Randolph town reports 1955-1959, Part 9

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

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We were disappointed to find that all bids sub- mitted for work to be done on the athletic field were far in excess of the amount appropriated at the last Town Meeting. It is hoped that additional funds wili be added at this Town Meeting, which together with the unspent balance will enable us to complete the first section of the proposed new field.

The School Committee wishes to thank all Principals, Supervisors, teachers and other staff members for their cooperation and hard work during the past year. We hope that parents will take every opportunity to visit the schools and talk with the teachers. We are all working for your child and would like to do the best job we can. To that end we will appreciate any help or criticism you may be able to give us.

Respectfully submitted,

CLARK W. FREEMAN, Chairman MURRAY LEWIS, Clerk WILLIAM MAGUIRE HAROLD WHITE EDWARD DUFFY

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Thomas L. Warren, Superintendent

I herewith submit my first annual report as Super- intendent of the Randolph Public Schools.

A careful reading of the reports of the various staff members will serve to inform the townspeople of what is being done for the pupils of the Randolph Public Schools. It might be well to state at this point that regardless of what is done for the pupils it is necessary that they also do for themselves if they wish to be successful in reaching their educational goals. The greater the cooperation of teachers, parents, and pupils, the greater will be the success of our educational system.

The provision of proper facilities for our constantly expanding school population continues to be our most pressing problem and cause of concern. If you will ex- amine our total enrollments printed elsewhere in this re -- port you will see that we now have more pupils in grades 1-6 than we had in all grades in 1949. In most grades of the Devine, Stetson, and Tower Hill schools there is no longer room for even one more pupil and for some weeks now it has been necessary to assign any new pupils to the Belcher school which will also soon reach its capacity en- rollment. The completion in September 1957 of the new elementary school will be a great aid, but it will not be the final solution to our problem. If we are to avoid at least a partial use of the two platoon system this coming September, it will be necessary to find other facilities, such as church hall, or similar room in order that we may establish approximately eight more elementary class- rooms. The warrant for the annual Town Meeting will contain a number of articles calling for the acquisition

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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

by the town of parcels of land for school purposes. Posi- tive action on these articles is absolutely essential.

The Randolph Vocational High School consisting of an auto shop and a classroom for the teaching of academic and related work opened in September in the high scool building. In this unit a maximum of thirty-two boys are given the opportunity to not only gain the necessary aca- demic credits for a high school diploma, but they are also prepared to accept positions in industry as trained mechanics. Fifty per cent of the annual cost of this pro· gram is reimbursed by the State and Federal government. Only boys whose attendance and performance records warrant their being recommended for employment after graduation will be allowed to participate in this program.

The Pauline School was completely repainted, re- paired, and a new oil burner installed, in order that spe- cial classes, required by a new law passed two years ago, might be inaugurated. The State also reimburses 50% cf the operating cost of these classes.

The Amvets are to be congratulated for their interest in the pupils of the special classes which was manifested hy their donation of audio-visual aids to the Pauline School. The Auxiliary of the Amvets has also performed an ex- cellent service by carrying on the sale of Savings Stamps in the schools.

We are grateful to the M. B. Claff & Sons, Inc., for the donation of funds for the purchase of library books for the Devine and Stetson Schools, to Mrs. Milton Lind for a donation of $25.00 for visual-aids in memory of hel son Ronald, and to the P.T.A. groups of the various schools for their continued donations and enthusiastic support.

I wish to thank the members of the School Commit- tee, the Assistant Superintendent, the teaching personnel,

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the clerks, the custodians, the cafeteria workers, the par- ents and the pupils for their cooperation and I urge all 10 put forth their best efforts always in order that each and every pupil in the Randolph Schools may achieve to the utmost of his capabilities. I would be remiss were I not to also thank the members of the various town depart- ments for their cooperation and friendly assistance.

Respectfully submitted,

THOMAS L. WARREN Superintendent of Schools

REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HUBERT F. GILGAN, PRINCIPAL

In our last report, we said it would be a matter of two years when we would be faced with the prospect of double sessions at the high school. We will be forced to the limits of the four walls of the school to find suitable classrooms for all anticipated classes next September. We know, from our experience with double sessions five years ago, that with the two platoon system, it is the children who lose, and we will do our utmost to prevent it. Even now, we are using rooms for classrooms which were not intended as such. In the Oral English room, we have eighty pupils in the homeroom, and we use this room daily as a classroom. We have eighty homeroom pupils in the library, one half of which is also used all day, daily, as a classroom, and the other half is used part time as a classroom. The student activity room is now a classroom, and the auditorium is used one period daily as a study hall.

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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

In other words, we are now overcrowded, and the time is not far away when relief must be furnished if our students are to be given an adequate time schedule of instruction.

The past year has seen many changes in personnel Our top administration has changed. Our superinten- dent, Mr. Eaton, left us to accept a more lucrative po- sition in New Jersey; we wish him good luck in his new position. Our new superintendent Mr. Thomas L. Warren. comes to us from Dighton, and, to help him carry out the duties of an ever-expanding school system, Mr. William J. Lynch was promoted from principal of Stetson School to assistant-superintendent. To both men, the faculty of the high school bids a sincere welcome. We know that they will be good for the system and the children. All of us will be glad to help them in any way we can.

We lost many good teachers during the year, most of whom preferred to stay in Randolph, but accepted better paying offers elsewhere. These were Mr. Fox, Mr. Schmatzler, Mr. Sullivan, Miss Hassett, Mr. Hughes. Miss McCarthy, Mr. Quagge, Mr. Kearns and Mr. Thomas. It is encouraging to know that the School Com- mittee has seen fit to adjust the salary schedule in an attempt to keep good teachers in Randolph. It is our opinion that the children of Randolph are just as de- serving of experienced teachers and the best of instruc- tion as children of other communities.

We have found the reading problem among the pupils of grades seven to twelve to be serious enough to warrant action, and so a remedial reading program has been started, involving pupils in grades ten, eleven and twelve who have a reading percentile of forty and under and evidence of sufficient native ability. It is too early to report on results, but it should be said here that evidence is present to indicate that this program will be

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

highly successful in bringing up the reading level of many a student, and thereby help them to be more suc- cessful in their school work. Although pupils were as .. signed to these reading classes, we have had many vol- untary requests from other puils to be assigned to one of these groups.

The faculty of the school has begun a program of self-evaluation, which will take the greater part of the year to complete. It is a requirement for continued mem- bership in the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges, with which Randolph High School is affiliated, and must be done every ten years in order to have our association with this group remain in good standing. Among the topics embraced by this evaluation program are Pupil Population and School Community, Program Studies, Library Service, Guidance Service, School Plant, School Staff and Administration, Pupil Activity Program, as well as all the regular academic subjects offered by the school. When this self-evaluation survey has been completed, the Association will send in a team of educators to spend a week with us to look us over. We expect much good will come to us from this survey.

REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR JOSEPH W. DALY, DIRECTOR

The guidance program during the past years con- tinued to try to provide the maximum of guidance ser- vices in Educational, Vocational, and personal guidance. We think and hope much was accomplished along these lines although the need for additional help is now be- coming clear. This is true at high school, junior high, and elementary school level. At the high school, the great increase in the size of the Senior classes means twice as much work in both placement and college entrance

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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

work. In this respect, we are pleased to note that nearly twice as many students are going to college. This in so much as it is state wide, is making the problem of college administration a serious one. It will not improve but get worse as the years pass. It is estimated that there will be twice as many pupils of college age as at present, in 1970. Therefore, the need for maintaining an "A" and "B" average is of vital importance for all students to- day.

During the year, Metropolitan Achievement and In- telligence tests were also given. Binet Tests were giver to many students. These tests are required by state law for admission to the class where special help is needed. It is to be noted that behind this is the thought of what is best for the youngster.

Personal Interviews are held with all our youngsters, and cumulative records are kept. These are of great importance with our rapidly growing school popula- tion.

I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Warren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Gilgan, the School Committee, and all the elementary school Principals for their excellent coopera- tion. The teamwork and help is most appreciated by the director. I also wish to express my thanks for the ex- cellent work of the counselors, Miss Winifred Brennan, Miss Anna Good and Mr. Lloyd Clark.

REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISORS FOR 1955

ETHEL B. ATWOOD ELEMENTARY ART-SUPERVISOR

The reader of a report is primarily interested in the factual side of the subject. Concerning the Art De- partment in the Randolph School system interest doubt- less lies in the number of classes visited, the trend in

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

presentation, type of media used, and any new approach to the work.

Therefore, I submit the following. The Art Super- visor has visited each of the elementary grades every second week. This includes the five which were added to the schedule in September and which makes a total of 54 classes.

As to the presentation, I have endeavored to create a course of instruction in which the practical angle of basic art and the freedom of expression advocated by the modern or contemporary school are each emphasized.

Crayons, scissors, water-colors are the media most frequently used. Experience in tempera, brushwork and simple crafts would be enjoyed more often if classes were not so large or time so limited.

During American Education Week the art angle was stressed by Special room decoration in all schools and original art displays created and arranged by the pupils were set up in the windows of three of our Main Street stores. These little exhibits seemed of interests to hosts of passers-by.

I believe that the results of art training cannot al- ways be seen at the time. Basic knowledge often becomes more and more useful as time goes on. Art "know-how" is a key to a better way of doing many things.

In conclusion: I have made the required number of routine visits and given personal instruction. The re- sponse of the teachers has been satisfying. Special pro- jects have been worked out whenever feasible and serious thought given to the classes at the Pauline School.

The rapid growth of population in Randolph, with consequent expansion of school needs, has created & real civic problem.

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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

It is hoped that in time the Supervisors shall have : headquarters where supplies, reference material, ex- amples of current work or inspiration from the past may be available. Meanwhile, the present challenges one to keep abreast the times through acquaintance with best being done in his subject; aware and appreciative of the cooperation of fellow-teachers and content in the knowledge that Randolph is a very pleasant place to work.

REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING MARY C. GAUGHEN, SUPERVISOR

It is with pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment that I submit this report on Remedial Reading in the Public Schools in Randolph.

I was very pleased with the reading results shown by the Metropolitan Achievement test. This test was given from the second through sixth grades. The results showed Randolph to be several months above the aver- age norm.

Unfortunately, this test does not prove we are with- out problems in reading. We have many problems, and the number has been increasing. Our increased enroll- ment has given us an increase in the number needing remedial help. With our present enrollment it is pos- sible to give remedial help to the second and third grades. This means the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades do not have remedial help in reading. Those grades must depend solely upon the group work within the class.

Growth in reading is an individual and continuous matter. It cannot be hurried. Some learn quickly, while others move at a much slower rate. To take care of all the needs in any class would mean many reading groups.

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

While many groups in reading would be ideal, we must face the problems they present. It takes an excellent teacher to handle more than three groups and get good results.

I feel we could solve many of our reading problems in the grades by enlarging our reading department.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

EDMUND A. ALUISY

Music education is a definite adjunct to the total education of the child.

Through the subject of music an added and very valuable means is provided us to teach and promote personality development, leadership training, vocabu- lary, arithmetic concepts, and constructive attitudes.

With the exception of a few classes that are visited once every other week, all classes in grades I through VI are visited once a week by our elementary music supervisor. At the close of each lesson an assignment is left so that the classroom teacher can carry on the music work in her absence.

It is with regret that I must report that Miss Abbott, our elementary supervisor, is unable to finish out her first year with us because of her forthcoming marriage. Mrs. Hodgkins, who has taught in Beacon, New York, for two years, will take her place after the Christmas va- cation.

Glee ciubs were reorganized in both the Stetson and the Devine Schools. They included selected pupils from the fifth and sixth grades in each school respect- ively. Each of these glee clubs meet once a week. The glee clubs sang carols for their student bodies in their own schools prior to the Christmas vacation.

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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

There are thirty elementary school instrumentalists presently taking lessons and there is the prospect of some twenty-three more after the first of the year.

The seventh and eighth grade general music classes meet once a week. The Junior High School Band com- posed of pupils in grades six, seven and eight meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Junior High School Band played at the Spring Concert and marched in the Memorial Day parade.

The High School Chorus sang for the Spring Con- cert, the S.E.M.S.B.A. Concert in Hingham, and the Eastern Massachusetts Festival in Mansfield. The re- hearsal schedule for the chorus has been changed this Fall to allow more time. They meet four times a week in a period. There is provision for flexibility so as to allow for sectional rehearsals on two or more of these four sessions per week.

The High School Band played for the Spring Con- bert, the Eastern Massachusetts Festival at Mansfield, and the Memorial Day parade. They shared a concert with the Post 35 American Legion Glee Club of Brockton in the High School on October 19th. This concert was sponsored by the American Legion Post, 169, Randolph. Mass. The High School Band has also played for the home football games this fall.

The rehearsal schedule of the High School Band has been changed for the better. There are five rehear- sals a week within school time. Flexibility is allowed for sectional rehearsals along with complete band ses- .sions.

Randolph instrumentalists and vocalists were rep- resented in the All State Band, Orchestra, and chorus in Boston, Mass., and the New England Solo and En- semble Festival at Keene, New Hampshire.

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

Mr. Myron Thomas who has served as Director of Music in Randolph for the past fourteen years completed his work in June, 1955 and is presently Director of Music in Hingham, Mass.

I wish to express my appreciation for the fine co- operation I have received from all the school depart- ment personnel.

REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES HELEN F. CONLON, R. N. SIGNE H. HEATH, R. N.

Following is a brief report of the nurses' part in the health program.

The nurses assisted the school physicians, Dr. William S. Sloane and Dr. Justin V. McGuirk with the health ap- praisals in grades one, four, seven and ten. Pupils from other grades who were referred by the teacher, and those transferred from other schools were also ex- amined. Parents were advised to secure early correction of defects.

Dental inspections were done by the nurses, and parents of children needing dental care were notified. The Board of Health sponsors a dental clinic under the direction of Dr. William S. Maguire. The children who were unable to have their work done by a family dentist were referred to this clinic.

Diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus immuni- zation clinics were held in the Spring for pre-school children and those in grade one who had never been immunized against these diseases. Booster shots were given at this clinic to children who had been previously immunized.

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Vision and hearing tests were given to all children in grades one through twelve. It was gratifying to find that 90% of the children with a defect were seen by either an eye or ear specialist.

Individual inspections of pupils referred by teach- ers, and the usual program of weighing and measuring the children were carried out during the year.

The census of physically handicapped children was made and the children who were unable to attend schoci had visiting teachers.

In May Poliomyelitis inoculations were given in our schools to children in grades one and two. We wish to thank our local doctors and nurses for their coopera- tion at this time.

At the opening of School in September the Board of Health issued strict rules for the protection of child- ren during the final months of the polio epidemic. We were assisted by the Visiting nurses, whom we wish to thank for their cooperation. All schools were visited each morning, and each and every child who had any illness at all was carefully examined.

The Norfolk County Chest X-ray Program was held in October. Under this program all seniors were X-rayed and found to be free of tuberculosis. This pro- gram is supported in full through the sale of Christmas seals.

The results of all examinations were recorded on health cards.

Reports of examinations, surveys and clinics were sent into the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as required.

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION REPORT

JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS, Director of Physical Education

Since general education is concerned with all as- pects of life, physical education does not limit itself en- tirely to muscular responses, but also provides oppor- tunity for intellectual, social and emotional responses. Physical education today is an integral part of the edu- cational program. In keeping with other phases of ed- ucation, physical education will only result in desirable outcomes when the learning activities are properly or- ganized and conducted. Boys and girls need instruction in how to play. They cannot participate in plays and games with profit merely through being provided with facilities and equipment. For the vast majority of child- ren need skillful instruction and guidance if desirable outcomes are to come about from partcipation in a pro- gram of physical education. More emphasis should be placed on teaching children through participation than just teaching the skill.

Far too many people look upon physical education as a special subject. This point of view results from the idea that the purpose of physical education is different from the purpose of general education. But today, all teachers and all phases of education must function in helping the children to develop to the fullest of their capacities and to adjust to the social environment in which they find themselves. Physical education as one phase of education, has a distinct contribution to make toward the personal social growth and development of the child; it represents a phase of the educational pro- gram providing unique situations and experiences through which social behavior, rather than anti-social behavior, can be learned and practiced.

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If physical education is to be an integral part of the education program and assure educational status, a sound curriculum must be developed and put into op- eration. Procedures for general curriculum development apply also to physical education; consequently persons responsible for the physical education program must have an understanding of the principles of curriculum /development. Procedures will vary according to the level of education for which the curriculum is being de- veloped but there are some basic principles that will apply in all cases.

I want to thank all the personnel in the Physical Education Department for their cooperation and hard work. Also the School Doctors and Nurses. Last but not least, all the teachers in the system for their follow-up of the curriculum.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 1955-1956

Sept. 7, 1955 School Opens for Grades 7-12

Sept. 12, 1955 School Ipens for Grades 1-6

Oct. £ 12, 1955 Columbus Day

Oct, 28, 1955 Norfolk County Teachers Convention

Nov. 11, 1955 Veterans Day

Nov. 23, 1955 Schools close at noon for Thanksgiving Vacation

Nov. 28, 1955 Schools Reopen

Dec, 21, 1955 Schools close for Christmas Vacation

Jan. 3, 1956 Schools Reopen

Feb. 17, 1956 Schools close for Winter Vacation

Feb. 27, 1956 Schools Reopen

Mar. 30, 1956 Good Friday

Apr. 13, 1956 Schools close for Spring Vacation

Apr. 23, 1956 Schools Reopen

May 31, 1956 Memorial Day

June 7, 1956 School closes for Grades 1-6

June 20, 1956 School closes for Grades 7-12

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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. 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 transportation is tied up and the buses cannot operate on the streets, school sessions will be discontinued.

Elementary grades, one through six, may be discon- tinued if the weather is very bad.

By courtesy of WBET, WJDA and WBZ Broadcasting Stations, no school announcements will be given by radio as near the local hours as is convenient and possible for the station announcer.

"No School" (grades 1 through 6) will be signaled only on cold, stormy winter days when health and safety factors are generally involved. Heavy rain at other times of the year will not be considered a cause for closing school.

In the final analysis, each parent can best decide whether or not to send his child to school on a stormy day. Individual factors of health, distance from school, available transportation, etc., can be considered in making the decision.

Please do not call the Fire Department as they have only one phone which must be kept open to be used for fire calls. Keep tuned to the above-mentioned radio sta- tions, and you will be the first to know about "no school".

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Randolph town reports 1955-1959, Part 9

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

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