USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1960-1963 > Part 26
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This past year produced more highly qualified, competent youngsters for college and business fields than in any time in our history. One need only take note of the many academic and scholastic high levels of achievement attained by the Randolph Students. Continued strong emphasis placed on up-grading the curriculum offered youngsters from primary through secondary levels already has proven to consistently produce the finest stu- dent body.
Most important of all, perhaps, is the code of ethics achieved by the students themselves. Strong school spirit, high morale and enthusiasm expressed by the youngsters indicate their con- tinued desire to succeed to levels beyond expectations.
It might be well to point out that all decisions rendered by
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your School Committee are primarily made in the best interests of all the youngsters of our town. We would like to express our appreciation to the townspeople for their patience and confidence during the past year.
The Committee wish to express its appreciation to the Super- intendent of Schools and his staff of administrators, to the teachers, clerks, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, and to all town per- sonnel for their loyal cooperation and deep devotion in the task of providing our town's educational system.
We are most grateful for your support and strongly feel the school system of any community reflects the efforts and wishes of the citizens.
We welcome your comments and constructive criticisms in guiding the destiny of the Randolph School System.
RANDOLPH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
PETER J. DAVIN, Chairman RAYMOND P. McGERRIGLE, Secretary CHARLES E. GREEN, JR. MRS. PATRICIA M. MCDERMOTT MRS. MARIE H. CORMEY
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The Randolph Public Schools went through a year of great trial, tribulation, and accomplishment in 1961. All personnel worked diligently, and frequently beyond the normal call of duty in order to achieve all that was accomplished.
October 25th saw all classes on full session for the first time in five years. This was possible with the completion of the North Junior High and six-room additions at the McNeil and Tower Hill Schools. The North Junior High, completed at a cost of $1,184,000.00 will accommodate 800 pupils. The total cost of the building and grounds was at least $240,000.00 less than similar sized schools recently completed in neighboring communities.
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The opening of the new buildings brought with it the usual number of problems, such as heating plant failures, which seem to be a part of the regular pattern until all final adjustments can be made. These resulted in a great deal of inconvenience to parents, teachers and pupils and their patience and understanding were greatly appreciated. It is sincerely hoped that the contractors involved have finally solved all of the problems.
In order to avoid double sessions and split-grades, it was again necessary to transfer a number of pupils out of their regular school districts, resulting in a great deal of strong protesting by the parents of the children involved. We all sincerely regret the necessity for these transfers. They were done in as fair and equitable manner as was possible, and always with the educational objective the primary concern.
The opening of the new elementary school now being con- structed on Reed Street should allow us to return to a reasonable degree of normalcy in the elementary grades. This new building is scheduled for completion on or about October 25, 1962.
The opening of this building will necessitate a complete realignment of the elementary school districts. From the opening of school in September, 1962, until the opening of the new ele- mentary school, it is quite probable that it will be necessary for some groups to operate on an abbreviated or "double" session. This condition should not hold for more than two months.
The opening of four classrooms in St. Mary's new elemen- tary school, with an enrollment of approximately 140 pupils alleviated somewhat our classroom needs in grades one and two. It should be kept in mind that some of these pupils would have attended parochial schools out of town, had St. Mary's not opened. It is believed that two more classrooms will be opened in September, 1962, which will again help us in the primary enrollment.
The North Junior High, built for a capacity of 800 pupils, opened with an enrollment of 777 pupils of grades 7 and 8.
The Senior High School, housing 975 pupils of grades 9-12 is capable of handling only a few more pupils, and it is impossible for us to improve our program of studies in the high school without more room. This can be accomplished by removing grade nine from the high school. In order to do this, a South
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Junior High School should be constructed and ready for occu- pancy by the Fall of 1964.
A study of the lower grade enrollments printed elsewhere in this school report will readily indicate the rising tide which is in prospect for the junior and senior high school grades. Our present first and second grade enrollments are twice aslarge as they were six or seven years ago. Decreasing numbers in the upper grades do not mean that as groups move up through the grades they become smaller, rather they increase as a result of families moving into our community.
As proof of this we note that forty-one new students were enrolled in grades 1-6 the week following the Christmas vaca- tion. As a consequence of all this, the need for the second junior high is readily apparent.
This was indicated in a survey presented by this adminis- tration in January 1956 and which was substantiated by the report of Shurcliff and Merrill in 1960. Our actual enrollment as of now actually is greater than that which was predicted by the two surveys.
The curriculum of our high school underwent great changes during 1961. Many of these changes are delineated in the report of Mr. Gilgan. As you are well aware, the final Program of Studies, was the end result of many meetings of the school ad- ministrators and the members of the Randolph School Committee. It is our purpose to evaluate the program continuously and to recommend any needed changes as they develop.
The program for those who hope to go on to college has been intensified and augmented so that those pupils who have the ability, desire, and determination certainly may do so. The recent installation of one of the most complete language labora- tories in the country should be a tremendous asset to all who are interested in modern languages, for in a few short months we have been able to see its very positive effects.
Placement of our commercial and vocational graduates has been excellent and the very fine reports back from industry con- cerning their work are a tribute to them and the teaching which they have received in the Randolph Schools.
Vocational Training, particularly in the area of electronics, would seem to be the answer to the needs of many of our pupils.
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I sincerely hope that the plans for a regional vocational school, including Randolph, will come to fruition in the near future. Men in industry tell me that there is a great need for trained techni- cians and this would be the way for us to prepare our youth for these positions.
Practically every newspaper or periodical one reads these days, contains an article concerning education in the public schools. One reads of "team-teaching," "team-learning," "machine- teaching," "ungraded-classroom," etc. We are aware of all of these and constantly evaluating them as are our fellow educators both in this area and throughout the country. Our policy is to carry on our educational program, be it on the elementary or secondary level, on a sound, practical basis, and always keeping in mind the ability of the taxpayers to support the schools. Our compara- tively low per pupil cost is not indicative of the high quality of the educational opportunities which are being offered the youth of Randolph. As one indication of this, I call your attention to the report of our reading consultants.
Despite all our efforts to economize wherever it is educationally sound to do so, our annual budget request continues to rise. Rea- sons for this are obvious; i.e., increased population necessitating increased staff, buildings, and supplies.
Miss Rachel C. McMahon, one of the most dedicated and beloved teachers ever to be in the Randolph Public Schools re- tired this year after forty-five years of teaching in this community. She was always most cooperative and helpful to administrators, fellow teachers, parents and pupils, and we certainly wish for her many years of happiness in her well-deserved retirement.
One very definite need which should be provided for as soon as possible, is a permanent and adequate administrative head- quarters for the entire school system. The need for more space in the high school this past year made it necessary that our offices be transferred. The officials of the Veterans of Foreign Wars made their hall available to us at a very moderate rent, and we are grateful to them. However, the building is not adequate in many respects for our needs, and I strongly urge that an office building be constructed on the school property just east of the high school building in the immediate future.
In conclusion I wish to thank the members of the School
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Committee, all school personnel, and personnel of all other town departments for their great cooperation throughout the year.
I wish also to thank the many, many parents who have been so understanding of the many problems presented by our rapid growth.
Lastly, I wish to thank all of the citizens of the town for their whole-hearted support in supplying the funds necessary to enable us to carry out an educational program which will prepare our young people to take their proper places in this very complex and quickly changing world.
THOMAS L. WARREN Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL
It will be our purpose in this report to give the highlights of events at the high school during the past year.
Of our 1961 graduates, 46% are now attending schools of higher learning, some on scholarships. Four year colleges which have accepted our 1961 graduates for admission include : M.I.T., Harvard, Tufts, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, University of Massachusetts, Clark, Wheelock, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Bates College, State Colleges at Bridgewater, Boston, Salem, Lowell, Fitchburg, North Adams, Massachusetts School of Art, Bentley, plus a number of schools of Nursing. Our graduates well represent us at many other types of specialized schools, such as, Wentworth, Art, Drafting, Burdett, as well as varying types of vocational schools.
The opening of the North Junior High School has again placed both Junior and Senior High on a full-time schedule. The resumption of a normal program will have advantageous re- sults for pupils of both schools, but the high school is not yet out of the woods as far as housing is concerned. Fifteen new teachers were appointed during the year, some of whom were replacements, and others needed to take care of the constantly increasing enroll- ment. We are currently using every room in the building for our present program, and if the pupil normal increase continues, as it will, we will soon be in trouble again finding space to take care of this increase.
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We were fortunate to have provided for us a language labora- tory, which is now in full operation and is being used every period every day by two groups of language students. Each group uses the room for twenty-five minutes. The use of this type of equipment will become more and more necessary and im- portant for students who will take the College Board Achievement Test in Language.
Added to our program of studies during the past year are Spanish, Russian, Advanced English Composition and Review Mathematics. It is our expectation to make our World History into a two-year course next year.
Since our new schedule and longer day has enabled us to schedule a six-period day, instead of the five-period day, we are now able to return our physical education program to the point where every pupil is now required to take gym two periods per week. This is in line with the request for emphasis on physical fitness.
Students of Randolph High School took part in the National Auxilium Latinum Examination in 1961 with the following results :
3 Achievement Certificates of Superlative Merit, thus bring- ing to our school a permanent trophy for excellence in Latin
4 Certificates for Eminent Merit
9 Certificates of Superior Merit
28 Certificates of Honorable Merit
This meant that 44 of our students won national recognition in Latin out of 94 voluntary participants in the examination.
In Science, one of our pupils, Gene Cohen, won first place in Biology in our Science Fair, the Regional Science Fair at Bridge- water, and the State Fair at Boston. Hewas, therefore, one of the participants at the National Science Fair at Kansas City, Missouri. Another boy, George East, won first place in our Fair and in the State Fair. He went to Kansas City as an observer.
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Our Year-book staff represented our school at the National Convention in New York, of the Columbia University Scholastic Press Association, and our Year-book, the Oracle, was selected on a national basis, as a winner of a first place certificate of excellence.
The Banner, the school newspaper, received three awards from the Boston Globe for outstanding articles written for the Banner by Carolyn Buba, Charlene Thompson and Joanne Roberson.
Mrs. Jean Noblin and Dorothy Mulcahy were guests at the Fortieth Annual Meeting of the Norfolk County Tuberculosis and Health Association, at which time a Certificate of Merit was pre- sented to Dorothy for her article, "Christmas Seals; Fighter of Tuberculosis. "
The Future Nurses Club distributed boxes at Thanksgiving time to patients at the Brockton Veterans Hospital, also Easter baskets to the children at the New England Home for Little Wanderers.
Margaret McPhee, a student, was elected as State President of the Future Homemakers of America, and subsequently was selected by the State organization to represent Massachusetts at the Na- tional Convention at Kansas City, Missouri.
Another student, Joseph Allen, was selected by Harvard Uni- versity as the recipient of a grant for advanced summer study at Harvard.
Three of our staff, Mr. Lehtinen, Mr. Royte and Mr. Sulli- van were selected for advanced training in their field with grants furnished under the National Defense Education Act. This was a six-week course during the summer.
Our 1961 baseball team won the Hockamock League Championship, while our Cross-Country Track Team won the State Championship.
The high school musical organizations, among other achieve- ments, were able to send seven of our pupils to the All-State Con- cert at West Springfield.
The Randolph High School twirling team won the State Championship at Quincy. The cheerleaders placed second in the annual competition at Westwood.
Edward Dlott was chosen by the Student Council as Brother-
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hood representative of Randolph High School at a meeting at Northeastern University, sponsored by the Jewish War Veterans.
The annual induction of new members in the National Honor Society was held on April 26, 1961, at which the Honorable Ed- ward M. Kennedy, brother of the President of the United States, was the main speaker. Later in the year, the honor students of the school were suitably recognized at a banquet sponsored by the Randolph School Committee.
From the point of view of school citizenship, the Stu- dent Council operates on a 10-point project each year. Included are such projects as Teacher Appreciation Day, Student Teacher for a Day, Citizen of the Month, Key Club Badge Awards, Four- year Citizenship Awards.
Our new Guidance Director, Mr. William Casey, was wel- comed cordially by administration, faculty and students and has already established a friendly and cooperative rapport with all concerned.
We hope this brief report will give you a cross-section view of the various types of activities which go to make up the life of a comprehensive high school. We feel that the school year of 1960- 1961 was a good one and we all at Randolph High School will attempt to make the next year even better.
HUBERT F. GILGAN
Principal
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
It is herewith my pleasure to report to the Superintendent of Public Schools, to the Members of the School Committee and to the townspeople of Randolph on the activities of the Guidance Department of the Randolph Public Schools for the year 1961.
Department activities during the year just past were under the supervision of three individuals - Mr. Thomas F. Grady, Jr., Miss Winifred M. Brennan and the present Director. Mr. Grady severed his ties with the Randolph Schools in July, when he re- signed to accept a similar post in the City of Malden. During his tenure, Mr. Grady made a number of worthwhile contribu- tions to the Guidance movement in this community and is worthy of note for these accomplishments.
Miss Brennan, the Assistant Director, effectively filled the void which was thereupon created and during the months of September and October did a most effective job of coordinating the efforts of the High School Staff, Miss Isabelle J. Bennett and Mr. James A. Sullivan, with those of the Junior High School Personnel, Miss Anna K. Good and Mr. Paul J. Royte. In Octo- ber, Mr. Royte also resigned to accept a post in Malden and in late December, his duties were assumed by Mr. Adelino J. Ber- nardo, a teacher of long experience and rich in the theory of guidance principles. Randolph is fortunate to have a Guidance Staff exhibiting a background which is high in both experience and professionalism.
It is difficult to comment in depth on the activities of a de- partment with which one's association has been so brief. It is possible, however, to make a number of observations on certain staff policies and projects.
Guidance, today, is a specific science which demands much of those who work in the field. It is open to any number of inter- pretations, but its main function in a school system is to work for the benefit of the children involved.
Some approach this role with a philosophical tinge, while others are concerned only with definite actions. It is well, in fact, to have full knowledge of the first and imperative to concentrate on the latter in respect to this knowledge. It has been a pleasure, therefore, to note that the Guidance Staff has devoted itself to a
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course of organized activites, which demands diligence and a proper understanding of its role.
There are six major functions of guidance which demand constant attention and evaluation. Observations on the role of these six areas will follow in brief.
RECORDS
Records are maintained on all students, Grades 1-12. At the present time this is accomplished by a variety of means. Insertions of importance to student growth are entered on each individual, concerning academic progress, test scores and results of counseling sessions.
There appears to be a real need for better coordination, in this area. Forms which are more direct and of a more simple na- ture seem most necessary, and towards that end, a study is now under way, under the direction of Miss Good and Miss Brennan.
INFORMATION
Informational services are basically of two areas - occupa- tional and educational. At both the Senior High School level and in the Junior High, these services are extensive and well-developed.
Occupational briefs and college catalogs are available to all students and Randolph is fortunate to be included in the North- eastern University series of Occupational Conferences and in the Public Relations tours of many of the leading schools and uni- versities in the New England area.
PLACEMENT
A report published by Mr. Grady in the summer of 1961 showed placement for almost every member of the graduating class of that year. This report illustrated that only 4% of the class had not made definite plans, while 35% had gained permanent em- ployment, 15% had entered the armed services and 46% had gone on to further schooling of one type or another.
Miss Brennan had already begun processing the employment plans of the Class of 1962, and the Staff, as a whole, has been
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greatly encouraged by the high number of early acceptances granted to those who seek to further their education.
FOLLOW-UP
Follow-up studies enjoy a unique role for they serve as a most valid instrument of constructive criticism in respect to a school's Program of Studies. Lastyear's study, conducted by Miss Bennett and Mr. Sullivan produced many fine comments in this respect and showed an excellent percentage of return - 94%.
Statistically, the Class of 1960 was distributed as follows : Employed : 50.8%; Schools and Colleges : 38%; Armed Forces : 6.5%; Homemakers : 2.6% and unemployed 2.1%.
Mr. Sullivan has already initiated a Follow-up Study on the Class of 1961 and the results are expected to contribute much to the evaluation of school policies and curriculum.
TESTING
Randolph employed a substantial and a varied testing pro- gram in 1961, which combined instruments of measurement of both an internal and external nature.
It would seem that there is no area of guidance which de- mands more attention or analysis, than does testing. Since its re- sults serve as one of our main instruments in evaluating our students, it should therefore be designed to be a valid and reliable yardstick of student talent.
Miss Bennett has been assigned the onerous task of evaluating the Randolph Testing Program. To this date, she has already con- ducted a far-reaching survey of the practices of other communities and she is in the process of assimilating a complete and adequate testing library. In conjunction with the Director, she will meet with Department Heads for the purpose of coordinating faculty knowledge and understanding of the program.
COUNSELING
Counseling is the heart of any Guidance program for it is that service which deals most directly with the student. A strong
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Guidance program should guarantee each student on the Secondary level at least one counseling session each school year. This is being done in Randolph and in fact, students for the most part, partici- pate in multiple counseling sessions.
One need which is evident is to make provision for counseling certain students of elementary school age, when the occasion so demands. Efforts towards fruition of this aim will be constant and tireless in the year ahead.
It is most necessary to win the acceptance of those whom the Guidance program affects. Since November, certain steps have been initiated towards furthering the cooperation of the faculty, the com- munity and the student body.
Faculty rapport has been promoted by the following steps :
1. Frequent meetings with Department Heads and occasional meetings with the different school departments.
2. Dissemination and interpretation of significant test results, such as Class I. Q. scores and analysis of external tests, such as the National Merit Examination and The College Board Examinations, etc.
3. The establishment of a regular schedule of meetings with the Principals of the Secondary Schools in an effort to im- prove the coordination between the different levels of instruction.
Increased community acceptance would result from :
1. Parent conferences.
2. Newspaper releases.
3. Oral presentation to the townspeople.
The extension of student services would come from the im- plementation of the following procedures :
1. Continuing evaluations of department functions.
2. Scheduled staff meetings with emphasis on matters of student concern.
3. Increased counseling in areas of subject failure, course se- lection and future plans.
4. Establishment of a definite referral system for children with severe emotional or academic problems.
It is important to the worth of any system that projects and
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studies of various academic areas be constantly conducted by the Guidance Department. Such efforts do much to reassure the students and the faculty of the sincere intent of Guidance to serve as a facilitative agent to the school system and to the community.
There are a number of projects which have been initiated in the latter part of 1961 which will, at their completion, yield perti- nent and important information to school authorities. These would be listed as follows :
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