USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1950-1954 > Part 18
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ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
system September, 1948, as Principal of the Prescott School, and was later appointed as Assistant to the Super- intendent. His perseverance, diligent efforts and alert- ness to the principles of education and administration gave assurance to the Committee of his high qualifications to serve as our Superintendent.
The School Committee extends to all a hearty wel- come to visit the schools at your convenience, and wel- comes any suggestions or criticism that may in the end serve as a guide for better education for our children.
Congratulations are extended to all teachers, admin- istrators and custodians for their sincere efforts during the past year.
HAROLD L. WHITE, Chairman DR. WILLIAM F. MAGUIRE, Clerk CLARK W. FREEMAN MURRAY LEWIS JOSEPH J. SEMENSI
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Randolph School Committee,
Chairman, Mr. Harold L. White and Members:
In making my annual report of the Randolph Public Schools, I first wish to pay tribute to Mr. A. O. Chris- tiansen who retired because of ill health after serving nearly thirty years as Superintendent of Schools in Ran- dolph. During that time his strong conviction as to the values of the Public School, his understanding of the needs of boys and girls, and his close attention to pupil development have all been outstanding. I know that he carries with him in his retirement the best wishes of all who have been privileged to work with him.
On the following pages are reported some of the achievements of our school program. I recommend to you the reading of the High School Principal's report and all others contained in the department. It would be dif- ficult to mention all the important developments, and it is not presumed that we have. The diligence and devo- tion of the members of the department to the task of bet- ter education has made possible an excellent and reward- ing year.
The interest of our boys and girls has been stimu- lated. Opportunity for every child and education for the whole child have been the goal of our department. The children moving at a normal rate have had every oppor- tunity to learn useful skills, proper attitudes, and to ac- quire the fundamental of the art of living.
The interest, help and cooperation of the parents and citizens is deeply appreciated. We shall continue our program to make Randolph's educational system serve the boys and girls in the best possible manner.
Respectfully submitted,
I. D. READE,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Joseph W. Daly, Director
During the past year our guidance progress expand- ed to a full time scale similar to surrounding towns.
Group Guidance Work is being done during the first half of the year with the Freshmen, Sophomore, Juniors, and Seniors. In the Freshmen Group, study habits, use of leisure time, manners and school spirit were discussed. In the Sophomore year topics such as selecting a career, how to apply for a job, and how to make good on the job were covered. Job areas including the professions, office work, and industry were analyzed. In the Junior year problems such as getting along with others, desire for approval and success were treated. In the Senior year manners and personality constituted the main areas.
Interviews are being held once or twice during the year with every student in the school. At these confer- ences along with vocational and personal problems re- sults of various reading and vocational aptitude tests were explained.
An accumulative guidance record card has been intro- duced this year and gives a complete record from the seventh grade through high school.
During the year conferences were arranged for students with many Eastern College Representatives and nursing school directors. Also a number of seniors were taken to Thayer Academy for the annual College Day at which the Deans of forty Eastern Colleges were present.
Our commercial counselor Miss Brennan has placed a number of girls in various Boston offices for part time work. Many other boys and girls were placed in part time employment in manufacturing plants, stores, farms ,and homes in Randolph, Milton, Boston and Brockton. This
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placement enabled our students to secure a total of many thousands of dollars for help at home or for further education.
I wish to express my thanks to our Junior High Coun- selors Miss Good and Mr. Clarke and our Senior High Counselors, Miss Brennan and Miss Galvin, for their coop- eration and assistance. I also wish to express my appre- ciation to Mr. Gilgan, Mr. Reade, and the School Commit- tee, for their aid and close cooperation.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL Hubert F. Gilgan, Principal
It was our hope that this report would cover our en- trance into the new high school building but due to un- foreseen difficulties the new building was not ready and we had to unpack to return to our old building. This was a severe blow to all concerned because pupils and teachers alike were keyed up to occupying the new school. We had offered to the pupils new subjects with addi- tional teachers, all assignments had been made for the new plant, all of which had to be undone to fit the fa- cilities of the old building. It is common knowledge that the present high school building is now operating on two shifts, with grades nine to twelve in session from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., while grades seven and eight attend from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is not probable that the average layman can fully appreciate the diffi- culties of such a plan of operation but it was necessary to accommodate the large increase in enrollment through- out the system. I believe the youngsters are to be highly complimented for the way they swallowed their keen dis- appointment and buckled down to make the best of a
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bad situation. Last year, grade eight only was on two shifts and in spite of shortened hours, they made a sur- prisingly good academic response to the situation. There is no question that the six grades which are working un- der the same handicaps this year will have the same struggle for results but we are hoping that with the help of the pupils, parents, and teachers any loss will be re- duced to a minimum. The situation now existing is wor- sened when we realize it might have been avoided. Sev- eral years ago, the School Committee, the Superintend- ent and I, after a study of local conditions, recommended to the town in our annual report a new 1,200 pupil Junior- Senior High School and selected the spot for its erection. Nothing came of it until a few years later a professional survey was made of the school system by an out-of-town agency. This survey recommended a new 1,200 pupil Junior-Senior High School on the same site which the school department had previously suggested. If the new school had been started when originally suggested by local school authorities, we might not be in our present overcrowded situation and the savings to the town in building costs would have been considerable.
A start has been made to enlarge the scope of our athletic program. Our record in sports over the past few years has been quite unsuccessful, to say the least, but it is a situation which a few wins will resolve. Schools with successful teams start the youngsters playing in the seventh and eighth grades with proper coaching and supervision. In our new building, Randolph youth will have this opportunity because in all sports we plan to have varsity, freshman and junior teams so that in the near future our teams can compete with those from other schools on an even footing. In connection with the ex- pansion of our athletic program, immediate thought should be given to the size of our athletic field. It is our humble opinion that the present field will not be large enough
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adequately to care for our future program, which by the, way, should include track. It is our recommendation that the land to the west of our present field, already owned by the town, be readied for use, and a start made on fencing in the athletic field.
During the past year, it occurred to us that the towns- people might like to help us equip the new school library, so we wrote to each organization and asked them to underwrite the cost of an annual subscription to a mag- azine to be used by the pupils in the library. The re- sponse has been good and so the magazines authorized will be ordered and made available for September, 1952. When the list of donors is complete, we intend to pub- lish the names of the organizations who have so gen- erously helped us. Speaking of the library, we wonder if the public realizes that we will have a large, spacious shelf area in the new library with but a few books to put on these shelves. According to a national library bureau, a school as large as our new one should have about five thousand books and an annual budget of fif- teen hundred dollars. We do not, of course, expect any- thing like that amount but we do expect help each year in building up our library.
During the past year, all teachers and supervisors at the high and junior high levels took a course under Dr. Roy O. Billett of Boston University. Our purpose was to increase our knowledge of modern secondary educa- tional practices so that we may better and more effective- ly utilize the facilities of our new building. It was a worthwhile experience.
We here at the high school were saddened during the year by the retirement of our superintendent, Mr. A. O. Christiansen. We are always aware that the end of the road always comes for all of us but for so many years Mr. Christiansen had been with us we felt that for him
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there was no end of the road, that he was a prop and a mainstay who would always be with us to help us and guide the destinies of the Randolph schools. We will always remember him as the pupils' friend, as we know of many instances where a pat on the head, a word of encouragement helped many a youngster over a rough spot. We teachers do not have to be told of his worth- he proved it day in and day out-as many young teach- ers starting in under his patient guidance have matured into capable and successful teachers. We want Mr. Chris- tionsen to know he will be remembered through the years by all who knew him and worked with him for we realize that even in his retirement he has the welfare and inter- est of the Randolph schools and the pupils uppermost in his mind. We hope sincerely that his remaining years will be happy and pleasant ones.
To our new superintendent Mr. I. D. Reade, may we say that we at the high school pledge you our loyalty and cooperation, we are ready to follow your leadership and to help you in any way we can for the betterment of the schools of Randolph.
DRIVER EDUCATION REPORT
Paul J. Lehtinen, Instructor
The Safe-Driving Course at the Stetson High School during the year 1950-1951 enabled 32 pupils to obtain their driver's licenses.
As in previous years a car was made available to the School Department in September, 1951.
It is the purpose and goal of this Safe-Driving Course to prepare as many pupils as possible to pass the test required by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
162
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Ethel B. Atwood
It is the purpose of your art supervisor to provide, through various art experiences, a basic knowledge which will have permanent and practical value for the individual.
Increased enrollment, shortened work periods, over- large classes at the present time, prevent the accom- plishment of certain desired results. In spite of this it has been evident that art principles were absorbed and art enjoyed.
During the year the supervisor has arranged a course of study for all grades from I through XII, and, in the High School, given instruction in Mechanical Draw- ing, also. All grades have been visited regularly ; lessons given and instructions for the Grade teacher left in the art folio.
Through the Art Department, the Annual Spring Ex- hibition of School Work was assembled and arranged. This year's exhibit was based upon the theme, "Through the Years." Paper sculpture panels, one for each month of the year, were an innovation and showed creative skill at the High School level. High School art groups provided original spatter work designs for all grade work folios. Holidays and historic events "Through the Years" were expressed by the art work of elementary pupils.
The back-drop for the stage in Town Hall, with its "Show Boat" so well carried out in composition and color by three boys from the Stetson freehand drawing group could well be termed the highlight of the year. In this way art became a part of the Music Department, serv- ing as background for its concert, which featured selec- tions from "Show Boat."
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Since September-there have been 41 elementary classes; ten Junior High classes; and the usual freehand and mechanical drawing classes in the High School to be provided for.
Principals and teachers have at all times been very helpful, and the Superintendent and School Committee have given sympathetic understanding of the present challenging problems in the art field. I am grateful to all who have worked so co-operatively with me.
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING
Mary Christine Gaughen, Supervisor
I respectfully submit my third report as Supervisor of Remedial Reading.
At the beginning of the school year all the pupils in grade one were given the Metropolitan Readiness Test. We found, as a result of the test, fifty-six pupils were not ready to learn to read. Reading is not a natural activity of young children. Not all children are equally well pre- pared to learn to read when they enter grade one. The teachers will continue prereading instructions with these pupils until they feel they are ready to learn to read.
There are 220 pupils receiving help in Reading. This number includes the slow learners as well as the remedial pupils. Special emphases are placed on the mechanics of Reading, with special stress on few or no lip or head movements during silent reading, normal left- to-right eye progression, wider visual and eye-voice spans, and a minimum of regressive eye movements, and no pointing with the finger.
All pupils are given instructions on their level of achievement. They are given phonic training in word rec-
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ognition. They receive instructions in word meaning, phrase reading, pronunciation, and enunciation. All these are necessary steps in reaching the goal of all reading- COMPREHENSION.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Stephen J. Hart
The year 1951 was very busy in comparison to the year 1950.
My visits to the Probation Office increased nearly 50 per cent.
My court appearances increased also the extent of twelve cases. Five of these cases were disposed of by send- ing them to the Youth Service Board for future disposition.
Strictly truant cases are not increasing by any means, and I would say are under control.
I wish to thank the school personnel and also the parents for their cooperation during the year 1951.
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Joseph J. Zapustas
An effective health program must start at the be- ginning of life and continue throughout its duration. This, school health is not a separate entity, but it is a part of a complete public health program. On the one hand it is de- pendent upon the care which the child receives in the home through the intelligence and cooperation of the parents. On the other hand, it is dependent upon the health facilities offered by the community. It involves many people, children, parents, superintendents of schools,
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health officers, principals, teachers, physicians, nurses, dentists, health educators, physical educators, custodians, public and private organizations. These varied elements must be welded into a team which will produce a bal- anced program.
Here in Randolph we have been fortunate in secur- ing additional personnel to sponsor physical education and health not only to the high school grades but to the elementary grades as well.
With the assistance of Mrs. Dorothy Poehlman, Mr. Eugene Savard and Miss Mildred Lappen, every class in the school system has received instruction once a week.
Our program has been further aided by the organ- ized play period which is carried on during recess by the elementary classroom teachers. Under this set-up the children are taught additional activities and are then given the opportunity to conduct these activities under their own leadership. Without the full cooperation of these classroom teachers this work could not have been accomplished.
I am looking forward to the time when every pupil in the Randolph School System will be guided not only mentally but physically as well for the betterment of the entire community. I am grateful to the School Committee for their trust in me to oversee this program.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
Myron B. Thomas
I herewith submit my annual report of the Music Department of Randolph schools for 1951.
The annual instrument demonstration was present- ed in September to all students in grades four through six.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
The response of the pupils was most gratifying and we have at present forty new instrumentalists in the system. This brings the total to 125 pupils participating in the instrumental program.
We now have 26 school-owned instruments which helps us to maintain better band balance by affording the opportunity of music participation to many students who are unable to secure an instrument of their own.
The Junior High School band is composed of pupils in grades five through eight and meets once each week for rehearsal. Material for practice consists of music suitable to the age and development of this group. The junior band is a very important phase of the school pro- gram because the success of the high school band depends largely upon the training and development of the junior group. For this reason the music department recommends early instrumental training to insure the success of the high school band in future years. The present enrollment is 35. The high school band meets twice weekly for re- hearsal. We are most grateful for the several new in- struments secured for the band this year. We are begin- ning to show very good instrumentation for a group of this size and the better the instrumentation, the more in- teresting and varied programs we can present to the town.
Selected members of the high school band partici- pated in the all-New England Concert Festival held in Auburn, Maine, last Spring.
The tenth annual Spring concert was presented in the Town Hall on May 4th. The high school band was assisted in the program by the Junior band, High School chorus, Girls' Glee Club, the Twirling Corps and soloists.
On May 11th the Senior and Junior bands auditioned
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and paraded at the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Festival at Weymouth.
The High School Band has played for the school as- semblies, graduation, home football games, driver-train- ing presentation and for several municipal events, such as: inauguration of the new Post Office, Belcher Park Field Day, dedication of Imrie Square and the Crusade for Freedom Rally.
The High School Chorus of 60 selected voices meets one period per week at the high school. Choral. music is rehearsed for the annual Spring Concert and gradua- tion.
The High School Girls' Glee Club of 43 selected voices rehearses once per week and material is prepared for the annual Spring Concert.
The Seventh and Eighth Grade General Music Classes meet one period per week. The vitally important sub- ject of the changing voice is dealt with in these classes and individual attention is given to the voices of the boys experiencing this change. Class discussions of the various band and orchestral instruments are held and'other sub- jects treated are voice production, breath control and music theory.
Each of the first six grades is visited once a week by Miss Frances Quimby, the Elementary Supervisor. Also daily music periods are conducted by the classroom teacher. Along with the singing of many songs, first les- sons in music reading are begun in the first grade and are supplemented each year. Two part music is introduced in the fourth grade and increases in difficulty in prepara- tion for three part music which is begun in the sixth or seventh grade. This music reading program is extremely essential in enabling the children to learn new songs. It helps the instrumental program, lays the foundation for
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the choral work in the Junior High and High Schools, and prepares them to be able to contribute to all the music in the community after finishing school.
I wish to thank the entire school department for their cooperation during the past year.
REPORT OF THE PLAYGROUND DIRECTOR
Joseph J. Zapustas
The Summer Playground activities consisted of vari- ous types of handicraft work, hikes, picnics, swimming at the Montello Pool under supervision, various games spon- sored by the instructors, and the softball league won by Devine.
I would recommend a dire necessity for swings, see- saws and a slide at each playground.
I express my sincere thanks to the instructors, Patri- cia Copeland, Claire Mahoney, and Frances McGrory for their cooperation with the children at the playground.
Statistics for the season are as follows:
Total Days 42
Total Attendance :
High School 3106
McNeill School 4250
Devine School 2760
Average Daily Attendance
High School 73
McNeill School 101
Devine School 65
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Helen F. Conlon, R.N.
During the year of 1951 health appraisals were made by the school physician in grades one, four, seven and eleven. Findings were recorded on the child's Physical record card and parents were notified of defects needing correction.
A large part of the nurse's time is spent in guiding and encouraging parents in their efforts to get their children's defects corrected or to provide the best possible condition for their healthy development.
As in other years the children in the first eight grades were weighed and measured in the Fall and in the Spring. The pupils in the senior high school were weighed once during the year. Height and weight were recorded on the record card and follow-up work was done on those who had not gained in weight or showed a loss in weight.
Inspections were done in classes where children were ill with a communicable or infectious disease and on all pupils referred by teachers. Exclusions were recom- mended when found necessary.
The Diphtheria-Tetanus Immunization clinic spon- sored by the Board of Health was held during April and May. 150 children were treated at the clinic.
37 children had 3 doses of the double antigen
110 children had a booster dose.
3 children did not complete the series of three doses of toxoid.
Arrangements were made for five children who were physically unable to attend school to have a visiting teacher and for three children to attend the Child Guid- ance clinic held in the Brockton high school.
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The dental clinic sponsored by the Board of Health was continued during the year. Through the efforts of Dr. William Maguire the children in grades two and five were given three Fluoride applications as a preventive measure to reduce the amount of new tooth decay. This work was done by a group of workers from the Federal Security Agency in cooperation with the State Health Department, Dental Division.
Sixty eight students in the Senior class were X-Rayed in October. Three pupils who were absent on that day were taken to the Norfolk County Hospital in November and were X-Rayed. The X-Rays showed no evidence of pulmonary disease.
In grades 4-5-6, one hundred and twenty one children who were tested by the teachers were found to have a partial vision defect. These children were tested by the nurse on a Keystone Telebinocular and 77 children failed this test. These children were given a second test on the Telebinocular and 49 failed this test. Parents were noti- fied of the children's condition and advised to take their children to an eye specialist.
In closing this report I wish to thank all in the school department for their cooperation in the past year.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Charles E. Wells, M.D.
During the year 1950 729 medical certificates were issued pupils who had been absent for three or more days on account of sickness-fewer than for either of the two preceding school years. Any attending physician may issue such a health certificate, but they are usually writ- ten by the School Physician. For absence for other reasons
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