USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1944-1949 > Part 53
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ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Your School Committee extends to all a hearty wel- come to visit the schools at your convenience and welcomes any suggestions or criticisms that may in the end serve as a guide for better education for our children.
Your Committee congratulates all teachers, administra- tors and custodians for their fine work during the past year.
MAURICE LEWIS, Chairman JOSEPH J. SEMENSI, Secretary ALICE M. MARTIN DR. WILLIAM F. MAGUIRE HAROLD L. WHITE
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Randolph School Committee Chairman and Members:
I have the honor of submitting to you my annual school report which is the second in line for Randolph employing its own superintendent.
Your cooperation has been greatly appreciated. Your interest and efforts have been for better schools, particu- larly so at this time when Randolph, in common with most communities, is facing a complex school situation with an ever increasing school population, cost of materials and the problem of school financing.
CROWDED CONDITION OF CLASS ROOMS
When schools resumed sessions last September it was necessary to provide two more classrooms on the lower floor in the Tower Hill School. One room was furnished and ready for occupancy during the summer but the added enrolment of some fifty-five pupils made it necessary to install old furniture in the other room and to employ an extra teacher. This situation moreover greatly added to the bus problem and to the inconvenience of parents and pupils alike. Mention may well be made here of the wonderful patience and cooperation of the parents in solv- ing this problem of adjustment. In addition to these rooms we are now operating four classes on half sessions and maybe forced next year to increase the two platoon system elsewhere in schools as needed. Such curtailment of school time is most undesirable for it is bound to have its ill effect on many pupils.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
This year a beginning was made to assist our teachers with in-service training. With the help of the State De- partment of Education, Miss Loretta McHugh was selected
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to give a course for elementary teachers on the subject of classroom methods and procedures and the newer phases and interpretations of the modern trends in education. The class meets in the Stetson High School once a week and has an enrolment of thirty teachers, twenty-five of whom are from Randolph, listed as follows:
PRESCOTT SCHOOL: Mr. Irvin D. Reade, Misses Rachael McMahon, Mary McLaughlin, Anna Ginnetty, Mary O'Brien, Mary Dunphy, Mrs. Grace Lynch, Mrs. Elizabeth Tierney and Mrs. Grace Welch.
BELCHER SCHOOL: Mrs. Ethel Chatfield, Misses Bernice Francis, Patricia Murphy, Beatrice Butler and Barbara Cullinane.
TOWER HILL SCHOOL: Mrs. Marie Cormey, Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald, Mrs. Eleanor McLucas, Mrs. Marion Getchell, Miss Grace Kelly, Miss Monica Cotter and Mrs. Alyce Johnston.
DEVINE SCHOOL: Mr. Charles Haley.
PAULINE STREET SCHOOL: Mrs. G. Lillian Kane and Mrs. Ida Currie. Also in line with in-service training we had two school custodians, Mr. Ernest Chatfield and Mr. William Hawkins complete a course given in Hingham on the responsibility and care of school buildings.
McNEILL SCHOOL: Miss Mary Baudanza.
OUR JUNIOR - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
Much time has been given to the meetings and spe- cial work pursuance to the study made by the Randolph Planning and Building Committee and the sub-committee on the School Curriculum. The interest and cooperation shown by members of these two groups are outstanding in every respect. It is a rare treat to sit in with these men and women, to exchange ideas, evolve plans and procedures
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for a common objective. The feeling prevails that. this proposed school with its equipment for public service is not only an educational investment for our school children but an institution of service for and by all the citizens of the town.
The newly appointed educational consultant, Dr. Jesse Davis of Boston University, has already begun his work with the Curriculum group. He comes to us professionally trained and qualified by years of experience for just this type of educational work and organization.
It is a cherished hope based on necessity for present and future school needs that the citizens will finally vote sufficient funds for the construction and equipment of a school building worthy of this town.
TEACHING STAFF
We lost by death, Miss Margaret L. Donovan, prin- cipal and teacher for many years in the Devine School. This loss came to us as a heavy blow for it was thought that she was improving and would soon return to her duties. Her absence is keenly felt but her long service, devoted to her school, her character, her loyalty and faith in her pupils, teachers and daily tasks are abiding qualities -these are her endowment to the schools.
Mr. Charles Haley was transferred from the Prescott School to fill the vacancy in the Devine School, where he is now serving as principal and teacher in a most satis- factory manner. In recognition of the excellent work of Miss Anna Good, who served as principal during the re- maining months of the school year, the principalship va- cancy was proposed to her, but she declined the offer.
SPECIAL NOTES OF PROGRESS
We note with pride your purchase of a dual control Ford car so essential to our driver-education program mentioned in Mr. Gilgan's report.
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Systematic painting and care of our school buildings and grounds. New equipment for better service by custo- dians and the purchase of new desks and chairs for one classroom a year.
The purchase of high school bleachers for field events.
Increase in 4-H classes in the Belcher, Devine and Prescott Schools.
Evening vocational classes is on the increase. We now offer six classes for women; four in dressmaking, one in hooked rugs and one in braided rugs.
The transportation of school children was greatly improved by the addition of a new bus. Mr. Hart now furnishes the service of three school buses besides the special trips for senior and junior high school pupils by the Eastern Mass. Street Railway Co.
A study is being made by principals and teachers for curriculum coordination and adaptation of present subject matter to fit the new proposed six-year high school cur- riculum.
We are most grateful to Col. Leslie Claff and to Mr. John Lynch for their efficient and successful management of the free X-ray service rendered the people of this town. This availability and convenience made it possible for every one to accept this vital health service including teachers and my own family.
GIFTS AND AWARDS
The following organizations are to be commended for their contribution for outstanding effort and achievements on the part of our student body :
The Stetson High School Scholarship Fund Com- mittee.
Knights of Columbus, Lyceum Association, Inc.
American Legion and Auxiliary.
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Parent-Teachers' Associations. Ladies' Library Association. Randolph Grange, P. of H. Junior Ladies' Library Association.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I should like to recommend for your approval that be- ginning next September, 1950, the entering age to grade one be, as in previous years, five years and five months on or before September 1, 1950, and that no child shall enter below that age even by way of intelligence or maturity tests. This is proposed to reduce the crowded enrolment in general but in Grade I, in particular.
In closing my report, I speak for my principals, teach- ers and supervisors, as well as for myself, that whatever achievements we may humbly boast of this year, whether singly or in groups, has had its stimulus and growth in your committee.
Respectfully submitted, A. O. CHRISTIANSEN, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL HUBERT F. GILGAN
In the brief space allotted to us, it is posssible to do little more than to touch briefly upon a few items affecting the High School.
Perhaps the major consideration is the culmination of years of effort on the part of the School Department to interest the public in the need for more adequate housing of our school population. In 1946, the School Committee, Superintendent, and High School principal, after careful study, suggested a 1000-pupil Junior-Senior High School.
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It was gratifying to note that one of the results of a later professional survey of the school system was the same recommendation. Since then, a Building and Planning Com- mittee has been appointed. This committee has worked hard and long to make plans for a suitable building to pre- sent to the town for action. Although the writer is not a member of this committee, he has worked in cooperation with it and together with the principals of the Junior High Schools, a program of studies for the use in the new building has been drawn up and submitted to the build- ing committee. It is the ardent hope of the writer that, keeping in mind the cost of the building and the cost to the taxpayer, a building will materialize which will adequately house the pupils of grades seven to twelve for many years to come and at the same time give these pupils all the de- tails and facilities which are required by the modern trends of education of today.
In our report of 1946 we stressed some phases of a pre- ventative health program and we are pleased to report that some of these ideas have been put into practice. We would like to touch briefly at this time on the dental clinic. We would like to suggest that this clinical endeavor be ex- panded, particularly in the grade schools, so that all chil- dren be examined at regular intervals by a practicing den- tist; that if needs be, a larger amount of money be set aside for this work, and the dental clinic to be the respon- sibility of one dentist, to be designated by the School Com- mittee.
Our visual aids department is gradually building up with the latest acquisition of a slide film machine and a record player, capable of using records especially designed for classroom use. These items, together with the machines we already have give us a fine start on equipment which will enable us to bring the latest types of teaching devices to our pupils. To help us in this work, we arranged for a
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demonstration of the audio-visual education program to the teachers of Randolph on October 24, 1949, with the coopera- tion of Mr. Kelsey B. Sweatt of the State Department of Education.
A fond hope we had cherished for some time was brought to realization on September 27, 1949, when a new dual control Ford car was presented at impressive cere- monies to the high school for use of our driver-education program. This car was presented through the cooperation of the School Committee and the Good Brothers, and was sold to the Town of Randolph for one dollar and will be turned back to the dealer for the same sum at the end of the school year. During this school year some forty pupils will have been given driver-training by our certified in- structor, Mr. Paul J. Lehtinen. To date, six of our pupils have been given the road test by a registry inspector. All six received their licenses and our instructor was praised for the thoroughness with which our pupils were taught.
Such reports as we have received from colleges during the past year on our graduates who were currently attend- tending Brown, M. I. T., State Teachers College, Northeast- ern, Harvard, Holy Cross, Wheaton indicate that our gradu- ates are doing well in college. There are other boys in other colleges such as Stone Hill and St. Anselms from whom no reports have been received from the college, as yet.
Other routine activities and details have been con- ducted successfully during the past year which we feel has been a productive one.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF TESTING IRVIN D. READE, Jr.
A fundamental assumption underlying all education is that changes take place in the pupils' learning. This assumption holds true whether the school is progressive by design or old line by nature. Basically, all educational programs rest on their ability to secure pupil changes in learning. What these changes are and how they are to be accomplished are problems for the educator to solve. There hover in the background two questions that must be an- swered sooner or later by the proponents of any educa- tional policy. These questions are :
(A) How much learning, if any, has taken place in the minds of the pupils ?
(B) Is this learning in the desired direction?
The chief purpose of the testing program for this year will be to measure this change, and to determine if it is satisfactory.
With the completion of the first two years of the testing program, it should be possible to start work on the correction of any general subject weaknesses that have been uncovered.
The next step will be to provide for the special needs of each individual in terms of his abilities and interests in relation to environment, and in so far as possible to pro- vide the individual with information for making wise de- cisions as to his future.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF REMEDIAL READING
MARY CHRISTINE GAUGHEN
It is with pleasure that I submit this report on Remedial Reading in the Public Schools in Randolph.
The reading process is so complex and influenced by so
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many factors that many intelligent children have difficulty in learning to read. This may be due to some physical de- fect, emotional disturbance, insufficient background of ex- perience or one of many other factors. .
The aim of Remedial work is to bring the pupil up to his capacity of learning. This can only be accomplished by starting him at his present level of achievement. Conse- quently, teachers have several reading groups in one grade.
I have an opportunity to work with each group of slow learners one day each week. In this way I can see pupil progress and make the necessary recommendations to the class room teacher.
There are approximately 250 pupils receiving special attention in reading. Due to the splendid co-operation of the teachers many of these pupils have shown remarkable improvement since September.
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE DIRECTOR JOSEPH W. DALY
All Freshmen and Juniors were interviewed during the course of the school year. Also members of these classes were given the results of their Boston University Battery of Tests which are of the vocational type for Juniors and general diagnostic for Freshmen. This is done at a private conference and includes results of their mechanical, cleri- cal, reading, interest and intelligence tests.
An annual career day was held with nearly all occu- pations being covered. These include hairdresser, tele- phone operator, secretary, military occupations, airline hos- tess, forestry, mechanic, teacher, medicine, engineer, etc. Special appointments were made as needed to supplement these services.
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DRIVER - EDUCATION REPORT P. J. LEHTINEN, Instructor
For several years a course in safe driving has been offered by the high school. In September, 1949, a car was made available so that it is now possible to give the pupils actual training in driving an automobile.
The first part of the course is a non-technical explana- tion of the functions of various parts of the automobile. At the same time they are taught the rules of the road as set forth by the Registry of Motor Vehicles in their book- let. After a test on laws and their observance is passed, actual driver training is begun in the autombile.
This year to date, six pupils have taken the test for their drivers licenses and all passed. More pupils are now being prepared for this test and when judged ready will be allowed to take it.
It is hoped that during the year approximately fifty pupils will have passed the course and received their li- censes.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF BAND AND CHORAL MUSIC
MYRON B. THOMAS
I should like to begin my annual report by expressing my sincere appreciation to you and the School Committee for granting me an additional half-day in which to further develop our rapidly-growing instrumental program.
The instrumental department has made tremendous strides in the past few years. This year's class of begin- ners alone numbers 44, more than twice the average for a system of this size.
Instruction on the various instruments is given in all the grades from the fourth on.
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The High School band rehearses during the seventh period on Tuesdays and Fridays in the auditorium. Marches, overtures and selections are practiced in preparation for the Spring Festival, parades, and the annual concert in May which is the culmination of our year's efforts. The Junior band rehearses on Thursdays during first period at the Prescott school. The routine is practically the same as the high school band, except that the material is graded to suit their particular needs and abilities. Both bands pa- raded on Memorial Day and each band participated in the graduation exercises of its respective school.
The eighth annual concert by the Senior and Junior bands was presented in Town Hall on May 5th. The fol- lowing day the bands participated in the State Music Fes- tival at New Bedford. Both bands received ratings of "Supe- rior" and "above average". Special comment was made on the fine tone and musicianship shown by the young people of our bands.
Special events for the high school band included play- ing for the Police Association Amateur show and Hawkins Bros. anniversary celebration. The band also furnished music for "Safe Driving Day" at the high school.
The 50-voice high school chorus holds weekly re- hearsals on Thursdays during seventh period. Secular, sacred and popular selections are practiced.
I wish to thank you and the School Committee, the principals, and the teachers of all schools for the splen- did cooperation I receive. each year.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR DORIS M. NYQUIST
Mr. Adolph O. Christiansen Superintendent of Schools
I submit with pleasure this report of the vocal music in the public schools of Randolph.
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We are continually striving to improve the ability of the elementary school child to read music, to sing with a sweet and easy tone and with expression and clear diction. Above all, we want to create a love of good music on the part of the child.
A new Junior High Glee Club of eighth graders has been organized at Prescott Junior High School this year. This club of forty-five members meets every Tuesday morning. They are practicing several choral selections.
During art exhibition week, Belcher School children presented Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "H. M. S. Pina- fore" in costume with appropriate stage scenery under the direction of the art supervisor, Mrs. Atwood.
The high school mixed chorus, which is comprised of interested and talented young people, did some fine work this year. They sang at the band concert and also had the honor of singing at the high school graduation.
The Girls' Choir sang selections at the band con- cert again this year, and are rehearsing now to sing over Radio Station WBET in Brockton.
May I take this opportunity to thank all in the school system for their fine co-operation and friendliness.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR ETHEL B. ATWOOD
Your Supervisor of Art submits the following re- port :
Regular routine visits have been made to all grades in all schools during the year.
Three days of each week have been spent in the Ele- mentary and Junior High School grades where a drawing lesson has been given in each room visited and suggestions for further study left with the grade teacher.
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The Supervisor has been at the Stetson High School two days of each week. Here she instructed classes in both Freehand and Mechanical Drawing and arranged such courses of study as were workable under existing condi- tions.
Other activities in the Art program included making the back-drop and stage settings by High School Art students for the Belcher School production of the operetta "H. M. S. Pinafore". The preparation of posters for the Chest X-Ray Drive and accompanying Poster Contest for Grade 6 through Grade 12. Recognition of American Edu- cation Week and the Christmas season when examples of creative art work were placed in several of the shop win- dows along the local Main Street. This was done to encour- age the children and to interest others in their efforts. Much appreciation is hereby extended to the owners and managers of these stores for so generously allowing window space for this purpose.
Arrangement of the Annual Exhibit of general school work, including drawing, was carried out by the Super- visor, who served as hostess during the time the exhibit was open to the public.
An overview of the Art Program shows greater prog- ress in the High School and elementary schools than in the Junior High School. Work is necessarily impeded in these grades because the classes are too large for the kind of work best suited to the age-level, and, because there is insufficient time and material for the need.
Art is a vital factor in the life of every individual. The buildings that shelter us, the cars in which we ride, the movies we see, our books, magazines and innumerable things essential to our existence, are dependent upon art effort of some kind.
The purpose of art instruction in the school is to help the child do all work in a better way; to help him under-
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stand all subjects better because of art correlation; to increase his powers of observation and his ability to dis- criminate; and to provide him with certain reasonable skills in the use of color, pencil, crayon, ruler, etc.
That it requires a certain amount of "doing" to cover the art field in all grades from grade 1 through grade 12, no one will deny. However, the friendly attitude and willing- ness to cooperate shown by all with whom I have worked has made the year a pleasant one. I am grateful to those who have helped make it so. Through continued co-opera- tive effort we can create and maintain a good art program for the schools of Randolph.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE HELEN F. CONLON, R. N.
I herewith submit my report for year 1949:
Number of grades inspected 169
Number of exclusions recommended 231
Number of children referred to school dental clinic 93
Number of children given Diphtheria Toxoid 168
Number of children given a Booster shot 88
Number of home visits 214
Pupils in Grades 1, 4, 8 and 12 were given a health examination by School Physician Dr. Charles E. Wells. The findings were noted on the child's Physical Record card and the remedial defects brought to the attention of the parent.
The daily inspection by the classroom teacher is a most valuable aid in the control of communicable diseases.
Children in the first eight grades were weighed and measured in the Fall and again in the Spring. The High School pupils were weighed and measured once during the year.
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Three children who were physically unable to attend school, because of illness for two months or longer, re- ceived instructions in their home from a visiting teacher.
Arrangements were made for two children to attend the Child Guidance Clinic held at the Brockton High School. This clinic is conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Mental Hygiene.
In May the Patch test for Tuberculosis was given to 96 children whose parents requested it. Two children who showed a positive reaction to the test were x-rayed at the Mobile Unit.
Through the generosity of James J. Kelleher, Op- tometrist, and the Local Salvation Army Fund, many chil- dren have been provided with glasses. Several children have had Tonsilectomies. Clothing and footwear have been provided in many cases through this fund.
I wish to thank the School Board Superintendent, Teachers and School Physician for their kindness and co- operation during the year.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN CHARLES E. WELLS, M. D.
A study of school reports shows very little difference in the amount of illness among the pupils from year to year, although some difference in the type of diseases has been seen. The disease known as virus infection, which seems to have made its appearance during the war years, has per- sisted, and has been responsible for a large amount of ab- sence from school, especially in the lower grades. Last spring we had an unusually large number of cases of mumps and chicken pox, as was also the experience of many neigh- boring towns, but most cases were so mild as to cause only the minimum days absence from school required by state health regulations
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