, the club will be limited to the more physically talented in each grade.
Interscholastic Athletics
Our athletic teams are making tremendous progress with student interest, both as participants and spectators, growing rapidly. Attend- ance at games is higher and approximately one-third of the student body is taking part in some athletic activity.
The coaching staff this year is:
Mr. John Robbins-Head Coach of football and ice hockey.
Mr. Michael Cosentino-Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Foot- ball Coach.
Mr. Erick Sargent-Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Base- ball Coach.
Mr. Raymond Valaitis-Coach of track and cross-country.
Mr. Philip Burr-Assistant Basketball Coach.
Mr. Frank Bagley-Assistant Coach in football and basketball.
Mr. Anthony DiRe-Assistant Baseball Coach.
Mr. John Dwyer-Tennis Coach for boys and girls.
Mr. Hugh McComb-Assistant Ice Hockey Coach.
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Miss Marcia Conners-Girls' Coach of field hockey, basketball and softball.
Miss Elinor Brillante-Cheerleader Coach.
The students and coaching staff work very hard to develop good athletic teams. We hope you will take time out of your busy schedule, come up to the school and see our young people in healthy competition. We are sure it will be a couple of hours well spent.
Health Education
This phase of the educational program is not offered this year. It is hoped that in the future this will become part of the physical education curriculum.
Driver Education
Classroom instruction is offered to all students. Behind-the-wheel training must be obtained by the parent from a commercial driving school.
We in the department of physical education and athletics are pleased with the progress being made and hope that it will continue for it would not be possible without the co-operation of all depart- ments, the administration and the district.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Mildred T. Wallace, Chairman
Since national attention was focued upon the learning of foreign languages there has been an increasing yearly enrollment in language classes. This year pupils are studying French, German, Spanish, and Latin. In line with the newest emphasis in language teaching, stress is laid upon a listening-speaking or so-called aural-oral approach. As much of the foreign language as possible is spoken in the course of instruction. There is much emphasis placed upon accurate pronuncia- tion. Students have the opportunity to record their voices and to have their statements in the language evaluated. The student hears the model statement and may compare its stress and intonation with his own recorded effort.
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Since a foreign language is best taught in a context of the foreign culture, language students also are introduced to the culture and society of the country whose language they are studying. Filmstrips, movies, still pictures, recorded native speakers, and other pertinent realia supplement and enrich the study of the particular language.
In the more advanced classes literary works and the complexities of composition are studied. Again, however, the target language to be mastered is held to be a living element which is to be used. At all times the aural-oral emphasis underlies the program of instruction. Because of its nature and relation to the modern European languages and to English, the study of Latin follows a more traditional line.
The Language Club, comprising 150 members, offers a rich oppor- tunity for the students to use and discuss their new language and cultural skills. Membership in the Language Club is not restricted to language students. Anyone interested in learning about a foreign culture may hold membership.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Helen Kelleher, Chairman
The Business Department for the school year 1959-1960 showed an increase in the students taking business subjects. Beginning type- writing was the course having the largest enrollment with over 100 students electing this subject. All students regardless of their major are permitted to study typing which meets daily, one-half year on manual typewriters and one-half year on electrics.
Office Practice courses showed the greatest increase. A new 2- year Clerical Practice course was instigated for those students who showed little or no aptitude for shorthand or bookkeeping, but still wished to be employed in the business world.
Senior business students were assigned to work for a week in the school's front office. Here they learned not only the switchboard, but were able to use their acquired skills in an every-day work situa- tion.
Representatives from the Federal Civil Service Board adminis- trated both the Stenographic and Clerical tests to students who either
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wished to test their skills or who were looking for a Civil Service job. This proved to be very rewarding to several students who were em- ployed after graduation.
In February, 18 students who had their subject teachers' approvals, were permitted to leave school an hour early to work in an office. Most of them remained for full time employment after graduation. Factory Mutual Insurance in Norwood took 15 students, two were employed at Crosby-Ashton, and one at a local insurance office.
All students who had a satisfactory school record were successful in locating employment. The starting pay ranged from $43 to $63.75.
The business teachers spared no effort in attending both business and teaching forums to ensure that the latest and best methods, in- formation, and equipment were available to the King Philip business students.
MATHEMATIC DEPARTMENT
Edward J. Morgan, Chairman
The basic educational policies and goals of attainment initiated three years ago are now beginning to show satisfactory results. By expanding the program offerings, we have found an ever-increasing interest in mathematics. This interest has necessitated the addition of another teacher in our department.
Many offerings in Modern Mathematics courses for the advance placement students, as suggested by the College Board Committee on Mathematics, are being considered, and some are being put into oper- ation. This will allow our students an equal opportunity to meet the demands necessary to compete for college placement and scholarship. Members of the department have recently completed advanced study to better prepare themselves to teach these courses. An accelerated program is now in effect, and the staff is making a continued study and research into new subject materials and methods of instruction.
Although emphasis is now being placed on the education of the exceptional child, we in this department have not allowed ourselves to deviate from the basic principle involved-equal opportunity for all students. Each pupil, regardless of his ability, is given the oppor-
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tunity to elect some mathematics course which will satisfy his immedi- ate needs and vocational aims. Many of the students who have com- pleted the General Mathematics program have attained standards which have qualified them to continue in a college preparatory mathematics course.
VISUAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Francis J. Gallipeau, Chairman
The equipment and facilities of the Visual Education Depart- ment provided approximately 3800 hours of supplementary teaching material and aids for the faculty and students of the King Philip Regional High School in the past year. This includes the use of films, both rental and free, filmstrips, opaque projector, phonographs, cameras and overhead projector. A new piece of equipment was added to the department, an automatic slide projector, to be used primarily in the school auditorium for school and public use. This projector can also be used in classroom.
Five football films were taken this fall (approximately 2500 ft.).
One (1) basketball film (400 ft.) scheduled.
One (1) hockey film (400 ft.) scheduled.
One (1) baseball film (300 ft.) scheduled.
The above film will be used by coaches for study and improve- ment of players and also for public relations.
At the present time, and continuing until completion, 16 mm films are being taken of the construction of a house in Plainville by the King Philip Regional Vocational students. It is planned to use this film to orientate and instruct future vocational students at the school. Also this film will be used in publicity releases. (Clips of this film have been shown on all the Rhode Island and Massachusetts tele- vision stations.)
The production of one 15-minute 16 mm sound film in color is scheduled this coming year showing the operation and facilities of the King Philip Regional High School. This film is to be used to orientate the new 7th grade students coming into the school. It is also to be lent out to other regional schools who request it to help them in estab- lishing their programs.
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The King Philip produced film, "THE KING PHILIP LIBRARY STORY," showing library use and function, has been rented to over thirty institutions throughout the United States, both at the high school and college levels. The revenue from these rentals has more than covered the cost of the production of this film.
The photography laboratory has been invaluable in the taking and processing of all our pictures involving sports, social functions, and for publicity releases.
LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT Grace W. Capron, Chairman
In each level of each grade, seven through twelve, the work in- cludes literature and grammar. Anthologies are used to present a variety of reading types to help pupils gain literary appreciation. Reading and listening skills are developed from such a reading pro- gram. Speaking skills through oral reports and panel discussions are emphasized. Book reports are correlated with the authors and types of reading studied in class. Cumulative records are kept of each pupil's reading. Writing skills are developed through the study of formal grammar for correctness and accuracy. Development of prac- tical expression is emphasized through letter writing, reports, and essays. Much stress is placed on spelling and vocabulary mastery from grade seven through grade twelve. Pupils are encouraged to participate in writing contests and several students have won recog- nition and have had original work printed in high school anthologies. Films and records are used when they are appropriate for the sub- ject. The library facilities are a requisite for reference and research work as well as for reading reports. Cooperative Tests in English Expression and Reading will be administered to every pupil in the school to measure present abilities and help determine means of bringing pupils up to high accomplishments. This testing program will continue annually.
The department holds monthly meetings to discuss policies and problems that will further raise the standards and better the English language opportunities for the students of King Philip Regional High School.
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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Anthony Paglione, Chairman
The Science program at King Philip Regional High School offers a wide selection of science courses, and most of them are offered on a three level program to meet the needs of the students. At the present time there are 866 students enrolled in science courses. This repre- sents 85% of the entire student body.
The Second Annual Science Fair was held at King Philip this year with over 100 students participating as compared to 62 in the previous year. The quality of the science projects showed definite improve- ment in scientific application and construction. David DaVia, one of the winners in the King Philip Science Fair, won a Second Prize in the Massachusetts State Science Fair.
King Philip students appeared on WHDH Channel 5 in a Science Quiz Program sponsored by the American Chemical Society. The manner in which our students expressed themselves clearly indicated they possess a sound background and understanding of scientific prin- ciples.
The Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award Medal was awarded to David L'Herault. The Award Medal is presented at grad- uation to the student who has achieved the best record in the study of science. The winner of the Honorary Science Award is eligible to compete for one of the several scholarships awarded annually at the University of Rochester.
Advanced Biology, which is offered in grade 12, has doubled its enrollment this year. There are now two classes of Advanced Biology. The course of study for Advanced Biology was revised this year to meet the needs of both the student entering nursing and college.
Advanced Chemistry was offered for the first time this year. This course is an elective for grade 12 students. Advanced Chemistry is designed to acquaint the students with principles and problems of College Chemistry.
Next year we plan to offer to grade 12 students a new course in Modern Physics. This program is referred to as PSSC Physics. The course of study was developed by the Physical Science Study Com-
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mittee. This course offering will complete the science course of study at King Philip Regional High School for the present.
As the needs of our students change, the science program will be revised to meet these needs.
HOME ECONOMICS Pauline Pfeffer, Chairman
The growth and development of the Home Economics Department this past year has been encouraging to all those interested and partici- pating in its work. The curriculum has been expanded to include work with retarded children. The Vocational group did volunteer work at the Wrentham State School last year, working in the nurser- ies. Each girl derived some benefit from this interesting and worth- while venture. This program is to be expanded next term to include work in the industrial shops at the school, where they will gain valu- able work experience with factory type, power sewing machines.
Another new experience this year was the canning and preserving of garden produce, to include vegetable fruits, chutney, pickles, relishes and mince meat. Some of these were made for customers, using their recipes and materials. Certain baked food products may be ordered through the department, and are made for customers by the Voca- tional students.
The annual fashion show held in May was indicative of a great deal of student talent and skill in the art of dressmaking, planning and producing complete wardrobes.
This year the girls will be showing the results of the latest addi- tion to their skills, hand knitted garments ranging from mittens to Scandinavian type ski sweaters. There will also be many toddlers modeling the unusual products of the special children's clothing class.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT John B. Davidson, Director
The Guidance Program at King Philip Regional High School has extended its services in many areas this past year.
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The class of 1960 has 43% of its graduates attending institutions of higher learning-this in comparison to 33% in the class of 1959, and 18% in the first class to graduate at King Philip. Members of the class of 1960 show greater geographical distribution in choice of academic institutions of higher learning. They are attending Brown, Ohio- Wesleyan, Grinnell, Baker University, St. Lawrence University, Mari- etta, University of Massachusetts, University of Washington (NROTC), Northeastern University, Bryant College, Framingham and Bridge- water State Colleges, Brigham Young University, Stonehill, Eastern Nazarene, Keuka, Bryant College, Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse, Baldwin-Wallace College, Hilleyer College, Becker, Dean and Bravard (Florida) Junior Colleges, Faulkner and New England Baptist Hospitals for nurses' training, Katharine Gibbs School, New England School of Practical Art, Wentworth Institute, Industrial Tech, Franklin Tech, Coyne Electrical School, Grace Downs School, Hunting- ton Prep and Pondville Hospital. Reports indicate that our graduates are adjusting favorably to the rigid standards of college life.
Our testing program has been extended to include the following: Otil Mental Ability (grades 7 and 10), SRA Achievement, Iowa Tests of Educational Development, Kuder Preference Inventory, School and College Abilities Test are all part of the administrative program. Annually juniors have an opportunity to participate in the Prelimi- nary Scholastic Aptitude Test and The National Merit Scholarship Examination. Sophomores may check their educational growth through the National Education Development Tests. This past year there were two semi-finalists for national merit scholarship awards and six seniors received certificates of commendation for high scores obtained. Five sophomores received certificates of commendation for achieving in the top 25% academically in Massachusetts. Results of the SCAT (School and College Ability Tests) show that the seniors' median at King Philip is higher than the publisher's median (overall picture in United States).
This year all members of the classes 9-12 have completed a four- year projected planned program of courses. This indicates that all students have been counselled at least once, and seniors have been counselled many times. All students and parents have access to the counselling services at all times.
Orientation is held in May for the three 6th grade classes. An orientation session is held for parents of 8th grade students to discuss programs for the next four years.
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