USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1944-1949 > Part 28
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Last year each school gave a performance to which the public was invited. The appropriate scenery for the various programs was under the direction of the art supervisor, Miss Marguerite Williams.
The pupils of the Devine School gave a performance of the operetta "Grieg's Music Box," and on the same program the small children of the Pauline Street School presented their own operetta called "The Adventures of Goldilocks."
The pupils of the Prescott School presented "The News- boys' and Bootblacks' Minstrel Show."
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Last May the McNeill School presented the operetta "Hansel and Gretel."
The great deal of time and effort given by the pupils, teachers, principals, and parents is what made all of these performances successful.
Preparations are now under way for a pageant in which all schools will take part.
The high school chorus rehearses every Tuesday. They are a fine group of singers who practice musical numbers ap- propriate for mixed voices.
The high school Girls' Choir, which was a new organiza- tion last year, has gone ahead considerably. Last year they were a hit at the band concert and at the high school's annual minstrel show. They were also given the honor of singing at the high school graduation in June. At present there are about thirty-three members who are rehearsing on Thurs- days. They are a very talented group doing excellent work.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all in the school system who have worked with me and have shown such fine cooperation.
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REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Marguerite Williams
Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Schools, Randolph:
I submit herewith my report of the art program in the Randolph schools for the past year.
Children have a natural desire to express themselves through drawing. It is our desire to teach art from grade to grade by timely praise and guidance of each student. We try to help the students to know the joy and satisfac- tion of worth-while accomplishment in every piece of work they create. Throughout the grades our lessons are plan- ned to develop an appreciation and mastery of the basic art . principles. The students learn that art is not a "subject" by itself, but a part of their school, home and community affairs. Some of our more talented students may make a future career in the art field, but all of our young people will carry over into everyday life useful knowledge from their art lessons of today. They learn that art goes beyond drawing and painting and ties in with most of the activities of everyday living. Our older students have created num- erous posters for both school and community affairs. This year we again enjoyed the opportunity of designing and creating background scenery for several of the school affairs and operettas.
In the elementary grades, drawing is a required sub- ject. In high school drawing becomes an elective subject and students may choose to study either mechanical or freehand drawing. Students electing mechanical drawing are taught the basic principles and procedures of drafting. Students in freehand drawing are instructed in techniques and the use of various media, with strong emphasis on in- dividual expression.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
The annual exhibition held in Stetson Hall in May was an indication of our young people's enthusiasm and in- terest in their school work. At this time, all interested parents and friends had the opportunity to see work repre- senting every student in our public schools. The exhibition covers all subjects throughout the schools and is a visible demonstration of a tremendous amount of endeavor by both teachers and students. Every afternoon and evening for an entire week in May the public will again be invited to Stetson Hall to enjoy another exhibition of work created this year by the young people in the schools of Randolph.
Once again, may I take the opportunity to thank all throughout the school system for their untiring cooperation.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF HANDWRITING
W. L. Rinehart, Director
Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Public Schools, Randolph.
I am pleased to submit the following report on the operation of the Handwriting program in the Randolph schools for the school term of 1945-46.
In the initial handwriting tests administered in Sep- tember, 1940, 21% of the pupils made a score of "A" (Ex- cellent) ; 22% made a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 56% made grades below "B". In tes tests administered in June, 1946, 81% of the pupils made grades of "A" (Excellent) ; 13.7% of "B" (Good) ; and 5.3% made grades below "B". Hand- writing certificates were awarded to 77% of your gradu- ates. These scores indicate that excellent progress was made and I wish to compliment the pupils and teachers for their achievement.
During the school term we graded appropximately 12,- 250 formal and 36, 750 informal samples of handwriting. A test was administered at monthly intervals; a detailed report was sent to each teacher monthly giving a diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil. This report was made the basis for remedial instruction. Our supervisors visited each classroom monthly for the purpose of placing master copies of the assignment on the black-board; also, to give general help.
We furnished the following materials: monthly teacher outlines, pupil folder outlines, monthly diagnostic charts, handedness tests, monthly and yearly envelopes, room moti- vation certificates, individual handwriting certificates for ninth grade pupils who qualified, seals, etc.
My supervisors join me in expressing our appreciation of the splendid co-operation we have received from you and your teachers at all times.
We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
We also administer many Stanford Binet Intelligence Tests to many students of the school as a check on scores received on group tests or for individual diagnosis.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the aid both direct and indirect in these times of critical vocational problems for all.
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REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE
Joseph W. Daly, Director
Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Schools.
Randolph
Guidance requires the evaluation of pupils so that their specific capacities, both strengths and weaknesses, may be determined. As pupils proceed up the educational ladder in elementary school, with its general curriculum providing the common core of skills that everyone in our civilization must acquire, the process of evaluation must operate upon them so as to reveal differences in their aptitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, environmental backgrounds, and all other relevant attributes. It is during this elementary schooling that pupils set off on diverging paths, some toward one set of interest and goals and some toward another. By the time they reach secondary schools, the pupils on the various paths are already far apart from one another in their educational needs and capacities.
These needs and capacities are made much clearer to us by the Boston University Battery of Tests. The parti- cular battery given to the Freshman enabled us to discover the mental maturity, reading comprehension, English Fun- damentals, and Mathematical Fundamentals of the pupils. The vocational set helped us to discover the interests and vocational aptitudes of our youth.
Every member of the Freshman and Senior Class was interviewed during the year and as many Sophomores and Juniors as possible. Complete guidance records of all stu- dents following the State Department of Education outline are on file. Numerous pamphlets and bulletins are available covering nearly every known occupation. The Bellman Pub- lications are of great assistance in this work.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Myron B. Thomas, Director Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Schools, Randolph
I herewith submit my annual report.
The progress of the music groups during the past year has been most favorable, the calibre of the instrumental organizations having shown marked improvement over former years.
The Stetson High school band holds weekly rehearsals on Friday in the school auditorium. Material used is se- lected from a graded repertoire suited to the respective classification of the band. It is my aim and hope that each member may gain a thorough understanding of all types of music and attain some degree of culture through our regular practice periods.
I am proud to report that for the first time in the band's history, two of its members were elected delegates to the three-day concert festival of the New England Mu- sic Festival Association, held in New Britain, Connecticut, last March. Each participated in the all-New England Band, an organization of 165 players selected for their ability and excellence in music, from the many high schools in the New England states.
The Festival Association is doing a great deal for the advancement of school music in our section of the country. It is felt that New England is backward in this field in com- parison with other regions of the United States, due to the fact that music has not been placed on a par with other sub- jects. Western United States, realizing the worth of music in the school curriculum, has allotted full-time periods with- in the regular school hours to music subjects. This has
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been largely responsible for the splendid development of our Western bands, orchestras and choral groups, many of which are now recognized as being of professional calibre.
The greatest problem of our Eastern Music directors has been the difficulties arising from practice periods of insufficient duration. Short practice sessions greatly re- tard the development and advancement of any musical group.
Our annual concert last April proved to be a success both financially and musically.
The band and twirling corps attended the Massachu- setts State Music Festival held at Needham last Spring, participating in the competition for Class C bands. This class includes bands from Massachusetts high schools whose student bodies number not more than 500.
The Memorial Day parade was augmented by the Stet- son High school band and twirling corps, and the Prescott school band and twirlers.
The band provided music for the high school gradua- tion exercises, and the Prescott band likewise furnished the music for the exercises of the Junior high schools.
The chorus, numbering 60, rehearses on Tuesdays. This is an elective subject and is open to any boy or girl who can qualify. Choral music suitable for this size group is practiced at these rehearsals.
The girl's choir, which was organized last year, meets for rehearsal on Thursdays. Three-part music arranged for this type of group is used for practice. This organiza- tion in its first appearance at the band concert last Spring, gave a fine performance, and later provided the musical background for the senior high school graduation program.
The Prescott Junior high school band rehearses on Thursdays. Much attention is given the junior band be-
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cause of the fact that its present training and development is so important to the high school band of tomorrow. To give the young bandsmen a more thorough understanding of the rudiments of music, a class is held each Thursday afternoon. Also, throughout the day on Thursday, class and private tutoring in various band instruments is avail- able.
The Devine school band holds its rehearsal on Tuesday. This young band is in its developing stages and of course, increase of personnel is always desirable. At present, its players number seven.
Class and invidual instruction is available at the Pres- cott, Tower Hill, and Belcher schools.
The Prescott Junior band and the Beginners' Band were well received at the Band concert last Spring. The Prescott band also appeared at the Minstrel Show presented by the Prescott School.
A group of selected players from the Devine and Pres- cott schools played Christmas Carols at the various schools this season. This is the first time that this has been done. but I hope it may become an annual custom, not only for the purpose of adding to the observance of the Christmas season, but also to stimulate interest in the various types of instruments.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Chris- tiansen, members of the school committee, principals and teachers for their cooperation during the past year.
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ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Joseph J. Zapustas, Director
Mr. A. O. Christiansen
Superintendent of Schools, Randolph
I am submitting the Physical Education program for the past year.
At Stetson High the program for the girls consists of basketball, volley ball, soft ball, field hockey and badminton, while the boys participate in tag football, basketball, soft- ball, foot racing and strenuous exercises.
Because of large classes and inadequate facilities, the indoor program is a problem and much more is accomplished during the good weather when the student is out-doors.
The High School definitely is in dire need of a larger gymnasium as well as locker rooms, supply rooms and shower rooms.
Sports at Stetson High reached a new high when the football team won a state championship, the basketball team received an invitation to play in the "Tech" Tournament in Boston and the baseball team won the championship of their league.
The best available equipment has been purchased for the protection of the girl or boy engaging in any branch of sports at the High School. I want to thank the school com- mittee for including an athletic item in their budget. My next move is to furnish the grade schools with equipment that is necessary to carry on their sports.
Lack of facilities for the grade schools is really a sore spot. Devine, Prescott and Belcher have out-door basket- ball courts which are available during the good weather as well as the many other games that are instigated by the
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youngsters. However, the bad weather sets and all act- ivities cease. Lack of indoor facilities are prevailing throughout the whole system.
Prescott again defeated Devine for the basketball cup between the two schools. These two teams engaged in six games one ending in a tie. They played in the Town Hall the evenings the High School team played.
A baseball league was formed with teams representing Avon, Holbrook, Brookville, Prescott, and Devine with Pres- cott emerging as the winner.
The youth of our schools learns initiative early on our field of sports. Out there where the best man wins, they develop the will to win, the never say die spirit, that makes them fight till the last man is out, till the final gun of the last quarter, the last ball of the last round, the last shoot of the last long set, the last stride of the last lap.
Our competitive sports burn this initlative into our boys. While they develop fine strong bodies, and agilities and skills in the use of their bodies, they also develop priceless qualities of self-confidence and determination.
We are taught to believe that nothing is so good that it can't be done or made better. And that same initiative that competitive spirit of free youngsters, that everlasting urge to make the best better, bred in the hearts of millions of school children has made the U. S. the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
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ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
George V. Higgins, M.D.
The year 1946 has not differed in much detail from pre- vious years. Our school population may have decreased in numbers during 1946 but it must be remembered that in a period of two or three years from the present time, many children born during the war years will be entering the first grades of our school system. To me this beginning of school life should be the most important period of the whole educational system. Strong teachers in the first grades should be the goal of all schools. Better compensa- tion should be given to teachers in the first three grades than in most of the other grades. These teachers should understand the minds of children in primary grades. They not only have charge of the mental development of their little ones but must tend to their physical needs also. These teachers must help to dress and undress the children during inclement weather, see that their coats and overshoes are properly put on so that the danger of catching cold may be lessened. In other words these primary teachers must act in dual capacity of teacher and mother to little children.
Illness among our school population has not differed greatly from other years. It is quite true that a different type of infection has developed during the war years. A disease known as virus infection has attacked many pupils of all ages. Intestinal virus infection and lung infection due to virus have reached many of our school children. This is easily accounted for by the fact that while children are talking, laughing, or coughing at the time they are coming down with one of these contagious diseases, they may spread the disease to others sitting near them. There is no way to amend this unhappy situation at present. So little is known about virus sickness that no vaccine or medication has yet been found to protect those attacked by it. It would seem to me that the use of penicillin or sulfa drugs is more than a waste of money and at times very uncomfortable
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
for the patient so inoculated. In a few isolated cases where the physician in attendance is in doubt whether a second infection by some other germ may come into a lung condi- tion caused by virus, it may be wise to use one of the newer forms of treatment in conjunction with the original treat- ment. My advice has always been for mothers to keep their children at home, preferably in bed, when a cold first mani- fests itself with fever, nausea, wakefulness, and cough. I have always felt that health comes first with schooling sec- ond in importance. These children are young and the num- ber of days lost from school can be easily made up if teachers and parents will co-operate.
I wish to praise the parents who took the opportunity offered them by the Randolph Board of Health of having booster shots given to so many children in the recent diph- theria scare. So far nearly eleven hundred availed them- selves of the chance to further protect their children against this dreaded disease. Many pre-school children have also begun the regular three injections. Let no physician tell you all they need is one injection. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Health Department advises the giving of three injections, three to four weeks apart. The theory today is that the giving of toxoid injections one week apart may form no immuzation at all and the longer the intreval the quicker the result. I hope our spring or early summer clinic will be as successful as in previous years. We have had and always will have accidents in school yards while pupils are at play. These children at times are very rough in their games and they should be curbed by principals and teachers as much as possible.
In the higher grades in our school system I have always felt that too much stress has been placed on football and basketball. Parents send their sons and daughters to our schoo's primarily for an education and sports, second in importance, should be kept in their proper place. I still insist that the procuring of a certificate after being absent
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ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
three days, whatever the cause, should be continued. There are a few families who are lax in getting certificates at my office Saturday or Sunday morning for children who have been absent from school with the result that the children miss part of a day on Monday. We have about three families in our town who seem to enjoy having head lice. It is no crime to catch this type of pest but it becomes a crime when mothers will not rid their children of this scourge.
The school committee has designated me as the one to decide when a child is ready to return to school. I ask the physicians in Randolph and surrounding towns to co-opera- ate with me in this matter. Too often I have found that some of our younger physicians have given a certificate of health when the child has not finished a quarantine period especially in scarletina or scarlet fever. The quarantine period is three weeks unless complicated by ear abscess or mastoid. In chicken pox cases all crusts must have disap- peared before the child can return to school. Most skin conditions such as scabies or impetigo contagiosa can be cleared up in a few days if the treatment prescribed by the attending physician is followed closely.
I wish to congratulate the Randolph Board of Health for its fine cooperation during the recent mild visit of diphtheria. I also wish to thank the superintendent of schools, members of the school committee, the school nurse, truant officer, and the teachers for their loyal support.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE Helen F. Conlon, R.N., School Nurse
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools, Randolph
I submit herewith my annual report for the year 1946:
Schools visited 541
Grades inspected 202
Recommended for exclusion with symp- toms of communicable diseases or with evidence of pediculosis 239
Referred to School Physician 105
Referred to School Dentists 174
Office nursing calls including illness,
first aid treatments, inspections and weighing 1,027
Home visits 218
Number of children taken to Norfolk
County Hospital for X-ray of chest 23
Number of children taken to Child Guid- ance clinic in Brockton 6
Six new names were added to the Physically Handicap- ped list in October. Three of these children are able to attend school. During the year three children who were unable to attend school received instructions in their homes from a visiting teacher.
The Diphtheria Prevention clinic under the direction of the Board of Health was conducted in May, with Dr. Higgins, School Physician, giving the injections. 136 children between the ages of six months and twelve years attended. 93 children completed the treatment by having 3 injections of Diphtheria Toxoid; 27 children had 2 injections and 16 children had 1 injection. The children receiving less than 3 injections did not receive enough Toxoid to immunize them against diphtheria. They should go to their family physi- cian or return to the clinic which will be held in the Spring of 1947.
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Due to the increasing number of cases of diphtheria in the State, another clinic was held in November. A stimu- lating dose of Toxoid was given to children who had been immunized more than two years ago. 1100 school and pre- school children attended this clinic.
A Pure Tone Audiometer has been purchased recently by the Stetson High School Activities Association. It is hoped that by accurately testing the hearing of the children with this machine those children who have a slight loss of hearing will be found and referred to an Otologist for treat- ment and advice.
May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all throughout the school system for their assistance and co- operation during the past year.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER Stephen J. Hart
Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Schools, Randolph:
In my report as Attendance Officer I wish to say that it was necessary for me to take six cases to the Quincy Court on school violations. These cases were all informal meetings with the Probation Officer to see if we couldn't correct them without appearing before the Judge. We were successful in five of them and in the other we had to send the boy to the Middlesex County Training School at No. Chelmsford. This boy was in need of medical attention and through the cooperation of the Court, Chief McDonnell and school officials we were able to help him. The general at- tendance problem I would say at the present time is normal. The boys and girls of Randolph are to be congratulated for their cooperation. My recommendation to the parents is that they never lose sight of their investment in their chil- dren and that they cooperate 100% with the school author- ities.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF STETSON SCHOOL FUND
INCOME 1946
Balance Brought forward $193.84
Receipts :
Randolph Co-operative Bank
60.00
Hall Rent
200.00
Boston and Albany R. R. Bond
42.50
$496.34
PAID OUT
Randolph Trust Company Lock Box
$3.60
Brockton Gas Light Company
25.17
F. J. Curran
130.93
William Mahoney
86.00
Ernest Martin
3.00
Murray Lewis
7.69
Trustees and Sec. and Treasurer
20.00
$276.39
Balance January 1, 1947 The Stetson School Fund is Invested as Follows:
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