Randolph town reports 1955-1959, Part 68

Author:
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: Town of Randolph
Number of Pages: 1556

USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 68

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Everyone, pupils and faculty alike, is looking forward to the completion of the new junior high school building, so we may get back to a normal school day and a normal program.

The future of the high school cafeteria, under the double session plan, was uncertain, especially with one group leaving at twelve and the other group arriving at the same time. Stetson School pupils are now patronizing our cafeteria daily and with many of our own pupils who continue to eat there, we have been able to keep this ser- vice operating. Much credit is due Mrs. Simmons, our cafeteria manager, and the other ladies who keep our cafe- teria " in the black " as usual, even under the trying con- ditions of the present situation.

The year of 1959 has seen a number of innovations in the form of after-school activities. We now have special after-school classes in English and Mathematics for pupils in the Senior and Junior years of the college preparatory course. These classes are intended to better prepare the pupils who plan to take College Board Examinations. They are, obviously, no guarantee of high scores in the examinations, but we felt that these classes would be of help along these lines.

These extra classes are staffed by volunteers from our faculty, including Miss Brewster, Miss Foley and Mrs. Noblin in English, with Mr. Lehtinen, Mr. Drey and Mrs. Lynch taking care of the Mathematics. Also, 1959 saw an afternoon class ir. Anatomy sponsored by Mr. Thomp- son of the Science Department. This group made a de- finite contribution to scientific advances by pupils but although at present this group is not functioning, we hope that difficulties may be resolved so that this class may be revived.

Mr. Sherman, also of the Science Department, has sponsored another group of young scientists in the form

175

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

of an Oceanographic Laboratory, which I believe, is the only one in existence in any high school in the country. Inasmuch as the National Government is placing such great emphasis on this subject, we feel that it is an important field of scientific re- search and the youngsters of Randolph High School are making and will continue to make an important con- tribution to the work being carried on in this area. Mr. Santry of the Commercial Department is conducting after- noon classes in advanced work in the commercial field. Space is lacking to adequately mention all of the fine things our teachers are voluntarily doing to help the students of the school progress and grow in their particu- lar specialty. We are particularly pleased with the spirit and enthusiasm.

Randolph High School suffered a heavy loss during the year in the passing on of Mr. Joseph W. Daly, our Guidance Director for many years, and a veteran in the guidance field. He was a fine man, the depth of whose work with the pupils was unknown to most of us, yet who carried out his duties in such a quiet, unassuming way as to win for him the admiration and gratefulness of many, many people. The unexpected death of Mr. Daly has been a decided loss to the school and the community ; cer- tainly the young people have lost a sincere friend. After a careful study of applicants to fill the vacancy of Direc- tor of Guidance, the choice of Mr. Thomas F. Grady, Jr., was made to fill this most important post. Mr. Grady comes to us with a wealth of background and experience and we feel that the longer he is with us, the more his value to the students of the school will be in evidence. We are pleased to have Mr. Grady with us and attention is called to his first annual report.

To assist Mr. Grady in his work, Miss Winifred M. Brennan is now working as full-time counsellor in the Guidance Department and has been appointed to act as

176

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

Dean of Girls. We feel that Miss Brennan is eminently qualified for this work because of her long and successful career working with young people and especially the girls. An important work has been officially put into the hands of the right teacher.

We wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to students and faculty for their patience and co-operation in helping to make these trying days of double shift as productive as they are. Certainly those who do their after-school work with so much enthusiasm are worthy of commendation.

HUBERT F. GILGAN Principal

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE

My Predecessor, Mr. Joseph W. Daly, was a most un- usual man. He combined a rare personal magnetism with an outstanding professional background, and by doing so became a leader in his profession and a second " Mr. Chips" in the hearts of his students. To follow such a man is a great and difficult task; to carry on the traditions of his work is an honor.

During the first months of my administration of the guidance services in the Randolph Public Schools, I have been impressed with the excellent tenor which extends from the School Committee and the Administration, through the faculty, to the parents and students. The Administration and School Committee are certainly for- ward-looking and eager to provide the finest possible educational experience for Randolph's youth, which is, of course, the obligation of everyone concerned with pub- lic education.

Although there is not yet a coordinated guidance pro- gram from Grade I through Grade XII, such a program is

177

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

being formulated and studied. Guidance services in the Junior High are of the highest quality, but seriously over- taxed.

The high school students have full and free use of the guidance library at all times and are always welcome to make appointments to confer with the girls' counselor, Miss Winifred Brennan, or with me. The problems we encounter throughout the school day include those con- nected with curriculum choice, future planning, personal and emotional adjustment, health, job placement and col- lege entrance. Close contacts with referral agencies, employers and institutions of higher education are main- tained.

Randolph's non-college students receive a high type of training and have always been welcome in Boston busi- ness and local firms. For example, our business education department is one of the most active and efficient I have ever seen. Our automotive shop offers a very thorough training, although to a seriously limited number of boys. The over-crowded facilities prevent our offering a general shop or woodworking course.

I doubt if any citizens are unaware of the college admissions crush which has caused a national dilemma in recent years. As the numbers of applicants have in- creased each year, so have the admissions standards of our colleges, until today, every high school is engaged in a constant self-scrutiny aimed at insuring for each enter- ing freshman the maximum opportunity for preparation and eventual qualification even for the nation's most august universities.

I would repeat " opportunity for preparation " be- cause it is the student's responsibility to engage in a spirited-not passive-scholastic endeavor from his ear- liest years. No high school " gets a student into college " or "keeps a student out of college", as is commonly heard.

178

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

Randolph High School students, I find, have always been welcome at the finest New England colleges, and the records of our boys and girls now engaged in collegiate study prove this point.

Nevertheless, according to the president of the Col- lege Entrance Examination Board, Mr. Frank H. Bowles, " Within ten years, about 100 quality colleges will admit only students who, by today's standards, will have com- pleted the equivalent of one year of college-calibre work in high school. Many private and public high schools now offer the entire content of the college freshman year," (He refers to advanced study for the bright student, which is sponsored by the College Board Advanced Place- ment Program).

Advanced study in high school for the bright and eager students is an imperative "next step" for our high school. The serious over-crowding of the physical plant renders this step difficult, and such vital adjuncts as a language laboratory well nigh impossible.

Regardless of these trying handicaps, the administra- tion joins the faculty and me in our determination to of- fer to every youngster in our charge the optimum in teach- er time and encouragement, to the end that no Randolph student will suffer college rejection because of inadequate opportunity for qualification.

I would be remiss in my duties if I did not serve notice on our Randolph parents that apathy and mediocrity in home study will almost certainly prevent entrance to first-rate colleges. Homework is a vital supplement to class instruction. Our students must learn to devote hour upon hour to independent research, study, review, and to extensive extra reading if they expect to hold their own in College Board Exams because, regardless of a student's standing in his class or local school, he must be able to compete successfully for admission with others from our

179

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

nation's top schools, and, once in college, he must be accustomed to the long hours of hard study which will be demanded of him.

Parents whose children are producing only mediocre work in college subjects cannot logically expect college admissions deans to refuse other students in favor of ac- cepting a weaker record of grades, regardless of how many activities or recommendations are appended there- to. For a student who expects to apply for college en- trance, a minimum of three hours per night of the aforementioned homework, review, study and independ- ent reading is the standard recommendation.

Only through the closest teacher-parent-student- counselor cooperation can we expect to uphold Randolph's splendid record in this period of break-neck competition for every college acceptance. To this end, our faculty have generously offered their free time for the after- school instruction of those students who desire extra assistance in college subjects. This is a tribute to their devotion to their students and a tribute, too, to those boys and girls who place schoolwork above all other considera- tions.

It is not my intention to capitalize on college prepara- tion in preference to our other curricula, but college interest among our students and parents is at an all-time high, as are visits to our school from college deans. Fur- thermore, the success in college of the student from a local high school has become a rule-of-thumb evaluation of that school.

Our new testing program will provide us with the latest and best in standard test results, which are the keys to understanding pupil potential. I am grateful to Dr. Roland Darling of Northeastern University for sending so many excellent representatives from every phase of indus- try, business, and education to speak to our high school

180

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

students. This service of Northeastern University is com- pletely free and an outstanding contribution indeed.

The multitudes of facets which constitute the Guid- ance system are too numerous even for listing, let alone description. I must say that Randolph's boys and girls are very fortunate to be in the care of a School Committee, an Administration, and a Faculty who are so keenly and so constantly aware of their high obligations to educate- and to care.

I am grateful to these professional colleagues for their unqualified support, and will ever be grateful to Ran- dolph's parents and her young people for their warm and hospitable welcome.

Theodore Roosevelt said, " A school is worth only as much as the interest it takes in its most insignificant fresh- man." By this rule the Randolph school system is one with which it is a pleasure to be associated.

THOMAS FRANKLIN GRADY, JR., Director of Guidance.

REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY ART SUPERVISOR

The Elementary Art Program in the Town of Ran- dolph is under the direction of Mrs. Carol Carney and Miss Joan Buturlia. With the addition of a second Art Supervisor during the current school year, it is now pos- sible for each class to be visited on a weekly basis. Through these more frequent visits the Art Supervisors are able to maintain a closer study of the creative develop- ments of each individual pupil.

Throughout the school year there are periodic dis- plays of the art work being done by the children. In June of 1959, all the schools participated in a project which utilized the front window of Fernandes' Supermarket for

181

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

an art exhibition. In the month of November, in observ- ance of National Education Week, there were individual classroom displays in each school while a live exhibit was being presented at the Weymouth Light and Power Com- pany store on North Main Street. A showing for the Par- ent-Teachers Association is planned for February of 1960 to take place at the Lyons School. Aside from the public exhibitions, the bulletin boards in all the schools serve as constant displays of art development.

The school department provides a variety of art materials which are designed to instill in the child a desire to formulate his own concepts and ideas concerning his experiences.

Through the cooperation of the classroom teacher, an attempt is made to integrate the academic and art pro- grams, in order to make various studies more meaningful to the child by allowing him the opportunity for creative expression.

It is not the goal of the art department to merely ad- vance the skills of the more gifted child, nor to transform elementary school children into talented artists. Rather, our desire is to stimulate in all children a realization that art is more than a mere facility in " making things ", more than an experience reserved for the talented few. Art takes many forms which permeate our whole existence.

It is only our sincere hope that every child will develop through each succeeding art lesson an aesthetic awareness and appreciation of all that surrounds him.

A. CAROL CARNEY, Supervisor JOAN A. BUTURLIA, Supervisor

182

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

ANNUAL REPORT OF READING SUPERVISORS-1959

September 1959 marked the beginning of the third school year with the Hay-Wingo system of instruction in phonics. Our efforts have been concentrated in the prim- ary grades, in making phonics a more valuable tool for improving spelling, reading and further application in written expression.

This is evidenced by the success in achievement as was noted, for example, on the second grade level. A survey of the results in the subject areas from 1956 to and including May 1959 shows that the number of child- ren falling below the national norms has decreased appre- ciably. In paragraph meaning the number has decreased (page 18) from 47 per cent to 19 per cent; in word mean- ing from 50 per cent to 21 per cent; and in spelling from 36 per cent to a minimum of 7 per cent.

The mastery of phonics, and therefore the full use of this particular skill comes, as does all learning, at a dif- ferent rate and at various stages to each child. However, regardless of whether a child is able to read and spell two and three syllable words, or whether he, at this time, can only deal with words of one syllable, each and every child has shown some measurable progress.

It is difficult to express in words the ultimate satis- faction a teacher experiences in teaching our system and in finding so many children reading one year above the grade, plus the number of slow learners reduced to a very small percentage. Thus it was necessary to develop a tri-basal level, that is a level above the grade to provide a challenge for those whose achievement measured above the grade level. It is very apparent that all groups have been raised at least one reading level through the effec- tiveness of phonetic analysis.

The demand for supplementary readers beyond the basic readers for the grade, the excellent examples of

183

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

dictation work, and the creative writing on the several levels all acts as additional testimony of the continued success of our reading program.

MARY C. GAUGHEN BARBARA A. CONLEY

Supervisors of Reading

REPORTS OF SCHOOL NURSES-1959

The School Health Program has continued to expand with the rising school enrollment.

Physical examinations were performed by the School Physicians. Ratio of referrals necessary for signific- ant physical defects was reduced indicating a good general health picture in our school population.

Vision screening tests were given to all students. Re- ferrals for defective vision were sent to parents with good response.

Audiometric hearing tests were also performed. These hearing tests were particularly helpful in that they measure accurately in decibels hearing deficiencies throughout the entire human frequency.

The Tuberculosis Screening Program was continued in the eleventh grade. Mantaux Test was given by Nor- folk County Hospital. Positive reactors were x-rayed and further evaluations were done at the Norfolk County Hospital.

School personnel as required by law were x-rayed in October. This clinic was conducted by the mobile unit of the Norfolk County Hospital and was held at the High School.

Immunization for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio were given in the first grades.

184

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

All physically handicapped children were checked on regularly so that they could have home instructions.

First-aid is given to accidents and sudden illnesses. Further treatment should be by the family physician.

The School Physician is called for emergencies if the parent cannot be reached.

A nursing course is given to all the girls taking the Homemaking Course. Our Future Nurses' Club, a group of students interested in a career of nursing, gave a scholarship to a member of the 1959 graduating class.

Any suggestions aimed at improving the health of our school population will be greatly appreciated, for only with the cooperation of all will the physical, mental, emotional and social welfare of our children be the best.

SIGNE HEATH, R.N. School Nurse Stetson and High School

REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE-1959

Following is a brief report covering the major health activities during the year 1959 in the schools assigned to me, namely the Belcher, Lyons, Tower Hill, McNeill, Pauline and Devine Schools.

The basic purpose of the school health program is to bring each child up to his own best level of health. This is achieved through the various school and community services. The program includes health instruction, health appraisal and the follow-up services and healthful school living. Children of today are provided with a safe, pleasant and comfortable place in which to learn.

During the year the school physicians, Doctors Justin McGuirk, William Sloane and Russell Thompson com-

185

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

pleted the physical examinations of 673 children in grades one and four. These examinations are made to determine the health status of the child and to detect the presence of physical defects or impaired health. If such a condi- tion is found the child is referred to the family physician. for diagnosis and treatment.

Emphasis is placed on pre-school examination just prior to the admission to the first grade. Correction of defects should be made before the child enters school.

Children should be vaccinated against small pox and immunized against diphtheria and tetanus, whooping cough and poliomye.itis in the pre-school years. Twenty- two children who had never had diphtheria-tetanus shots were immunized at the school clinics. One hundred sixty- nine children were given a booster shot and 33 children had the polio shots.

Vision and hearing screening tests were carried on throughout the year. One thousand eight hundred and eighty children were tested with the Massachusetts vision test equipment and the pure-tone audiometer.

Eighty-four children failed the vision test and sixty- seven failed the hearing tests. All but seven of these children were taken to an eye or ear doctor.

Weight and height of all the children was completed in all grades and recorded on each child's health record card.

Home visits and conferences with parents were made whenever necessary.

As in other years children with a physical handicap which prevent their attendance at school have a teacher instruct them in their homes. In September two of these children who had had home instruction for several years

186

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

were able to attend regular school classes for half a ses- sion for the first time.

HELEN CONLON, R.N., School Nurse

REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS 1959

The aim of physical education must be in harmony with the aim of education and its determining criteria. An acceptable aim is the optimum development, through total body activities, primarily on the play level, of the physically, mentally and socially integrated and effective individual. I feel that the physical education program through the instructors has contributed such in the Ran- dolph School system.

Our youngsters receive physical education from the first grade up through high school. Because of lack of facilities and lack of instructors the grade schools and Junior High School has physical education only once a week. My thought on this matter is to develop the pro- gram so that all students in the Randolph School system must be compelled to take physical education at least twice a week. With the new Junior High School, in the near future, some of our problems involving lack of indoor and outdoor play facilities may be overcome. However, as a town of such population we are definitely far behind regarding recreational, and play areas.

Our athletic programs in the high school have been very good. However, for many years because of the double sessions the Jr. High school boys and girls have not been able to participate in any athletics.

Tests and measurements have been given to the entire school system and comparing our system with others we rank better than average. Our weakness in the tests

187

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

prove that youngsters ride too much instead of walking and push shopping carts instead of carrying-result being that many boys and girls have not developed legs and arms. Parents would be doing their children a great favor by eliminating the family car to the child.

Our school system is growing and I sincerely hope that it grows in personnel and facilities for the betterment of the town.

JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS Director of Physical Education and Athletics

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC-1959

The Randolph Music Department has been greatly expanded this past school year both in terms of increased participation in music activities and through the addi- tion of Miss Beverly Bakally and Mr. Leonard Rapoza to the Musc Staff in September.

The High School Band appeared many times during the year, giving concerts both at the high school and away, plus performing at all football games and march- ing in various parades.

Despite the fact that the band rehearsed after school, because of double sessions, the band has in- increased from 42 to 54 members. Outstanding band members were selected to participate in S.E.M.S.B.A., the Southeastern District Festival and All-State.

The dance band composed of 16 high school band members rehearsing every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 p.m., played at school dances and other school functions, plus several out-of-town engagements.

In addition to the regular dance band, a junior dance

188

TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS

band was organized to give additional students experi- ence and train replacements for the senior dance band.

The chorus participated in several concerts and the outstanding singers were selected to perform in the S.E.M.S.B.A., District and All-State Choruses. A high light of the year was the performance of Gilbert and Sul- livan's, " The Mikado " by the chorus.

A new group organized in September of this year is the Girls Drill Team. This group performed with the band at all the football games and added much color to the half-time shows.

The Junior High School Band which continues to rehearse outside of school time due to double sessions, has doubled in size, now numbering 70 members.

Last year because of limited personnel it was impos- sible to offer vocal music to the Jr. High School students. With the additional staff we have now organized a Jr. High Girl's Chorus, numbering 106 students under the direction of Miss Bakally, a boys chorus numbering 35 students, meeting under my direction. These organiza- tions meet before school because of the double sessions. These groups made their debut at the Christmas Assembly.

There are elementary school bands in the Stetson, Devine, Lyons, Belcher and Tower Hill Schools. These bands combined constitute the All-Town Band numbering 150 players, which is an increase of 90 members over the past year.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Randolph town reports 1955-1959, Part 68

Author: Publication date: 1955 Publisher: Town of Randolph Number of Pages: 1556

Author:
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: Town of Randolph
Number of Pages: 1556