USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1955 > Part 6
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The instrumental program as a whole is progressing satisfactorily. However, if we are to have a really good marching band, there must be more time allowed for re- hearsals and these periods should be sched- uled during the school day. We must also find time in our already over-crowded schedule for the purpose of training a drum major. In the fall, another group of approxi- mately 50 children will be expecting to begin instrumental instruction, and rehear- sal time will have to be allowed in the schedule for this group.
Keeping the present conditions in mind and with the addition of new responsibilities as described above, your Supervisor cannot urge too strongly that serious consideration® must be given to the addition of another staff member to the Music Department in the immediate future. Otherwise, we can- not possibly hope to provide the children of Ipswich with the type of music education program to which they are entitled.
In closing I wish to thank the School Committee and the Superintendent for their cooperation and understanding during the past year; also the Principals, the Teach- ing Staff and the Children of Ipswich for their sincere efforts in behalf of the music department in 1955.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND R. HILL Music Supervisor
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
, A LOOK BACKWARD
The goal of the Art Department always has been to achieve a level where all the pupils of our school system have the oppor- tunity assimilate the culture acquired through the Study of the Arts and to fur- nish those with special talents the basic elements necessary for further studies at higher levels. There have been serious and growing difficulties facing us in attempting to achieve this goal; for, while on the one hand we are doing our utmost to expand opportunities, on the other we have had to contend with the increasing pressures of an over-crowded school system.
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The situation was foreseen and four years ago plans were put into operation to trans . fer our organization from that of a visiting teacher method to that of a supervisory system in the elementary grades. The suc- cess of such a method, especially in the period of change or transition depends great- ly on the full cooperation of all concerned and particularly on the good will and devo- tion to duty of the classroom teachers involved. Needless to state, these elements were present in full measure and the new program now operates successfully. In effect our elementary teachers have taken on the added burden of teaching a highly special- ized subject and have met the challenge so well that we may honestly state that our art program stands on solid educational principles and well in line with the best modern methods of instruction.
All through this marked change and de- velopment we have contended with the physical problem of constricted working areas, shorter periods for class work, par- ticularly on the High School and Junior High School level.
As far as may be these conditions have been amelioriated through the help of the Superintendent, Dr. Savitt and the prin- cipal, Mr. Pressley. The High School Art Room in the Shop Building has been painted, adequate heat provided, a fire alarm bell installed and exit doors made safe with panic locks. Excellent art tables and chairs were provided and one may say now that we have an art room suitable for our present needs.
Over-population of the High School brought about a very difficult problem in scheduling classes which proved to be detri- mental to a sound program of instruction. This is presently being solved by Mr. Press- ley, who has undertaken the extremely dif- ficult step of re-scheduling all groups con- cerned, about 343 students. The art work for the Junior High School groups on after- noon session suffers considerably for lack of physical facilities and shortened working time. Many consultations have been held with Mr. Rogers on this matter and we hope to find a better way to handle the problem than the present system.
In general, we have moved forward a great distance on the elementary level, have improved some areas on the high school
level and still have real difficulties regarding the 6th and 7th grades.
It would be dishonest to state other than the fact that the last several years has been a series of formidable challenges to all of us and only close co-operation on the part of all has enabled us to meet them ade- quately.
A LOOK AHEAD
We foresee a continuation of these chal- lenges in the near future and many new problems arising to demand solutions. In spite of them we must go ahead with plans to achieve our goal of tailoring our art program to fit the needs of our pupils.
More important phases of this planning entails the following:
1. Improved curriculum offerings on the Junior High and High School levels now made possible by the addition of one day for art classes together with the rescheduling of the 8th grade to separate them from the High School groups. These changes will permit the adoption of a modified unit lesson plan with more accent cn individual help and guidance.
2. Expanded use of the high school art room for grades 6 and 7 this year and grades 7 and 8 next year.
3. A great increase in the use of audio- visual aids.
4. Expansion of the program already under way to correlate art with other subject areas on the high school level. This program is meeting with ready acceptance on the part of the high school teachers and students alike.
5. Encouragement of the program of research and experimentation by our elementary teachers, many of whom have already done remarkable work in this field and have furnished much valuable information for future use.
6. Establishment of a more satisfactory method of programming Art Exhibi- tions.
7. Expansion of supervisory lesson plan- ning in technical subject matter and provision of more resource materials for teacher use.
8. Betterment o of physical
facilities wherever it may be possible.
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In the effort to be brief many minor problems and accomplishments have been left out. We are confident that the problems will be overcome and we hope to turn the minor accomplishments into major ones as time goes on.
I find it difficult to express adequately my feelings of appreciation to all those teachers who have so willingly and co-oper- atively furthered the aims of the art pro- gram by conscientious teaching, self-study and wisely controlled experimentation. I am deeply indebted to the principals, Mr. Press- ley, Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Atherley, and Mr. Bennett for their understanding and valu- able help in many complex situations and to Dr. Savitt and the School Board for much sound advice and guidance in steering the program in the direction of soundness and stability. Many others have been of great assistance in their special areas and to them I extend an appreciative measure of grati- tude. Not the least of course is the student body and their parents whose encouragement and faith have been a heartening factor at all times.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK CHADBOURNE Art Supervisor
REPORT OF THE READING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
A LOOK BACKWARD
The remedial reading program and the supervisory reading program are now in their second year. The number of remedial cases this year has been reduced, of necessity, to approximately seventy children. It was considered more desirable to reduce the teaching load and thereby give more inten- sive instruction. As a result of this the pupil progress has been gratifying. Because of the shortened high school day fewer students could take advantage of the remedial pro- gram and it was necessary to set a limit at the tenth grade. It had been hoped that a developmental as well as a remedial pro- gram could be instituted at the Junior and Senior High level, but again, the double session reducing class time to the minimum, made this plan impossible of achievement
Special techniques improve reading ability
this year except in the sixth and seventh grades.
In last year's report it was indicated that there was a need for reorganization of our primary reading program. Because of this the reading supervisor attended the Annual Reading Institute at Temple University where an evaluation of our present system was made. Much valuable information was returned to our staff from this week-long conference of reading supervisors and ex- perts from all part of the country. The staff and supervisor throughout the year made visits to schools in many communities to observe, to study, and to discuss pro- grams and problems of planning similar to our own. Many of our teachers benefitted from a course in reading given under the direction of Dr. Donald Durrell of the Boston University Educational Clinic. As a result of our study, visitation, and discus- sion a new basic reading program was added to our existing system to be used exclusively with children below grade level in reading. This procedure is being followed throughout our primary grades.
A committee for a better reading program in the primary grades has been organized and it is heartening to note that seventeen teachers, four of whom are not primary teachers, are hard at work on this project. This committee expects to make a report of progress in June, 1956 and be ready in Sep- tember, 1957 to put the new program in operation on an experimental basis.
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A film-strip and slide projector, a ta- chistoscope and films were purchased during the year. These mechanical devices have proved most helpful in developing rapid recognition of words and phrases and in increasing eye-span for more effective and efficient reading.
A LOOK FORWARD
As we looked back at our reading pro- gram plans we were also looking ahead, for reading is a continuous process and the improvement of its teaching, not as a sepa- rate subject, but as a life-long educational tool, is unceasing.
With a new elementary school now a visible reality and an expanded junior and senior high school program more than a possibility, we can look forward to an ex- pansion of the reading program at these levels. It must be realized that every con- tent area has its particular reading tech- niques, that these are not remedial but developmental and that there are few stu- dents who would not benefit from this type of program beyond the elementary school.
We have many children in our school system who have reading difficulties because they have speech defects or impediments of one kind or another. We have attempted to do what we could for these children but without special training in speech therapy there is not much that can be accomplished. This, too, is a problem to be solved in the future.
The fact that progress has been made in the reading program is due in large measure to the enthusiastic response and co-operation' of the teaching staff, the assistance of the principals and Guidance Director, and the encouragement and counsel of the Superin- tendent of Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. EVANS, Reading Supervisor
REPORT OF THE AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
A LOOK BACKWARD
In the past two years the Audio-Visual Department has grown from a non-entity
to a valuable service to the teachers of our children. The amount of time devoted by the part time Director has increased to give a maximum of service at a minimum of cost. The services provided by the Audio- Visual Director now include stimulation and guidance of teachers in the use of teach- ing materials, providing information on available teaching aids, accumulation and distribution of adequate teaching aids, aiding teachers in planning field trips, care and maintenance of equipment, compiling Audio-Visual budget, instruction in the use and care of audio-visual equipment, and general in-service training of teachers and student operators. Monthly bulletins are issued to acquaint all teachers with films and free materials arriving in the system during the month. Regular visits to classrooms by the Audio-Visual Director help to stimu- late growth of the Department and the use of audio-visual materials to supplement and enrich the curricula.
The development of a brochure, "A Teachers Guide to Audio-Visual Educa- tion," by the Audio-Visual Director has helped to systemitize the program so that more efficient use of equipment and mate- rials can be made. This brochure gives a digest of the philosophy and basic pattern for use of materials and lists all the mate- rials available to supplement classroom activities.
The acquisition of the following new materials has greatly increased the effective- ness of the entire program and has helped to stimulate greater use of the resources available:
1. A new 16mm Bell and Howell sound projector for Ipswich High School.
2. A 35mm still camera with flash at- tachment for department and general use by all teachers.
3. A new 35mm Filmstrip Projector with a quick flash device.
4. New equipment at the Burley School purchased by the Andrew Burley Fund.
An Ampro 16mm sound projector. A pentron tape recorder.
A Daylight Screen.
A 35mm filmstrip projector.
A set of portable darkening shades.
5. A new 16mm Bell and Howell sound projector purchased by the Shatswell
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Audio-visual-aids brings the world into the classroom
School Parent-Teacher Organization and the School Department.
6. Many new filmstrips for elementary and high school subjects.
During the past year approximately two hundred and fifty free sound films have been procured by the Director for use in our fifty-eight classrooms at a total cost of $75.00 for return postage and insurance fees. These films were used to supplement and enrich curriculum content in grades one through twelve and were used in such subject areas as English, Home Economics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Biology, Shop, Art, Math and other areas.
Completion of the catalog of filmstrips available has given teachers one more tool to use in making their course more inter- esting and alive. At present we have 750 filmstrips in our library ranging from sim- ple fairy tales for primary grades to current events films from the N. Y. Times and from Bicycle Safety to Decimals and Per- centage.
The audio-visual program has been a suc- cess because teachers use the services of the department and cooperate fully with the Director in planning and ordering materials so that these supplementary materials add much to the education of the individual child.
A LOOK FORWARD
During the months ahead it is expected that greater use of audio-visual materials will aid in making the learning situation in our Public Schools more interesting and stimulating than straight book learning. We now possess enough equipment and resources so that nearly every curriculum area may participate in the program.
Increased use of community resources, stimulation of field trips, more effective use' of the bulletin board, and an intensified in-service training program are among the major goals of this service for the coming year.
Use of audio-visual material is, indeed, not an end in itself but just one more tool for the successful teacher to use for more artistic teaching. The Audio-Visual Director hopes to be able to provide requested mate- rials with speed and efficiency so that more effective visualized teaching may result.
The success and expansion of this depart- ment has been made possible by the co- operation and enthusiasm of our profes- sional staff. I wish to thank each member of our staff for their assistance and cooper- ation.
Respectfully submitted, WM. E. WAITT, JR. Audio-Visual Director
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Attractive seasonal exhibit in the special education rocm
REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
A LOOK BACKWARD
I herewith submit to you my first report as Supervisor of Special Education.
In 1955 the town of Ipswich took a pro- gressive step in organizing a special educa- tion class. This was mandatory under General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 71, Section 4. The purpose of this class has been three-fold:
(a) To extend a varied curriculum to children who have experienced dif- ficulties in meeting standards of the grades in which they ordinarily have been placed.
(b) To furnish highly specialized train- ing which selected pupils need and capacities necessitate.
(c) To allow pupils in the regular class- rooms to progress at a rate commen- surate with their ability.
This group numbering seventeen chosen through a carefully planned testing pro- gram, arranged by our Guidance Director, Mr. McKenna, assembled at the Winthrop School in September 1955.
From the very beginning these pupils were assured of individual attention and training to help them become adjusted to their new surroundings. Recognizing their individual differences the class was divided into six small groups, thus enabling as much individual help as time permits. All boys and girls begin the days program by reporting to the grade where they meet with children of their own chronological age for Devotional Exercises and later in the day again for Art, Music and lunch. Seven of the older children report to the High School for Shop and Home Economics on a weekly schedule. Special training in Art and Music as well as in basic skills in reading have been given all class members in our own room by supervisors in these three departments.
A LOOK AHEAD
As I look to the future I know that we shall all derive benefits from the new build- ing with its many facilities and added equipment for this class. It is hoped that the audio-visual program which is now proving such a valuable teaching aid may be further extended. Looking forward to the educational experiences of these boys and girls, the benefits of this special educa- tion program can be manifold. Known ad-
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vantages are wholesome emotional adjust- ment, specialized training according to needs, individual help at all times, and con- tinued work in small groups with a modern approach of new techniques and teaching methods. All of these will aid in the physi- cal, mental, emotional, and social growth of the child to the end that each one's life may be enriched.
May I at this time extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the School Com- mittee, Guidance Director, my principal Mrs. Atherley, Mrs. Hammersley, Mrs. Ablow, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Butler, all Super- visors, and to Dr. Savitt.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. WILLIAMS, Supervisor of Special Education
REPORT OF THE IPSWICH SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
. A LOOK BACKWARD
As the school nurse for the Ipswich Pub- lic Schools I submit the following report of the work done and the work proposed for the school year beginning September 1955.
In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health physicals were given to grades 1-4-7 and 11. Notices are sent to parents stating that their child is due to have a physical and the parent is given the privilege of having this done by their family doctor if they prefer. Children in the first and fourth grades are given definite appointments and parents invited to be present at the examination. More time is alloted to the examination and informa- tion from the parent has been valuable to both the teacher and the nurse. In addition to the above mentioned grades, all students entering competitive sports receive a physi- cal examination. This includes the football and basketball squads. Also a child trans- ferred from another school system is ex- amined as an entering child unless school health records are transferred with the child showing that he has had an adequate health appraisal in the school year of transfer. A
E
Height and weight are basic part of pupils health records
total of 779 physicals were done by the school physician and 29 by the family doc- tor. Twenty-nine parents were present at the examinations. A total of 77 defects were noticed as a result of these examinations. Many of the defects were minor but notices are sent home of any abnormal findings and follow up work done on cases where it was necessary.
Dental cards were issued to all children in the elementary schools shortly after school started in the fall. These cards are taken to the family dentist, signed by him when work is completed and returned to this office. Dental certificates, issued by the dentist are displayed in the class room and returned to the child at the end of the school year.
Each child has his weight and height measured and recorded early in the school year and will be repeated in the spring.
This fall it was recommended by the Essex County Health Association that the Tuberculin patch test be given to grades 1-4-7-9 and 11. This is a test to deter- mine the presence of infection. Students who react to the test receive a chest X-Ray and, if necessary, will be given a physical examination. Permission slips were sent home for parent's signature. Out of 490 children tested 8 showed a positive reaction and will be X-Rayed in January. 26 refused the test.
Ten students working in the High and
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Burley school Cafeterias were taken to Mid- dleton for a chest X-Ray as were all school personnel who was either new to this school system or who has not had an X-Ray within the past three years.
Home visits have been made by the nurse whenever necessary. The school physician has visited the office every school day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Collins, the school physician, for his help and guidance during the year.
A LOOK FORWARD
With the help of Mrs. Grant Bagley plans are to do the Massachusetts Vision Test and Audiometer Test for hearing on all students.
Spring registration for children entering the Ipswich Schools in September 1956 will be held in March. The children will receive a physical examination by the school phy- sician.
The annual Diptheria clinic will be held in the Spring. Children from the three elementary schools and the parochial school will receive "booster doses."
We plan to go along with recommenda- tion of the State and Local Boards of Health relative to administration of polio-vaccine to school pupils.
This being my first year with the Ipswich School Department I wish to take this op- portunity to say how much I enjoy my work and the people with whom I work. The co-operation of the Superintendent, the School Committee, Principals, and the en- tire teaching staff has been very helpful. I especially want to thank Miss Eleonore Richardson, our former school nurse for her most generous co-operation and orientation to my new duties.
Respectfully submitted, VIOLET DEMILLE, R.N., School Nurse
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
4 Blasts of Fire Whistle
7:15 a.m .- No school all day, grades 8-12. 7:30 a.m .- No school all day, grades 1-5. 11:00 a.m .- No school, afternoon session. Radio broadcasts between 7:0 and 8:00 a.m. from WBZ and WESX.
School Calendar 1955-1956
Teachers' Meeting-
Tuesday, September 6, 1955, at 9 a.m.
School opens- Wednesday, September 7, 1955.
School closes- Thursday, afternoon, December 22, 1955, to Monday morning, January 2, 1956-Christmas holidays.
School closes-
Friday afternoon, February 17, 1956, to Monday morning, February 27, 1956.
School closes ---- Friday afternoon, April 13, 1956, to Monday morning, April 23, 1956.
High School closes for the summer- Tuesday, June 19, 1956.
Elementary schools close for the summer- Friday, June 15, 1956.
High School Graduation- Thursday, June 14, 1956.
Other Holidays
Teachers' Convention- Friday, October 7, 1955.
Columbus Day- Wednesday, October 12, 1955.
Armistice Day- Friday, November 11, 1955.
Thanksgiving- Wednesday noon, Thursday, and Fri- day, November 23, 24, and 25, 1955.
Good Friday- Friday, March 30, 1956.
Memorial Day- Wednesday, May 30, 1956.
Total days for the school year 1955-1956: 182 days-High School 180 days-Elementary
School Hours
High School (Grades 9-12)-8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Afternoon Session (Grades 6 and 7)-1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grades 1-6-8:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
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DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS BY SCHOOL AND GRADE Enrollment - October 1, 1955
School
Grades
Total
Burley
52
48 34
27
214
Shatswell
53
29
55
55 28
220
Winthrop
27
55
58
27 52
6
225
High
103
126
97
81 100
79
65
651
Total
132 132 147 135 107 109 126
97 81 100
79
65
1,310
ENROLLMENT CHART BY GRADES 1950 - 1955
Grade
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
I
101
99
146
146
133
132
II
116
95
106
145
143
132
III
94
122
105
110
139
147
IV
89
90
124
105
112
135
V
92
88
99
130
101
107
VI
95
95
87
93
135
109
VII
82
87
96
86
97
126
VIII
68
95
115
96
85
97
IX
106
73
103
101
95
81
X
70
80
57
88
92
100
XI
72
68
76
54
79
79
XII
60
56
65
69
52
65
P. G.
2
Totals
1045
1048
1181
1223
1263
1310
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORS October 1, 1955
Boys
Not in school
41
Private school (St. Stanislaus)
32
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Private school
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