USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 53
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eight have worked under now for two years. This is not a healthy situation because the students are the ones who lose and it is therefore our hope that those responsible for providing these children with ample space will do so with all speed compatible with economical and sound judgment.
It goes without saying that the growth in numbers of pupils in the high school building requires changes in the routine of the administration. Because of the larg- er enrollment and increased staff, it is now necessary for the principal to be on working duty at the school forty- eight weeks in the year with a four-week vacation period in the summer. There is so much to be done from Feb- ruary on to make plans for the closing of the school year and to prepare for the opening of the new year that a full working year is now necessary. We feel, from a more or less close contact with the students of the school, that there is a great need for a school dental program from the first grade up. Here at the high school we have a dental room with water and power facilities piped to the floor level. There is no dental equipment in the room at all, just a hole in the floor. We recommend that this room be outfitted for the start of a dental program in this building because we are convinced there is a need for it. We also believe this idea should be incorporated into the plans of future buildings.
Our study of the curriculum, started last year, is still continuing and at present writing, is rapidly taking shape, but is not yet finished. Present indications call for enriching the curriculum in some areas, but as this will call for more room, we are afraid that it will be nec- essary to wait until we have our normal full time program back before we can put it into operation. It will be done as soon as physically possible.
It is pleasing to note the growth in the use of the
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Library, which, by the way, is still not in full use because of the need to use it as a classroom. Circulation of books is increasing to the extent of averaging 500 books loaned per month. The loss of books was negligible and damage to books was practically nonexistent, which seems to point out an awareness of civic responsibility on the part of the students. Some 350 new books were added to the Library during the past year, increasing our collection to approximately 3,000 volumes. However, for the size of the school, this is not enough, and it is our hope to add to it each year. - Much praise should be given to Mr. Alvin White of the faculty for the efficient way in which he has organized the Library, cataloging, developing stu- dent librarians, inaugurating a library training class, all of which work is still continuing.
We are seeing some fine teaching jobs being done in the various departments, convincing us that the young people in this school can receive a fine training here, pro- vided they are receptive and wish to take advantage of it. To illustrate, five Randolph High School Seniors were invited, with their teacher Miss Mary Louise Fitzgerald, to be the guests of Boston University to give a teaching demonstration and present a typical high school literature discussion on their current high school assignment on the American novel, "The Virginian." This was brought about by the interest of Professor Harold B. Leavitt of Boston University in some of the new methods of teaching literature being used by Miss Fitzgerald.
In addition to classroom activities, an important part of school life is that of extra curricula activities. Through the means of such activities, in proper perspective, we hope to instill in our youngsters, school and civic responsi- bility and how well these activities achieve results can be best illustrated by two such activities which are called Student Council and Future Homemakers of America (F. H. A.), both of which are affiliated in national or-
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ganizations. In 1953, the Student Council received a cita- tion from the State Department of Educaiton and the M.S.S.P.A. in its "Responsibility is the Price of Freedom" program. This citation was presented in 1955. In 1954, we received an Honorable Mention from the National Association of Student Councils. In 1956, a $50.00 cash prize and Citizenship Award from the A. K. Oliver Found- ation and Scholastic Magazines was presented to our Council. 1957 saw us named for a Certificate of Honor for outstanding service to the school and community by Parents' Magazine. Finally, in 1958, we received a De- fense Bond as one of the first prize winners in the Denim Council National Decency program. All this was achieved under the capable direction and ceaseless effort of Mr. James Santry, teacher, who is the faculty advisor to the Student Council.
The girls of the F. H. A. were equally busy and brought honors to themselves and the school. In 1956, one of our girls was elected as National Treasurer, one as State President and one as State Secretary. Two Ran- dolph girls attended the national convention at Purdue University in Indiana, and one attended a conference at Washington, D. C. In 1957, a Randolph girl was State Historian. In 1958, Randolph girls were elected as State President, State Secretary, State Song Leader. Probably the fact that Randolph High School has one of the largest chapters in the state is due to the zeal and devotion to the work of this movement by its faculty advisor, Miss Kath- erine Schomer. There are many other groups doing equal- ly as fine work and the two named are indicative of the type of thing our teachers and students are doing.
It is gratifying to note that seven new scholarships were presented to our graduates of 1958. These were pre- sented by the John M. Sullivan Memorial Golf Fund, Jonbridge Memorial, Randolph High School Oracle, Frank Diauto Memorial, Lt. John D. Crawford Post V. F. W.,
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Randolph Rotary Club and Randolph Boy Scout Troop No. 44. Our sincere thanks go to these organizations as well as to those which have been providing financial aid over the years to the graduates of our school. It is diffi- cult to say that these scholarships provide the means for so many youngsters to further their education but we like to believe that it helps.
It is our hope this year to provide recognition for pupils who do well scholastically, in the form of letters and testimonials such as we do for athletics, for we be- lieve the development of high scholarship is one of the major purposes of secondary education and we expect that any device which will spur a youngster to do his best, is certainly worth while.
HUBERT F. GILGAN,
Principal.
GUIDANCE REPORT-1958
The school year just ended proved a challenging one in the field of guidance as in all fields of education. The problem of college admission is becoming more serious each year and apparently this trend will continue until about 1970. It is to be noted, however, that no qualified student from Randolph High School has ever been denied admission to college. We find our students at such col- leges as Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Stonehill, Northeastern, Bridgewater, and Boston State Teachers College and many others too num- erous to mention. The importance of maintaining a "B" average should be stressed continually. The marks re- ceived in high school together with college board scores, aptitude tests, and recommendations determine accept- ance at schools beyond high school. It is impossible to
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set an exact score that will be considered satisfactory on the college board as they vary from college to college.
A large number of our students secured part-time work in the stores of Randolph, Brockton and Boston. A Great number of business department girls also find part-time jobs in various offices.
The Junior Class took a series of vocational aptitude tests. These include an interest inventory, mechanical and clerical aptitude test, a reading test, and an intelli- gence test. These are interpreted in an interview with each student.
A number of Seniors going to work after graduation took a battery of tests administered by the Massachusetts State Employment Office in Brockton. The tests showed general learning abilities, verbal and mechanical aptitude, and finger dexterity and motor coordination.
Experts in many fields such as Social Work, Business, Engineering, Nursing, and many others, talked to inter- ested groups. Representatives of many colleges and schools spoke to interested Seniors.
Despite the rise in enrollment and increasing problems we hope to provide the maximum service with the ex- isting limited number of personnel available.
I want to express my appreciation to the counselors for their loyal assistance and also to Mr. Gilgan, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Warren and the School Committee for their encouragement and cooperation.
JOSEPH W. DALY, Director of Guidance, Randolph Public Schools
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR-1958
The art program, being an integral part of the educa- tional curriculum, is particularly important on the ele- mentary level. It is during this embryonic stage of artistic development, that it becomes necessary for the teacher to stimulate creative growth; not only in the field of artis- tic endeavor, but also inthe overall development of an ap- preciation of good taste which will be a necessary ingredi- ent of later maturity.
In Randolph, we are fortunate in having a school committee which is cognizant of many of the current de- velopments of modern educational methods. Because of this, the art department has been supplied with many stim- ulating materials which enable the children to expore a variety of media. Hence, the children are afforded the opportunity of performing many constructive projects. In this manner, it can be impressed upon them that art is more than mere fun; it is rather a development of skills, of imagination, of the ability to be observant, and primar- ily a development of the good taste which is the mark of an educated person.
Under the present art program, each class is visited once every second week. The curriculum involves not only painting and drawing, but also many varied crafts, such as paper-mache, weaving, and paper sculpture. Evi- dence of these endeavors can be seen on the bulletin boards of the various schools and also in periodical exhibits.
It is the duty of the art supervisor to remain abreast of all the latest trends and innovations current in the field of art education. However, in the final analysis, the overall success of an art program is a result of a harmon- ious cooperation between the art supervisor, the individ- ual teacher, and the school board.
A. CAROL MORAN, Supervisor, Elementary Art
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ANNUAL REPORT ON READING-1958
The Randolph Elementary Schools have seen the in- auguration of the Hay-Wingo Phonics, and a year's in- tensified instruction of this phonics in Grades one, two and three. As supervisors, we have worked with each teacher in the presentation of new lessons, to insure proper interpretation of the manual, and to illustrate devices for drill. In particular, the teachers have been made cognizant of the need to develop in each child auditory and visual discrimination of letters and words, and the application of phonetic principles to the ultimate end ;- independent reading.
The Achievement Tests given in May showed sub- stantial gains in both the areas of spelling and reading, as a result of the program in phonics; and this after only one year's use. Thus it is that we look ahead three years hence, when those children who have benefited from the repetitive program, enter the intermediate grades and exhibit their mastery of phonetic analysis as one of the aids to word-analysis.
We have given much time and effort to the establish- ment of room libraries in grades one through six. In compiling the lists of books, we have kept in mind the needs of the superior child, and the slow learner by pro- viding books at least two or more grades above the grade level, and two grades below the grade level. These books, too, were chosen to meet the varied interests of all children and thus the types of stories cover a wide range; stories about animals, fiction, community workers, biographies, science, and etc.
Our aim is, of course, to build each year on the pres- ent number of books, and to encourage outside reading. The apparent pleasure shown by the children in the use
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of room libraries would seem indicative of the carry- over of reading in leisure time outside of school.
MARY C. GAUGHEN, BARBARA A. CONLEY, Supervisors of Reading
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES-1958
The major purpose of a school health program is to maintain, improve and promote the health of the school age child. This program includes the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of the child. It is necessary that effort be made to coordinate all areas relating to health.
The Tuberculin Test known as the Mantaux Test was introduced into our schools in 1958. Grades 1-2-3 and 11 were tested. All positive reactors and their close contacts were X-rayed at the Norfolk County Hospital. This test provides a safe and effective substitute for a screening film of the chest.
This year the Legislature allowed a negative tuber- culin test to be a substitute for a chest X-ray for school personnel.
A Diphtheria-Tetanus and Polio innoculation clinic was arranged for first grade pupils. The innoculations were given in accordance with the State's recommenda- tions. An explanatory and educational form was sent to the parent to be signed if this service was desired.
Continuous follow-up of communicable diseases was carried throughout the year. The teacher's observation is vital so that the child with symptoms of illness may be excluded immediately.
Parents should exercise caution in determining wheth- er the child is physically able to attend school or not.
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Frequently children arrive at school ill. Arrangements must then be made for the child to be taken home. This is time consuming and often prevents the nurse from do- ing her scheduled work.
In case of accident or sudden illness, care is limited to first aid. Parents are notified and advised that further treatment should be from their family physician. When the emergency is of a serious nature and the parent can- not be reached a school physician is called. Many chil- dren now carry an accident insurance which is available at school.
The school doctors examine all children at specific intervals during the school life of the child. His findings are reported to the parent by referral slips, telephone or home visits. All interpretations of the findings as well as other information is recorded on the child's health card.
A yearly report and follow-up of physically handi- capped children is made and their special needs as report- ed by parent or physician is made known to the school personnel. Home tutoring for those unable to attend school is arranged.
All children are screened for vision and hearing de- fects. It is recommended those failing the test be taken to a physician.
The faculty advisor for the High School Nursing Club is the school nurse. Regular meetings are held and field trips to hospitals arranged. In the spring a nursing course is given to the girls taking the Home-making Course.
Therefore, the key to effective health education is cooperation and co-ordination of the efforts of the school, home and community.
HELEN CONLON, R.N. SIGNE HEATH, R.N.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-1958
The benefit of a good physical education program to which a child is entitled is the privilege of learning various forms of physical recreation.
The wholesome use of leisure time is as important as an educational objective in towns as in the largest cities. Since most of the opportunities for physical recre- ation will be out-of-doors after leaving school, we should emphasize in the school physical education program, rec- reational outdoor physical activities that are enjoyable as well as valuable, so that there will be a carry-over in the wholesome use of leisure time after school days are over.
When the town increases population-wise rapidly, schools are hardest hit for space and personnel. The Physical Education Department has found this so-at the present time we are operating on an A and B week in the grade schools and thoughts of the Junior High School boys and girls participating in physical education classes only once a week, are in the making.
Added facilities are a most for the schools, both in- doors and outdoors.
JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS, Director of Physical Education
REPORT OF MUSIC DIRECTOR-1958
This report will be a brief synopsis of the music pro- gram up to my appointment as Music Director in Septem- ber of this year, plus a report of the music program as it now stands.
The High School band performed many times during the year. Several concerts were given and the band at-
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tended the Southeastern Music Festival and the State Music Festival. Outstanding band members were select- ed to participate in the S.E.M.S.B.A. band and the All- State Band. The Dance Band composed of 15 high school band members played at school dances and at other school functions during the year.
The High School Chorus participated in several con- certs, attended the Southeastern and State festivals. The outstanding singers were selected to perform with the S.E.M.S.B.A. chorus and the All-State chorus.
The Junior High band held rehearsals after school because of double sessions. A concert was given in May and along with the band, a girls glee club from grades seven and eight plus a boys chorus, performed under the direction of Miss Sansone, Elementary Music Supervisor.
An all-town Elementary concert was given in June consisting of 60 players in the all-town elementary school band along with glee clubs from the Stetson and Devine Schools. A June Music Festival in which over five-hun- dred children participated was held to show the results of their classroom music training.
A Band-Parents Organization was organized with its main goal being the raising of funds for new uniforms for the Junior High School Band. Through the efforts of this organization and the proceeds of the Spring Con- cert, sufficient funds were raised to purchase new hats and jackets for the band.
In September I was elected to the position of Music Director. The following items will consist of facts per- taining to the Music Department from September through December.
The High School Band numbering 42, played at all of the football games, the dedication of the Lyons School and the Christmas Assembly. The mixed chorus of 62
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members made its first appearance under my direction at the Christmas Assembly.
The Dance Band rehearses from 7 to 9 p. m. every Thursday night, with a membership of sixteen.
The Junior Band numbering 35 continues to rehearse after school on Thursday, 4:15 to 5:15. Class lessons are given to this group on Monday afternoon for grade seven and before school on Tuesday for grade 8. The class les- sons serve a dual purpose being primarily to increase the general performing ability of each band member and sec- ondly to supplement the rehearsal time of the Junior High Band.
Because of the decreasing number of children play- ing instruments in the elementary schools, instrumental instruction on all band instruments was opened to all children in grades 4, 5 and 6. Over 150 children started a three month trial period on instruments this fall. Only those who show satisfactory progress will be allowed to continue their lessons after the three-month trial period. In order to keep the children's interest in instrumental music high, elementary bands in each school are being organized. The Devine School Band numbering 32 and the Tower Hill Band numbering 26 have already been or- ganized. Bands in the Stetson, Belcher and Lyons Schools will be organized after the Christmas vacation. In addi- tion to each individual school band, an all-town band which should consist of 150 players will meet once a month. Without this program of instrumental music in the elementary schools, it would not be too long before the band in the high school would dwindle to nothing due to the lack of trained children on instruments. As part of the program of developing the elementary school band, the Band-Parents Organization has taken the project of raising funds to secure uniforms for the Elementary School Bands. Realizing the magnitude of the elementary in-
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strumental program, the School Committee appointed Mr. Michael DePasquale to the music staff two days per week. This appointment has helped greatly, but additional time is still needed to satisfactorily continue the instrumental program in the elementary school.
Miss Sansone reports that because of the 18 classes at the Lyons School, plus the glee clubs, there are 86 classes to be supervised. In order that classes may be visited once every two weeks, several classes at the Lyons and Stetson Schools have been doubled. This doubling of classes is proving to be inadvisable for the children as it definitely fails to meet their individual musical needs. In order to surround each child with situations that bring him all types of musical experience which he can enjoy and through which he will grow and develop in his own way towards a deeper love and understanding of music, additional personnel in the elementary vocal music de- partment are surely needed.
I would like to thank the administration for their assistance and cooperation, plus their diligent efforts in seeking immediate remedies for the lack of instructional time in the Music Department.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT M. LACEY, Director of Music Education
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1958-1959 Subject to Change by Randolph School Committee Dear Parent:
In order that you may know when School holidays and vacation occur, we have printed this official school calendar. Any subsequent changes will be reported in the newspapers.
THOMAS L. WARREN, Superintendent of Schools.
Sept. 3, 1958 Grade 7 through 12. Schools open.
Sept. 4, 1958 Grades 1 through 6. Schools open.
Sept. 9, 1958
Schools closed due to elections.
Workshop for all teachers 1 through 12.
Oct. 13, 1958 Columbus Day.
Oct. 31, 1958
Norfolk County Teachers' Convention.
Nov. 4, 1958
Election Day.
Nov. 11, 1958
Veterans' Day.
Nov. 26, 1958
Schools close for Thanksgiving Recess full day of school.
Dec. 1, 1958
School Reopens.
Dec. 23, 1958
Schools close for Christmas Vacation.
Jan. 5, 1959
School Reopens.
Feb. 20, 1959
Schools close for Winter Vacation.
Mar. 2, 1959
Election Day.
Mar. 3, 1959
Schools Reopen.
Mar. 27, 1959 Good Friday.
Apr. 17, 1959
Schools close for Spring Vacation.
Apr. 27, 1959 Schools Reopen.
June 17, 1959 Schools close-Grades 1 through 6.
June 19, 1959
Schools close-Grades 7 throuh 12.
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
The "no school" policy followed by the Randolph School Department is in the interest of the welfare of the
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schoool 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 posi- tion to judge the adequacy of the 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 4 times at 7:00 a. m. will indicate no school all day for grades 7, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Fire Signal Box 3 repeated 4 times at 7:30 a. m. will indicate no school all day for grades 1 through 6.
Fire Signal Box 3 repeated 4 times at 11:00 a. m. will indicate no school for grade 8 pupils.
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 turned to those radio stations and you will be the first to know about "no school."
SCHOOL STATISTICS, JUNE 30, 1958
Population-Randolph Census
16,500
Valuation
$30,000,000.00
School Enrollment
3637
Average Membership
3574
Average Daily Attendance
3257
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
Average number of days in session in all schools 180
Average cost per pupil in all Randolph Schools
$196.70
Average cost per pupil in State for town over 500 maintaining a High School $298.59
Non-resident pupils (1/2 year or more in attendance
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