USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 39
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One most significant accomplishment during the fiscal year of 1957 was the completion of the Evaluation Survey Program under the supervision and direction of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This was a most valuable experience by all con- cerned, as the survey was done in two parts: first, a self- evaluation by the staff of the school itself and second, a visitation by a group of educators appointed by the New England Council. This visiting group made their own survey, evaluated the self-evaluation and then made a final report of their findings. This final report is far too lengthy to print here, but for public information we wish to say that the columns of the quarterly bulletin of the Randolph School Department have been made available to us so that the report in detail will be made public in this organ in four instalments, with the hope that it will be widely read. To publicize the makeup of the Evalu- ating Committee which visited us, we list the names of the committee :
Patrick J. Murnane, Chairman, Principal, Newbury- port High School.
John F. McGovern, Supervisor, State Department of Education.
Grace H. Lapworth, Head, Commercial Department, Whitman High School.
Marion Sullivan, Head, English Department, Cohas- set High School.
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Raymond T. Ethier, Language Department, Cohasset High School.
Edward B. Colbert, Guidance Director, Watertown High School.
Genevieve Wheeler, Homemaking Department, Haverhill High School.
Joseph Chicetti, Industrial Arts Department, West- wood High School.
Alvah Raymond, Mathematics Department, Wey- mouth High School.
Fred James, Director Physical Education, Framing- ham School Department.
E. T. Peterson, Science Department, Dedham High School.
William Rathbun, Art Supervisor, West Bridgewater High School.
Joseph E. Boothroyd, Social Studies Department, Waltham High School.
For the most part, the findings of this committee came as no surprise to us, but merely pinpointed our strength and weakness, in areas of which we were aware.
One of these items was curriculum revision. We had planned a study of our curriculum and its possible re- vision but there was a question of either this curriculum study or the evaluation program and since we could not do both, it was decided to do the general evaluation while the school was still on single session; then the curriculum would be placed under scrutiny. This study is now under way and is expected that at least one year or more will be needed to make an exhaustive consideration of this matter, always keeping in mind the basic philosophy and purpose of Randolph High School, and we quote:
"To make possible an efficient, democratic life in the environment which society now provides and, also, to furnish the desire and means for
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gradual improvement of this environment. Our purpose in education is to develop in each in- dividual the knowledge, interests, habits and powers whereby he will find his place in life and use that place to shape both himself and democracy towards higher goals."
We plan to seek advice from colleges, business, lay people, pupils and experts in the various fields to help us to build a curriculum which will better enable us to do the work which has to be done. Also included in the cur- riculum study will be a consideration of the course of study, the content of materials to be taught in each subject. We intend to include a study of how television will fit into our plans for the future. All of this will take time but the project is under way and progress is being made.
In making its final report, the Evaluation Survey Committee stresses the point that although some things can be done immediately, the overall situation suggests that the report carries long range implications. Things that can be attended to at once are being done, while the others will be done when time and room allows. For ex- ample, the library had been used for the past three years as a classroom, with little emphasis on the real library purpose of the room. With the partial double shift now in use, it was possible this year to use the library as a library and it is now in full operation with more than satisfactory results.
We hear much lately about Science and Mathematics in the schools throughout the country in light of scientific developments and the fact that not enough scientists and engineers are being produced. Many ideas are being talked about to remedy this situation, all the way from crash programs down, but we must always try to keep in mind our sense of values, our purpose and philosophy
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of education. Science and Mathematics are very import- ant, but so are other phases of our educational system, if we are not to lose sight of the fact that we deal with all sorts of young people, with a wide range of vocational interests and abilities. Industry is always seeking new methods to increase efficiency and get better results. Successful methods are kept, others discarded. So, too, with education. We are always trying to improve and if a plan does not work out, it is dropped and another sub- stituted.
We are confident that our present investigation of ourselves will bring better results, not only in the field of Mathematics and Science, but also in Music. Literature, History and all other subjects which will help us develop balanced persons with more permanent interests and values. We believe we should strive to give as many high school pupils as we can a sufficiently solid foundation upo nwhic hto build some worth-while career. We believe we should provide the means to give for all a broad, . liberal general education which will give our graduates the modern concept of the various worlds in which we live. Then we should encourage by various means those who have the ability and aptitude for specialization in the many vocational areas which these various worlds open up to them. No matter what field of endeavor a student decides upon, we should stress thought, not memory. All of this we strive to do, with the means at our disposal.
HUBERT F. GILGAN. Principal.
GUIDANCE REPORT - 1957
The past year proved to be an interesting and chal- lenging one in the Guidance field. The problems are be- coming more complex and varial along with the great
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developments in science and increase in population. Our enrollment climbed to 814 in grades 9-12 which is an in- crease of 59 per cent, since 1952 when we had 478 stu- dents. It points to the need of at least another half-time counselor.
During the past year talks were presented by out- standing experts in such fields as engineering, teaching, government jobs, military careers, science, social work and many others. The talks were by men and women actually working in the fields they covered. They were able to explain the requirements and opportunities to- gether with the good and bad points of each particular job. In addition to this service the Guidance Department has a file of several thousand pamphlets on occupations. Still more information is available through the Science Research Service to which we subscribe.
Our Junior Class took vocational tests administered with the cooperation of Boston University. These tests showed mechanical and clerical aptitude with an interest ยท inventory showing fields of interest such as personal, social, outdoor, farming, art, etc. Also a reading score was attained and an I.Q.
Seniors going into the labor market were tested in cooperation with the Mass. State Employment office in Brockton. The tests showed general learning ability, ver- bal aptitude, mechanical aptitude, Spatical and form perception, motor coordination, finger dexterity, and manual dexterity.
A follow-up study of our class of 1957 shows 36% of the class has gone on to school and there is no one unemployed. The percentage going on to school is very high when we consider the large number of college bound students attending private schools in this area. We have
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never had a student with a B average who was denied ad- mission to college. It is of vital importance for students to realize that C is no longer a satisfactory mark for College Admissions.
The emphasis in the future will be upon skill, and those who are not educated or trained will find them- selves at a disadvantage. The reason is simple. The new automatic machinery requires much more skill to produce, install, operate, and service. From idea and drawing board to operation and maintenance, it is demanding more training and experience. To illustrate how early the counseling job has to begin, let us consider a few facts.
The year 1965 seems a long way off, but the critic- ally important technical workers we will need to meet our manpower needs in that year are already well along in the educational pipeline, at the points where they have to make key decisions about their education and training.
The engineering graduates of the class of 1965 en- tered high school this fall. Unless they chose mathe- matics, science, and other courses that help them enter college and study successfully in the technical fields, they will be unable to prepare for engineering. The 1965 class of teachers also entered high school this fall. The physicists and chemists, the doctors and dentists who will begin their professional work in 1965 are already in their junior or senior years in high school.
The nurses who will care for the ill, 8 years from now will enter High School no later than the fall of 1959.
This then must be our goal, as individuals and as a people : the greatest possible opportunity and incentives for every Randolph High Student to develop and utilize to the fullest, the special talents with which God endowed him.
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We wish to express our appreciation for the loyal support accorded us by the School Committee, Supt. Warren, Asst. Supt. Lynch, Mr" Gilgan and the counselors and teachers.
JOSEPH W. DALY
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR-1957
Owing to the increase in the number of classes to be visited, and the Platoon System, it has been necessary to adopt resourcesful measures this year to fully cover the field. However, a program was successfully worked out whereby all classes have been visited regularly and a def- inite schedule of visits followed.
Your Supervisor has endeavored to keep abreast of the times by attending Art Conferences, Art Exhibits, main- taining memberships in Art Organizations, and by sub- scribing to Art Magazines.
As a nucleus for an Art Library at some future date prints of famous paintings have been purchased. With the rapid increase of population in the town of Randolph and the corresponding increase in the number of school teach- ers, it is important that headquarters be established where the supervisor may display current work of pupils, where reference books and magazines pertaining to her subject may be kept for reference and consultation given at certain scheduled times.
A friendly and cooperative spirit is evidenced through- out the School System ... making Randolph a very excel- lent place to work.
ETHEL B. ATWOOD
Elementary Art Supervisor
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REPORT ON READING
Mary C. Gaughen, Barbara A. Conley, Reading Supervisors
It is with pleasure that we, as supervisors, submit our annual report on Reading in the Randolph Elementary Schools.
We are happy to report that the Achievement in Read- ing, for the town of Randolph, exceeds the national norm at every grade level by several months. This national norm being based upon the test results of over three hun- dred thousand pupils of communities of various sizes from all over the country.
However, we are always alert to methods of improve- ment for the teaching of the skills of reading, and, there- fore, after careful study and investigation of the results attained by schools, throughout the country, using the Hay- Wingo program, we have inaugurated this program in grades one, two, and three in the Randolph school system.
This new phonics program has been organized, so that, each teacher spends at least fifteen minutes each day on teaching phonics, through auditory and visual discrimina- tion. The final goal being to apply these phonetic prin- ciples to the area of spelling, and to the reading program, as an aid to word perception.
The supervisors working closely with the teachers, have concentrated much of their efforts on bringing about the success of this phonics program through numerous classroom demonstrations, conferences with teachers for suggestions concerning supplementary work, small indivi- dual group intructions, and follow-up observations.
With the addition of new teachers to the staff, con- siderable time has been spent with them in planning the basic reading program. This planning included: forma- tion of reading groups and the reading level of each; in- structions in the use of teachers guides; explanation of the
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use of workbooks; and discussions concerning enrichment activities.
We feel confident that Randolph has maintained, and is continuing to maintain a high standard of scholarship in reading. Through supervision, professional improvement, and in-service training of personnel, we strive to exemplify the best in education.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES-1957
Our School Health program, despite the tremendous increased population, has tried to make every possible effort to the continuing health and welfare of its pupils by having conducted the following health services during the past year.
The school doctors examine all children at specified intervals during school life. The findings and subsequent corrections of the defects are recorded on health records, as well as other findings pertaining to the child's health. About 30% of the first grade children had a health exam- ination by their family doctor before entering school in September. The doctor who knows the child from birth makes available to the school a record of the child's health, past and present, with recommendations for follow-up care.
The teacher's continuous observation, recognizing symptoms, appearances or changes in behavior is most im- portant.
Accidents and sudden illnesses are given immediate care. Parents are notified and transportation arranged. This care is limited to first-aid. Further treatment is given by child's own physician. Children with symptoms of a communicable disease are excluded from school. A physi- cian's certificate is necessary before child re-enters school.
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A yearly report and follow-up of handicapped children is made and their special needs are made known to the school personnel. Home tutoring for those unable to at- tend school is arranged.
Vision and hearing screening tests were given to all pupils.
The polio Immunization Program was continued throughout all grades. In order that all the children would receive full protection against poliomyelitis, small clinics were held periodically until school closed in June. About 95% received three inoculations. Volunteer doctors and nurses worked together in the large clinics.
Diphtheria and Tetanus booster inoculations were given in grades 1-8 to children having parental consent. A number of pupils who had never been immunized re- ceived complete immunization at this time.
Asian Influenza vaccine was given to school personnel in October as recommended by the Board of Health.
In conclusion we would like to state that only with cooperation of the home and the community can our schools attain all the desirable goals of individual health.
HELEN F. CONLON, R.N. SIGNE F. HEATH, R.N.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Each subject in the school curriculum must be in accord with and contribute toward the all-inclusive pur- pose of education. This all-inclusive aim of education is to facilitate that optimal growth and development of each individual which will afford the maximum adjustment to his physical, mental and social situations today and in the future.
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The tremendous growth in our school enrollment has: created a problem of more physical education personnel necessary to teach the boys and girls, more faciities nec- essary for expanding their energies. Faciities are. nec- essary for boys and girls in the schools, for intra-mural program after school hours and adult recreation in the evenings.
One of the biggest problems confronting the plan- ners of recreational facilities today is the dwindling amount of surplus space available for the construction of new sports and recreation facilities. Every community must make provisions for the future now. With leisure time increasing every year, there is a definite danger that Randolph will be without adequate recreational op- portunities in another decade unless action is taken now to preserve play space.
The Physical Education Department intends to con- duct a physical fitness and proficiency test for every boy and girl in the entire school system. These tests are intended to stimulate the interest and effort of boys and girls toward physical fitness by providing progressive tests of speed, strength, ability and endurance as standards against which they may match their abilities and their progress.
Physical fitness tests will not in themselves make a boy or girl physically fit, but they will provide incentive and the challenge to them to improve their physical con- dition once they have the courage to match themselves against the standards and are brought face to face with their shortcomings. Furthermore, the opportunity to meas- ure their physical capacities by competing only against standards will offer much less resistance than having actually to compete against superior performers. The United States Army basic field manual on physical train- ing says, "The only way a comparison can be made be-
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tween a standard to be reached and the ability of an individual is by tests. Tests have a very important place in any physical training program."
Boys and girls in sports are better for a community than boys and girls in courts.
JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS, Director of Physical Education.
REPORT OF MUSIC DIRECTOR-1957
I would like to submit the following annual report for the year of 1957.
This year in the elementary schools there are 77 classes that must be visited by the elementary music supervisor. This is an increase of 8 classrooms over last year. Schedul- ing of music classes is still however accomplished on an every two week basis. Besides instruction in singing, other areas of music education are made available to classes. Rhythm band, theory and record listening afford a rounded experience for all elementary classes. Classroom teachers are encouraged to use new methods of musical instruction and also to develop their own potential as better teachers of music. The strength of a good elementary vocal pro- gram is dependent on the classroom teacher. I am very pleased to say that we have a large majority of teachers in Randolph that are doing fine work in the teaching of music.
During the Spring of last year an elementary vocal and instrumental concert was held at the high school. All grade levels from the elementary schools took part in this program. Mrs. Jo Anne Hodgkins directed the vocal groups. This was her last public appearance in Randolph as she resigned shortly thereafter. All were very sorry to see her leave as she had done excellent work in music education in the grade schools.
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In September of this year, the elementary music super- visor position was filled by Miss Marie Sansone of Quincy. In the short time of her employment, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability with the children as well as the teach- ers. Through her efforts the Auto-harp has been intro- duced in the schools. It is a decided advantage for ac- companiment to classroom singing. Miss Sansone assisted in the development of Christmas programs in several schools this year. She is also directing the Junior High 7th grade girls' glee club, and the 8th grade girls' glee club, which will be heard later this year in a special junior high concert in April. We welcome Miss Sansone to the faculty and hope that her stay will be a long and happy one.
For the first time last year, the elementary band marched in the Memorial Day Parade. The band numbered 90 members from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades.
The high school band played for the Memorial Day Parade, the Spring Concert and was also seen at various other times during the school year. This fall the high school band played at all the football games at home and away. This is the first time the high school band has played for all football games. Several new groups have been organized from the high school band. A Clarinet choir, a 15-piece dance band, and a German band have been meeting after school hours. These groups will be heard in concerts in the near future. Several members of the band who excelled in playing ability were selected for the Mass. State Festival and the SEMSBA band concert which was held in Middleboro. The band also took part in the Southeastern Music Festival in May, which was held in Weymouth. There are now presently 38 playing mem- bers of the band and 14 majorettes.
The high school chorus sang at the Spring Concert, the Southeastern Music Festival, at Baccalaureate and Graduation exercises. The chorus was also heard in the
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Christmas Assembly program at the high school. Many members also took part in the Mass. State Festival and the SEMSBA choral and band concert. The chorus at the pres- ent time numbers 75 selected voices.
Because of the double sessions in the junior high this fall, the junior band holds night rehearsals at the high school on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30. This is the only way that these people can be seen for rehearsal. The band is preparing a special Spring Concert for junior high only with the hopes of raising enough money to buy new junior high band uniforms. This concert will present the band, junior girls choruses and junior boys chorus. The junior high band also played for the Thanksgiving football game this year which was a new experience for them.
I would like to thank Mr. Warren and all the school personnel for their fine cooperation during the year.
RAYMOND W. STEWART Director of Music Education
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1957-1958
Sept. 4, 1957 Grades 7-12 Schools Open
Sept. 9 1957, Grades 1 through 6 Schools Open
Oct. 25, 1957 Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
Nov. 11, 1957 Veterans' Day
Nov. 27 1957 Schools Close for Thanksgiving Recess- Full Day of School
Dec. 2, 1957 School Reopens
Dec. 16, 1957 Elementary Workshop
Dec. 17, 1957 Secondary Workshop
Dec. 20, 1957 Schools close for Christmas Vacation Jan. 2, 1958 Schools Reopen
Feb. 21, 1958 Schools Close for Winter Vacation
Mar. 4, 1958 Schools Reopen
Apr. 4, 1958 Good Friday
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Apr. 18, 1958 Schools close for Spring Vacation
Apr. 28, 1958 Schools Reopen
May 30, 1958 Memorial Day
June 13, 1958 Schools close Grades 1 through 6
June 20. 1958 Schools close Gredes 7 through 12
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
The "no school" policy followed by the Randolph School Department is in the interest of the welfare of school children in health and safety. The calling off of schools depends not only on weather conditions, at the opening time of school, but also on the condition of side- walks and streets.
Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment on stormy days because they are in a better personal position to judge the adequacy of child's clothing for fac- ing the elements.
The "no school" signals in effect in the public schools are as follows:
Fire Signal Box 3 repeated three times at 6:45 a.m. will indicate "no school" for grades 7-9-10-11 and 12 all day.
Fire Signal Box 3 repeated three times at 7:00 a.m. will indicate "no school" grades 1 through 6 all day except those pupils attending the afternoon session. Fire Signal Box 3 repeated three times at 11:00 a.m. will indicate "no school" for grade 8 and for those pupils of grades 4 through 6 who do attend the after- noon session.
Radio announcements will be made from stations WBET (1460), WJDA (1300), WCOP (1150), WBZ (1030) and WHDH (850), at 6:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Keep tuned to those radio stations and you will be the first to know about "no school."
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STUDENTS ATTENDING VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Brockton Day Schools
12
Brockton Evening School
3
Quincy Trade-Day
11
Quincy Trade-Evening
2
Boston Evening School
13
Henry O. Peabody, Norwood
2
Boston Trade School
3
Somerville Evening School
1
Waltham Evening School
2
Charlestown High
1
HEALTH CERTIFICATE .
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