USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1950-1954 > Part 6
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Painting within and without the buildings has been done and necessary repairs have been and are being ac- complished daily. Your Committee feels the dire need of a maintenance program and is working toward this aim- that maintenance is much cheaper than replacement.
The playing areas in the school yards have been doubled with much grading and asphalting having been done. This program has only begun, however, and much more shall be done this year. All business that was trans- acted by your Committee was done on a bid basis so that we could take advantage of lowest prices. We feel that we have done well from the standpoint of economy.
The school enrollment at the end of this year was 2015, the largest in our history and growing with each succeeding day.
We appointed Mr. Irvin D. Reade, Jr. as assistant to the Superintendent and we have found that this move has been most beneficial to the entire school system.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Your Committe is concerned entirely with benefitting the education of the children in our schools. We try to make ' concrete suggestions for improving classroom technique, a more modern course of study and a shifting of emphasis to bring our schools more up to date in every way. It would ! be foolish to claim that there is no room for improvement .. Your Committee deems it an honor to have worked for the best interests of the town and sincerely extends an invitation to you to visit your schools whenever you can. We welcome? any suggestion and /or criticism that may serve as a guide: for better educating your children.
JOSEPH J. SEMENSI, Chairman,
HAROLD L. WHITE, Clerk
MURRAY LEWIS
DR. WILLIAM F. MAGUIRE
MRS. ALICE M. MARTIN
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Randolph School Committee,
Chairman, Mr. Joseph Semensi and Members:
This is my third annual school report submitted to you for your approval.
The writer is of the opinion that our schools are doing a very creditable piece of work. Teachers are whole heartedly in this service. Such accomplishments are based upon your cooperation, understanding and efficient admin- istration and points definitely to a public school education which will serve all our children and develop in them known and potential abilities for good, useful citizens.
THE NEW JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
This new school plant is, in a great measure, an answer to the above lines. The citizens of the town responded to your appeal and voted the large sum of $1,305,000.00 for a building of modern construction and equipment. Con tractors for the erection of this school are now at work under the supervision of the Randolph Planning and Building Committee of which your committee and the writer are voting members. A large model of the new school attracted considerable interest. It was displayed in local store windows and is now in the office of the Assistant School House Com- mission, Boston. To complete this building with modern furniture, technical and administrative facilites for best operating results, Dr. Jesse B. Davis of Boston University was employed to serve as educational consultant. Dr. Davis has been most cooperative and has had a number of con- ferences and round-table talks to which he has conferred with principals and teachers on numerous subjects.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
In response to the challenging educational investment, the high school teachers in a body through the leadership of Principal Gilgan volunteered to take an extension course for the purposes of orientation and study of newer and expanded subjects and teaching methods as advocated for
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public school instruction in our day. This plan was whole heartedly adopted and supported by principals Mr. Reader Mrs. Chatfield and Mr. Haley for junior high school grades By vote of this group, Dr. Roy O. Billett of Boston University was employed. Dr. Billett is a well-known authority or public school education and its many problems. His course is now in session and will terminate in May. The investment will cost the teachers approximately $700.00. Credits may be earned with completion of work and assignments. The names of the teachers are listed below under subject-groups
WORKSHOP GROUPS
English
Business
Miss Brewster
Miss Brennan
Miss Dowling
Miss Good
Miss Foley
Miss Lordan
Miss Galvin
Practical Arts & Industries
Miss Kelley
Mr. Christiansen
Miss Schomer
Miss Anna Good Social Studies
Miss Thompson
Mr. Bens
Health & Physical Education
Miss Connors
Miss Lappen Mr Zapustas
Miss Anna Good
Mr. Keenan
Extra Curricula
Mr. Powderly Science .
Mr. Reade Guidance
Mr. Crimmins
Mr. Quagliozzi Mathematics
Miss Foley
Mrs. Chatfield
Mr. Haley
Mr. Corbett
Mr. Lehtinen
Miss McGerrigle
Mrs. Atwood
Foreign Languages
Music
Mrs. McCann
Mr. Thomas
Miss O'Neil
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Our school registration on October 1, 1950 was 198 an increase of 80 over last year. A few months later it gre to 2015. This necessitated the adoption of a two-platoo system for four eighth-grade classes held in the prese high school. By removing all eighth grade pupils from tl
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Mr. Gilgan
Mr. Daley
Miss Kenney Art
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Prescott and Devine schools left more room for the lower grades in or near the schools where children live. Again may I thank the many parents for their patience and co- operation in this necessary adjustment of classes and schools. This same expression of thanks is extended to Mr. Hart, our bus driver, who also serves and waits patiently for the new school to simplify his transportation problems,
DEVINE SCHOOL ADDITION
Our building program, though heavy at this time, must begin to formulate some definite plans of construc- tion for this school in this fast growing section of Randolph. At the present rate of growth the removal of grades seven and eight from this building will serve for only two years at the most, perhaps three. The remodeling of the Devine school should absorb the two-room Pauline St. school and should therefore provide for the following:
12 Regular class rooms.
1 Gymnasium-Cafeteria-Auditorium unit.
The grading of the newly acquired land for play area and Physical Ed. program.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
It is most encouraging to report a definite and pro- gressive program for physical education for all pupils in all schools. Mr. Zapustas and his assistant Miss Lappen have organized with principals and teachers, a very com- prehensive program of physical and health training for all classes. There is need of more equipment for which your budget has provided including equipment for players as well as articles and supplies necessary for safe conduct of game and health activities.
In compliance with recent health laws, X-Ray service was given in Randolph last December for all teachers, jani- tors, and school personnel. Aside from a few absentees and those who planned to have the health tests taken else- where, it is safe to say at this date all school employees have been examined. In my last year's report when a similar X-Ray service was made available to the citizens of the town, the writer inadvertently omitted the name of Col. Lloyd Claff, who, with Mr. John Lynch, completed a most efficient health round-up in town.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
GIFTS AND AWARDS
The recognition which our local organizations bestovy upon us by their awards to worthy pupils is always a source of inspiration. It takes away, as it were, the lonesomeness, which we so often experience in our service. It adds valu to our teaching, and sort of humanizes our efforts and en deavors by this evaluation of social and professional con tacts outside the schools.
The Stetson H.S. Fund Committee
Knights of Columbus, Lyceum Assn., Inc. American Legion and Auxiliary Parent-Teacher Assn. Ladies' Library Randolph Grange
Junior Ladies' Library
Lions Club
Rotary Club
Randolph Bankers Randolph Amvets
Accept my thanks for your help and cooperation ii this task of building better schools with better instruction for better and lasting results to the end that our graduates shall be ome strong, useful, happy members in our Americaa way of life.
Respectfully submitted, ADOLPH O. CHRISTIANSEN, Superintendent of Schools.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL
HUBERT F. GILGAN, PRINCIPAL.
There are many problems found in the administration of the educational program which in varying degrees affect the satisfactory carrying out of this program, and it is the writer's belief that the most important problem is concerned with the attitude of the pupil toward his school work. We believe the individual pupil's apathy toward school work and his failure to apply can be placed squarely on the indi- vidual rather than on the system or the teacher. This lethargy is doubtless due to the failure of the pupil to realize the demands which will be made upon him by schools of higher learning, by business or by employers in general, and this in spite of efforts of teachers and advisors to make young people realize what they will have to face when their schooling is over. A fast changing world means more competition; this calls for more and specialized train- ing. Entrance to many fields of endeavor therefore is more difficult because of keener competition. This obviously means more and better training and preparation. Many of our courses at Stetson prepare specifically for employment in business and industry, for entrance to college and other schools-nursing, technical, teacher training, among others. Much of the scholastic difficulty in which far too many of our pupils find themselves is due not so much to lack of opportunity or inherent deficiencies, but rather a lack of application to the tasks at hand. Too many young people put off until tomorrow what they should do today, and somehow that tomorrow never seems to arrive they seem to assume that there will always be another opportunity to take the place of the one they have allowed to slip by. Life is full of instances showing (or demonstrating) that opportunity seldom knocks twice. Many of our pupils go on to success and bring satisfaction to themselves and to us. However, all too often this feeling is overshadowed by the disappointment which comes from those who do not take full advantage of their opportunities but are satisfied merely to get by, those who do less than their best.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Since the authorization by the townspeople of the erection of a new school, the writer has had many oppor-r tunities to visit other schools, large and small, and we have returned firmly convinced that Randolph has as good schools and teachers as can be found anywhere and, in fact, better than some. We are convinced that the Randolph teaching staff is well equipped and qualified to help pupils reach their desired goals. The only difference which could be found was that the general public in other communties were great boosters of their schools; they were builders and this constructive and wholesome attitude could not help being reflected in the enthusiasm and spirit in the schools themselves. Randolph is now entering a new era" of school construction-an excellent time to build all these other things which go into the making of good schools- mutual confidence and faith, each in the other between the school and the public. We believe it will pay dividends to the young people in our schools. Tear down and we have nothing left but debris and ruin. Build on the foundaa tion of fine teachers who are doing a fine job and Randolphl schools will take their place at the top with the best on them-where Randolph belongs.
As you know the eighth grades from all over town are now holding sessions on double shift in the high school building. This two-platoon system is never satisfactory but often necessary because of crowded conditions. Although this is working as well as possible it is encouraging te know that relief is in sight from the new six year high school building.
All high and junior high teachers are currently taking a course under the direction of Dr. Billett of Boston Uni versity, School of Education. It is expected that because of this course dealing in modern secondary education W will all be better equipped to make fuller use of our nev building and its enlarged facilities.
TESTING AND GUIDANCE DIRECTOR JOSEPH W. DALY - DIRECTOR
During the past year all Freshman and Junior
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
were interviewed twice and all Sophomores and Seniors once. During these interviews an attempt was made to solve occupational and related problems.
The Boston University Battery of Educational Diag- nostic Tests proved an aid in discovering abilities in reading, spelling arithmetic and English. They helped to show if ndividual achievement was commensurate with ability, stu- dents in need of special help, etc. This group of tests was given to members of the Freshman Class.
The Vocational Battery for Juniors was of great assistance in discovering occupational interests and apti- udes. By these tests it was possible to discover the percentile ·ating of verbal, manipulative, and computational interests. in this group mechanical and clerical aptitude tests were riven which helped to show if a student had ability for office work, mechanics, engineering, etc.
An interesting college day was held at Thayer Acad- my in cooperation with high schools in the district. Twelve of our Seniors attended and it was possible to meet the Directors of Admission of nearly any college in the East. nformation on Scholarship opportunities, subject require- nents, etc., was available for each institution.
A series of career days was held covering such fields s medicine, nursing, business, bookkeeping, engineering, office work, agriculture, forestry, advertising, and mer- handising. Also included in the series was a preview of he employment market for high school graduates and ummer employment opportunities.
DRIVER EDUCATION REPORT PAUL J. LEHTINEN, INSTRUCTOR
During the school term 1949-1950 the Safe-driving lass enabled 36 pupils to get their drivers licenses.
In September, 1950, a car was again made available o Stetson High School which will enable us to prepare upils to pass the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles license examination.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Four classes of 4 pupils each started the Safe-driving course and nine have already obtained their licenses.
It is hoped that during the year some 40 pupils will pass the Registry test.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF TESTING
I. D. READE - SUPERVISOR
It is with pleasure that I submit this report on testing in the Randolph Schools.
A general achievement test and a group intelligence test were given to all pupils in Grades 1 through 8.
A comparison of last year's results with this year's results shows that in general the classes have made a ful year's growth. Although some subjects, particularly read- ing, are still below grade placement, the improvement over last year is more than satisfactory in most cases.
Now that a general foundation has been establishede it seems advisable to stagger the achievement and intellil gence testing on an alternate yearly basis, and devote the available time and funds to the discovery of the causes o weaknesses through diagnostic testing.
I wish to thank all in the school system for thei cooperation and assistance during the past year.
th
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR ETHEL B. ATWOOD
to
The Art Supervisor reviews the past twelve month and submits the following accounting :
During the year visits have been made regularly t all the elementary and Junior High School grades in a schools. Classes have been held two days each week i freehand and mechanical drawing at the Stetson Hig School.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
In the elementary and Junior High School grades she has given a lesson in each classroom, on the days scheduled for visits, and also left instructions for follow-up work with the grade teacher. She has also been responsible for the entire effort in both freehand and mechanical draw- ing at the High School.
She has found those with whom she has been as- sociated in the school system understanding and co-operative at all times.
It has been her aim to make the art program a vital part of the school curriculum .... a practical and pleasurable experience for every pupil .... and one which correlates with other school studies and offers opportunity for individual self-expression.
The highlight of the year is the Annual Exhibition of all school work. This year an effort was made to simplify the arrangement of the work displayed and to portray cer- tain chosen themes. With the prospective Junior-Senior High School in mind an interesting mural, depictng the story of "Progress in Education", was developed by the High School Art Classes.
High School students also made a backdrop for the stage at Stetson Hall. This was created for the presentation of the operetta, "The Mikado" and served a useful purpose as background for other programs held later in the Town Hall.
At present it is difficult to achieve the results desired in our Junior High classes where the classes are too large, the allotted time too short, and, the choice of media neces- sarily limited. Therefore we are looking forward eagerly to the better working possibilities in the new building.
Unlike books which can be used by several classes for several years art supplies diminish when put to use and require frequent replenishing. The challenge is to make art practicable. Art itself is the ability to do whatever needs to be done in the best possible way. It is the responsibility of the Art Department to accept this challenge.
In closing this report your Supervisor wishes to say that she is sincerely grateful to those who have so kindly and generously cooperated with her in her efforts to make art in Randolph worthwhile.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING
MARY CHRISTINE GAUGHEN, SUPERVISOR
It is with pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment that I submit this report on Remedial Reading in the Public Schools in Randolph.
At present there are 212 pupils in the second, third, and fourth grades receiving help in Remedial Reading twice each week. I feel the need for remedial work to be greatest in these grades.
Each pupil starts remedial work at his present level of Reading Achievement, and progresses according to his growth in comprehension and oral reading. This is no easy task, because to many slow learners Reading Achievement remains on a plateau a long time before progress becomes noticeable.
The teachers have been most co-operative in following my suggestions and work plans for these pupils. I am sure the Achievement Test given this year will show progress for all.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DIRECTOR MYRON B. THOMAS
I herewith submit my first annual report as Director of Music in the schools of Randolph.
Our new music program is now well underway.
My method is intended primarily to teach every child in school that music is something he can enjoy and that it can enrich his entire life. Not every boy and girl is mu- sically "talented" but each and every child can benefit from the opportunity that school music gives him to create. I think I can safely say that in the past few months we have introduced music in a new light and the students are dis- covering, some of them to their amazement, that singing can be fun! The new method of theory is already beginning to show results and some of the technical defects are being
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
remedied although this will take time. I am grateful for the assistance of Miss Quimby in the grades, who is carrying out my theory to the letter. Also, I can not emphasize strongly enough the importance of the grade teacher in the music program. It is she who carries out the actual "practice" of the theory and her work is vital.
The twice-weekly rehearsals of the high school band are devoted to general band training and practice of program music. The band's appearances last year included the annual concert, high school graduation, assemblies etc. Due to inclement weather the band did not march in the annual Memorial Day parade. Four band members were selected to participate in the all-New England Concert Festival band at Springfield in April. Both the high school band and the junior band received outstanding ratings at the State Competition Festival held at Attleboro in May.
The Junior band rehearses once a week at Prescott School. The time is devoted to development of performing techniques. They learn to march and play, improve tone and pitch, learn to interpret the technique of the baton, etc. Their performances the past year included the annual con- cert, Jr. High graduation and several P.T.A. meetings.
The beginners' instrumental department numbers 50 this year-the largest class yet. Instruction in all instru- ments is available at all schools.
The High School Mixer Chorus meets during seventh period on Thursdays. This group sang at the annual con- cert and gave a program at a special assembly in May.
The Girls' Chorus rehearses on Mondays and is at present working on tone drills and rehearsing program numbers. They provided music for the high school Christmas assembly.
It is my intention, in addition to the high school vocal groups, to form a glee club in the eighth grades to give this group special vocal practice which they are in need of and to stimulate interest in special voice work, especially among the boys. Through this medium I hope to prepare a larger number of male voices for chorus work in high school.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Although not much of a result can be expected from the first year's work with the vocal program, I am confident that the situation is well in hand and within a few years' time we should begin to see high school groups that can compete with the best. With the vocal and instrumental programs integrated the possibilities are unlimited and with the finest high school in our vicinity there is no reason why we cannot have a splendid music department to go with it.
The entire school organization is of service to the music department at one time or another and I wish to thank you all for your cooperation.
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR MILDRED J. LAPPEN
A physical education program for the elementary schools in Randolph has been organized and implemented since September 1950.
The aim of this program is centered upon the de- velopment of the whole child through big-muscle activity as well as the development of organic vitality. Not only will the child develop many neuro-muscular skills, but also. will form proper attitudes toward physical activity and better habits of conduct.
Each week I teach lessons in the elementary classes. based on these aims, and leave a program for the teachers to conduct during recess. This organized play is replacing the former free play period. The activities for the lower grades consist of mimetics, rhythmics, story plays, and hunting games. In the upper grades, more highly organized games like volleyball are played, which requires cooperation in competitive situations. In addition, they will be taught folk dancing, square dancing, and rhythmics. However, this whole program must be limited because of inadequate play areas. By providing playground balls, rhythmic records, and folk dance records, the school department has facilitated this program.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
It is satisfying to observe the children's enthusiastic response which proves that this program is a step toward the fulfilment of an educational need.
In the high school the two periods per week required of all girls consists of instruction in hockey, soccer, basketball and volleyball techniques as well as square dancing, social dancing, and modern dancing.
This year softball and field hockey have been added to our extra-curricula activities for girls. According to this. olan the girls are coached for competition with teams in the surrounding towns.
I appreciate the cooperation I have received from he school department, the principals, and the teachers who have aided me in carrying out this program.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS
Recreation projects are now mushrooming all over ne land. No longer are they confined to large cities and dustrial organizations.
The idea is basically sound; since boys and girls are ping to find some form of activity, why not give them good program that is well supervised and organized.
The type of activities incorporated into the program epends upon the size of the community and the available cilities.
With the advent of the new Junior-Senior High chool, the road is open for a grand opportunity for the hysical Education and Health Program.
The High School maintains the present competitive orts of Football, Basketball and Baseball for boys and eld-Hockey, Basketball and Softball for girls offers a grand ance for any youngster to compete in any or all of them.
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