USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 24
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL
History has a habit of repeating itself and in the case of the housing situation it is pretty much the same problem as existed six years ago. Because of the lack of space it was necessary to put grade eight on two sessions in 1950, and in 1951 grade nine through twelve were in session in the morning hours while grades seven and eight were operating in the afternoon, all in the old Stetson High Building. Needless to say, we weathered these con- ditions but it is a sad commentary that in such a situation it is only the pupils who lose out in a very vital period of their education. We believe it is close to fact to say that to curtail the pupils' hours from the normal six hours to
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four hours certainly must cause them to lose valuable time in their instruction period.
In 1953 we said, "We are fast approaching the time when serious thought must be given to the idea that the new building is not going to be adequate." It is common knowledge that as we approach 1957 the high school building is no longer able to hous the pupils scheduled to use the building and that our school will once again be required to use the two-platoon system. At the present time, the thinking is along the lines of double sessions for only the seventh grade, while grades eight through twelve will be on normal hours, but only if housing can be found for all of grades five and six. If this latter cannot be accomplished, there is every possibility that the numbers in the high school involved in the two-platoon plan will have to be increased to make sure that every child in the Randolph school system may have a place to sit somewhere in the system. In brief, the situation is serious and must be faced quickly and courageously by the citizens of Randolph.
Colleges are now experiencing the crowded conditions that are facing the public schools; there are more appli- cations to all colleges than they can possibly admit. For example, in round numbers, the University of Massachu- setts admitted in September 1200 freshmen from 8000 applications; Brown University, 1000 pupils out of 3000 applications, and Boston College 1500 out of 4000 seeking admission. All colleges are facing the same problem and it is figured that by 1960-61 there will be a torrential flood of applications which means that the colleges will be more and more selective in their choice of acceptances. it is therefore important that pupils who are planning on college should choose their college as soon as possible, as early as the ninth or tenth grade and then prepare, by long and constant study, for that college. In the not too distant future it is not going to be possible for every one
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who wants to, to go to college. Their high school grades must be tops and the college entrance board examination results must be higher. As a matter of fact in most colleges right now applicants who were accepted in 1946 would not even be considered at this time.
Randolph High School is a member of the New Eng- land Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This is an accrediting group similar to groups all over the country. Once every ten years each member school is required to conduct a thorough and complete self-evalu- ating study covering all phases of secondary school work- ing. When this study is completed, a group of educators from various systems throughout the State will pay us a three-day visit to appraise the work the schools is doing in light of the study made by the school. Our school has been working for months on this study; it is expected to be completed in March of 1957 and the committee is scheduled to visit with us in April, 1957.
Because of constantly changing conditions, education must change to meet these new conditions, so we plan, as soon as the evaluating study is completed, to begin a curriculum revision study not only to consider what sub- jects should be offered but also what the subject content should be. This we expect will enable us to keep up with thee times and give the students better preparation for a complex and changing world.
During 1956 the second "Randy" awards were made to outstanding students for scholastic excellence. This is a plan, patterned after the theatrical industry's "Oscar" originated and carried out by Mr. Alvin M. White of the High School faculty. One outstanding student is recom- mended by subject teachers from all classes and all grades and these pupils are presented in assembly with a ceramic statuette "Randy" which was designed and made by high school students. This plan was enthusiastically received
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by the students and we hope the plan is doing its best to result in better achievement by more and more students.
The classes in reading which were started last year and so written about in our 1955 report, have had very great success and have been continued this year. Through these special classes in reading we have been able to help many students to improve their reading ability and since reading is so important for school work, we believe this too will eventually help some students achieve better classroom results.
Over the years, Randolph High and its students have been honored in one way or another. For two years in succession the State Association of Student Councils has signally honored us for outstanding efforts in improving the school in one of its many phases of endeavor. This year, however, the National Association made awards to fifty-four schools out of 7300 represented by student council organizations. Randolph High School was one of the fifty-four and the award was made on the basis of a program to improve school citizenship, good manners, habits of cleanliness and better attitudes, as well as the organization of a Boosters Club to improve school spirit. Our Student Council is under the capable direction of Mr. James Santry of the Commercial Department. We feel quite pleased about this because very few people know of the fine things most teen-agers do and the fine people the great majority of teen-agers are but too prone to classify these youngsters by the publicity given to the small group who go off the deep end.
One of our senior girls, Miss Helen Lerro, a member of the National Association of Future Homemakers of America, in which Randolph High School holds member- ship, was elected State President for 1955-56 and has been elected for 1955-57 as National Treasurer of the F.H.A. The local branch of the F.H.A. is directed by Miss Catherine Schomer of the Home Economics Department.
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For the past three years our High School has com- peted statewide and nationally in two B.P.O.E. Scholar- ship and Citizenship awards and have been successful with winners all three years. Our crowning achievement was reached in 1955 when Donald Nelson was proclaimed a national winner.
Another of our seniors of June, 1956, Robert Fraser, successfully passed the NROTC examination which was administered on a national basis in all high schools in the country. Robert won a four year college scholarship in any college of his choice. In addition, Robert received an appointment to Annapolis where he now is.
1956 has been a difficult year, with increasing and more complex problems as the size of the school grows, but all in all, we feel it has been a good year and a satisfying one.
HUBERT F. GILGAN, Principal, Randolph High School
GUIDANCE REPORT-1956
The Guidance Program is becoming more broad and comprehensive as the years pass. Many areas and types of problems are being met on an ever-widening scale, which includes full-time employment, college and school admission and all types of personal problems. During the past year over one hundred and fifty part-time jobs have been secured. This enabled our students to make many thousands of dollars to help go on to college and also to help at home. Our follow-up summary which is made each vear shows no student among last year's graduates is unemployed.
Formal interviews are held each year with all students and as far as time permits a second formal interview is
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held. This alone is a major task when we realize we have approximately seven hundred students in the High School. Even more valuable interviews on a voluntary basis are held in the various areas mentioned above. A serious ef- fort is made to keep abreast with the constantly changing trends in the Business, Industrial and College Admission Fields. This is done by regular attendance at guidance directors meetings, conferences at various schools and colleges, conferences with Deans of Admission, and Busi- ness Executives. The need of keeping in close contact with these officials is seen when we realize the numbr of those making appliaction for college is larger each year. Also, there are many changes taking place in the industrial world.
Our survey of last year's class shows we have gradu- ates at such colleges as the United States Naval Academy, Bridgewater and Salem Teachers College, Northeastern University, Stonehill, Wentworth, Franklin Tech., New York State, Massachusetts General Hospital Nursing School, Quincy City Hospital, Boston College, Boston Uni- versity, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, etc.
The school is honored in having one of our graduates at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Forty- one students went on to schools of higher learning which represents 34% of the graduating class. This percentage is double the number of past years and does not include those going to night school.
Group Guidance Talks were held covering such areas as Engineering, Junior College work, Teaching, Electronics, Office Work, Nursing, Radio and Television, Science, etc.
At the Junior High School level Miss Good and Mr. Brennan start our Guidance Cumulative record cards and interview each student at least once. They also have group guidance classes once a week covering information on
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occupations, personality problems, etiquette, how to read, how to study, choice of high school subjects and other problems too numerous to mention.
We express our appreciation to the School Committee, Mr. Warren, Mr. Gilgan, and our counselors Miss Brennan, Mr. Brennan, and Miss Good for their valued assistance.
JOSEPH W. DALY
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR - 1956
It is the responsibility of the Art Supervisor to main- tain a schedule of visits lay out an adequate art outline, review the work accomplished, and consider the needs of the future.
Seven school buildinsg, housing 68 class rooms, have been visited at two week intervals ... except for vacation or no-school day sessions.
May 14th through May 18th was set aside as Art Festival Week when art work showing how art work helped in other studies, was featured in individual class rooms. One large Art Exhibit was also held in Stetson School Auditorium during this week.
American Education Week-Nov. 12 to 16 inclusive -six local merchants generously gave window space for the showing of school children's art work.
The Art Department aims to teach a basic knowledge of line, form and color ... to quicken interest in observa- tion and confidence to work creatively. Progress in any specialized work means looking forward, as well as reporting what has been accomplished. Such needs will be filled from time to time. However, to cope adequately with the present is the thing to do.
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Thanks to the cooperation of those whom I serve, art in the Randolph Schools is always a pleasant task.
ETHEL B. ATWOOD, Elementary Art Supervisor
REPORT ON READING
Mary C. Gaughen, Barbara A. Conley, Reading Supervisors
It is with pleasure that we are able to make this report as the joint effort of two Elementary Supervisors in Read- ing in the schools of Randolph. As a result of the expan- sion of the reading department, we have been able to effect a program wherein more assistance can be given to the classroom teacher. This is done, first, in a super- visory capacity, which consists of constructive criticism, discussion of particular problems, and demonstrative les- sons. Secondly, through special reading groups for indi- vidual instruction.
We are happy also, to report the results of the Stan- ford Achievement Test, which rates as one of the most difficult Achievement tests that is published. This test was given in May 1956 to the pupils of the second through sixth grades. The Reading results showed the median of the Randolph Schools to be one or more months above the national median. We feel this accomplishment is the result of good teaching, and the many materials we have been so fortunate to obtain, as aids for the teaching of reading.
In analyzing the results of this Achievement test, we have found the fourth grade could profit most from reme- dialy help. All pupils having an Achievement below grade level have been given a diagnostic test to determine their
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difficulties. Pupils needing remedial help are grouped according to their needs, and are given specialized in- structions two or three times each week. We hope to bring these needing special help to their capacity level by the end of this school year.
Thus we are striving constantly to meet any problems or difficulties encountered by individual children, so that the best standards of reading can be maintained throughout the school system.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES
HELEN F. CONLON, R. N. SIGNE H. HEATH, R. N.
This report will endeavor to give a general idea of the School Health Program.
In the Spring first shots of Salk Polio Vaccine were given to children under fifteen years of age. In July 90 % of this group returned to the clinic for their second shots. In September and October students between the ages of fifteen and nineteen were given first and second shots. Make up clinics were held at various times. All students will be given a booster to complete the series of innocu- lations.
Health examinations in grades 1-4-7 and 10 were completed by the school physicians. All students taking part in school sports were given health examinations. New students were given health examinations.
Twenty new names were added to the Physically Handicapped List. Nine children whose handicap pre- vented them from attending school were under home in- struction during the year.
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Screening tests were conducted periodically to deter- mine whether children needed dental care, or medical attention for vision, hearing or speech. Parents were ad- vised to have remedial defects corrected as soon as possible.
The senior class and school personnel were x-rayed in October by the Norfolk County Chest X-Ray Mobile Unit. There was no evidence of Tuberculosis.
The diphtheria immunization program under the direction of the Board of Health was started in December.
A record of all data pertaining to the health of each child is kept on file.
Results of School Health Services are sent to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as requested.
In-service courses sponsored by the Department of Public Health were attended by the nurses.
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION-1956
The enrollment of school children has increased so rapidly that the physical education program hasn't been able to match strides with the growth, resulting in a shortage of facilities and personnel. This year the neces- sity of using the gymnasiums in Devine and Stetson Schools for classrooms places an additional burden on the physical education personnel during the rainy days and winter months that necessitates keeping the children indoors. Physical education is limited in classrooms.
The sport activities in the High School for boys and girls have increased to such an extent that the facilities
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are limited both outdoors and indoors. The new footbail field will be ready for the coming Fall. New outdoor bas- ketball courts have been completed and in use at the High School and Stetson School. The outdoor basketball courts at Devine and McNeil Schools have been extended in area. Plans are now being formulated for an outdoor basketball court at Belcher School and for backboards at Tower Hill School.
Play areas are necessary for the youth in the town and plans should be made by the Town Manager for recrea- tional facilities that would take care of the youth in the different sections of the town.
Our concern should be for the normal average child who is neither good enough to be a championship team player, nor bad enough to be a juvenile delinquent.
In a meeting of the President's conference on the Fit- ness of American Youth, 140 conferees concluded that the declining state of American childrens muscles is a present danger and that quick and presumably enjoyable action is imperative to prevent the next generation from being unable to move at all.
"1. Total fitness means mental, spiritual and physi- cal fitness.
2. The public must be made aware of the problems of establishing and maintaining fitness.
3. Fitness must be popularized and promoted among children.
4. Research on fitness is needed to decide what kind, how much, etc.
5. Schools should have ample time, equipment and personnel for physical education and focus more attention on the athletically untalented child rather than on the star.
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6. Community recreational facilities should be in- creased and better use made of existing facilities.
7. All children must have periodic medical examina- tions.
8. Girls should have equal opportunity with boys of physical fitness." Physical Education is an important phase of the school curriculum required by law and should be treated in the same vein as academic subjects.
JOSEPH ZAPUSTAS Director of Physical Education
REPORT OF MUSIC DIRECTOR
I would like to submit the following annual report for the year 1956.
I was appointed to the position of director of music effective April 16 1956. Through the cooperation of many teachers, principals and students, I was able to reorganize the music program and I am very grateful to all those who assisted me at that time.
The elementary vocal program has made excellent strides under the capable supervision of Mrs. Jo Ann Hodgkins. I have not been able to visit a great deal in the elementary vocal program due to scheduling diffi- culties. I would therefore like to include Mrs. Hodgkins' report to me in quotations.
"There has been a change in the vocal program this year, due to the increase in student enrollment. The supervisor meets with each of the sixty-nine classes once every two weeks instead of once a week as was the policy in previous years. This allows for a little longer period
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so that a more varied musical program can be presented. Each class period includes theory and rhythm activities as well as singing. Following procedures of other years, Glee Clubs made up of the Fifth and Sixth grade pupils have been formed in the two largest schools. Last Spring, the Stetson School Glee Club, along with members of the fifth and sixth grade classes, presented a musical pro- gram during a special week of parent visitation. During the Christmas season of 1956, both of the Glee Clubs performed. Due to restricted use of the auditoriums, they presented their programs in the form of a carol sing through the school corridors. In this way everyone in the school had the opportunity to see as well as hear them perform. Present plans call for a spring program in which all schools will participate.
Each school has been provided with a complete set of rhythm band instruments which have proven functional as well as enjoyable. Gradually the equipment in the schools is being brought up to standard. New books have been requested to replace worn-out copies of all editions. An auto-harp has also been requested so that the children will have some accompaniment to their singing. Singing classes are rather difficult at this level and age without accompaniment. Some records are available for class- room use, and it is hoped that there will be more avail- able for future use."
The high school band played for the Memorial Day Parade, a Spring Concert and took part in a parade in June for the Amvets of Randolph. The band was taken to the Southeastern Music Festival in May, which was held in Needham. Several members of the band who excelled in playing ability were selected for the New England Festival and the SEMSBA band concert. This fall the band played for football games and sports rallies. From members of the brass section of the band a Brass Choir was organized. This new group was a part of the
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Christmas Concert. There are 42 playing members of the band and 14 Majorettes.
The high school chorus sang at the Spring Concert, the Southeastern Festival, and at Baccalaureate and Graduation exercises. The high school chorus was pre- sented for the first time this year in the Christmas As- sembly and at the Christmas concert.
The Junior band meets twice weekly. It performed in the Spring Concert, Memorial Day Parade, and in a special junior high music assembly in May. Several re- hearsals were spent in marching practice this fall. In order to insure a knowledge of marching skills in the high school the fundamentals of marching must be taught in the junior high school. Since the band is smaller this year than last year, an effort has been made to have several junior high pupils start on the larger school-owned instruments to increase the size of the band and to com- plete its instrumentation. This fall the junior band per- formed at the Christmas Assembly of junior high pupils.
The Junior High chorus sang at the Spring Concert and was comprised of 150 voices. Several of these people having graduated from eighth grade last spring, are mem- bers of the high school chorus this year.
The elementary instrumental program is larger this year than in any previous year. There are over 150 grade school children taking lessons on instruments this fall, of which number about 100 are beginners. This instruction is open to all students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. A weekly class lesson is given during school hours if possible. I was fortunate to acquire five practice teachers from the Boston University School of Music, to help me in the program.
Although they are doing a good job for the most part, they are mostly on their own and without super-
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vision. I would like to observe their teaching more but I am not able to permit or find the time to do this. These five people are teaching one full day each week in the Stetson and Devine Schools. They are also assisting me with some junior high pupils who are beginning on instru- ments.
Next year this elementary instrumental instruction will have to be curtailed for it is at least twice as large this year as it was in 1954. The vocal and instrumental program has grown and the music staff has diminished in number.
The danger to future high school bands is evident. Without sufficient instruction in the grade schools it will be a matter of time until insufficiency in numbers will stop the growth of the high school band. It is not humanly possible for two full-time teachers to do justice to such a large music program. Until the time teaching assistance is obtained the instruction on instruments in the grades will have to be stopped. The only hope is that some grade school pupils will seek outside lessons in the meantime.
I would like to thank Mr. Warren and the school personnel for their fine cooperation during the year.
RAYMOND W. STEWART, Director of Music
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 1956-1957
Sept. 5, 1956 Grades 7-12 School Opens
Sept. 10, 1956 Grades 1-6 School Opens
Oct. 12, 1956 Columbus Day
Oct. 26, 1956 Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
Nov. 6, 1956 Election Day
Nov. 12, 1956 Veterans' Day
Nov. 21, 1956 Schools close at noon for Thanksgiving vacation
Nov. 26, 1956 Schools reopen
Dec. 21, 1956 Schools close for Christmas Vacation
Jan. 2, 1957 Schools Reopen
Feb. 15, 1957 Schools close for Winter Vacation
Feb. 25, 1957 Schools Reopen
Mar. 4, 1957 Election Day
Apr. 12, 1957 Schools close for Spring Vacation
Apr. 22, 1957 Schools Reopen
May 30, 1957 Memorial Day
June 14, 1957 Grades 1-6 Schools Close
June 21, 1957 Grades 7-12 Schools Close
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
By courtesy of the Randolph Fire Department, three blows repeated three times will be sounded at:
7:00 a.m .- No school all schools all day
7:30 a.m .- No school all day the first six grades
11:30 a.m .- No school - afternoon session in first six grades
The Junior-Senior High School will be in session every scheduled school day regardless of the weather. If trans- portation is tied up and the buses cannot operate on the streets, school sessions will be discontinued.
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