USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1953 > Part 18
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The in-service training program for orientation purposes for new primary and elementary teachers and the annual pre- sentation of the work in the elementary grades through the Open House Program conducted in the spring have been con- tinued through the year with commendable results.
The transfer of the pupils of grades six from both the Pope and Cummings School organizations to classrooms in the Southern Junior High School has, with only a very few minor difficulties, proved to be a very satisfactory partial solution of elementary school overcrowding. The smoothness with which the transfers were made was naturally due to the excellent co- operation of the principals and the staffs of the schools involved.
In anticipation of new school buildings in the not too dis- tant future, provision was made during the year for the purchase of nine rooms of varying new style furniture for com- parison and study.
Considerable impetus has been given to a fairly recent movement in the music department, namely, the organization of boys' and girls' choirs in some of the schools. While such groupings give added instruction in vocal training of the beautiful voices of children, much pleasure and a sense of pride is provided to the children. One notable example resulted when the Cutler School groups were invited to sing at the Convocation of Boston University when the new President Case was inaugurated. Other choirs have appeared and performed at meetings of Parent-Teachers Associations and other groups.
A reading readiness program started during the third quarter of the kindergarten year is a recent addition to the primary school work. It has proved to be a very worth-while. experience for the children and is preparing them for a happier entrance into the first grade.
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Safety patrols are operating very satisfactorily in practically all of the elementary schools on account of the very effective cooperation being received from the Safety Officer of the Po- lice Department. The safety record of the Somerville schools, through the successful activities of the patrols, is known far and wide, and is recognized as one of the best.
The excellent results accomplished in all the schools through the banking experience are summarized in the report of the Director of Thrift.
The pupils of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades again par- ticipated in the Quiz-Down program conducted by the Boston Globe, and many awards were received, not only by the broad- casting participants, but also by those who submitted the questions used on the quiz.
Although television is no longer a novelty, it has lost none of its appeal. Studies of the leisure-time activities of some of our children reveal that more time is spent viewing television programs than is spent in the classroom. Letters to parents suggesting more control and out-of-doors activities have met with much cooperation. Parents, too, are troubled and welcome the interest manifested by school authorities.
The influence of television is so strong, however, and the easy access to this entertainment so tempting, that it will ever be a threat to a well-planned leisure-time program for children. As an educational medium, television could achieve great re- sults. It is hoped that the Commonwealth will meet with success in its planning for the use of educational television in the near future.
Many other experiences could be added to this list to show progress during the year at the elementary level, but it appears to be better to extend a cordial invitation to all the people of Somerville to visit the presentation of the work of the pupils of the elementary schools, which is held annually in May. At this time the work of all the pupils is exhibited by subjects, and a perusal of the work will quickly and easily show the actual im- provement in the various subjects during the year. Those who have no children in the schools should visit the schools if for no other reason than to witness the appreciation of the parents of the pupils.
TRADE HIGH SCHOOL
The trend in Vocational Education this year has been to give more and more emphasis to the related and technical work
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of the various trades. The necessity of knowing why and what is being done in the work in the shops is becoming more im- portant each year.
The various trades that are represented by the Apprentice- ship Committee are requiring trainees to take a related or technical course of 180 hours in the different Trade or Voca- tional Schools of the State. The courses in both Painting and Decorating and Printing are outstanding examples of what should constitute a good related program. The importance of this work indicates a necessity for more rooms, desks, and chairs to provide adequately for this work in the Painting and Decorating, Auto Body, and Machine Departments. More room is needed for shop work in both the Auto Body and Painting and Decorating Departments.
This year has been an unusual year with respect to the number of first and second year boys leaving school to enter employment, particularly in the metal trades. The lure of money and the great need for even partially trained personnel has caused many of the students to accept work at their trade during the summer and their work has proved so interesting that many have failed to return to school. Vocational Education aims to train young men for profitable employment, but industry is forced, by the lack of trained graduates, to employ partially trained mechanics and complete their necessary me- chanical training on the job. Unfortunately, much of the related and technical knowledge is not gained on the job and consequently it is hoped that this condition will be but temporary.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES ART
Certain art activities have been a great source of pleasure and accomplishment to the children of the elementary grades this year. Free expression drawings for the little tots have been delightful. Scratch drawing, the beginning of etching, has caught on like magic. Spatter painting, the beginning of sten- cilling, gives the children the opportunity of selecting their own stencils from nature. Working on a problem with two dif- ferent media, such as the effect of making a flower design with wax crayon and applying tempera paint over the wax, provides a source of real enjoyment. It is hoped that some day there will be art laboratories in each elementary school, which would provide opportunities for many other forms of art experiences.
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A new course of study in Art for Junior High Schools, which has been completed this year and approved by the School Committee, after two years of work by the Director and the three junior high school art teachers, covers art activities which provide worth-while experiences for the pupils of grades seven, eight, and nine. It thoroughly explains the reasons for incorpo- rating the activities in the course, is workable, and should be an excellent source of guidance for the art teachers.
An exhibition of the junior high school art in a bank in Davis Square during the month of April reflected the fine work of the teachers and the results achieved by the young artists attracted wide attention and very favorable comments from those who inspected the exhibit.
Five Southern Junior High School pupils won regional honors in the 1953 National Art Awards Contest, and Robert Baker, a seventh grade student, won National honor. The three junior high schools participated in the International Art pro- gram and a letter of commendation was received expressing appreciation of the fine type of work presented.
The International Art Exhibition at St. Louis, Missouri, ex- hibited a painting by Carol Noonan of Somerville High School. Needless to say, the art work being done in the Somerville schools should be a source of satisfaction to all and particularly to the Director.
The results are due in part to the enthusiasm of the teachers. Fifty teachers from the elementary schools availed themselves of the opportunity of taking part in an art work- shop, which was held in Somerville High School, after school hours, five hours a day for three days.
AMERICANIZATION
As in recent years the classes in Americanization were made up of newcomers from countries in all parts of the world. Besides the newcomers there were persons who have been here for years but who have neglected to become citizens, generally because they were unable to read and write. Many had a fear of the oral examination, which is now much more difficult than ever before. The majority of newcomers still come from Europe, Italy contributing the largest number. The newcomers are much better educated in their own countries than were their predecessors, so that progress is obtained more quickly.
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The ten young people of day-school age who were included in the day classes this year have made rapid progress and will be placed in regular grades as soon as they can understand enough English to carry on in the other subjects.
Classes were frequently visited by graduate students from Harvard who were training to become teachers of English in this country or in Europe or Asia because they were much in- terested in the teaching techniques used here.
Much assistance has been given to the Somerville classes by English Language Research, Harvard College, in the form of a variety of material and a post card projector was loaned for help in the visual aid program.
MUSIC
During the year 1953 continued progress has been made in the music activities of the schools from the kindergarten through the high school. The vocal work of the elementary schools has been done efficiently and well. Due to a change in program, the Boston University School of Music has not been able to send a full complement of practice teachers this year, but the curtailment of this valuable aid has not prevented the continuance of good accomplishment.
The violin project for beginners in the elementary schools has continued to make progress during the year and once again the hope is expressed that similar projects with other instru- ments may be started in the near future.
The choral and instrumental work at the junior high school level has progressed very well, but it is hoped by the Director that soon this regular work may be supplemented by adding instruction in music appreciation. The factor now delaying such a procedure is time, for the Public Library is equipped and willing to cooperate by loaning to the schools the necessary equipment from its very fine library of records.
There has been continued growth in interest in all phases of music at the high school level this year. New uniforms have been purchased for the band and some new instrumental equipment has been obtained.
The various high school units have made many successful public appearances during the year and the band has been in-
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vited to participate for the first time in the Inaugural program on January 4, 1954. In consequence of these appearances, it was possible for the Music Department to award four scholar- ships to deserving students at the graduation exercises in June.
SPECIAL CLASSES
This has been a year of normal activity with respect to the administration of spec al classes, which have been functioning in a most efficient manner under the teachership of qualified and experienced personnel.
The study mentioned in previous reports concerning the pre-school education of the mentally handicapped has been carried on, but not to an extent where recommendation is ad- visable. One difficulty which would be encountered, other than the cost of operation, would be the manner of discovering the children needing such attention. The cost item, however, would be rather insignificant compared to the cost of support and care at a later age.
The special class teachers committee on research and study has devoted a great deal of its work during the past year to the development of a postschool or adult education program for the mentally retarded. To classes under such a program would be brought the problems of adjustment to the requirements of industry and society. The school shops could be used to aid in finding solution to industrial problems, while socio-drama could be a technique used to solve problems in the area of so- cial relations. Further study will be given to this problem.
HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Modern hearing conservation programs have as their pri- mary objectives the prevention of hearing losses by early detection, followed by medical diagnosis and corrective treat- ment, and the rehabilitation of the aurally handicapped child through special educational program. The detection of hearing losses is done by a Pure Tone audiometer test, administered by an experienced teacher trained in testing techniques. The Somerville School Committee was one of the first to inaugurate a Pure Tone testing program in the schools. Since that time, this type of hearing testing has been required by state law in the Commonwealth. It, however, has become necessary to change from the individual type of testing to multiple testing in order to facilitate the testing of school children in the city.
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Inasmuch as the first grades in the schools are so large and more time is required by the technician to test the children on that grade level, this change was made necessary. The impor- tance of locating hearing losses in children who are entering school for the first time became so apparent to educators and public health officials that it is now mandatory by state law to start the testing program on the first grade level. Hearing test- ing programs for the detection of hearing losses are, in them- selves, of little importance unless followed through with a medical examination and diagnosis by an ear specialist. It is to the advantage of the school children of Somerville, their parents, and teachers that an ear clinic has been established as part of the hearing conservation program. This clinic has been in operation over a period of about ten years and is sponsored by the Board of Health. This clinic makes possible medical diagnosis of hearing losses in children found by the audiometer testing program. Somerville is one of the very few cities in this area, outside Boston, to have the advantages of an ear clinic as part of its hearing conservation program.
With the detection of hearing losses and medical follow-up and diagnosis known, the School Department carries out the recommendations of the otologist in providing the rehabilita- tion and educational training for the aurally handicapped child. Within the past few years, this program has been expanded to include not only Lip Reading instruction but speech correction, instruction in the use of hearing aids, and education for the parents of the hard-of-hearing children, so that they can better understand their child and his problem.
It is hoped that in the near future the present program can be expanded to the point where some of these children can re- ceive more training than one lesson a week provided at the present time, and that auditory training be included as part of the hearing conservation program. With the exception of the auditory training, the present program provides the aurally handicapped child with special instruction and training, in keeping with the objectives of such a program, which helps him overcome his handicap and makes it possible for him to take his rightful place in the classroom with other children.
THRIFT
It has been said that our form of self-government "de- pended upon six elements of personal character, namely, self- reliance, personal responsibility, thrift, individual initiative, courage, and spiritual growth." The thrift program in the
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schools can be said to be developing most positively the first four of the aforementioned basic character traits because of the very nature of the principles which the exercise of thrift involves.
Pupils from the first grade through the senior high school are participating in ever increasing numbers in the School Sav- ings System, as is shown by the record of total deposits made during the last school year in the amount of $86,581.40, rep- resenting 80,006 individual deposits. Through the weekly deposit day, with lessons based on and derived from the prac- tical material thus furnished, boys and girls are growing up with thrift a realistic part of their equipment for life and a keener understanding of the principles underlying our Amer- ican economy.
The fact that the volume of school savings forms the con- tent of the banking course in the High School provides further emphasis on and affords specific training in thought and work habits which are of inestimable worth and make those who participate worthy of their heritage.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Physical Education instruction was carried on during the year with the usual program and time schedule on all levels of the school system and accomplished well the intent of the program.
The elementary school work continued to be characterized by the spirit of play, relaxation, recreation, and a maximum amount of physical activity. These items took form in folk dances and singing games, rhythms, exercises, mimetics, re- lays, stunts, and games. The annual swimming campaign con- ducted in the early spring at the Y.M.C.A. pool attracted over 600 boys during the three-week period.
At the junior high level approximately all the pupils took active part in the program where pupil leadership was stressed to carry on games, calisthenics, marching tactics, and individ- ual skill activities, while swimming instruction was provided for all boys who wished and had passed their tenth birthdays and were unable to swim.
At the High School the Physical Education program is con- fined to the sophomore and junior classes because there are not enough hours in the week to allow the seniors to participate
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on the two period a week basis. During a period of three weeks each year all members of the sophomore class are given a thorough physical examination under the direction of the Board of Health and the Physical Education Department.
The girls' program includes marching, floor work, games, basketball, softball, and corrective work in the gymnasium, and voluntary outdoor work consisting of hikes, horseback riding, and tennis, while the boys' work is more strenuous and con- sists of floor work, marching, and individual skill activities, as well as games like volley ball, basket ball, and dodge ball and tumbling, wrestling, and apparatus work.
REMEDIAL READING REPORT
In September 1952, tests were administered to over a hun- dred children in grades three through five who were recom- mended by their teachers as having a reading disability. The Pintner General Ability Tests, Non Language Series, were given to obtain their I. Q.'s and the Durell-Sullivan Capacity and Achievement Tests were given to measure reading ability and achievement.
From the results of these tests were selected those children who had the high I. Q.'s but whose reading achievement showed that they were working below their grade capacity and grade level. These selectees attended their regular school classes, except for one hour and a quarter daily when they re- ceived special reading instruction at the Proctor School.
The program, of course, has been limited to the number of pupils who can be accommodated. Because of the large number of pupils recommended for this work the need for expansion has been recognized by the School Committee and is being studied seriously so that more may receive this needed help.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
During the year 1952 the School Committee directed that Parent-Teacher Associations or similar organizations be organ- ized and developed in all individual schools or school districts. As a result of this order all schools or school districts which did not already have parent organizations have established either Parent-Teacher Associations or Home and School Associations. The past year has been devoted to organization and planning. The schools which have the Parent-Teacher Associations have
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also voted to affiliate with the State and National Parent- Teacher Organizations in order to take advantage of the many facilities of these organizations. Many and varied programs have been held during the past year, and a Parent-Teacher Association Council, composed of the presidents of all Parent- Teacher Associations in the city, has been organized.
LOSSES IN PERSONNEL
It is a matter of sincere regret each year to note the de- parture from the public educational service of a number of the most efficient, respected, and beloved teachers. Of the twenty- two persons who severed their connection, two died, ten re- tired, and ten resigned. The two who passed away were both High School teachers, faithful, competent, and devoted serv- ants. Irene E. Kenney, a teacher of Chemistry, died on April 29, 1953 after a period of service of forty-seven years and eight months. Bernice Newborg, teacher of commercial sub- jects, died on September 11, 1953, after a period of service of thirty-five years. These losses were recognized by public ex- pressions of appreciation and letters of sympathy sent to their families.
Of the ten who retired, four were required to sever their connections with the schools by the provisions of the statutes of the Commonwealth, four retired because of failing health, while two retired for disability under the provisions of the Veterans Pension Act.
Of the group of ten who resigned their positions, four re- signed to be married, two left to assume more complete home duties, and four resigned to assume other positions in the same or other fields.
Several of those who retired and resigned had notable records of length of service. Among these were Ida Kane, kindergartner at the Glines School, forty-seven years and eight months; Edith L. French, teacher of Mathematics at the Southern Junior High School, forty-one years and two months; Josephine Lacy, elementary school teacher, forty years and six months; Bernice Andrews, Principal's Assistant, Cutler School, thirty-nine years; Olivia H. Norcross, teacher, Brown School, thirty-eight years and eight months; Eva S. Bent, Principal's Assistant, Carr School, thirty-eight years, three months; and Elizabeth M. Welch, Head of Clerical Practice Department, High School, thirty-three years, four months. Others in this group had terms of service of from one year to twenty-three years and eight months.
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SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Proper housing of school children has ever been a prime concern of educators. Obviously a school building should be functional and efficient and provide the services necessary to attain the highest educational objectives. The care, mainte- nance, and custodial service of the Somerville schools are entirely under the direction of the Building Department and the Commissioner of Public Buildings. This task is a very dir- ticult one in Somerville when it is realizcd that the school buildings are uniformly old and that several have been in use over eighty years. Gratitude is hereby expressed to the very capable Building Commissioner for his sincere cooperation with the school administration in the care and maintenance of the school plant. Working with a very limited budget he has shown a real understanding of the problems involved and has made every effort to satisfy the many pressing demands made upon him and the personnel of his department.
It has already been pointed out that there is a grave need for the replacement of much of the antiquated and unsuitable classroom furniture presently in the schools, and also for pro- viding additional accommodations in the way of classroom furniture due to the increased enrollments in the lower grades. During the past year the sum of $7,000 was spent for the pur- chase of new type movable furniture for nine classrooms in the following elementary schools: Knapp, Cutler, Carr, Forster, Hanscom, Baxter, Brown, and Glines. Different types of new furniture were purchased so that it would be possible to make a more considered judgment when it came to the decision as to the kind of furniture to be bought for the two new elementary schools which are being planned. The sum of $5,000 was spent on the purchase of auditorium chairs for the Northeastern Junior High School and the Vocational School.
A considerable amount of work was done in repairing heat- ing plants. New oil burners were installed in the Morse and the Vocational Schools, the boiler at the Cutler was retubed, and the boiler at the Grimmons School was replaced.
A new kindergarten was established at the Burns School, a new third grade class was set up at the Grimmons, two sixth grade classes were set up in the Southern Junior High School (one from the Cummings and one from the Bennett), and one first and one second grade of the Pope School organization were transferred from the Hanscom School to the Bennett School. Two fifth and two sixth grade classes were set up at the Hanscom School. Furniture for five classrooms was trans-
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