USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1960-1963 > Part 51
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Specifically, modern mathematics was introduced to all stu- dents who, it was felt, were able to cope with it. It should be pointed out that although the title "modern" implies something new or different, the subject matter is still basically the same. The difference between so-called modern mathematics and tradi- tional mathematics is in the revision of topic placement and teacher presentation. The aim of the program is to give the student a better understanding of mathematical functions and as a result a stronger mathematical background for more advanced work.
For the less capable students, a revised curriculum and a suitable textbook were provided so that a comprehensive mathe- matics program will better prepare them for more advanced work at the high school level and mathematics involved in every- day life.
As we are all well aware, a person's ability to communicate through the oral and written mediums, as well as his ability to comprehend in both of these mediums, often determine one's suc- cess in this verbal world. Because of this, the English curricu- lum has been revised to include one program devoted extensively to grammar and composition, one to a more inclusive program including grammar and composition, literature and reading, and a third program primarily devoted to reading skills, comprehen- sion, and the fundamentals of language arts.
During the past decade, tremendous strides have been made in the field of science and the technology associated with all fields of human endeavor. To even keep abreast of the changes is almost an impossible feat. Because of this great expansion in the field of science, we are attempting to prepare our students for these changes by presenting them with an up-to-date and modern science program. New textbooks with the latest scien- tific information and data have been purchased for all students, replacing out-dated and obsolete material. By utilizing funds provided by the United States Government under the National Education Defense Act, we have been able to supply our teachers with excellent equipment for use with their students. With the new textbooks and equipment we are now able to give the student a background in science compatible with present-day thinking in the field of science education.
In the field of social studies, we have concentrated this past year in giving our students a greater understanding and insight into the problems presently emerging in the Asiatic and African continents. These areas, which have long been relegated a minor role in the curriculum, have been emphasized because it is here that present and future events may well determine the destiny of the world as well as the lives of our students. Work in the
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revision of the curriculum in this area will continue in the coming year so that we may arrive at the point where we are satisfied that the students' needs are being met.
With the addition of French in the eighth grade, we are now able to present a complete oral-aural modern foreign language program to both the seventh and eighth grade and thus complete the program with a continuity from grade seven through grade twelve.
Our library, which is an integral part of every school, has grown by two hundred volumes. If this rate of expansion contin- ues, which present plans call for, in a short time we will be able to offer our students the necessary reference and supplementary materials in all of the academic and the cultural fields that are so vital to a sound educational program.
In the business world, success is easily discerned by check- ing the profit and loss columns at the end of the fiscal year. Un- fortunately, in the field of education we must wait many years to view our success or failure. However, judging by the accomplish- ments of the graduates of the Randolph Public Schools and con- sidering the continuing improvements which are being carried on each year in cooperation with the School Committee and the Super- intendent of Schools, I am sure that our students will, in the future, be well qualified to live up to the expectations of society.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES L. TOPHAM Principal
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY READING SUPERVISORS
The pupils of the Randolph School Department continue to maintain a high level of achievement in reading. This judgement is based both on test results, and classroom observations, which are evaluated in the light of the good reading practices which have been demonstrated.
Many new materials have been added at the various grade levels. In particular, we have been very enthusiastic about the Reading For Understanding kits being used on the fifth and sixth grade levels. This kit is comprised of graded materials to aid in better understanding of reading. The various levels emphasize reading for facts and inferences. This is a developmental type of reading program with the emphasis on improving understanding of
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
what is read by practicing with curriculum materials especially designed to develop that skill. The purpose of this individualized program is to furnish all children with opportunities for learning according to each one's capabilities.
Many pupils in our sixth grades have shown substantial growth in word development beyond the elementary level. They have been provided with new materials to further develop the building of vocabulary upon the root word combined with prefixes and suf- fixes, the multi-meanings of words, and the extensive use of con- text clues.
Based upon the success of a pilot program using programmed materials in a third grade last year, we have expanded this same material into other third grades this year. This material will specifically provide the pupils with practice in the skills; under- standing the total meaning of a selection, following directions, organizing the thoughts of a selection in logical order, broaden- ing the vocabulary, remembering what is read, and answering fact questions by recall and selection in multiple choice. The practice period, using the selections, will supplement the usual teaching lessons. The exercises will act as a check on the skills developed during the reading session, while the reading session should encourage the application of those skills which were prac- ticed in independent exercises.
An experimental, controlled pilot program dealing with the Phonetic-Audio-Visual approach to reading is being used with one class of first graders. The emphasis in this program is to teach the words as wholes, while the child is being led to see how the sounds that he knows appear in each word, and are systematic- ally represented by the letters in it. The whole phonic-pattern and the whole meaning-pattern are joined into a single unit of perception. We hope to be able to make a comparison study be- tween this approach and our present phonetic-basal reader ap- proach, as to advantages and disadvantages; strengths and weak- nesses of each system.
This year the reading department is offering an in-service course in Developmental Reading, grades one through twelve. Approximately fifty of the Randolph teaching personnel, repre- sentative of all levels, have enrolled to view the program in its specifics, and to have an analysis of the reading program as a whole. We are endeavoring to follow up each session with sam- ples of work involving the various skills, in addition to utilizing groups on several levels for purposes of demonstration.
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We continue to take an inventory of our reading program; looking to improve techniques, add new materials, and to further service the teaching personnel through demonstrations of these techniques and the use of materials, so that reading in the Ran- dolph Public Schools will remain on a high level of superior quality.
MARY C. GAUGHEN BARBARA A. CONLEY
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSES
We hereby submit a report of our work for the year, 1963.
The present assignment of school nurses is as follows: Miss Helen Conlon is responsible for the health program at the Eliza- beth G. Lyons School, Tower Hill School, McNeill School, and Bel- cher School. Mrs. Signe Heath carries out her duties at the High School and the Stetson Elementary School. Miss Mary McGrory is assigned to the North Junior High School, Charles G. Devine School, and the Pauline School. The Margaret L. Donovan School is attended by all three school nurses.
Routine physical examinations were given to 1,750 pupils by the school doctors, Dr. William S. Sloane, Dr. Justin V. McGuirk, and Dr. Russell F. Thompson. There were 125 pupils who were referred to their family physicians for further examination. Physical check-ups were also given to all students participating in inter-school sports at the secondary school level.
In March, Type 2 Sabin Oral vaccine for immunization against Polio was administered to over 90% of the school enrollment. This dosage completed the series of Sabin Oral vaccine, Types 1 and 3 having been given the previous year.
Diphtheria and Tetanus booster inoculations were given to 249 first grade pupils whose parents had given written consent. These inoculations are most effective in protecting the children from Diphtheria and lock jaw.
The Massachusetts Vision test was administered to 4,432 pupils, and in the group there were 270 pupils who failed this test. The Massachusetts Pure Tone Audiometer test was given to 3,774 pupils. Of this group, 102 pupils failed the hearing test. All pupils who failed in either of the above tests were referred to their family specialists for further follow up and treatment.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
A new type of vision testing machine was purchased and is being used in our program of yearly testing of the vision of all pupils in the Randolph Public Schools. This machine enables the operator to do the testing at a single desk within a limited space, and eliminates the need for special distance areas within health facilities. The purchase of a second machine is recommended for the near future.
Routine procedures such as first aid, measuring, weighing, and inspecting pupils were conducted. Many conferences relating to health problems were held with the teachers and parents. Home visits were made by the nurse whenever a need was indicated.
A new listing of all handicapped pupils was forwarded to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Home tutoring was provided for students unable to attend school due to illness or physical impairment.
About 98% of the Junior class was given the Mantoux test for Tuberculosis, sponsored by the Norfolk County Hospital. The necessary arrangements were made by the high school nurse.
The Future Nurses Club of the High School, supervised by Mrs. Heath, held many activities during the year including proj- ects for fund raising.
HELEN F. CONLON, R.N. SIGNE HEATH, R.N. MARY A. McGRORY, R.N.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
The Music Department is still continuing its perennial struggle to being adequate music facilities to our public schools. To date it has been impossible to keep up with the increased enrollment in our schools. The high school program is still inadequate to meet the needs of the large numbers of our students entering into various professional fields of music. The band rehearses three periods a week and the chorus meets two periods a week during school time. To achieve the desired standards of performance, after-school rehearsals are necessary to complement in-school rehearsal time.
It was hoped that badly needed courses in theory composition and appreciation of music could be given this year, but due to the over-crowded conditions at the High School, it was impossible to do so. Probably this will be possible in 1964.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
In January, the Southeastern Mass. District Festival was held in Randolph, and as usual, Randolph was very well represented. Students are selected to participate in these festivals through com- petitive auditions in 47 towns of the Southeastern Mass. area, and outstanding students were selected to perform. Citizens of Ran- dolph generously aided in this venture by inviting the visiting mu- sicians to sleep and eat in their homes. The warm hospitality of the people of Randolph was greatly appreciated by all.
The high school band appeared many times during the school year giving concerts, performing at all football games, and march- ing in various parades. The high school dance band, now a well- known organization, because of its many performances, plus the dance band's girls trio, continues to rehearse after school.
With the return of choral rehearsal time during the school day, a major choral production, Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mi- kado" was presented in addition to the regular concerts and as - semblies, at which the chorus usually performs. In addition to the regular chorus, a highly selected choral group has been formed in order to give exceptionally talented students the extra attention that is needed.
The Junior High program is now functioning adequately. Each Jr. High student has two general music periods a week. This pro- gram is mainly an appreciation program which is designed to give students a cultural background. Instrumental lessons as well as choral rehearsals and band rehearsals are given before school and during lunch periods. A Jr. High training dance orchestra rehearses once a week after school so that exceptional students may have the advanced instrumental training that they need. Per- forming groups at this level are girls chorus, boys chorus, and band. These organizations perform at assemblies and concerts during the year.
Because of the tremendous interest in the study of instrumen- tal music at the elementary school level and the corresponding in- crease in the numbers of students choosing instrumental study, Mr. Richard Rubino was added to the music department. It would have been impossible to carry out the program at the elementary level without the additional teacher.
A course in basic fundamentals of music was given to elem- entary classroom teachers by the director of music in order to give the elementary classroom teachers the necessary background with which to carry on the elementary vocal program. This is still not enough. It is my feeling that a full-time vocal person is needed at the elementary level, so that periodic visits may be made to each elementary classroom in order to assist the teach- ers in carrying out the elementary vocal program.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
It is my sincere hope that this coming school year will see the elimination of some of the problems that have been facing the music department and the establishment of a music program that will adequately fulfill the needs of all our students.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT M. LACEY Director of Music
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
A decision has been reached that the Supervisors set up a Physical Education program in the Grade Schools - instruct the teachers by display with the pupils - have the teachers follow through with the pupils twice a week and have the supervisors check the progress of the work. The supervisors are to check closely and make any corrections if necessary. Besides the phys- ical education program twice a week, a daily program of fifteen minutes of calisthenics is conducted for all pupils in every grade school. All people concerned with the physical education program in the Grade Schools are cooperating to the fullest, so that the pupils in the grade schools may have a proper beginning.
Next year the Freshman will be in the North Junior High School, creating a double session. This entails the addition of two more physical education people to cover the work which will ensure that the Freshmen will have a full-scale athletic program. All pupils of grades 7 through 12 will continue to have two periods of physical education weekly.
With the possibility of a new school in the making, it is the earnest wish of this department that the School Planning and Build- ing Committee have the foresight to include a swimming pool wigh- in the building. I cannot stress too strongly the need for some swimming facility in Randolph, because there are none in town. The State will pay 50% of this cost, thereby giving the Town a $200,000 pool for $100,000.
The High School will be adequate for a few years due to the transfer out of the Freshman classes. However, it will not be too long before the crowded situation will again dominate the High School and thought should be given to the type of new school in the future, or an addition to the present High School.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
Facilities and personnel are necessary for a physical educa- tion and athletic program and if people in the town desire their children to have the advantages of such a program, then they should think along the lines that would benefit the young during the day, and adults during the evening.
JOSEPH ZAPUSTAS Director of Physical Education and Athletics
REPORT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SPECIAL PUPIL SERVICES
Special Pupil Services concerns itself with any pupil who qualifies for special educational attention administered under the rules and regulations promulgated by the State Division of Spe- cial Education. The services range from the furnishing of a vis- iting teacher for a pupil who is confined to his home because of illness or injury, through a range of problems involving trans - portation and tuition for children with emotional disturbances, orthopedic and visual handicaps and includes those children who qualify for Special Class placement because of a lack of intellec- tual capacity to progress through the regular school classes with their own age group.
The recent assignment of the Town of Randolph to the South Shore Mental Health Area will allow the School Department to avail itself of the facilities of the South Shore Guidance Center. It is anticipated that referrals of pupils presently in Special Edu- cation and those who might qualify for assistance under the pro- visions of the various laws relating to Special Education will be made to this guidance center as soon as facilities become avail- able.
We report the appointment of Mr. George Allen to the position of Special Class Teacher at the North Junior High School, vacated by Mr. Thomas Mclaughlin in June.
Within the past year, Home Teaching was performed by nine - teen teachers to a total of twenty-one children; contract trans - portation, exclusive of school bus transportation was furnished to thirty-two handicapped Randolph children attending schools in Avon, Boston, Braintree, Milton, Quincy and Randolph; a total of seventy-one individual psychological tests was administered by the School Psychologist to Randolph pupils, and a survey of chil- dren in all grades, excluding the mentally retarded and the vis- ually handicapped was made in conjunction with the School Nurses,
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
revealing one hundred and fifty-nine pupils who have physical handicaps. The information gained by this survey will be used to determine the type and extent of assistance that can be obtained from the State Department of Special Education.
Randolph presently conducts four Special Education classes for a total of fifty-eight children. Two of these classes are at the Pauline Street School and two are at the North Junior High School. Five Randolph children attend a Special Class in Milton and three Milton children are transported to the Pauline Street School on a reciprocal arrangement between the two towns.
A fifth class under this department, the class for Emotionally Disturbed Children at the Stetson School, now in its second year, is attended by six children who have qualified for this special at- tention under the stringent regulations of the State Divisions of Special Education and Mental Health. It is noted that Randolph is one of only three towns in the South Shore area providing a class for Emotionally Disturbed Children under Chapter 750.
Our appreciation is expressed to the School Committee, Sup- erintendent and Assistant Superintendent, School Nurses, Youth Officer, Health and Welfare Departments and all other individuals who have cooperated and assisted this department in its aim to provide handicapped children with the best education possible.
ROBERT D. SAYRS Director
REPORT OF SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
The National School Lunch Program is designed to stimulate boys and girls to have desirable attitudes toward lunch and well- balanced and nutritious meals. We hope to establish good eating habits that will last a lifetime.
The Randolph School Lunch Program increased this year with the addition of the fifth cafeteria, located at the Margaret L. Don- ovan School on Reed Street.
During the past year, the entire program consisting of five cafeterias, and four schools serving milk only, served 989,820 1/2 pints of milk and 299, 728 Type "A" meals. This was an in- crease of 56,996 meals over the previous year.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
During the school year of 1962-1963, the lunch program paid out $43,345.82 for salaries and $105,322.39 for foodstuffs and other expenses.
Our cash receipts totaled $106,174.59, and our monetary re- imbursement from the Federal and State governments totaled $45,612.21.
Commodities, consisting of foodstuffs, are made available for direct distribution to non-profit lunch programs in elementary and high schools. The market value of the commodities which we re- ceived amounted to $22,535.40 for which we paid $500.85. This charge is merely a handling charge. We paid 36% or $181.00 less for more commodities. We were able to take these commodities because we have the facilities to store them, and thus effect a saving to the Town of Randolph.
The Type "A" meals served in the Randolph School consist of: one-half pint of whole unflavored milk, two teaspoons of but- ter, one slice of enriched bread, three-fourth cup serving of raw or cooked vegetables or fruit or both, two ounces of cooked, lean meat, fish or poultry, or two ounces of cheese; or one egg; or one-half cup cooked dry beans or peas, are to be served.
Cafeteria permanent workers are appointed under Civil Serv- ice 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 Divi- sion of Civil Service in the State House.
We wish, at this time, to thank the Randolph Police Depart- ment for their invaluable assistance during the past three years, in transporting our cash receipts to the bank.
I wish to express my gratitude to the School Committee, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance and Cus- todial force and our School Lunch workers for their cooperation during the past year.
MARIE C. MINNICK Director of Cafeterias
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY -EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1963 - 1964
Subject to change by Randolph School Committee:
September 3, 1963
School Opens for All Personnel
September 4, 1963
School Opens - all grades
October 25, 1963
Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
November 11, 1963
Veterans' Day
November 27, 1963
Schools Close for Thanksgiving Recess (a full day of school)
December 2, 1963
Schools Reopen
December 20, 1963
Schools Close for Christmas Vacation (a full day of school)
January 2, 1964
Schools Reopen
February 21, 1964
Schools Close for Winter Vacation (a full day of school)
March 2, 1964
Schools closed for Election
March 3, 1964
Schools Reopen
March 27, 1964
Good Friday - No School
April 17, 1964
Schools Close for Spring Vacation (a full day of school)
April 27, 1964
Schools Reopen
June 26, 1964
Schools Close - All Grades
There will be one day out in April (date unknown at present) for Pre-Primary Elections.
"NO SCHOOL" ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The general policy is not to cancel the school session except under extreme weather conditions. It is always the privilege 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" announce- ments:
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., W.O.K.W.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
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 3-7802: 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 making calls to radio stations, the bus company, principals. Rely on the radio stations for your information.
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