USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1960-1963 > Part 27
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1. An Evaluation of the Testing Program on the Secondary Level - Grades 7-12.
2. An Appraisal of the Records System - Grades 7-12.
3. An Appraisal of all Informational Services.
4. The Development of a Proper Orientation Program at all transitory grade levels.
5. The Establishment of a Coordinated and Workable Plan of Articulation among the three levels of instruction - Ele- mentary, Junior High and Senior High.
6. Increased emphasis on the needs of students in the Special Classes.
7. The Definition of a program of Guidance for the Voca- tional School.
8. The continuous evaluation of the High School Program of Studies, conducted in the light of ever-changing standards of industry, education and business.
Finally, note should be given to the nature of the approach which the Guidance Department now employs. If a theme of opera- tion were to be defined, it would have to be "Strength -not Speed".
It is facile for a new Director to change the structure of de- partment operations to fit the whims of one's own fancy, but it is more important to adjudge fully the program as it stands, to de- fine its imbued strengths and to eliminate judiciously any weak- nesses which might exist.
It is felt that the proper establishment of a Guidance Program for Randolph can best be defined, by searching for the needs of the student in relation to his community. Itis for this reason, that increased emphasis will be given to staff participation and to cooperation with all factors relating in any way to the program.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
It must be remembered that Guidance must play an important role in the development and placement of the youth of this com- munity. It is all too true that the hue and cry of those seeking college placement is a loud and ringing one. Thus, counseling in this area must be precise so as to have our students prepared for this constant and increasing competition.
Yet, in truth, this demand on our staff must never exceed in scope the need for counseling those who are our terminal students -those who will end their formal schooling when they leave high school. These young people are in fact, the most im- mediate representatives of the Randolph School System and as such, must be prepared to extend worthy contributions to the community.
Thus, it is with this thought in mind, that the Guidance De- partment faces the challenge and temper of 1962. Its activities will be geared not to serve the few, but to honor the needs of all students, regardless of their course of study or their goal in life.
In conclusion, this Department extends sincere gratitude to the School Committee, the Superintendent and his Staff, and to the Ad- ministrators and Faculty for their full cooperation and enthusiasm in support of this program. It is the hope of the Staff to continue to extend its full efforts towards the fulfillment of each student's capabilities and future ambitions.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. CASEY Director of Guidance
REPORT OF READING SUPERVISORS
The school year 1960-1961 saw Randolph in the fourth year of the phonics program, where phonics is being taught as a separate subject. It is interesting to note the growth in achievement between the year 1958 when phonics was first introduced and 1961 as an established program. The 1958 test results show that of 401 pupils in grade one, 23% were reading below the national norm of 1.9 with a town median of 2.1. In 1961 the results show that of 517 pupils in grade one, 9% were reading below 1.9 with a town median or Randolph norm of 2.7; almost one full year above the national norms.
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In grade two in 1957 without the benefits of a strong phonetic program 32% of 374 pupils fell below the national norm of 2.7, with a Randolph norm of 2.9; just two months above the national norm. In 1961, 11% of 487 pupils fell below the national norm of 2.7 with a Randolph norm of 3.7; one full year above the national norm.
This comparison of achievement over the past four or five years is typical of achievement in grades 3 through 6, as well.
While phonics has greatly influenced our reading scores, it has also rocketed our spelling scores. In grade one the Randolph norm was 3.7; almost two full years above the national norm. In grade two the Randolph norm was 4.2; two and one half years above the national norm.
We do feel the phonics program has played an important part in our growth in reading and spelling. Our success, however, must be attributed to a combination of determining factors. The first, and most important, our teachers who accept a child's individuality, are capable, enthusiastic and understanding. Secondly, phonics is taught as a subject, in that children are specifically trained in the auditory and visual association of the letters. This training is very functional from the very beginning of its introduction. Children feel success in forming their letters, printing three letter words and making simple sentences. Thus, it teaches one of the basic essentials of learning; the ability to listen.
Gradually children begin to apply phonetic analysis in their reading. Toward the end of the school year when visitors come to visit our first grades, we suggest they bring along the morning newspapers and print any headline or caption on the chalk board. We have had visitors from private institutions, and as far west as California.
Our method of teaching reading has not changed. The teach- ing of phonics is only one part of one of the many steps in the teaching of reading. It is purely a tool used for word attack, and must be considered a "means to an end". A child must be able to attack and pronounce the word correctly, in order to compre- hend. The fact still remains the calling of words correctly does not necessarily mean a child understands. Through the develop- ment of the comprehension skills the child is led to make associa- tions and to evaluate what he reads. Each child must be able
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to assimilate and reflect in order to have meaningful under- standing.
Finally the success of any program must becredited, in part, to adequate materials. Our school administrators have provided the reading department with a budget that enables us to purchase the very best and the most recently approved materials for the various levels. We are most fortunate in receiving the amount and range of reading levels of material provided for each grade.
In our current reading program S.R.A. reading materials have been responsible for an improvement, according to standar- dized tests and teacher evaluation, in the area of the study skills. We credit this improvement to the use of the S. R.A. laboratories and text, as supplement to the basic readers specifically in grades five and six, and ultimately in grade four.
Through a pre-test each child begins work in S.R.A. on a particular level, and progresses in the material at a rate in keeping with his ability. The child is made aware of his own strengths and weaknesses, and therefore through self-evaluation there is growth in the ability to apply the many reading skills to the content area.
Some new materials have been added to the basic readings to develop the content areas. The trend today is to develop in reading a better understanding of subject matter; as for example in the interpretation of science and arithmetic, using the reading skills. The further development of the content areas in reading will find the child involved in work concerned with the content analysis of newspapers, editorials, graphs, illustrations relating to economic, political, and social conditions in the world today.
Lastly, we have endeavored to awaken in the intermediate grade child an appreciation of literature, in particular the classics that have been written on a level of understanding without loss of the original content. This is being done both on a group basis, or as indivualized reading from the library.
MARY C. GAUGHEN BARBARA A. CONLEY
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES
The school health program is a vital part of the whole educa- tional process by which each child is guided and helped to develop to his fullest capacity. Evaluation of the individual pupil's health status is accomplished through the use of varied techniques and procedures including health histories, medical examinations, im- munizations, weighing, measuring, vision and hearing tests.
Every precaution is taken to provide a safe environment for the school children. When accidents do occur, our schools have a planned program for the care of such emergencies taking place during school hours. First aid is administered to the child, and the parent is immediately notified, if necessary.
The physically handicapped are placed in as normal a situa- tion as is possible. In such cases, teachers are informed of the existing conditions, limitations, and recommendations so that pro- gram adjustments can be made. Pupils with physical handicaps which prevent school attendance are eligible for home tutoring.
A doctor's certificate is required to excuse a student from physical education. Reevaluation of all excused cases is made during the school year.
Exclusion of sick children becomes effective only when the parents realize the importance of keeping the child who is ill at home and in bed, if indicated. It is important not only for the protection of the other children but also to assure as far as pos- sible a quick, uncomplicated recovery for the ill child.
The value of our screening program is lost without the follow- through of parent notification, referral for treatment and plans for correction. Cooperation from parents is absolutely necessary in order to carry out our program efficiently and to maintain each child's maximum health status. With the parents' help we can bring about a better interpersonal relationship between the home and the school.
HELEN F. CONLON, R.N. SIGNE HEATH, R.N. MARY A. McGRORY, R.N.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC 1961
The High School Band and Chorus continue to rehearse after school despite the fact that we are no longer on double sessions. The band appeared many times during the year giving concerts, performing at all football games and marching in various parades.
Outstanding Band members were selected to participate in S.E.M.S.B.A., Southeastern District Festival, and ALL-STATE. This year 6 band members, the largest number ever selected from Randolph, were chosen through state-wide competition to play in the ALL-STATE organization. No other town had this many representatives, and one city had one more.
The Dance Band, composed of 16 high school members, hold rehearsals after school. During the year they performed at school dances and other functions.
The chorus participated in several concerts. Outstanding singers were selected to perform in S.E.M.S.B.A., District, and All-State Festivals. The major choral program of the year was the presentation of "The Pirates of Penzance", the third in a series of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas.
The Junior High band, boys' chorus and girls' chorus, per- formed several times during the year. This year, a Junior dance band was formed and made its debut at the annual Junior High Spring Concert.
The elementary instrumental program, consisting of 6 ele- mentary bands has increased tremendously. Last year the ele- mentary enrollment numbered 175; this year this number has increased to 280.
Each elementary school presented a concert in the Spring, con- sisting of a demonstration of the musical training at each grade level, plus selections by the elementary bands and glee clubs.
In June the positions of elementary vocal supervisors were abolished, as the administration felt that the classroom teachers had sufficient training to carry on the elementary music program without the assistance of specialists.
At the start of the 1961-1962 school year, music was put back into the Junior High School day, because of the termination of double sessions. Two music teachers were hired for the Junior High School, Mr. Lauri Hallfors and Mr. John Oliver. Each
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Junior High division has music 2 periods per week. In addition to the band, boys' and girls' chorus, and instrumental groups meet during an activity period.
We are in a period of transition. We need High School courses in theory, composition, and appreciation in the course of study. In the past two years ten graduates have entered the field of music, and a large number of students who are cur- rently at the High School have expressed their desire to go into music in the future.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT M. LACEY, Director of Music
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Walk - Run - Exercise and Play. These are requirements for a healthy body for the individual, the community, the state, and for the sustenance of the nation.
Randolph's physical education program, from the first grade through the twelfth, encompasses many of the requirements neces- sary for a good program. The elementary program of the first three grade deals with rhythms -including a great deal of dancing which familiarizes the youngsters with the dances of their own and other countries. Various games are played which involve running, jumping and exercising, thus conforming with the physical educa- tion program introducing physical fitness.
The fourth, fifth and sixth grade programs are stepped up vigorously. Dancing is incorporated for rhythm and poise. Skills are advanced in games. Apparatus work on the parallel bars, springboard, Swedish box and matwork are introduced. This bars, springboard, Swedish box and matwork are introduced. This program is an advanced stage of the first three grades in the method of growth and instruction.
The Junior High School is at long last on single session and since the school is well supplied with equipment, a splendid pro- gram is conducted. Many new innovations are introduced to the girls and boys, but again they are follow-ups of the first six grades. The girls are taught dancing in advanced stages, stressing rhythm and adding poise and posture. Apparatus work
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is taught and emphasis is placed on various athleic games, ex- plaing rules and knowledge of the game. Theboys are introduced to a fine physical fitness program dealing with apparatus work, rope climbing, chinning bar, ring work, tumbling, calisthenics, and introduced to the sports according to season. It is is indeed a pleasure to have an additional fine gymnasium in the town.
The high school program is the last stage of the physical fit- ness program, and stress is laid on advancing the students to their fullest capacities. The girls are advanced in the dance routine. They are encouraged in sports to the extent that many of them may participate in the athleticprogram of the school. Stress is also placed on a program to toughen up the girls physically. The girl's athletic program consists of softball, basketball, and field hockey is taught on an intermural basis.
The boys' program is set up primarily for two reasons: (1) for the physical well-being of the boy, and (2) for the en- couragement to engage in sports during their high school time, and for their leisure time after graduation. Knowledge and participation in all sports are stressed. Apparatus work of all sorts is taught. Calisthenics is given in a strenuous manner to de- velop the youngsters.
Testing is given to all the youngsters in the system for the purpose of determing the weaknesses and strength of the students. Steps are taken to correct any faults.
I appreciate the fine cooperation from the physical education staff- Mrs. Elizabeth Marr, Mr. Walter Roche in the elementary schools, Mrs. Connie Leavitt and Mr. Eugene Savard in the Junior High, and Mrs. Nancy Arns in the High School for their untiring work for the development of a better program for the children of the Randolph School System.
With the sanction of the Superintendent of School and the School Committee, I am hoping that more personnel will be added to the staff to eliminate the A and B week in the elementary grades, and also introduce new ideas for the betterment of the health of the child.
JOSEPH ZAPUSTAS,
Dir. of Physical Education and Athletics
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Randolph Public Schools in 1955 offered for the first time the advantages of Special Classes to children qualifying under Massa- chusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 46.
From the modest beginning of two heterogeneous groups of pupils in the small, two room building on Pauline Street, the pro- gram has grown proportionally with the growth of the school population to the extent that it is now possible to group the pupils homogeneously by age and social growth. The addition of Mrs. Priscilla Watson in 1960 and Mr. Thomas Mclaughlin in 1961 to the Special Education staff has made it possible to increase the number of classes to five.
A program and curriculum study in which all Special Educa- tion personnel are participating is presently in progress. Plans are being made for an extension of vocational training and pupil job placement.
An instrumental program in music, the first of its kind in public schools in the state, is now in its third year. Its continued success is due to the high interest level and excellence of the course of study prepared by the Music Department and tailored specific- ally for individual pupils participating.
The key word in Special Education is "individual". The small classes, limited by law to no more than eighteen, make it possible for each child to be given the benefits of individual attention in all areas and at all levels of instruction.
The recent passage of Chapter 750 by the Massachusetts Legislature has increased the responsibilities of the Division of Special Education to include children with emotional problems. Plans are presently being formulated to comply with the mandatory aspects of this legislation to the end that the best interests of the pupils concerned might be served.
We express our appreciation and thanks to the School Com- mittee, administration, principals, supervisors, Youth Officer, parents and interested friends who have assisted us in our endeavor to provide a course of study aimed to the fullest social growth and academic achievement of our pupils, consistent with their varying levels of capacity.
ROBERT D. SAYRS,
Director of Special Education
194
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS REPORT OF SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
School Lunch serves good health. You and your family are what you eat. Without the right foods in the right amounts, it is impossible to be physically fit. The Type A Lunch served in the Randolph School Cafeterias supplies one-third of the daily food needs. This is in compliance with the regulations set down in the National School Lunch Act of the Federal Government. The Governor recently declared School Lunch Week in order to em- phasize its importance in the overall program.
The School Lunch Program does not operate for a profit. It is supported by Federal and State reimbursements and the twenty- five cents that your child pays for the lunch. This covers the cost of food, salaries and maintenance. During the last year our pro- gram received $32,927.00 from the Federal and State Governments.
The Federal Government also distributes food such as: chicken, beef, turkey, flour, butter, canned fruits and vegetables, etc. The total market value of these commodities received in the last year amounted to $12,431.00. For these foods we paid $503.00. The menus are planned to take advantage of these commodities, in order to effect a low operating cost.
At the present time there are four cafeterias operating in the Randolph Schools, namely : Randolph High, North Junior High, Devine and Lyons Schools. In the past year, we served 176,800 Type A meals. There were 668, 740 half pints of milk served. This year we expect to serve nearly one million bottles of milk.
Another cafeteria will open in the Fall in the new school on Reed Street. The Town of Randolph pays the initial cost of equip- ping the cafeterias. The program is then self-supporting.
The cafeteria workers are appointed under Civil Service Regulations. It is necessary to pass the Civil Service tests for the various positions in order to be permanently appointed.
The Randolph School Lunch program has shown an increase of 11% participation during this last year. We are endeavoring to give your child a nutritious, well-balanced meal at a low cost.
I wish to express my appreciation to the School Committee,
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and the School Lunch Workers for their kindness and cooperation during the past year. MARIE C. MINNICK, Director of School Cafeterias
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1961-1962
September
5,
1961
September 6, 1961
September 7, 1961
October 12, 1961
October 27, 1961
Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
November 22, 1961
November 27, 1961
December 22, 1961
Schools Close for Thanksgiving Recess - a full day of school
Schools Reopen
Schools Close for Christmas vacation - a full day of school.
January 2, 1962
Schools Reopen
February 16, 1962
February 26, 1962
Schools Reopen
Schools Close for Spring Vacation
April 23, 1962
May 30, 1962
Memorial Day
Schools Close -All Grades
Approved by Randolph School Committee April 6, 1961
"NO SCHOOL" ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The general policy is not to cancel the school session except under extreme weather conditions. It is always the privilege
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Schools Close for Winter Vacation
April 13, 1962
Schools Reopen
June 22, 1962
School opens for all Personnel Full Work Day for all Personnel School Opens - All Grades Columbus Day
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
of any parent to keep a child at home if the parent feels that it is necessary.
2. The following stations usually carry our "No School" announcements :
Boston : W.B.Z., W.H.D.H., W.E.Z.E., W.C.O.P.
Quincy :
W.J.D.A.
Brockton : W.B.E.T.
In most instances, it might be better to listen to the Brockton or Quincy stations, for it is not always possible to reach every Boston station, as they handle hundreds of calls on stormy mornings.
3. When the session is cancelled, a recorded message will be available on WO 3-0602 : however, this is but one telephone line, and it is limited greatly in the number of calls which it can handle. You should rely on the radio stations.
4. You should not call school officials, for they are busy mak- ing calls to radio stations, the bus company, principals. Rely on the radio stations for your information.
5. Do not call the Fire, Police or Street Departments, for by so doing you hamper their work.
THOMAS L. WARREN
Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL STATISTICS-JUNE 30, 1960
Population - Randolph Census
18,922
Valuation
$35,914,810.00
School Enrollment
4,342
Average Membership
4,263
Average Daily Attendance
3,972
Average number of days in session in all schools 180
Average cost per pupil in all Randolph Schools
268.43
Non-resident pupil ( 1/2 year or more in attendance )
47
Number of teachers and principals 181
Number of Supervisors
9
Number of School Doctors
3
Number of School Nurses
3
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
STUDENTS ATTENDING VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Brockton Day Trade
10
Brockton Evening Trade
2
Quincy Day Trade
1
Quincy Evening Trade
6
Boston Day Trade ( Boys )
4
Boston Evening Trade
8
Somerville Trade Day
1
Charlestown Day Trade
1
Henry O. Peabody Day
7
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Children absent from school five or more days, because of a contagious disease, or because of illness of an unknown nature must obtain a health certificate from the School Physician or their own attending physician before they may return to school.
ENTERING AGE TO GRADE ONE
A child who will reach his 6th birthday on or before January 2nd, following his entrance into school, will be eligible to enter grade one.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENT December 1961
Expenditures :
Salaries
$1,072,458.75
Expenses 180,322.64
Accounts Payable
3,285.00
Expenditure for Support of Public Schools
$1,256,066.39
Receipts :
1. School Funds
213,383.65
2. Transportation 45,311.47
3. Tuition, State Wards 12,497.15
4. Tuition of Pupils from Other Towns 1,790.80
5. Special Education 14,165.61
6. Miscellaneous 394.74
7. Rental of Buildings 505.00
Vocation Receipts :
1. Maintenance of State Aided
Vocational Schools 9,925.71
2. Vocational Tuition 4,569.32
3. Vocational Transportation 445.00
4. Payments from Auto Shop 185.27
TOTAL RECEIPTS 303,173.72
Net Cost of Education to Town of Randolph
$952,892.67
Salary Approp. Unexpended $18,328.75 Expense Approp. Unexpended 564.48
Total Unexpended funds returned to Excess and and Deficiency fund $18,893.23
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
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