USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1960-1963 > Part 41
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9. instill in the student a moral obligation to himself and the community;
10. provide for the physical and health needs of the student by offering a program which would include all the students.
With the aims of the junior high school in mind, I would like to point out the steps which have been taken during the past year to achieve these aims in the North Junior High School.
Several innovations have taken place in the methods of grouping students and in scheduling the individual pupils. The criteria used for grouping students into outstand- ing, high, average, or low groups is as follows:
1. the pupil's intelligence level;
2. the results of standardized achievement tests;
3. the overall marks achieved by the student;
4. the reading level of ability;
5. the previous teacher's recommendations.
Using this criteria we have been able, to the best of our ability, to place each individual in a group best suited for that person so that he may achieve within his group that which he is capable of achieving. Since the student may be more proficient in one area than in another, the program of subjects has been arranged so that a student in one group who may be more or less proficient in a particular subject area may be transferred to another group in that one area without interferring with the rest of the pupil's schedule. In this way we are able to better meet the individual needs of each pupil in every academic area.
Some students who may not possess the ability to excel in formal academic classes often times are very skilled in non-academic areas. For this reason, non-academic classes are scheduled on a heterogeneous basis so that these people may have the opportunity to be successful in those areas which they may possess some talent.
In direct relation to the individual needs but on a more general basis, the program has been improved by the building of a fine new junior high school plant and the purchase of new materials. As a result of the double session which existed for several years
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
it was necessary to curtail the time apportionment of the non-academic subject areas. Now we are able to allot two periods each week to industrial arts, home economics, music and art.
Two new areas were added as a result of the new building. These were French and metal shop. The addition of the metal shop enables us to offer a more complete pro- gram in industrial arts for the boys. With both the wood shop and the metal shop, boys are now offered one year in each area. This experience will give all of the boys a fundamental knowledge in the use of hand tools as well as machine tools.
With the completion of a thirty station language laboratory and the addition of a French teacher, we are now able to offer a French program beginning in grade 7 for selected students. As the French program develops, we will finally offer an oral-aural language program to both 7th and 8th grade students, thereby preparing them for more advanced work in the high school language program.
In order to better meet the diversified needs of the pupils and at the same time keep abreast of current educational practices, several revisions have been made in the curriculum content in the various subject areas.
In the mathematics program we have undertaken a limited program for some stu- dents in the so-called "new math". At the same time the program has been geared to student abilities so that the content now ranges from fifth grade level in some cases to an introduction of freshman mathematics in other classes.
In the social studies program the major changes were made in the eighth grade United States history and the purchase of textbooks better suited to student abilities in the overall program. Because of the vast amount of material covered in United States history and because of the duplication of the material in the 11th grade, 8th grade his - tory now concludes with the Civil War period. In the junior year of high school the in- struction will begin at the Civil War period and conclude with current events. By doing this we hope to give the students a greater insight of the heritage, events, and per- sonalities which have made this nation the country it is today.
In the English program literature is now included as an integral part of the English instruction and not as a separate subject as it had formerly been. Along with the change in literature, more emphasis is now being placed on creative composition, which seems to be seriously lacking in high school and college students.
In the science program new text books have been purchased to bring the science curriculum up to date and to present the student with a more challenging program. The vast changes in the world today, as a result of scientific developments, certainly warrant more preparation for students in this area and more emphasis on science in general.
Without proper direction and assistance a student can no more be successful in his educational career than he can be in any undertaking which has not been properly thought through. To assist the students with the many educational, vocational, and personal problems which confront them, and because they are not always capable of solving these problems themselves, we have added one more guidance counselor to our staff this year. It is now possible for the guidance department to properly assist and direct those students who need that little extra word of encouragement or advice so that they may be more successful in the future.
On November 3, 1961, the students and faculty of the junior high school moved into a new building. This move was more than just a change of environment. It was the realization of the effort and planning of the School Building and Planning Committee, the School Committee, and many citizens interested in the future of the community.
Although a school plant is a necessity, the people who staff it are eventually the ones who will determine the successfulness of the program and the students. In this respect I feel the community and the students are most fortunate in having a faculty devoted to the education of youth.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
The measure of success of a school system is reflected in its community and, to this end, it is obvious that the Town of Randolph, through its School Committee, has been foreseeing and progressive in its educational undertaking.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES L. TOPHAM Principal
REPORT OF READING SUPERVISORS
The Randolph Public Schools are continuing to maintain a reading achievement level in Grades one through six, far above the national norms; a quality of achievement which exemplifies the high standards of the directing personnel and the individual teacher. This superior achievement has been realized, in view of the ever growing school popu- lation, which has resulted in additional pupils and teachers who are in need of training and instruction, plus the normal turn-over of teachers each year, which necessitates a complete orientation of the total reading program, and close supervision of classroom instruction.
The elementary reading department has been most fortunate, in being able to ob- tain the most current, as well as the most approved materials offered in the field of reading. This, of course, is made possible through the sanction and the cooperation of our superintendent and our school committee.
Among the very new materials are those concerned with reading in the content area. Through the use of texts concerned with reading in the various subject areas, the child- ren are also brought to a knowledge of the techniques of reading according to the reading needs. The emphasis in the accompanying study books is to develop an awareness, and a skill for reading through skimming, scanning, and a study "type of reading. This material lends itself effectively to the groups which have been working toward better comprehension, coupled with an increase of reading rate. Thus children are shown not only the techniques for better reading, but they themselves are gaining the ability to discriminate and make judgments as to the kind of reading they wish to do in a specific area at a specific time.
The S. R. A. reading laboratories have entrenched themselves as a definite part of the reading program in grades four, five and six, and have proven value, particularly in advancing the study skills. Presently an S. R. A. pilot program is being conducted in one third grade class. Over and above the obvious purpose of S. R. A., that of develop- ing better comprehension, the emphasis in this particular program is on the develop- ment of comprehension through listening skills. This ability to listen and comprehend, and the development of sequence and a sense of time, is a necessary and valuable skill. There is a time for teaching the skills on a child's instructional level; sight reading by which means we give the pupils the opportunity to put to use their phonic skills; teach- ing the skill of listening to the pupils through exercises, and the resulting ability where- by the pupils learn to concentrate on the spoken word. The success of the pilot program will determine the extent to which this material will be used in the future. Other third grades are learning to properly develop listening skills by the use of materials that have been produced for this purpose also.
After attending the annual New England Reading Conference at Swampscott, we were able to conclude that more and more school systems are attempting to strengthen their reading programs by placing a stronger, better organized phonics program in the early grades. In the face of the many pros and cons of the place of phonics in any reading program, many school systems see the need to develop greater independence in word recognition. All the other skills will be developed at each stage of progression in the basic reading program, but of necessity the proper attack skills for word recognition must come first. This type program was initiated in the Randolph elementary schools five years ago.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
We are adding many kinds of books to the room libraries to foster more leisure reading. We encourage this type of reading to establish good reading habits, and to develop a true appreciation for all literature.
MARY C. GAUGHEN BARBARA A. CONLEY
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES
Healthful school living is a term that designates the provision of a wholesome en- vironment. Since the children spend much of their time in the classroom and in the school itself, this is the logical place to begin to develop the necessary attitudes, skills and habits for healthful living and reasonable safety in our modern world.
Today, the teachers and principals are the key figures in the inspection and obser- vation of the child because of their day by day contact. Therefore, the teacher's observation of the health of the individual child, and the recognition of symptons prove to be of great value to the school nurse so that she may refer the child to the proper health services.
The school physicians examine school children at specified intervals and they also examine children participating in sports. All children are screened annually by the school nurses for visual and hearing defects. All defects are recorded on the child's permanent health record, and notification of defects are sent to the parents for referral to the family physician. Recommendations of the family physician are given every con- sideration.
Home instruction is offered to students who attend Randolph Public Schools if they are not physically capable of full time attendance.
The school nurse administers first aid in the event of accidents. She then refers the child to the family physician for further treatment.
All school children are weighed and measured during the year. When the need is apparent, further discussion about diet with children and parents is arranged.
We were most fortunate in that our town was chosen to be one of the study areas where all of the school population were provided the opportunity to receive the oral Polio vaccine. During May and June, approximately ninety per cent of the school popu- lation were given Types I and III of the Sabin oral vaccine. Many students attended the Board of Health Polio Clinics while others had their family physicians administer the vaccine.
A portion of the school personnel had chest x-rays taken in October. This service was provided by the Norfolk County Tuberculous Health Association.
The school nurses wish to express their appreciation to all school personnel for their cooperation in helping to make our health program a success.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN F. CONLON, R. N. SIGNE HEATH, R. N. MARY A. McGRORY, R. N.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
The 1962-63 school year has brought with it a return of music to the high school day. The band now rehearses three periods per week and the chorus meets two periods per week during school time. After school rehearsals by both organizations are still necessary as the in-school rehearsal schedule is still not adequate to achieve the high standards which I feel we are capable of attaining.
Outstanding band and chorus members were selected to participate in the various festivals which were held during the year. The band appeared many times during the year; giving concerts, performing at all football games and marching in various parades.
The Dance band, composed of outstanding high school band members, continues to rehearse after school. They performed at many functions during the school year. A new addition to the dance band, a girls' vocal trio will be heard in the coming months.
The Chorus participated in several concerts during the year. Because of insuffi- cient rehearsal time, it was necessary to omit a major choral production this year, however, with the return of chorus to the school day, plans are being made to resume major choral productions in the spring.
Each student in the junior high school has music two periods per week during School hours. The program is designed to give students a general background in all phases of music.
The performing groups at this level, consist of band, boys' chorus and girls' chorus. These organizations perform at assemblies and present concerts during the year.
At the present time because of the separation of the junior and senior high school, there is a shortage of background instruments at the junior high. It is my hope that the coming year will bring relief to this shortage.
In June Mr. Lauri Hallfors resigned from the junior high school music staff and was replaced by Mr. Robert Drukman.
The elementary instrumental program continues to increase. This year the enrol- ment has risen to the 350 student mark. This figure is more significant when it is compared with the 150 student elementary enrolment at the time when Mr. Leonard Rapoza was added to the music department.
It is fortunate that we have had student teachers from Boston University at the start of this school year, otherwise it would have been impossible to adequately carry on the instrumental program at the elementary level.
In addition to the increase in enrolment, the forthcoming new elementary school will present additional scheduling problems in the instrumental program. An immedi- ate additional teacher is necessary.
In October of this year a course in "Basic Fundamentals of Music" was offered to the elementary teachers by the Director of Music through the cooperation of the ad- ministration and school committee. Sixty-two teachers are enrolled in the course.
There is an ever increasing number of Randolph students entering the field of music upon graduation, whose training is limited to that of vocal or instrumental instruction. Courses in theory, composition, and appreciation are necessary at the high school level.
It is my recommendation that at least 2 additional teachers are necessary to have the music department function adequately.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School Committee and the adminis- tration for their help in the past and to request their future cooperation and assistance in helping to make this the finest music department in the state.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT M. LACEY Director of Music
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The human body is the only machine that breaks down when not used. Moreover it's also the mechanism that functions better and more healthily the more it is put to use.
We try to stimulate the interest and effort of the boys and girls in our school sys- tem toward physical fitness by providing progressive tests of speed, strength, agility and endurance as standards against which they must match their abilities and their progress.
Tests:
1. 100 yd. sprint (time)
2. sit-ups - 100
3. pull ups - 15
4. walk & run - 1-1/2 miles
5. standing broad jump - 7 ft.
6. push ups - 50
7. running high jump - 4 ft.
8. baseball throws - 150 ft.
9. basketball throws (fouls)
10. continuous hike for distance (5-6 miles)
11. shot put - 30 ft.
12. 440 yd. run - 60 sec.
There is no question of the need for more and better fitness programs. Validated tests prove that we and especially our children are not as fit as either our own ances- tors or the people of other lands. The technology which so abundantly satisfies our material needs is cheating us of the activity necessary to healthy physical development.
President Kennedy described the recent surveys of the public, parochial and pri- vate schools as frightening and shocking. These are the reasons for their alarm:
1. One fourth of our 50 million school children aren't up to minimum acceptable physical standards.
2. One-half are sub standard in strength, agility or flexibility.
3. Only 10 per cent are engaging in vigorous daily physical education programs.
The athletic boy and girl is covered by the many interscholastic teams sponsored by the High School.
Boys: Football - Varsity and Freshman
Basketball - Varsity, Jr. Varsity and Freshman
Track - Cross Country, Winter Track, Spring Track Tennis
Golf
Baseball - Varsity and Jr. Varsity
Girls: Basketball - Varsity and Jr. Varsity
We now need an athletic system developed in the junior high school, preferably basketball, baseball and track.
In my opinion Physical Education should be given to all youngsters in the school system at least twice a week for approximately a 40 minute period for each class, plus a fifteen minute vigorous exercise program daily. In order to accomplish this, more personnel is necessary for the entire athletic and physical education program.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Our entire school system has grown tremendously within a period of ten years. More students demand more facilities and personnel which means a larger budget. This is inevitable and the welfare of the students of the Randolph School System should be uppermost in everyone's mind.
JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS Director of Physical Education
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
This year the responsibilities of the Special Education Department have been in- creased by the passage of Chapter 750 - Acts of 1960 by the Massachusetts Legislature. The new law stipulates that all towns having one or more children qualifying under the stringent requirements as Emotionally Disturbed, must provide special educational facilities for such children.
September of 1962 marked the beginning in Randolph of a Special Class for Emo- tionally Disturbed Children. The School Department was most fortunate to obtain as teacher for this class, Miss Eloise Maloney, former Director of the Cerebral Palsy Nursery School of the Children's Hospital Medical Center. Miss Maloney has had a broad spectrum of experience with children of elementary school age requiring various types and techniques of specialized education. The program for Emotionally Disturbed Children is very closely regulated by State Law and carefully supervised by both the Massachusetts Division of Special Education and the Division of Mental Health. It is noted that Randolph, being one of the pioneers in this particular field of Special Educa- tion, has been host to individuals from other towns of the state which are required to open similar classes under the law, and that our efforts are being studied very closely by all concerned.
Two elementary Special Classes are presently functioning at the Pauline Street School and two more classes for older pupils are operating at the North Junior High School. Plans for vocational training and assistance for high school age pupils are progressing although much remains to be done before our goal of actual job placement becomes a reality. The Pauline Street School Band, in its fourth year, continues to serve as an entering wedge for the learning of various tool subjects and is a source of satisfaction to the children participating.
We wish to express our appreciation to the Special Education teachers: Mrs. Ruth Mowrey, Mrs. Priscilla Watson, Miss Eloise Maloney and Mr. Thomas Mclaughlin for their conscientious and dedicated efforts to further the aims of this department - THE FULLEST SOCIAL GROWTH AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF OUR PUPILS, CONSISTENT WITH THEIR VARYING LEVELS OF CAPACITY.
Again we thank the School Committee, Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Principals and interested individuals in and outside of the School Department for their sympathetic understanding of the problems of the pupils in Special Education and for their assistance to all of us charged with the responsibilities of the Special Education Program.
ROBERT D. SAYRS Director of Special Education
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS REPORT OF SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
The National School Lunch Program is operated under authority established in the National School Lunch Act of June 1946. This act provides for a permanent grant-in- aid under the direction of the secretary of Agriculture, and authorizes annual appropri- ations in amounts sufficient to carry out the purposes and objectives of the act.
Commodities are made available for direct distribution to non-profit lunch pro- grams in elementary and high schools. During the school year of 1961-1962, the Randolph School Lunch program received $42, 098. 22 in monetary reimbursement from the Federal and State governments.
The market value of the food commodities that we received amounted to $18, 793. 60 forwhich we paid $682. 50.
The Type "A" meal served in the Randolph School Lunch consists of: one half pint of whole, unflavored milk, two teaspoons butter, one slice of enriched bread, three- fourths cups serving of raw or cooked vegetables or fruits or both. Twoounces of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish, or two ounces of cheese; or one egg or one half cup cooked dry beans or dry peas are to be served.
During the past year, the four cafeterias of the Randolph schools served: 242, 732 Type "A" meals. This is an increase of 65, 932 meals over last year. Our over-all participation has increased 38%. In the same ten month period, we served 828, 772-1/2 pints of milk in the eight schools of Randolph.
The Margaret L. Donovan School Cafeteria will open in 1963. This will be the fifth cafeteria in the town. The Town of Randolph has paid the initial cost of equipping this cafeteria.
At the present time, there are twenty employees in the four cafeterias. The cafe- teria 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 from the list. Applications should be made directly to the Civil Service Division in the State House.
Our aim is to serve nutritious meals at a price that all students can afford. We hope to promote good eating habits that will last for a lifetime. The establishment of good eating habits in school days will build healthier, happier and more productive adults. I wish to express my gratitude to the School Committee, Building Committee, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance and Custodial force and the School Lunch Workers for their complete cooperation during the past year.
MARIE C. MINNICK Director of School Cafeterias
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1962 - 1963
Subject to change by Randolph School Committee:
September 4, 1962
School Opens for All Personnel
September 5, 1962
Full work day for all Personnel
September 6, 1962
School Opens - All Grades
September 12, 1962
Columbus Day
October 26, 1962
Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
November 12, 1962
Veterans' Day
November 21, 1962
Schools Close for Thanks giving Recess (a full day of school)
November 26, 1962
Schools Reopen
December 21, 1962
Schools Close for Christmas Vacation (a full day of school)
January 2, 1963
Schools Reopen
February 15, 1963
Schools Close for Winter Vacation
February 25, 1963
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