USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1932-1937 > Part 17
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Joseph John Norris Alva Olsen
[ 168 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools,
Randolph, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Herewith is submitted the report of the High School for the year 1933.
Enrolment
The fact of an increased enrolment is not new either to this or other high schools. A high school education is now considered a desirable thing. Where pupils once ·would leave school at the end of the eighth grade, they now continue on through the twelfth. It is this fact which is now presenting a serious problem.
The following figures, showing the high school enrol- ment by years, are significant :
Year
Enrolment
1927
200
1928
252
1929
244
1930
286
1931
334
1932
303
1933
418
We should, in the light of these figures, view with concern the situation which will confront us next Septem-
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
ber. Graduation will reduce our numbers by 78 pupils .. Our total membership of 418 less 78 seniors. Next year's entering class will bring into the school 161. This will bring our total enrolment to 501, approximately 83 more than we have today. Of course, some pupils will drop out, but this number will be offset by new members moving in together with tuition pupils. What to do with the increase is problematical. The two eighth grade divisions now housed in the high school could be transferred elsewhere, if accommodations can be found. The removal of one eighth grade division last September alleviated our crowded condition somewhat, but we will soon face a similar situ- ation.
Faculty
Due to the resignation 'of Miss Mary Sullivan, Mr. R. Prunty MacGerrigle was appointed to the English depart- ment; and one new teacher added to the staff, Miss Ruth Moody, who was assigned to the Commercial department to relieve congested conditions. Other than these two, the faculty was returned without change. This brings the number 'of teachers, including both full and part time, to sixteen, exclusive of the principal. This means that the membership of the school to teachers does not exceed the limit of the thirty pupils per teacher as set by the state department.
Size of Classes
Section six 'of the regulations for approval of high schools issued by the state department of education says : "In schools of fewer than two hundred pupils, not 'over fifty percent of the classes in the school shall contain more than twenty-five pupils each, and n'ot over twenty-five per- cent of the classes shall contain more than thirty pupils each." Although our school is out of the two hundred
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
pupil class, the proportion of large-size classes should hold. The average high school class should be twenty-five pupils. Following is the situation in our school :
Size 'of classes
Number of classes
1-10 pupils 6
11-15 pupils
7
16-20 pupils
18
21-25 pupils 26
26-30 pupils 18
31-33 pupils
2
These large classes make difficult the individual at- tention necessary for first class college preparatory work, and although the number is not too large, limited facilities prevent further division. This situation is further aggra- vated by the fact that every recitation room is filled up with study pupils, due to the fact that there is no study room available for the purpose.
Higher School Records
It is a common practice for colleges and higher schools to report back to high school principals the ranks achieved by the first year pupils at the end of the first semester, and for these records, the high schools which certify these pupils are accountable. From such reports that are available at this time, Stetson High School graduates of 1933 have received 8 A's, 21 B's, 5 C's. The distribution of pupils of the last graduating class is as follows :
College
Normal
Business School
Special
Post Graduates
Boys
3
3
1
Girls
2
2
1
5
2
-
-
Total
2
2
4
8
3
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
The Purpose of the High School
In the past, and even today the primary purpose of the high school is to prepare for college, yet the records of most schools will show that proportionately few pupils who enter high school go to college. Since so much m'oney is spent on high schools, it is logical to assume that we should serve effectively a larger proportion of pupils than we really do. We have here in the high school, many who do not plan to go to college and many who are not fitted for college work. We should not neglect for the sake of a few, this large number, rather we should seek to provide facilities for them along other lines. We should give them
the chance to discover for themselves something about their individual. aptitudes and abilities. Many boys have unlimited latent possibilities in the manipulation of tools and appreciation for mechanical relationships. They should be given training accordingly. Better opportunities should be given girls for instruction in household arts and man- agement. Sewing is now available, but in the near future we would like to see an adequate course in shop work for boys and a complete course in household arts for girls, for we should assume the obligation of educating all the pupils that they may become more useful and desirable citizens.
Physical Education
To comply with the state requirement for compulsory physical education for all, we have this year made a be- ginning in this phase of school activity. It is required of all pupils, unless excused by the proper authorities, that they take physical education two periods a week. The girls are under the direction of Misses Mary Connors, Mil- dred Sullivan and Dorothy Gavin of the Faculty; the boys are supervised by Mr. Whitney, and Mr. Powderly, also of the faculty. Mr. Daniel Leavitt and Mr. Lloyd French
[ 172 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
have volunteered their services and at present are carry- ing on the bulk of the work with the boys. I wish to ex- press the gratitude of all for the whole-hearted and gen- erous way in which these young men are giving 'of their time that our physical program may be beneficial.
Results are already discernible ; posture is better and general health and cleanliness are improved. We recom- mend that the pupils use regulation gym suits and shoes but in the face of adverse financial conditions, we do not now feel that we should impose this regulation of uniform- ity but allow pupils to wear such suitable clothing as they may have.
We are 'offering the pupils such opportunities as bas- ketball, volley-ball, dodge-ball, marching tactics, mass drill and games. We need apparatus such as parallel bars, horizontal bars, tumbling mats, wands, etc. These are the ordinary standard equipment of all school gymnasia and would prove valuable to the work now being done.
We cannot expect that Mr. Leavitt and Mr. French will be with us long. I believe, however, that the work we have begun should be continued not only in the high school, but down through the grades.
Awards
The effect of the scholarship fund recently established was felt last year. Two scholarships were awarded, one for the highest ranking pupil in the commercial course and one for the highest in the college course. The winners were Henry Anderson, commercial, and Bernice Wilbur, college. So much good can be done with scholarships in the way of helping pupils through college that it is regret- table that there are not more available.
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
The history medal was awarded to Raymond McGrory.
The Lieutenant Thomas Desmond Post, American Le- gion Medal, was presented to Henry Anderson.
The Massachusetts Humane Society Poster Contest medals were won by Clara Boothby and Lena Thayer.
The Band
The progress made by this group is gratifying. The band originated with twenty-five members and although it numbers but thirty-four members now, I am of the opinion that it would be much larger if we had funds with which to buy instruments. Under the direction of Mr. Willard R. Smith, the band has made many public appearances all of which were well received. On May 13, 1933 the band took part in the Massachusetts Public School Music Festival held at Arlington, in which there were eighty high school bands, orchestras and choral groups from thirty-five cities and towns of the state. Randolph made a very creditable showing. On May 20, 1933 the band led the Memorial Day parade in Holbrook.
I wish to thank all those who have helped our band; the Dalton Post, American Legion of Holbrook for the use of two street drums; the class of 1933 for the gift of nine dollars; the Randolph Grange for the gift of ten dol- lars; the Holbrook Legion for the donation of twenty-five dollars ; and to Mr. Irving Hill for the loan of a bass drum.
In my last report, acknowledgement of donations to the band were made, but five dollar gifts from the Ladies' Auxiliary, A. O. H. and the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters were not included. Both gifts I wish to ac- knowledge, with sincere regret for the omission.
[ 174 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Athletics
This year, in football we tried a system of intra-mural games with only two games with other schools. Our sea- son of the year previous was s'o unsatisfactory and our squad so small that it was thought that the plan of playing among ourselves would bring more boys 'out and thereby increase the interest in football. The change proved a suc- cess. Four teams were organized, and it is quite possible that the same arrangements may be made for next fall.
Baseball and basketball were played with a propor- tionate share of victories and losses. Inter-class games of basketball were organized, thereby getting more pupils into action. Many thanks are due Mr. Daniel Leavitt for his assistance in coaching the football and boys' basket- ball teams.
The chief problem of athletics as well as of other extra curricular activities is that of finance. Our 'only reliable source of income is from basketball, as football and base- ball income is barely sufficient to pay for the officials. We have had to resort to drives of various sorts, including dances, but even they have proved insufficient to meet ex- penses. We were forced to close the year with a deficit. Our basketball season of this year is proving successful financially and we will be able to wipe out debt completely.
The Pupils
We could not let this opportunity pass without giving credit to the pupils for their hearty cooperation in all school enterprises of the past year.
A clothes drive, the purpose of which was the collec- tion of clothing which could be used by less fortunate
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
pupils, netted us over six hundred articles which were eventually distributed by Mrs. Mitchell, the school nurse.
Then came a food drive and the children responded equally as well, bringing in fruits, vegetables, groceries and canned goods enough to fill twelve Christmas baskets.
Christmas seals and buttons were sold in good quantity at the school.
Conclusion
All through the school the evidence of more and more seriousness and industry is manifest. Progress in the at- tention and effort of pupils is noticeable. We exhort par- ents to make possible for pupils at least two hours a day of undisturbed home study. We believe that standards are being raised and a spirit of helpfulness pervades our classrooms.
We wish to express to you, Mr. Christiansen, to the School Board, and all other school officers, our deep ap- preciation of the kindness and consideration shown us dur- ing the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HUBERT F. GILGAN,
-
Principal.
[ 176 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE
STETSON HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
A scholarship fund was started last year by a group of five women interested in promoting scholarship and further education in our high school. The fund is known as the Stetson High School Scholarship Fund.
Shortly after it was organized, a Town Planning Con- test was started and this committee made several awards, amounting to $34.00, which were distributed to the winners in our high school.
Last June at graduation this committee was able to give two scholarships of $50.00 each. They were awarded to the two pupils holding the highest school honors for four years, who were going to continue their education in higher institutions of learning. The winners were Arthur Anderson and Bernice Wilbur.
This committee takes this opportunity to thank the town's people for their assistance and cooperation in buy- ing tickets for their various whist parties and entertain- ments. We are pleased to state that at present we have on hand $138.25. It is the aim of this committee to increase the scholarships to two $100.00 awards each year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE KELLEY, RAMONA BUTLER, NELLIE MCCARTHY, GRACE MacLEOD, EDITH CHRISTIANSEN.
[ 177 ]
NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
January 1, 1933 to December 31, 1933
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools, Randolph, Massachusetts :
All pupils have been weighed and measured.
Pupils who are fifteen per cent (15%) underweight are weighed once every two months.
I have visited the various schools on schedule-521 times.
Number of home calls-375.
Only sixteen pupils have been sent home with im- petigo.
The number of pediculosis cases are growing smaller each year. Only eleven stubborn cases have been sent home during the year for treatment.
Diphtheria:
Seventy-five percent of pupils from first grade to the senior year in high school have been immunized. This year a clinic was conducted in which wholesale immuniza- tion, so to speak, was given. Each year, now, an oppor- tunity will be afforded to the pupils of the first grade, and all others not immunized, to be given the Toxin-Anti- Toxin. As a result we hope to have 100% of our enrol- ment immunized.
[ 178 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Tuberculosis:
This year the usual follow-up clinic, conducted by the State, was given in November. Reports are furnished by the State indicating those who were ten per cent under- weight, suspicious or Hilum cases. Every school m'onth those who are reported as needing attention are weighed. Careful follow-up is made and parents are advised as to methods to be pursued in the best interests of the child.
Without question, many pupils who later would de- velop a type of tuberculosis which would prove fatal are discovered in time to prevent such a catastrophe.
These two clinics-Tuberculosis and Diphtheria-will be responsible for a healthy continuation of life to many local boys and girls.
The school is one of the greatest social agencies ex- isting in any town or city. It is not always fully appre- ciated or understood. Health work is a coordinate activity of any modern school system for which the public should be grateful and ever ready to cooperate, rather than to ex- pect the health authorities to shoulder the entire burden and responsibility.
Report of the Chadwick Re-examination Clinic:
Number of children recommended for re-examination 26
Number of children re-examined 22
Number of children improved 18
Number of children unimproved 4
Number of children recommended for summer camp 4
[ 179 ]
NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Physical Examination:
Number of children X-rayed 21
Number of children tested 21
Each fall a number of physical examinations are given to our schools by the school physician, Dr. Higgins, and a continuous card is kept for each pupil. Whenever diffi- culties are noted, notices are sent home. These are fol- lowed up by a personal home visit by the school nurse and, when advisable, and with the parent's permission, the child is taken to a physician or to a hospital clinic.
Pre-school clinics were held in the various schools for the physical examination of children entering the first grades in the fall. This examination was given by the School Physician and eighty-two children attended. Many of the defects found at these clinics were corrected before the beginning of school.
Dental Clinic:
A Dental Clinic made possible by the Board of Health cooperating with the school nurse and the local Red Cross, treated a number of school children at the expense of the town and Red Cross.
Clean Teeth Project :
The need for clean teeth still faces the majority of pupils and it is being stressed and emphasized very forcibly this year.
Two charts were exhibited at the Brockton Fair in September, and it is hoped that many more will be in ev- idence next year. These charts show the number of weeks in which the child has brushed his teeth daily.
[ 180 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Taunton Travelling Clinic:
The intelligence test is also a part of the yearly pro- gram and was given on March 11. Pupils were examined, and parents and teachers advised as to their proper care. Some had physical defects, which have been corrected, while others were given the special class privilege and later put into grades recommended by the examiner.
May Day:
Child Health Day was observed Friday, June 2. Pro- grams were run from every school in which every room partcipated. Games, songs, playlets, all centering around health, made up the program. Tags were given for teeth and physical fitness.
Physical fitness, as specified by the State, includes such matters as teeth, heart, tonsils, lungs, posture, weight, etc. One hundred per cent was required to secure such a tag. As can be readily seen, the acquisition of a physically-fit tag was not an easy matter. Dental certificates showing good condition of teeth earned a teeth-tag.
Lunch Counter:
A hot lunch is now being provided at the Belcher Schools. This makes four schools in town where the junior high and high school pupils may have a hot meal at noon ; the other schools have milk, hot chocolate, choco- late milk and cookies at recess. These lunches are very well patronized, showing that the children are appreciative of the efforts being made to help them keep physically fit.
The need of free milk in the schools has, as usual, been a very important factor. To the organization which so generously answered our appeal for funds, we wish to extend the appreciation of these children who have bene- fited by the donations.
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets were sent to needy families. The children and teachers gave to this cause m'ost generously, as did the Child Study Club, with its donation of candy and hand-made toys, enough for every child in each family.
The Teachers' Club conducted a bridge party in the Stetson Hall which netted $113. This money was spent for shoes and rubbers for needy school children.
The Belcher School teachers also conducted a bridge to help defray the expenses of sending two children to summer camps.
I wish to take this 'opportunity to thank the local Red Cross for the many pairs of glasses donated and for the contribution from the Christmas seal money all of which was expended in summer camp work.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Christiansen, for your inval- uable assistance; also the school committee, the teachers, the Board of Health and Dr. Higgins, for without their help my work would be most incomplete. This cooperation given to the promotion of health, the care in preventing the spreading of contagion is most evident by the absence of illness among the pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSICA V. MITCHELL, School Nurse.
[ 132 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE DRAWING SUPERVISOR
January 3, 1934
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my report as Art Supervisor in the town of Randolph.
The aim of the course in Art from Grade I to VIII has been to encourage the student to make progress with the least amount of learning by repetition and the great- est amount of learning by self-directed effort. This aim is traced in all my approaches, which include design, repre- sentation, color and figure study. The objective is lost if one cannot induce the student to form mental concepts and from these work out original creations and ideas. When the student receives from the instructor the stimu- lus necessary to the formation of these concepts the ob- jective is attained. Local landmarks and scenes have been used for illustration with the hope that familiarity would foster a keener interest in their work and environment. Art has been correlated with concurrent subjects as closely as possible with a view to developing a keener desire for further knowledge along all lines.
In the Grades the teachers are supplied with monthly outlines and holiday projects.
The Stetson High School has mechanical and freehand drawing from which to choose. These courses have one
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NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
forty-five minute period a week. The goal of the mechan- ical drawing course has been to instill into the student a working knowledge of the fundamentals of draftsmanship and of the better understanding of mechanical terms in common use. The drawings range from three-view pro- jection to advanced machine drawing. With the freehand drawing group the objective has been to endow the student with sufficient ability to draw common objects correctly as to general proportions, shape, and the appearance of two and three dimensions. Poster design has been correlated with the school programs as the needs arose. Illustration has been correlated with crafts and holiday projects. De- sign and creative expression provide balance for the course.
Having had the opportunity to present examples of our work in competition with the work of other schools at the Brockton Fair School Gardens Exhibition, the High School and Grade students have acquitted themselves well. The money prizes and ribbons 'obtained were tangible evi- dence of the interest evinced by the students in their work and their success. The Art students in Randolph High School were successful in the Poster Contest held under the auspices of the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, receiving two medals. The students have availed themselves of the opportunity presented to them by the Practical School of Art. This opportunity pro- vides free instruction Saturday morning, in all approaches to Art.
At this time let me extend my appreciation to the teachers of Randolph for their cooperation and kindness.
I thank you for your advice and counsel.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN E. ELLIOTT.
[ 184 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
-
Mr. A. O. Christiansen :
Dear Sir :
It is my pleasure to state that the music throughout the schools manifests proficient and earnest efforts on the part of the teachers.
Many and vigorous attempts have been made to spur the diffident children on by means of individual work, etc., and considering the limited amount of time given to music the general average is excellent.
Progress is somewhat impeded because of lack of ma- terial but it is hoped that in the near future that will be corrected.
The classes in instrumental music are active in the grade schools, giving the pupils a foundation for orchestral and band work.
The High School orchestra has been somewhat de- layed, but it is hoped that it will soon become active as there is much talent among the members. At the present time a stimulant is necessary for further progress.
I take the opportunity to thank all who have cooper- ated with me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE G. HAND,
Supervisor of Music.
[ 185 ]
NINETY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Beginning January 10th, 1933, examination of all lower grade children was continued. Many minor defects were found, and noted on the health card. Nothing of serious nature was found in any examination. Tonsils and aden- oids have been removed in many cases; teeth cared for ; underweight children have been given instruction by the school nurse; or, in some cases the nurse has visited the mothers of children at their homes.
We have continued to report scarlet fever, whooping cough, and measles; but no epidemic has occurred here, although other towns in our neighborhood have not been so fortunate.
During the spring session of school, a toxin-antitoxin clinic was held in Randolph. A wonderful response was given by parents of children: about twelve hundred child -. ren were inoculated, giving the Randolph school system a very high rating by the State Department of Public Health. At this time, I wish to thank all the nurses and physicians of the town, who so gladly gave their whole hearted sup- port to this clinic. It meant hours of work for both phy- sicians and nurses, but the satisfaction in viewing the re- sult has been more than equal to the effort expended.
At the end of the school year a pre-school clinic was held in the various school buildings, and a goodly number brought their children to be examined and certified for entrance at the Fall Term.
The sanitary equipment in our buildings is in good condition.
[ 186 ]
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
We have had the usual number of minor injuries dur- ing school hours, but no serious accidents have been re- ported.
The State Department of Public Health is most use- ful in examining our children if there is a single case of suspected tuberculosis. I wish to thank, here, Dr. Pills- bury of the Norfolk County Hospital for the many examin- ations he has made of cases not examined by the state.
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